Becky's Greenhouse

08/12/2026

A piece of paradise in one of my gardening friend's gardens. Isn't it lovely?

I worked outside this morning and running errands this afternoon. It is not very nice out there with the heat and humidity. Sounds like all the rest of the week, and weekend. Percentage of rain each day, so we will see if we get it. I am looking forward to it being a little less humid and heat. How about you? Harder to work outside when it is like this. Stay cool, stay safe.

Australia family and friends have had rain at night but during the day it is really very nice. It looks like 60F(16C) for a few days for them. Enjoy and your winter is coming to an end, and spring for you soon. Stay warm, stay safe.

I asked my gardening friend if I could post this picture of her backyard. She said yes. Piece of paradise I would say. She said morning light after a rain. She works out in the garden every morning and it shows. Great job and love all of it. That is just a small part of her garden but isn’t it lovely. If you have pictures of your gardens, containers and vegetable gardens and would like me to post them, I would be glad to do that. No name listed just a friend with gardening pictures.
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Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337 cell 641-903-9365 Beckysgreenhouse.com Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse image from Deb's garden

08/11/2026

I know you are going to have to read about this perennial. "Iron W**d"

BOY, it is warm out temperature isn’t very high, but the humidity is. 84F(29C) with the humidity feeling like 91F(32C). That is why it feels so hot out. I worked outside this morning and sweated easily, which is good. We had .1 of rain this morning, but Rudd had 1 ½” with wind so that makes the percents I wrote about yesterday more understandably. We are at the 35% chance of rain Wed, and Thursday we are at 60%. See where it goes? Stay cool, stay safe.


Australia family and friends for their Wed August 12th will have a high of 57F(14C) and their percent of rain is 70%. I would think stay dry, stay safe.



Now when I say this article and it said to grow ironw**d, I wasn’t sure what the author was going to say. I always call that tall, thick w**d we have growing now is called iron w**d, but talking with our local Coop, he told me that w**d is called Giant Rag W**d. That is the culprit for hay fever to act up in August when the Golden Rod would be blamed but isn’t the problem. Does this make sense? The iron w**d this gardener is talking about is a perennial and has some lovely spikey blooms. I will have to change what I talk about between the Giant Rag w**d, and this ironw**d. I do believe I would have a hard time selling this if I could get it as a perennial. Just the name would turn gardeners off. Here is the information about it.



Planting and Growing Ironw**d (Vernonia noveboracensis) Written By: Lauren Landers

Ironw**d (Vernonia noveboracensis) may be tough as nails, but growing it is surprisingly easy! This tall North American native plant bursts into vibrant purple flowers late in the season, drawing monarch butterflies, skippers, long-tongued bees, and a whole cast of other pollinators to your garden. Ironw**d also impresses with its adaptable nature, thriving in poorly draining soil, wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, and just about any sunny spot you’d want to plant it. Over the years, I’ve kept ironw**d in a range of spaces, and here are all the growing and design tips I find suit this plant best.

A member of the aster family, ironw**d has a wide native range throughout much of the eastern United States. In the wild, it’s often found along streambanks, in marshes, and in damp meadows—places with plenty of sun and consistently moist soil. In gardens, ironw**d thrives in similar conditions but is adaptable enough to grow in less-than-perfect soil or moderately damp spots.

Ironw**d isn’t fussy about fertilizer, but it does best with full sun and regular watering. Its tolerance for damp conditions makes it an excellent choice for rain gardens, while it also shines in standard garden beds, cut flower gardens or pollinator-focused landscapes.

As with other pollinator-friendly plants, I always recommend growing ironw**d organically and keeping pesticides far from its leaves and blooms. This is easy enough to accomplish, though, as ironw**d is naturally resistant to most pests, and deer and rabbits rarely nibble on its bitter-tasting leaves. If you want your garden to stay colorful from spring through fall, pair ironw**d with plants that bloom earlier in the season and grow it near other pollinator-friendly plants, such as liatris, goldenrod, coneflowers, asters, and Joe Pye w**d. Growing ironw**d organically and keeping pesticides away from its leaves and flowers ensures visiting butterflies, bees, and other wildlife stay safe.

Planting

Ironw**d can be grown from potted plants or seeds, depending on your budget and patience. Unlike many native perennials, ironw**d will usually bloom during its first year, even if you grow it from seed. However, first-year flowers are often on the sparse side, and you’ll need to wait until the second year of growth to enjoy a full flush of ironw**d blooms.

