Iowa’s fertile soil and warm weather had become well-known for its production of vegetables, fruits and even flowers. From beginners to seasoned gardeners, it’s always a question when to begin that gardening journey. Despite Iowa’s unpredictable weather changes, people like the Iowa State University Horticulture Extension and Outreach have been able to create a flexible list of plants and when to seed them.

Cynthia Haynes from the ISU Horticulture Extension expanded on some particular vegetables.

Of course, tomatoes, squash, and potatoes are optimal for an Iowa garden, Haynes expands on leafy greens that often go overlooked.

“Most leafy greens have a shorter production time, and they can tolerate light frost during cooler months,” Haynes said. “They are great to grow in the early spring, and by early or mid-summer.”

Some of the most common crops that people grow in their backyards are potatoes, tomatoes, peas and carrots. If someone has a larger gardening space, they are most likely to plant sweet corn, summer squashes and muskmelons. Whatever it is that you are planting, it’s valuable information to know the time to sow your seeds.

Vegetables

Peas – Sow seeds in early spring, they will stop bearing in hot weather.

Spinach – Sow seeds mid-April.

Cabbages – Set out transplants from early April to mid-June.

Broccoli and Cauliflower – Set out transplants mid-April.

Carrots – Seed early or anytime during spring and summer.

Beets – Plant anytime from spring to mid-summer.

Potatoes – Plant early to mid-April.

Snap Beans – Any time after May 5, most varieties will keep producing if they are kept picked.

Lima Beans – Plant from May 20 to June 30.

Sweet Corn – Early to late May.

Peppers and Eggplants – Plant seedlings in mid-May or early June.

Summer Squashes – Seed mid-May.

Cucumbers – Seed mid-May, production is continuous if kept picked.

Fruits

Tomatoes – Plant seedlings in mid-May.

Winter Squashes and Pumpkins – Seed mid-May, a full season is needed to produce mature fruit that will keep well into the winter.

Watermelons – Seed mid-May.

Strawberries – Early April to early May.

Raspberries and Blackberries – Any time in April.

Flowers

Perhaps you aren’t looking to grow vegetables or fruit, maybe you are looking to start a beautiful flower garden to brighten your home. Some classic perennials like asters, chrysanthemums, black eyed susan and garden phlox are all staples of Iowa’s floral variety. Peonies, hydrangeas and wild roses also make for great blooms. Any perennial can be planted in the early spring, and it is most optimal to divide the perennials to when they bloom. If you are looking for a consistent blooming of flowers, look for annuals like petunias, marigolds, zinnias and geraniums.

Haynes expanded on Iowa blooms inside and outside of the home. African violets are a popular choice for those who don’t have the space for an outdoor garden, but still want to grow something.

“They can bloom almost continuously under the proper growing conditions indoors, but those who are hoping to venture outdoors, zinnias are a great choice,” said Haynes.

Even if you aren’t a green thumb Iowan, gardening is a simple way to get outside during warm weather and find a relaxing hobby. Growing something as minimal as some tomatoes on your porch can become a routine for you and/or your kids to adopt. What’s better than coming home to fresh fruit, veggies and flowers?