Yard and Garden News

Winter brings food scarcity, which makes the home landscape a target for rabbits. Rabbits can severely damage trees and shrubs unless homeowners are proactive, which makes protecting them before winter arrives a major priority.

The 2019 Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Garden Calendar showcases the beauty that can be found in gardens in backyards and public spaces. This annual favorite is now available.

We expect oaks, maples and sycamores to change colors and shed leaves each autumn, but many are surprised and concerned when evergreens begin to shed needles. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists answer questions about evergreens, shedding light on what’s natural and what needs attention.

ISU Extension and Outreach will host a short course Nov. 5 designed to highlight the importance of crop, environment and soil management for vegetable production in high tunnels.

A trio of publications available through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers instruction for using pesticides to homeowners and commercial greenhouse employees alike.

Perennials such as tuberous begonias, gladioli, cannas and dahlias are an integral part of many home landscapes. They put on excellent displays of color until a killing frost. Unfortunately, they will not survive our harsh winter weather outdoors and must be dug in the fall and stored indoors through the winter months.

Actively growing crops, such as broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts and kale, need to be monitored for pests who still have time to cause damage before harvest.

Horticulturists with ISU Extension and Outreach share information about adding trees with colorful fall foliage to home landscapes.

The emerald ash borer, a destructive insect that attacks and kills ash trees, has been detected for the first time in Grundy County. There are now 65 counties in Iowa with confirmed infestations.

Mums offer gardeners a wide range of colors and flower forms and only require moderate maintenance. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists tell how to get the most enjoyment out of mums.

Bulb forcing can bring the bright colors and fragrances of spring indoors during winter. Tulips can be forced indoors from December through March, if steps are taken in the fall to prepare the bulbs.

Proper lawn care in fall helps ensure an attractive, healthy lawn next season. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists share tips on fall lawn care practices, including controlling broadleaf weeds, mowing, fertilizing and aerating.

https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/2171A new, updated guide has been added to the ISU Extension Store. “Insect Galls on Trees and Shrubs” (ENT 0039) has been revised by extension entomologists, complete with color photos and descriptions.

Raspberry plants are relatively easy to grow, and are hardy and productive in most of Iowa. However, several insects also like raspberries. ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturists share tips on controlling these uninvited guests.

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.