When to Plant Ironw**d

Potted ironw**d plants grow best if they’re transplanted into gardens after the last spring frost. However, ironw**d seeds germinate better when they’re exposed to a period of cold. This is why seeds are usually directly planted outdoors in late fall or started in milk jug greenhouses in late winter!

Ironw**d is not a dainty plant; it can reach 4 to 6 feet tall when mature. For this reason, ironw**d is not a good choice for container growing, but it works well as a backdrop plant in mixed flower beds.

Once plants are mature, ironw**d will usually bloom profusely with late summer flowers that last from July into September. I recommend leaving the old flowers in place at the end of the season to attract wild birds and allow ironw**d plants to naturally self-sow. However, if you don’t want ironw**d to spread, pinch the old flowers away before they drop seeds.

Established ironw**d plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, but they grow better with regular watering. I find these plants are at their best when they receive about 1 inch of water per week and are mulched well.

Ironw**d isn’t demanding about humidity and can grow in a range of humidity levels.

Although ironw**d doesn’t need pruning, you can keep plants from self-sowing by removing their flowers before they dry out. If you prefer a tidier garden look, you can also prune ironw**d stems down to the ground before the plants leaf out in spring. Pinching or cutting back ironw**d plants to a leaf node in late spring can encourage these plants to grow shorter and bushier.

Wit and Wisdom

There are around 500 species of ironw**d plants globally.

Traditionally, ironw**d was used by the Cherokee to treat a range of ailments, including menstrual issues and blood disorders.

Ironw**d attracts a variety of pollinators with its nectar-filled flowers, but it also serves as a key host plant for the ironw**d borer moth and the red groundling moth.

Ironw**d plants should be divided every 3 to 4 years to rejuvenate their growth and improve flowering. This is an easy way to get more free ironw**d plants for your garden. However, ironw**d will also readily self-sow if you leave its seedheads intact through winter.

Time it right. The best time to divide ironw**d is in early spring before the plant has its major growth spurt.

Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/ironw**d?trk_msg=5HP2NFB247CKFE2LHTHT6QUDPC

Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337 cell 641-903-9365 Beckysgreenhouse.com Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse image from naturalislnate.com

08/10/2026

Are you wondering if the West Fork Methodist church is having their Ice Cream Social?

Yes, we are.

Sept 8th Tuesday, day after Labor Day. from 5-7.

Free will offering going to the Vietnam Veterans of America #790
Mark your calendars we will see you there

08/10/2026

Card shower for my sister
Mary Kay Winke
291 Picnic Woods Road
Waukon, Iowa 52172
She will be 88 on August 15th. She is living at home yet but doesn't get out much. Thank You in advance. Becky

Send a message to learn more

08/10/2026

his is just a fun little article about our percent chances of rain, and what it means. Every day we have a chance of rain, see what that will mean.

Good afternoon. I am back from working outside this morning. It was humid and warm. Sun was out, not it is cloudy. Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow morning. Summer is here yet as it is still August. See what happens with the rain and the forecast. Stay cool, stay safe.

Australia family and friends for their Tuesday Aug 10th, now as I write this it is 5:00 AM on Tuesday. Rainy conditions expected around 6AM, the lowest feels like temperature will be 41F(5C) around 7AM. Rain changes are 40%. Looks cold and damp. Stay warm, stay safe.

This is just a fun little article might seem nonsense but also makes sense with the % of rain we are having this week. One weather site has us have rain every day. Read this and then maybe you will know not all of us will have rain all those days.

