Re:beginner question no 2

Alana, yes, you are in zone 6--or at least your surrounding area is--but very
close to zone 7 conditions.

The main problem we all face in this inland part of the continent is unstable
weather-- rapid changes of conditions--too wet, too dry, too cold, too hot,
any or all of these, with changes from one to another abruptly.

Bearded irises generally do very well.  The soils in middle Tennessee have a
wide variation in fertility, depending on how much organics have been
incorporated, how much effect your area has from the Cumberland river outflow,
how much the limestone from the highland areas have been incorporated. Most of
the several counties of Davidson and the surrounding ring of counties have
similar and very desirable conditions.

There are local iris societies all around you.  If you can link up with others
in your area you can learn a lot from their experiences.

In general, plant irises in soil that will grow good vegetables and try to
make sure you have both good drainage and good growing moisture along with
nearly full sun--or as a minimum, half a day at least.

To test the soil for moisture, a handful picked up and squeezed should not
form a firm ball, but should not crumble too quickly either.  About half way
between is near perfection.  In good years the natural rainfall provides the
moisture needed.  I haven't seen a "good" year here yet!  They all have been
either much too hot and dry, or much too wet.  This year has been as good as
any.  I haven't had a garden hose out yet, except to fill a bucket for
watering in transplants.  Right now things are getting a little too dry this
side of the mountains, but you have had more rain recently than we have.

The reports I get from my daughters, two of whom are in the Murfreesboro area,
the third west of Ashland City NW of Nashville have been that weeds are
growing luxuriantly--always a good measure of fertility and moisture.

I wish you well on your iris adventure.

Neil Mogensen  z 7 western NC mountains

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