Yard and Garden News

Native and ornamental grasses are wonderful for adding multiple seasons of interest in the garden. ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturists recommend native and ornamental grasses with good fall color.

Protect trees and shrubs in the home landscape to limit damage done by wildlife during winter. Voles, rabbits and deer can cause severe damage to plants in the winter by feeding on twigs, bark, leaves and stems.

It's the time of year that homeowners must decide when and how to remove fallen leaves, before the Iowa winter freezes them in place. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists respond to questions about removing and using autumn leaves.

Apple trees are a treat in a home garden, but they are susceptible to a variety of diseases. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach identify several causes of apple blemishes and how to reduce their presence.

October is the best time to plant tulip and other spring-flowering bulbs. Make your selections and purchase bulbs, then follow the planting recommendations of ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturists to color your spring garden with floral beauty.

Fall is the best time to apply broadleaf herbicides for weed control in Iowa lawns, but take care to do it properly and effectively. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach explain timing, applying and getting good results with broadleaf herbicides.

Twelve species of oak trees are native to Iowa. Frequently found in landscapes and timbers across the state, they provide shelter, food and nesting cover for a variety of Iowa wildlife. Several symptoms that may be observed in oak trees are explained by Iowa State horticulturists.

Turfgrass managers and students will get an update on current issues and new technology during the Iowa Turfgrass Field and Demo Day Sept. 11.

Thatch can be problematic and beneficial to lawns. Horticulturists with ISU Extension and Outreach answer questions about thatch and fall removal.

Grown from bulbs, lilies are perennial flowers that will return year after year and require minimal care, provided they are planted in the right place. Horticulturists with ISU Extension and Outreach answer questions about planting lilies.

ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturists answer questions about harvesting and storing potatoes grown for fall and winter use.

Few fruits are more refreshing on a warm summer day than melon. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach tell how to know when it is time to harvest melons.

Peonies can thrive up to 100 years if maintained properly. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach answer questions about late season peony care, specifically when to divide the plant and cut back foliage.

Peonies can thrive up to 100 years if maintained properly. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach answer questions about late season peony care, specifically when to divide the plant and cut back foliage.

Homeowners, gardeners and landscape managers are advised to be on alert for diseased rhododendrons. A total of six Midwestern states have confirmed Sudden Oak Death (SOD) in rhododendron plants that were shipped to retail nurseries across the region.

Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach describe a few common issues river birch trees experience and steps for treating them.

Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach explain problems that gardeners may encounter in a home planting of peppers.

The fruit and vegetable research taking place at Iowa State University’s Horticulture Research Station will be on full display for the Fruit and Vegetable Field Day Aug. 5. Specific projects include high tunnels, organic vegetable production, pepper and sweet potato production, pest management in cucurbit crops, hops, peaches and beneficial insects such as bees, wasps and pollinators.