A Chance of Rain: What Does This Really Mean? Written By: Bob Berman Astronomer
When the forecast says there’s an “80% chance of rain,” many assume it means they’ll almost certainly get wet. But that’s not quite right! Weather forecasts use probabilities, and understanding how to interpret them can help gardeners, stargazers, and anyone planning outdoor activities make better decisions. Let’s break down what a “chance of rain” actually means—and how to calculate the odds over multiple periods.
If you’re a sky watcher like yours truly, the first step in observing the sky is having decent weather. We probably all check the forecast from time to time. But relatively few of us know how to make sense of it.
What Does “Chance of Rain” Mean?
Many of us would assume that an ”80% chance of rain” means you have an 80% chance of getting rained on. This sounds logical but is incorrect. Guess again.
Does it mean there’s a chance of rain across 80% of the forecasted area? Nope.
That’s because weather forecasts give their “percentage chance” in probabilities.
The answer then? An “80% chance of rain” means an 80% chance that rain will fall somewhere within the forecasted area. “Rain” refers to 0.01 inch or more of water falling from the sky.
Confused? If you want to understand this further, read on.
How to Calculate a Chance of Rain
So let’s say the forecast goes like this: Sunday, 40% chance of rain; Sunday night, 40% chance of rain; Monday, 40% chance of rain.
Now, maybe you’re a gardener and really want it to rain (consider catching the rain by using rain barrels in your garden!). Or, perhaps you have a stargazing session or outdoor event planned and desperately want it not to rain.
The question is simple: If the Weather Service’s forecasts are accurate, what are the chances that it will rain sometime during the aforementioned period?
What do you think? With a 40% chance tomorrow, tomorrow night, and then again the next day, what’s the likelihood we’ll get rain any time during that entire time span?
Here’s how you calculate it. Stick with me for a few minutes. (This is fun, as long as you don’t totally hate math!)
First, you determine the odds that it won’t rain. In this case, it’s 60% for each of the three periods in question.
So, you grab your calculator and punch in 0.6 x 0.6 x 0.6, which equals 0.216. Bingo! Those are the odds that it will not rain during the entire three periods in question: 21.6%.
Finally, you subtract this (0.216) from 1 (or subtract 21.6% from 100%) to get the chance that it will rain: 78.4%. Roughly speaking, there’s an 80% chance it will rain. Amazing, right?
Let’s do another for practice. Say the Weather Service predicts only a 30% chance of rain or snow today, and again tonight and again tomorrow.
First, you determine the odds that it won’t rain. In this case, it’s 70% for each of the three periods in question.
Now you multiply 0.7 x 0.7 x 0.7, which equals 0.343, which means a 34% percent chance of no precipitation falling.
Thus, there is a 66% chance that it will rain or snow during the period.
If this sounds illogical and you’re unconvinced, consider that 30% is roughly a one-in-three chance. Pretend you had three marbles in a bag, one red and two green. You blindly reach in and pull out a marble. What are the odds you’ll get the red one? One in three, right?
But now, pretend you get three chances. If you first pull out a green one, you throw it back and get another try, and then a third try—doesn’t logic tell you that with three chances, you’re likely to succeed? Similarly, with three chances for rain, even if it’s just a one-in-three probability each time, you’ll likely get wet when the three periods in question have elapsed.
Just thought we’d get this out of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a “30% chance of rain” really mean?
It means there’s a 30% probability that at least 0.01 inch of rain will fall somewhere within the forecast area—not that it will rain for 30% of the day.
If it rains in one part of town, does that mean the forecast is wrong?
No. Rain forecasts are based on probability for the area, not your exact location. It may rain in one neighborhood but not another.
Does a 0% chance of rain mean it will definitely be dry?
Yes—if the forecast is accurate, 0% means no measurable precipitation is expected. However, weather can be unpredictable.
Does a 100% chance of rain mean it will rain all day?
No. It only means rain is expected somewhere in the forecast area; it may be light, intermittent, or for only part of the day.
Do weather forecasts include snow, sleet, or hail?
Yes. The “chance of rain” often refers to any liquid or frozen precipitation, though many forecasts will specify the type.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/chance-rain-what-does-really-mean
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337 cell 641-903-9365 Beckysgreenhouse.com Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse image from freepik

08/09/2026

I am having fun making bouquets for our home and sharing with the church. This is what I did today.

​Happy Sunday. We had .3 inches of rain this morning. How about you? It turned out now to be sunny, humid and a high of 82F(27C) which feels like 84F and it is a little uncomfortable. Chances of rain tonight and early tomorrow morning, see what happens. Stay cool, stay safe.

Australia family and friends for their Monday Aug 10th will have 100% chance of rain with a sheep grazier warning for the rain fall. High will be at 53F(11C) which to me says it will be cold and damp. Stay warm, stay dry, stay safe.

