Yard and Garden News

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.

Dogwoods can be attractive additions to home landscapes, but certain insects and diseases can diminish their beauty. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach explain what to do if you find spittlebugs, Septoria leaf spot or golden canker on these shrubs.

Cole crops is the general term used to describe broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale and kohlrabi. Learn when to harvest these vegetables for nutritious, high quality produce.

Home gardeners will learn about growing sweet corn, cut flowers and tomatoes during this year’s Demonstration Garden Field Days, hosted by the Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms and ISU Extension and Outreach.

Low flying airplanes may be heard and seen by residents of Allamakee and Jackson counties next week. The planes will be releasing a mating disruptor to control the gypsy moth, an invasive pest that is destructive to trees and shrubs.

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.