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Will applying insecticides to kill grubs help control moles?

Answer: 

One of our biggest frustrations with moles is the perennial misinformation that an insecticide application to kill grubs will solve the mole problem.  This is the “lie that will not die.”  Forty years ago, it might have been true that an insecticide application would discourage moles because back then, the insecticide ingredients being used were highly toxic to people, pets, and wildlife, but they were especially toxic to the “Mole Main Meal” – earthworms.

All pesticides that were highly toxic to earthworms were discontinued or banned long ago.  Insecticides available today do not kill earthworms; therefore, the white grub treatment does NOT remove the mole food source

Can I overseed my lawn "naturally" by letting it go to seed?

Answer: 

When the lawn is allowed to grow tall, it can produce seed heads.  It stands to reason that if the seed heads are allowed to mature, the seed can fall to the ground, germinate, and grow, effectively overseeding the lawn and promoting a thicker stand of turfgrass in a "natural" way.  In reality, this does not work.  When grass is allowed to go to seed, it creates a thinner stand of grass that is less healthy and more prone to weeds.  

Is it true that I can mow less often if I cut the grass really short?

Answer: 

The frequency of mowing should be based on the growth of the grass. As a general rule, mow as often as needed so that no more than one-third of the total leaf area is removed in a single mowing. Removing more than one-third is detrimental because it reduces the reserve carbohydrates within the plants that are used to regrow shoots and leaf tissue after mowing. Depleting the carbohydrates reduces the capability of the grass plant to withstand environmental stresses. Making the lawn more prone to drought damage, disease issues, and weed pressures.  

New Gardening Special Premiers on Iowa PBS

News Article

A new season of Gardening with Steil premiers on Iowa PBS February 24, 2024 at 4 p.m.  This season features many new landscapes, how-tos, and gardening inspiration from across Iowa.  Be sure to tune in on air and online.

Snow Mold

Encyclopedia Article
Gray snow mold on a lawn. Photo by Mark Carlton.

Extended snow cover on ground that is not completely frozen is conducive to turf diseases called snow molds. Two snow mold diseases, gray snow mold and pink snow mold, occur in Iowa and typically appear at this time of year. Gray snow mold is caused by two species of the fungus Typhula, while pink snow mold is caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale.

Winter Garden Tasks

While winter is often considered a slow time in the garden, there are still several things that can be done from December through February to prepare for spring and keep yourself active in the garden even when there is snow on the ground!  Below is a list of tasks to do for perennials, annuals, trees & shrubs, vegetables, lawns, and houseplants.

Authors: 

How do I control tall fescue in my lawn?

Answer: 

Tall fescue is a cool-season perennial grass occasionally present in Iowa lawns.  Because it has good drought, heat, and foot-traffic tolerance, the narrow-leaf varieties (sometimes called turf-type) can be a welcome addition to the traditional Iowa cool-season lawn comprised primarily of Kentucky bluegrass.  However, common tall fescue (also called forage type) has a wide leaf blade that does not blend well with other turfgrasses.  Its clump-forming nature and coarse texture can make it an unattractive addition to the lawn for some gardeners.  

tall fescue in the lawn
Common or forage-type tall fescue has a coarser texture than other grasses in the lawn, making it stand out and unattractive to some gardeners.  

Fall Lawn Care

News Article

Fall is an ideal time to complete many lawn maintenance practices.  The work you do on your lawn in the fall helps it recover from the stress of summer and prepares it for winter, allowing it to look its best next spring.

Below are links to more information about the many maintenance tasks you can do in the late summer and fall.

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