I am having fun making up bouquets for us to have in the house and then sharing them at church. This is what I did this week. One with just hydrangea blooms and the other is the 4” pots of annuals placed inside a basket.
The 4” potted annuals in the baskets are colorful and fun to share. I used vinca vine in the 4” pot to drape over the sides. It will have to be watered more with the plants in the 4” pots, and I have it inside now, but thinking I better take it out to the greenhouse tomorrow for getting sun. The white and the red blooming plants are Dipladenia Madinia Maxino Red and Dipladenia flor white halo. When I ordered these, the red one from Plant Peddler, it said Dupladenia/Mandevilla vine. But it hasn’t grown that tall so this would be good in baskets or containers and not grow so tall. The white one said it was to grow more compact, and it has. I think I will put some into regular hanging baskets and see how they grow. Always looking for ideas for next year. I do believe this would be a good one for the hot summer and give color all summer long not like some of the other baskets I have grown.
Dipladenia is a tropical flowering plant known for its glossy foliage, trumpet-shaped blooms, and bushy growth, making it ideal for gardens, containers, and patios.
Overview
Dipladenia, also known as rock trumpet, Brazilian jasmine, or Chilean jasmine, is a tropical plant native to Central and South America, particularly Brazil. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is closely related to Mandevilla, though it has a bushier, more compact growth habit compared to the climbing Mandevilla vine.
Popular species include Dipladenia sanderi with bright pink flowers and Dipladenia boliviensis with white blooms
Appearance
Dipladenia features glossy, deep green leaves arranged oppositely on its stems and produces trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, white, yellow, and occasionally orange.
The plant typically grows 3 to 10 feet tall and spreads about 2 feet wide, with stems that may drape or trail after reaching a certain height.
Its blooms attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, adding biodiversity to gardens.
Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun (6–8 hours daily) but can tolerate partial shade, though flowering may be reduced.
Temperature: Prefers warm, tropical climates and is sensitive to frost. In colder regions, it should be overwintered indoors.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix of potting soil with perlite or sand is ideal for containers.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Care and Maintenance
Pruning: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Trim back frost-damaged or overgrown stems in early spring.
Fertilization: Use a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support growth and flowering.
Pests and Diseases: Susceptible to spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, and root or fungal issues if overwatered.
Planting and Containers
Dipladenia can be grown in garden beds, hanging baskets, or pots. Container-grown plants can be moved to optimize sunlight exposure and protected indoors during winter.
Its trailing stems make it suitable for vertical gardening, trellises, or fences, though it generally does not climb as aggressively as Mandevilla.
Flowering
Dipladenia blooms from spring through fall in subtropical and tropical areas, producing long-lasting, vibrant flowers.
The plant’s compact, bushy habit ensures continuous flowering even in smaller spaces, making it ideal for patios, balconies, and container gardens.
Differences from Mandevilla
While both belong to the same genus, Mandevilla is a vigorous climber, often reaching 20 feet, whereas Dipladenia remains bushy and spills over after a few feet of vertical growth.
This makes Dipladenia more manageable in small gardens or containers, while Mandevilla is better for covering trellises or walls .
Dipladenia is a versatile, low-maintenance tropical plant that adds color, texture, and wildlife attraction to gardens and containers. With proper sunlight, well-draining soil, and occasional pruning, it can thrive year-round in warm climates or indoors in cooler regions, providing months of vibrant blooms and glossy foliage.
Information from Copilot Search Branding
This is one you should keep in mind for planting. It has taken a while to bloom but now it is blooming it is lovely. It seems to really bloom more with the warmer weather. Have you tried this in your garden? I have seen some in containers by a garage, and they are showy.
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337 cell 641-903-9365 Beckysgreenhouse.com Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse images from Becky's Greenhouse

08/08/2026

Pepper work today. Harvest, cleaned up, cut, chopped into chunks, and then vacuumed packed to freeze till ready to make salsa.

​It is 5:30 PM and I just finished working with peppers. You can see what I harvest from 3” to 4” pots that we planted to sell. I had 2 bowls full of peppers. I cut up, then I used the cutter to cut into large chunks, and then I vacuum packed into the amount that I will use for one batch of salsa. All I have read said you can freeze peppers and add it to the tomatoes and your recipe to make salsa. The peppers will become soft, but we cook them anyway. I will put them into the tomato pot frozen. I need to get some tomatoes but looking for them soon. This was fun, and it will be nice to have this much done when it comes to making salsa and then canning it.
How is your canning and processing coming? Freeze or whatever you are doing. Like I have said before I like doing this as much as I like planting plants. But this takes more dishes to do. Hope you are doing ok, enjoy the sunshine and looks like rain later tonight and tomorrow morning. See where this goes.
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337 cell 641-903-9365 Beckysgreenhouse.com Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse image from Becky's kitchen

08/08/2026

Amazing animals for sure. They just keep on working. Glad you figured it out. Always learning.

