Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Local Plant Nursery & Gardening Resource in Dougherty
Becky's Greenhouse has been cultivating plants and serving the gardening community since 1984, establishing itself as a trusted resource for horticultural expertise. As a Master Gardener certified through Iowa State University Extension since 2000, the founder combines decades of hands-on experience with educational outreach through a weekly radio show, 'Gardening and You,' which has aired for over 31 years. The business emphasizes personalized service, offering tailored advice to help customers develop thriving gardens while maintaining a deep commitment to community education.With a focus on sustainable practices and plant diversity, Becky's Greenhouse provides a wide range of annuals, perennials, and gardening resources. The team's extensive knowledge, spanning plant cultivation to problem-solving in garden design, reinforces its reputation as a reliable authority in the field. Transparent communication and long-term customer relationships remain central to the business's approach, ensuring clients receive both quality products and expert guidance.
Services
Plant Sales
Gardening Advice
Radio Show Consultation
Workshops
Greenhouse Tours
Seedling Selection
Soil Testing
Pest Control Tips
Seasonal Harvest Guides
Container Gardening
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 39 years of greenhouse growing expertise and personalized gardening guidance.
- Our 'Gardening and You' radio show provides trusted horticultural education since 1992.
- Family-owned operation with deep local market knowledge and community commitment.
- Certified Master Gardener on staff for specialized plant care and problem-solving.
- Diverse selection of annuals, perennials, and expert planting techniques available.
Associations and certifications
- Iowa State University Extension
Services
Plant Sales
Becky's Greenhouse offers a diverse selection of annuals, perennials, and specialty plants for home gardens and landscapes. Our inventory includes both common favorites and unique cultivars to suit various growing conditions. Customers receive expert guidance on plant selection, spacing, and care to ensure successful garden installations.
Gardening Advice
Personalized gardening support covers soil preparation, pest management, and seasonal planting strategies tailored to local climate conditions. Our Master Gardener staff provides troubleshooting assistance and customized recommendations for both novice and experienced gardeners. This service extends to plant health diagnostics and sustainable gardening practices.
Radio Show
The 'Gardening and You' radio program delivers weekly horticultural education through practical tips, seasonal reminders, and interviews with gardening experts. Broadcast every Saturday morning on KLMJ 104.9 FM since 1992, it combines faith-based reflections with actionable gardening advice. Archives provide ongoing access to specialized topics like winter squash storage and dahlia care.
Workshops
Hands-on educational sessions cover specific gardening techniques including seed starting, container gardening, and plant propagation methods. Participants gain practical experience through demonstrations and receive printed resources for continued learning. Workshops emphasize community knowledge sharing and skill-building for all experience levels.
Seasonal Guides
Customized seasonal gardening calendars help customers plan planting schedules and maintenance tasks throughout the year. These guides include region-specific advice on frost dates, harvest timing, and winter preparation techniques. Materials are available through blog posts, printed handouts, and radio show segments.
People
Becky Litterer
Owner & Master Gardener
Becky Litterer has operated Becky's Greenhouse since 1984, combining 39 years of commercial growing experience with Master Gardener certification from Iowa State University. She hosts the 'Gardening and You' radio show weekly and mentors new gardeners through community education programs. Her expertise spans plant cultivation, soil health, and sustainable gardening practices.
Questions
How do I store dahlia tubers over winter?
Dig tubers after frost kills foliage, cure for 1-2 weeks, then store in peat moss at 40-50°F. Check monthly for moisture levels.
When should I harvest winter squash?
Harvest when rinds are fully colored and hard, typically late September to October after vines die back naturally.
How do I care for prayer plants indoors?
Provide bright indirect light, maintain 65-80°F temperatures, and use well-draining soil with consistent moisture.
What are 'no see ums' and how do I repel them?
These are biting midges; repel using DEET sprays, fans, or homemade Listerine witch hazel solutions applied every 2-3 hours.
Can I grow currants in the US?
Most states now allow currant cultivation; choose disease-resistant varieties and plant in moist, well-drained soil with partial shade.
How do I use pumpkin spice mix beyond baking?
Sprinkle in carved pumpkins before lighting candles for aromatic decoration, or add to roasted vegetables and oatmeal.
