Frequently Asked Questions
“Water grass” is an ambiguous name. Several plants are occasionally referred to as water grass. Two common lawn weeds that are sometimes referred to as “water grass” are crabgrass and yellow nutsedge.
Crabgrass
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Berry fruits, such as strawberries, are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination. Silt and other contaminants may become imbedded in the fleshy fruit and are difficult to remove. Since the berries were present when the garden was...
Smooth, oakleaf, bigleaf and climbing hydrangea all flower well in partial shade, but when in too much shade may not bloom well. Panicle hydrangea requires at least partial shade to set flowers and often blooms best in full sun. Most hydrangeas...
Oedema is probably responsible for the lesions on the undersides of the ivy geranium leaves. Oedema is not caused by an insect or disease pathogen. It is a physiological problem. Oedema is most often encountered in greenhouses...
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...
Bearded irises should be divided every three to five years. If not divided, plants become overcrowded and flower production decreases. July or August is the best time to dig, divide, and transplant bearded irises.
If bearded...
The Colorado potato beetle is difficult to control. Hand picking is a control option for individuals with small gardens. Hand-pick beetles, eggs, and small larvae from infested plants as soon as possible (practical for a few insects...
Plant heights vary somewhat based on the growing conditions at the site. However, there are several groundcovers that are 12 inches or less in height.
Shade Groundcovers
Low-growing groundcovers for shade include:...
The most effective way to prevent damage to the sweet corn crop is to encircle the area with an electric fence. A two-wire fence with one wire 4 to 6 inches above the ground and the other at 12 inches should keep the raccoons out of the...
‘Gold,’ BlackGold™, and WhiteGold™ are sweet cherry varieties (cultivars) that can be successfully grown in the southern two-thirds of Iowa.
- ‘Gold’ has golden yellow skin. It is self-unfruitful. Another late blooming...
It is advisable not to add dog or cat feces to the compost pile. Dog and cat feces may contain harmful pathogens that may not be destroyed during the composting process.
Plants grown in containers require a well-drained growing medium. Garden soil alone is not a good growing medium. Garden soil compacts when placed in a container, resulting in poor water drainage and aeration. Soil also pulls...
Planting Conditions
Grapevines can be grown on a wide range of soil types. Best growth and yields are obtained in well-drained soils. Avoid soils that are persistently wet during the growing season. Highly fertile soils...
The hair-like growths are likely galls. Galls are abnormal growths of plant tissue induced to form by mites, insects, or other small organisms. The hair-like gall on the maple leaves is probably the maple spindle gall.
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White grub populations and damage to lawns vary greatly from year to year and place to place, even varying from spot to spot within the same lawn due to variations in beetle numbers, weather, turfgrass vigor, soil conditions, and other factors....
Greenbug aphids may be responsible for the brownish orange color of the turfgrass. Greenbug aphids feed only on plants of the grass family (Kentucky bluegrass, corn, sorghum, etc.). Greenbugs live on the grass blades and feed on sap...
A June-bearing strawberry planting can be productive for 4 to 5 years if the bed is given good care. One important task is to renovate June-bearing strawberries immediately after harvest. The renovation process involves leaf removal,...
In Iowa, the foliage of the river birch (Betula nigra) often turns a sickly yellow-green. The yellow-green foliage is due to a deficiency of iron. The problem is referred to as iron chlorosis. (A close examination of chlorotic leaves...
Martha Washington or regal geraniums (Pelargonium x domesticum) produce beautiful flowers. Unfortunately, cool (50 to 60°F), night temperatures are required for flower formation. Few flowers form during the summer...
Cauliflower should be harvested when the heads are smooth, firm, and compact. Full-sized heads may be 6 to 8 inches across. Overmature heads will begin to open up and become “ricey.” Cauliflower may be placed in perforated...
As soon as bearded irises are done blooming, remove the spent flowers. Removal of the spent flowers improves the appearance of the plants and prevents seed pod formation. Bearded irises require little care during the summer months....
Ornamental sweet potatoes and sweet potatoes grown in the vegetable garden are different varieties of Ipomoea batatas. The ornamental varieties are grown for their attractive foliage, while those in the vegetable garden are grown for their...
Some perennials, such as garden peonies, can be left undisturbed for 50 or more years.
Others need to be divided periodically to contain their spread or to rejuvenate declining plants. Vigorous growing perennials include:
- ...
Plant tomatoes in the garden after the danger of frost is past. In central Iowa, it’s usually safe to plant tomatoes around May 10. Gardeners in southern Iowa can plant one week earlier, while those in northern counties should wait an...
Sour or pie cherries should be harvested when the fruit are full-flavored, somewhat soft, and juicy. (Cherries picked before they are mature will not ripen off the tree.) For immediate use, the cherries can be picked without the stems...
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