142. Gardening in Iowa by Melinda Myers

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Myers, Melinda. Gardening in Iowa. Franklin, TN: Cool Springs Press, 2007. Print.

291 pages

Reviewed by Jess d'Artagnan Love

 This book is a helpful month-by-month guide to gardening in Iowa. The book is divided into sections: annuals, bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers, herbs and vegetables, lawns, perennials and ornamental grasses, roses, shrubs, trees, vines and groundcovers. Each section walks the reader through the year by month. Each month is broken into sections: planning, planting, care, watering, fertilizing, problems, and grooming.

 There is so much practical, applicable information in this book, it will stay on my bookshelf long term. While Myers does not do a deep dive into any particular type of garden plant or species, she covers a wonderful amount of information—enough for a beginning gardening to dive right in to gardening. The information is specific to Iowa but I imagine if you live in a similar zone and have similar soil, the information would work well for you too.

The language is simple and Myers does a great job of breaking down scientific information into language that is accessible for a broad audience. She also provides an extensive appendix including names and addresses of Iowa organizations and extension offices that Iowa gardeners can reach out to for further help if needed.

If you are a novice gardener, I recommend picking up a copy of this book.

Would I read it again? 

Yes, this is staying on bookshelf and I will refer to it throughout the year as I continue to grown my own gardening skills.

Recommended for

Beginning gardeners in Iowa or in locations of a similar zone and soil type as Iowa.

Not Recommended for

Experienced gardeners looking for a deep dive of information on specific plant species or garden types.

4 stars out of 5

 

Melinda Myers website: https://www.melindamyers.com/\

Melinda Myers on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/311605.Melinda_Myers

 

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