Yard and Garden News

Seeds germinate fast when the soil is already nice and warm, which makes late summer a good time to rejuvenate lawns and plant fall vegetable crops of spinach, lettuce, peas and kale. Or plant a new tree.

The edible part of the potato is the underground swollen stem known as a tuber – which varies in size, shape, color, storability and culinary uses according to cultivar. ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturists explain potential potato skin problems and management of the issues causing them.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Turfgrass Institute will host their annual Iowa Turfgrass Field and Demo Day on Sept. 11 at the Iowa State Horticulture Research Station near Ames.

The emerald ash borer, an invasive pest from Asia, has been discovered in Crawford, Delaware and Page counties. EAB has now been detected in 64 Iowa counties where it bores into ash trees and feeds on tissues beneath the bark, ultimately killing the tree.

There are challenges to keeping Iowa lawns green throughout the summer. This week Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists address issues that add undesirable color to lawns – specifically yellowish orange and brown.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a monarch and pollinator field day on Aug. 21 at the Prairie Ridge Care Center in Orange City.

Starting a water garden – even one as simple as a large container of water – can also expand the gardener’s choice of possible plants to be enjoyed. The type of plants that can be best featured in a water garden is the subject of one of the articles in the July issue of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Small Farm Sustainability newsletter.

Growing vegetables in containers is an easy way to experience the goodness of home-grown vegetables. Most vegetables grow well in containers with adequate sunlight, water and fertilizer, plus a well-drained growing medium. Iowa State horticulturists offer tips to keep plants productive.  

The Master Gardener program is looking for people who are passionate about volunteering and gardening. No previous garden knowledge is required, as the training program equips participants to grow in knowledge about gardening best practices.

Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable crop in Iowa - popular with gardeners, green caterpillars and growing season plant diseases. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists describe the symptoms and management of common problems found in home gardens.

Sweet corn fresh from the garden or farmers market makes a tasty addition to a summer picnic. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer tips for harvesting and storing sweet corn, and examine some of the pollination and disease issues that can impact yield.

An updated version of the Category 3 Greenhouse Pest Management – Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicator Manual (CS 0015B) is available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The newly revised publication covers the plant pathogens, insects, mites and weeds common in Iowa’s greenhouse settings and the strategies used in managing these pests.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists suggest ways to keep crabgrass or yellow nutsedge from reducing the aesthetic quality and vigor of the home lawn.

The ISU Extension and Outreach annual Fruit and Vegetable Field Day Aug. 6 will feature research and demonstration projects on fruit and vegetable production for commercial growers, extension personnel, nonprofit organizations and Master Gardeners.

While the ornamental crabapple tree is a common landscaping choice for homeowners, it is not unusual for trees to fall prey to an array of diseases and pests. Fungus problems are common. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer tips on caring for crabapple trees.

Gardeners successfully grow a wide variety of roses in sunny Iowa garden areas. Follow these tips on deadheading, watering and Japanese beetle removal to keep roses attractive throughout the summer.

As Iowans deal with extreme heat, flooding, drought, hail and tornadoes, they have resources available from ISU Extension and Outreach to reduce the personal impact.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in partnership with the Iowa Farmers Union and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, will host a series of produce safety field days this summer focused on the Food Safety Modernization Act and horticulture best practices.

A well-timed plan, and the ability to stick with the plan for several years, is critical to being able to improve the health and appearance of a yard. A new extension publication provides a management and action plan that runs from March through November, giving instruction for yard maintenance activities for spring, summer and fall.

Fresh strawberries, a favorite of almost everyone, are relatively easy to grow and hardy throughout Iowa. Learn how to maintain productivity of a home garden strawberry planting.