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Creating Raised Bed Planters

Raised beds have become popular features in the home landscape. They are both functional and attractive and can be used to grow flowers, vegetables, and small fruits.

Learn how to build your own raised beds for use in vegetable gardens and other areas in the landscape.

AAS Winners Would Make Great 2024 Garden Plants

News Article

March is here, and we are all sowing seeds with ultimate optimism! Do you have your garden planned out? Is every little corner and crevice full? If you have room for just one more plant this year, consider one of these AAS Winners!

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.

Can I plant garlic cloves from the grocery store in my garden?

Answer: 

Planting garlic cloves purchased from grocery stores is rarely successful in an Iowa garden.  The garlic found in grocery stores are usually softneck cultivars from warmer regions that are not well adapted to Iowa’s climate.  Additionally, most garlic in stores is treated to prevent sprouting.  While this is good for storage, it is bad for growing and often the treated garlic will rot before it sprouts.

It's only February, but my garlic is coming up. What should I do?

Answer: 

While not a regular occurrence, it is not unusual for the foliage of fall-planted bulbs like garlic to emerge a bit early during a mid-winter warm-up. While in Iowa garlic normally begins to emerge from the ground in mid-March to early April, mild winter weather can encourage premature growth. 

While the premature emergence of garlic foliage is undesirable, the danger is not as great as it may seem.  The foliage of garlic can tolerate cold temperatures (down into the 20s °F).  Often, typical winter weather (cold temperatures and snow) returns, delaying further growth.  A blanket of snow is especially helpful.  The snow discourages additional growth and also protects the foliage from extreme cold.

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.

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AAS Winners are Great for 2024 Gardens

News Article

 All-America Selections has been trialing edible and ornamental plants for over 90 years, presenting awards to entries that will impress home gardeners with their performance regionally or nationally. There have been plenty of exciting new winners that merit a place in your garden that will be highlighted in this series.

 

Second Round of 2023 AAS Winners Announced

News Article

There are three more National Award Winners to announce from the 2023 trials! Circle in your catalogs, and add to your garden plans for 2024! See the exciting new winners in this article.

Composting FAQs

Composting is the best way to dispose of your yard and garden wastes. Below are resources and frequently asked questions on composting.  

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Growing and Harvesting Ornamental Corn

Along with mums and pumpkins, ornamental (occasionally referred to as "Indian corn") is often used to decorate homes in the fall.  Ornamental corn can be purchased at farmer’s markets, roadside stands, craft shows, garden centers, and other locations.  Ornamental corn can also be grown in large home gardens. 

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