08/08/2026

I have noticed that there haven't been many mosquitoes out around dusk here in North Central Iowa. Have you noticed many? Here is what I found out why?

Afternoon all ready. I just made up a couple of arrangements for church tomorrow. One is hydrangea cut and the other is potted annuals I had in a basket. I will post them later, but now I want to share about mosquitos. I have noticed we haven’t had many at dusk like other summers. Have you noticed that? This is what I found out. This morning out early was very pleasant, but it is warmer up here at noon and getting more humid. Temperate says 76F(24C) but it still feels warmer than that. Thin cloud cover so full sun is out; abundant sun is what one forecaster called it. Thunderstorms are developing overnight and for Sunday morning. We will see if we get some. I know the neighboring communities didn’t get much rain yesterday so they would like to have some. See what happens. I know I am thankful I didn’t have to water outside today.

Australia family and friends for their weekend is having cold weather; I loved what Evelyn wrote about that. “Yes, the weekend is starting. Today (which would have been their Sat) is to be quite nice, so I am spending it out on the garden. A winter blast is coming tonight, cold and rainy. Not too good for the 3 footy games in the morning. We'll just rug up, take our umbrellas and wear warm boots!! ( This would have been their Sunday.)

Here is what I found out about the lack of mosquitoes.
These are results for why this summer we don't have many mosquitoes.
The lack of mosquitoes this summer is primarily due to hot, dry weather and below-average rainfall, which reduce breeding sites and limit mosquito reproduction.
Climatic Factors
Mosquito populations are highly sensitive to temperature and precipitation. Warm, humid conditions typically promote mosquito hatching and activity, while hot, dry weather can suppress their activity and even reduce survival rates of adults
This summer, many regions have experienced drought conditions, leaving standing water scarce, which is critical for mosquito eggs and larvae to develop
Without sufficient water in marshes, ponds, or artificial containers, mosquito reproduction is significantly hindered.
Seasonal and Regional Influences
Seasonal temperature fluctuations also play a role. Mosquitoes are most active in temperatures between 50°F and 80°F, and extreme heat can make them less active during the day
In temperate regions, some species may die off or enter dormancy if conditions are too dry or hot. Additionally, cool early springs or prolonged dry periods can delay or reduce the emergence of new
Human and Ecological Factors
Human interventions, such as insecticide use, wetland drainage, and removal of standing water, further reduce mosquito numbers
Natural predators and ecosystem changes can also influence population dynamics. In some areas, mosquito species that rely on specific habitats, like marshes, have been particularly affected by habitat loss or drought over multiple years
outlook
While mosquito numbers are lower this summer, populations can rebound quickly if rainfall increases and temperatures moderate, creating suitable breeding conditions
Maintaining awareness of standing water and local mosquito control measures remains important to prevent sudden population surges.
In summary, the combination of hot, dry weather, drought, seasonal temperature extremes, and human interventions has led to the unusually low mosquito activity observed this summer
Taken from copilot search
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337 cell 641-903-9365 Beckysgreenhouse.com Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse image from pixnio.com

08/07/2026

We are having rain and a good old summer thunderstorm. How about you? Looks red on the radar in Mason City and Osage. Charles City is green like us. Stay safe.

Good afternoon. It was cloudy this morning, maybe a couple of sprinkles, sun just came out for a bit, now clouds moved back in. There is a cold front moving in from the north. We are to have some rain, and in places it might be heavy in North Central Iowa. We will see what we get. Stay dry, stay cool.
Update: It is raining hard here in Dougherty at 2:30PM according to the radar we are just on the edge. Wonder what is happening north and east of us Mason City, Osage are in the red on radar, Charles City is like us just in the green color. Coming down with lots of rain. When these thunderstorms hit in the spring and early summer, I am in the greenhouse, and it sounds really loud on the plastic of the greenhouse. Looking through the camera at the greenhouse, it is ponding a little so hopefully it will not flood the greenhouse. By 400 PM should be out of here. How are you doing? I will post this and what I was going to post I will post a little later that information.
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337 cell 641-903-9365 Beckysgreenhouse.com Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse image from Becky's Greenhouse camera