Frequently Asked Questions
Weed control is essential to insure optimal plant growth and fruit production. Weeds compete with the strawberry plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Weeds also reduce air circulation which results in fruit and foliage staying...
Tree roots are not as deep as most people imagine. Most tree roots are located in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. While tree roots are quite shallow, they often extend out into an area that is 2 to 3 times larger than the crown area...
Petunias perform best in sunny locations. The planting site should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. They also require a moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Crown or root rots may be problems in wet, poorly...
Melons are relatively easy to grow. Their basic requirements are full sun and a fertile, well-drained soil. The planting site should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Heavy, poorly drained soils can often be...
Ants aren’t necessary for peonies to flower. The ants are attracted to the sugary nectar produced by the peony buds. The nectar is a good food source for the ants. Peony buds will open without the presence of ants. ...
Beets may be harvested when the roots are 1 inch in diameter. However, the main crop usually isn’t harvested until the roots are 1½ to 3 inches in diameter. (Beets larger than 3 inches in diameter are often tough and fibrous.) ...
Tulips can be dug up and replanted as soon as the foliage dies back (turns brown) in early summer. Tulips can also be dug up and replanted in fall (October). If you intend to move tulips in the fall, mark the site when the foliage is...
There are different ways to classify or categorize plants and plant structures. We eat many plant parts including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruit. The root is the edible portion of carrots, radishes, beets, and...
Stop harvesting well established asparagus plantings in early June in southern Iowa and mid-June in northern areas of the state. If harvested over a longer period, the asparagus plants may be weakened and less productive the following year...
Weigelas bloom on both old and new wood. Plants bloom heavily in late May or June on the previous year’s growth. They also bloom intermittently through the summer on the current season’s growth.
Weigelas are prone to...
Grass clippings contribute very little to thatch development because clippings are primarily cellulose and decompose quickly. There is no need to remove grass clippings when lawns are mowed properly. Infrequent mowing of tall grass...
Proper pruning of purple raspberries promotes high yields, helps control diseases, and facilitates harvesting and other maintenance chores.
In March or early April, remove all small, weak canes, leaving only 4 or 5 of the largest,...
Ash rust is probably responsible for the orange growths on your ash tree. Ash rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia sparganioides. The fungus produces conspicuous swellings on leaves, petioles, and twigs. Infected...
Hybrid tea roses are propagated by budding. A single bud is removed from the desired variety and inserted onto a hardy rootstock. The bud union (the knob-like swelling at the base of the canes) is sensitive to extreme cold. If...
If the strawberry patch is being overrun with perennial grasses, such as quackgrass, control is not very practical. Your best option would be to prepare a new site for a strawberry bed this summer or fall and plant a new bed next spring....
Carefully examine the tree for the type and extent of damage. Trees that have split trunks or suffered extensive trunk damage are no longer structurally sound and should be removed. Large trees that have lost 50 percent or more of...
Plants in hanging baskets need to be watered frequently (especially in summer). Potting mixes are light, well-drained, and dry out quickly. Plus, hanging baskets may contain several plants. In general, water plants in hanging...
Muskmelon and watermelon are warm-season crops. Plant melons after the danger of frost is past and soil temperatures have warmed to 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Melons can be planted in mid-May in central Iowa. Gardeners in...
There are several possible explanations why peony buds fail to open.
Not Receiving Enough Sunlight
Peonies bloom best in full sun. In partial to heavy shade, plants are weak and may not be able to supply adequate food...
The rutabaga performs best when planted in summer for a fall crop. Sow seed at a depth of 1/4 to ½ inch from June 15 to July 15 in Iowa. Rows should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Thin the planting within a few weeks of...
The main objective in spraying apple trees is to prevent insect damage to the fruit. The most important period to spray apple trees is from petal drop until just prior to harvest. Several applications will need to be made during this...
The small, blue-flowering plant is probably Siberian squill (Scilla sibirica). Siberian squill is an early spring flowering bulb. Plants typically bloom in early to mid-April in Iowa. Bright blue flowers are produced on...
Tomato varieties are classified as determinate or indeterminate. Spacing of tomato plants depends on the growth habit of the variety and training system employed.
Determinate Tomatoes
Determinate tomatoes are...
The roots of established asparagus plants are deep and quite extensive. As a result, transplanting attempts are usually unsuccessful. Large, old plants will be severely injured during the transplantation procedure. Some may...
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...
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