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Despite recently chilly weather, many gardeners are preparing and planning for the warmer temperatures and proper planting conditions.

Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, state most soils in Iowa are well suited for vegetables, flowers, and turf, but some may need correction before planting. Lime should only be applied to gardens when recommended by a soil test that indicates the current pH needs lime. It is applied to acidic soils to raise the soil pH. They also state that gypsum to Iowa soils is of little benefit, and helps more in arid regions of the western U.S. Core aeration is recommended to improve growing conditions for lawns on clay soils.

For food safety reasons, there should be at least a three-month interval between applying barnyard manure and the harvest of vegetables, as it can contain pathogens like E.coli and salmonella. For home gardens, fall is the best time to incorporate manure into the garden for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.