Yard and Garden News

When it comes to perennials, putting the right plant in the right garden location is key to plant survival with minimal gardener input. Iowa State University horticulturists guide gardeners to Iowa hardy perennials, and point out ideal growing conditions.

The overall appearance of a lawn is directly related to the maintenance provided, so this week, Iowa State horticulturists answer questions related to summer lawn care.

Beekeepers will get a full day of instruction and hands-on learning from Iowa State experts, and apiary experts from across the state at the Iowa Honey Producers Association summer field day June 15.

Homegrown strawberries are a favorite of nearly everyone, relatively easy to grow and hardy throughout Iowa. Give strawberries full sun, well-drained soils, and with a little care there will be berries to harvest and enjoy.

Horticulturists tell us that several common sawflies found in Iowa are bothersome to gardeners. Sawfly larvae look like caterpillars and feed on leaves like caterpillars, but sawflies are wasps.

Although specialty crops were not yet planted when flooding occurred this spring, crops could still be at risk from chemical and biological contaminants. An article in the May edition of Acreage Living has more information.

Iowans who want to know more about growing broccoli should consider attending the Broccoli Production Field Day, June 4 at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station.

The garden peony is a popular, long-lived perennial that provides abundant flowers in spring and attractive foliage throughout the growing season. If given a good site and proper care, an established peony will flower for many years.

To help keep Iowans safe, the ISU Extension and Outreach food safety team is offering Safe Produce for Donation workshops in five locations this summer.

Iowa’s plentiful rainfall the last 18 months contributes to growth of moss infestations in lawns. Horticulturists with ISU Extension and Outreach tell how to eradicate moss for home lawns.

Impatiens are a bright, cheerful annual that gardeners use to light up dark and shady areas of the yard and garden. Knowing a few things about impatiens care makes them quite easy to grow.

Weeds compete with small fruit plants for the elements needed to grow and produce fruit, which means gardeners need to be diligent about weed control.

The Buchanan County Master Gardeners were named the 2019 recipient of the Search for Excellence Award, an ISU Extension and Outreach award that recognizes Master Gardener projects that have made an impactful and innovative difference in Iowa communities.

Flooding throughout Iowa this spring has damaged farm land, public parks and recreational spots, and has caused increased pressures on drainage systems. These conditions can impact this season’s morel mushroom hunting.

Flooding throughout Iowa this spring has damaged farm land, public parks and recreational spots, and has caused increased pressures on drainage systems. These conditions can impact this season’s morel mushroom hunting.

Just in time for the summer growing season, the Master Gardener Program with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer three, one-hour educational webcasts.

Consider these tips from Iowa State University horticulturists to help ensure a successful start to the gardening season.

Pesticides and other lawn and garden chemicals should be applied in a way that is safe for both the applicator and the environment. A new publication from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach compares the toxicity of common lawn, garden and ornamental chemicals used to control insects, weeds and pathogens in Iowa.

When their tulips and daffodils no longer bloom, many gardeners wonder why. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer guidance on what to do when these spring favorites fail to flower.

The flavor of homegrown potatoes is well worth the effort. Select a variety that grows well in Iowa and has the characteristics you desire, then follow these planting tips.