I always think of March as the great transition month in Iowa. We get to put away the winter coats, boots and stocking hats because a lighter jacket will do. The high school basketball season, which started way back before Christmas, barrels to its exciting conclusion at the state girls and boys tournaments before the schools move to spring sports. And farmers and gardeners are itching to get seeds in the dirt and see them sprout.

The trouble is, it’s often not quite warm and ...