Gooseberries should be pruned to maximize fruit production. Gooseberries produce the majority of their fruit on two- and three-year-old shoots. Shoots 4 years old and older produce very little fruit. Pruning of mature, establishe
Gooseberries should be pruned to maximize fruit production. Gooseberries produce the majority of their fruit on two- and three-year-old shoots. Shoots 4 years old and older produce very little fruit. Pruning of mature, establishe
Three species of hydrangea are commonly grown in Iowa. Pruning practices are based on the flowering characteristics of each species.
While most shrub or landscape roses are winter-hardy in Iowa, there is still typically some branch die-back over winter. Gardeners should prune out the dead wood just as the new buds are turning green and breaking in spring - typically early
Fruit trees purchased from nurseries and garden centers are usually 1- to 2-year-old plants. The length of time from planting to fruit bearing varies with the species of fruit, the cultivar, and whether the tree is dwarf or standard.
There are several different trellis systems. A two-wire permanent trellis is commonly used to support raspberries in the home garden. Its construction requires wooden posts, No.12 or 14 galvanized wire, and 2- by 4-inch lumber. T
Most turfgrasses have a difficult time growing in the vicinity of large shade trees. If your efforts to grow turfgrass are unsuccessful, there are alternatives. Areas around and beneath trees can be mulched with wood chips or shredded
If planting must be delayed after purchase, place moist material, such as wood shavings or sphagnum moss, around the plant’s roots and place the plants in a plastic bag. Store the plants in the refrigerator at 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.&nb
A potted miniature rose can be kept as a houseplant through the winter months. Bring the plant indoors before a hard freeze. Place the miniature rose in a sunny window or under artificial lighting. Avoid sites near cold drafts or
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
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
Beets perform best in loose, well-drained soils in full sun. The planting site should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day.
Blueberry plants should not be allowed to bear fruit in the first 2 years. Any blossoms which form should be removed (rubbed off). Removal of the flowers will maximize vegetative growth and increase yields in later years. Blueber
Trees are valuable assets to the home landscape. Occasionally the services of a professional arborist are needed to prune a large tree or assess the condition of a tree after a storm. For many individuals, selecting an arborist is a di
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
Many peony plants produce few, if any, flowers the first spring. In fact, it’s advisable to pinch off any flower buds that develop the first spring to promote root and foliar growth. Flower bud development requires a great deal of the
The roots of trees continue to grow until the ground freezes. If the weather is dry, continue to water the newly planted trees until the soil freezes in winter.
In the midwest, yield is largely determined by weather conditions. Lima beans grow best when temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They also require 1 inch of water per week (either from rain or irrigation) during blos
During the first growing season, all the blossoms should be removed from June-bearing strawberries. If the flowers are allowed to develop into berries, their development will reduce plant growth, runner production, and the size of next year’
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.
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.&
Herbicide residues should not be a problem if the grass clippings are thoroughly composted. As an added safety measure, mow the lawn two or three times before collecting and adding the clippings to the compost pile.
The storage or keeping quality of onions is determined by the cultivar (variety), harvesting and curing procedures, and storage conditions.
Early spring (before leaves emerge) and fall (after leaf drop) are the best times to transplant deciduous trees. Evergreens are most successfully transplanted in early spring and late summer (late August to mid-September).
Pollination and fertilization are necessary for fruit development. Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma. Fertilization is the union of the male sperm nucleus from the pollen grain and the female egg found
Purchase virus-free raspberry plants from a reliable garden center, nursery, or mail-order company. Plants obtained from an old patch are often diseased. Virus-infected plants may appear healthy, but grow and yield poorly.
Using a well-drained growing medium, sow onion seeds in flats approximately 8 to 10 weeks before you intend to plant them outdoors. As soon as the seeds germinate, place the onion seedlings under artificial lighting. An ordinary fluore
Many lily enthusiasts don’t grow tiger lilies (Lilium tigrinum) because they are often infected with lily mosaic virus. Lily mosaic virus causes little harm to tiger lilies. Oftentimes, you can’t tell that they have the diseas
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