By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has introduced its 2027 Garden Calendar, providing gardeners with a practical resource for planning and maintaining successful gardens throughout the year. The annual publication, now in its 49th year, continues to offer seasonal gardening advice, educational tools, and useful resources for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
The 2027 edition is titled “Thyme for Herbs” and focuses on the many benefits of growing herbs. The calendar highlights a different herb each month, helping gardeners learn more about a variety of popular plants and their uses. Featured herbs include thyme, basil, lavender, rosemary, mint, and several others commonly grown in home gardens.
Each monthly section contains gardening tasks that align with seasonal conditions. Gardeners can find timely reminders and recommendations to help them manage their gardens effectively throughout the year. Examples include ordering seeds during the winter months, conducting soil tests in early spring, and planting flowering bulbs during the fall season. These seasonal guidelines help gardeners stay organized and make informed decisions at the right time.
The calendar also serves as a planning tool. It includes journal pages for recording observations, a garden layout grid for designing planting spaces, and a plant wish list for future gardening projects. These features allow users to track progress, document successes, and plan improvements for upcoming seasons.
A unique feature of this year's calendar is the inclusion of QR codes on every monthly page. These codes connect users directly to additional information about the featured herb, including guidance on planting, growing, harvesting, and proper care. This combination of printed and digital resources makes gardening information more accessible and convenient.
Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist at Iowa State and co-author of the calendar, explained the appeal of this year’s theme. He said, “Herbs are beautiful, easy to grow and connect gardening with cooking and wellness. They can be grown in vegetable gardens, flower beds, containers and even indoors, making them accessible to gardeners regardless of their available space. Many herbs provide season-long harvests while attracting pollinators and adding fragrance, texture and beauty to the landscape.”
The 2027 Garden Calendar promotes gardening education while encouraging individuals to explore the many advantages of growing herbs. By combining practical gardening schedules, planning resources, and expert information, the calendar serves as a valuable guide for maintaining healthy and productive gardens throughout the year. It also highlights how herbs can enhance landscapes, support pollinators, and provide fresh ingredients for cooking and wellness purposes.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle