Most vegetable seeds will remain viable for several years when stored in a cool, dry location. If properly stored, cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, squash, watermelon, eggplant, and radish seeds will remain viable for 5 years. Snap bean, c
Most vegetable seeds will remain viable for several years when stored in a cool, dry location. If properly stored, cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, squash, watermelon, eggplant, and radish seeds will remain viable for 5 years. Snap bean, c
The small, purplish spots are most likely due to anthracnose. Anthracnose is a serious fungal disease of raspberries, especially black raspberries. The disease is readily recognized by the small, purplish spots that develop on young ca
Plants started indoors or purchased at a greenhouse should be hardened or acclimated to outdoor conditions before transplanting into the garden. Initially place the plants in a shady protected location, then gradually expose them to longer p
Remove the soil in late March or early April in southern Iowa, mid-April in northern portions of the state. A frost or freeze in early spring shouldn’t harm the roses.
By the second year, the home gardener should have selected the training system and constructed the appropriate trellis. In early spring, select a vigorous, straight cane and remove all the rest. Tie the cane securely to the uppermost w
The hydrangeas found in flower shops are bigleaf hydrangeas forced into bloom out of season. These plants are intended to be enjoyed as a temporary potted plant indoors, much like poinsettia, and are not intended for planting in the landscape.
Miniature roses need direct sun. In the home, place the miniature rose in a south or west-facing window. Rotate plants once or twice a week to promote even growth.
In the home, place the mum in a brightly lit, cool location. An ideal site is one near a window that receives bright light (but no direct sunlight) and temperatures of 60 to 70°F.
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring bulbs are frequently available from florists and garden centers in winter. When purchasing these potted forced spring bulbs, select those that have fully developed buds but have not yet opened.&
Primroses (Primula species) are typically sold at florist shops and greenhouses in late winter or early spring. Plants produce attractive, 1- to 1½- inch-diameter flowers above a rosette of leaves. Flowers may be white, yellow
Flower and vegetable plants purchased from greenhouses or started indoors should not be planted directly into the garden. The intense sun and strong winds may damage or kill the tender seedlings. Bedding plants should be "hardened" (ac
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma. After pollination and fertilization, fruit set occurs. There are two types of pollination. Self-pollination occurs when the pollen is transferred from the anthe
Do not apply a pruning paint or wound dressing to pruning wounds. The application of a pruning paint or wound dressing does not prevent wood decay and may actually interfere with the tree’s natural wound responses.
Cannas are normally grown from rhizomes. However, it is possible to grow cannas from seeds. Canna seeds have hard seedcoats. Prior to sowing, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. Sow the seeds in a commercial germination m
Tulips, hyacinths, and most other spring-flowering bulbs that have been forced indoors are usually discarded after flowering. Most won’t bloom again when planted outdoors. Daffodils are an exception. Daffodils are more vigorous t
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.
Tulips, daffodils, and other spring-flowering bulbs normally begin emerging from the ground in March or early April in Iowa. However, mild winter weather can encourage premature growth. The early emergence of spring-flowering bulb foli
The symptoms are those of peach leaf curl. Peach leaf curl is a fungal disease. The disease is caused by the fungus Taphrina deformans. Infections occur as the peach tree buds begin to swell in spring.
Japanese spireas (Spiraea japonica) are small shrubs that grow 2 to 3 feet tall. Plants produce clusters of small pink flowers in summer. Numerous cultivars are available. The best way to renew or rejuvenate straggly Jap
Mature potentillas are often scraggly in appearance. The best way to renew or rejuvenate scraggly potentillas is to prune them back to within 3 to 4 inches of the ground in late winter/early spring (March or early April in Iowa). The s
Red raspberries spread rapidly as they sucker profusely from their roots. To prevent the planting from becoming a wide, unmanageable thicket, red raspberries should be confined to a one- to two-foot-wide hedgerow. Shoots growing beyond
Some fruits and vegetables are more susceptible than others to bacterial contamination. Leafy vegetables (such as lettuce, cabbage, mustard, kale, collards, spinach, and Swiss Chard), fleshy vegetables (such as tomatoes, summer squash, and p
Deciduous trees that have been girdled (the bark has been removed completely around the trunk) have essentially been destroyed. The best course of action is to replace the girdled trees. Wrapping the trunk or applying pruning paint to
Some tree species, such as maple, birch, and elm, “bleed” heavily when pruned in late winter or early spring. However, the loss of sap does not harm the trees. The trees will not “bleed” to death. Eventually the flow of sap will
Established blueberry plants benefit from an annual application of an acid-producing fertilizer, such as ammonium sulfate. In early spring, apply ½ to 1 pound of ammonium sulfate per 100 square feet of garden area. Ammonium sulfate sup
Tulip and daffodil foliage is usually present from late winter/early spring to early summer. The 4 to 6 week period after flowering is especially important. During this 4 to 6 week period, the foliage is manufacturing food for the unde
It is generally not necessary to fertilize healthy, vigorous trees and shrubs in the home landscape. Most landscape soils in Iowa contain adequate levels of nutrients for trees and shrubs. Plus, trees and shrubs that are growing in law
Bee balms don’t require frequent or heavy fertilizer applications. Sprinkling a small amount of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, around each plant in early spring is usually sufficient. Avoid excessive fertilization.
It is generally not necessary to fertilize fruit trees in Iowa. Most Iowa soils can supply sufficient amounts of nutrients to fruit trees. Check tree growth to determine whether fruit trees need fertilization. Young, nonbearing f
No. Pruning stimulates new growth. That new growth will not have an opportunity to properly harden off before winter leaving it vulnerable to more winter damage.