Frequently Asked Questions

Question:
Will fruit trees be seriously harmed if they begin to leaf out or flower and are then subjected to freezing temperatures?
Answer:

Freezing temperatures don’t harm dormant plants. In some years, warm late winter temperatures can cause some fruit trees to break bud, leaf-out, or develop flower buds earlier than normal.  The inevitable below-freezing temperatures that...

Question:
Will trees and shrubs be seriously harmed if they begin to leaf out and are then subjected to freezing temperatures in spring?
Answer:

In some years, warm late winter temperatures can cause some trees and shrubs to break bud, leaf-out, or develop flower buds earlier than normal.  The inevitable below-freezing temperatures that follow in early spring can potentially cause...

Question:
What cultivar of apple should I plant to ensure good pollination?
Answer:

Apples are considered self-unfruitful.  While a few cultivars, like Gold Delicious, set a good crop without cross-pollination, most apple cultivars will not produce a good crop without a different cultivar nearby to provide pollen.

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Question:
What native woodland perennials bloom in spring?
Answer:

There are many native woodland wildflowers that are great additions to the shade garden.  Most are ephemeral with a relatively short (but impactful) bloom time in early spring before the foliage dies back to the ground in early summer....

Question:
What trees bloom in spring?
Answer:

While most deciduous trees have flowers of some kind in springtime, they tend to be small and not showy.  There are several species of smaller, ornamental trees that have showy blooms in the spring. 

The eastern redbud...

Question:
What shrubs bloom in early spring?
Answer:

Several species of shrubs can help get your spring off to a colorful start.  These multi-stemmed woody plants vary in size and often bloom before the leaves emerge in spring. 

Vernal witchhazel (Hamamelis...

Question:
What perennials bloom in early spring?
Answer:

One of the first signs of spring is the emergence of crocuses, daffodils, and other spring-flowering bulbs. Several other perennials also bloom in early spring and complement these familiar bulbs.

Lenten Rose (...

Question:
How do I know if I am providing the right amount of light for my seedlings?
Answer:

Careful observation of your seedlings will help you determine if the light levels are appropriate.  Seedlings that are not receiving enough light will stretch and lean towards the light source.  Use a brighter fixture that provides more...

Question:
How do I set up supplemental lights for my seedlings?
Answer:

Supplemental lights need to oriented relatively close to the seedlings to be effective and therefore need to be adjustable in height to accommodate the growing plants.  For most fluorescent fixtures, the seedlings should be 4 to 6 inches...

Question:
What type of lights should I use to start seedlings indoors?
Answer:

Fluorescent or LED Lights

For most home gardeners, a plug-in shop fluorescent or LED light fixture is the perfect type of light to use for seed starting.  When shopping for fluorescent lights, look for high-output, full-spectrum (...

Question:
Why is starting seed under supplemental lights beneficial?
Answer:

Without adequate light, seedlings become lanky.  Tall, spindly seedlings do not transplant well into the garden.  For most homes, even the brightest windowsill does not provide enough light and the light is one-sided causing seedlings...

Question:
What is this sticky substance all over the table, floor, and lower leaves of my houseplant?
Answer:

Honeydew is a sticky, sugar-rich substance produced by insects that suck sap from plant leaves and stems.  This excretion often coats lower leaves, tables, and floors and when severe, may promote the growth of black sooty mold. 

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Question:
Why is my houseplant wilting?
Answer:

Wilting is the result of roots not being able to provide adequate moisture to the leaves and stems.  It can be caused by two completely opposite reasons, either under-watering or over-watering, which can make it difficult to diagnose and...

Question:
What causes leaves on my houseplant to turn yellow or brown and drop off?
Answer:

Yellowing, browning, and dropping of leaves is one of the most vague and difficult issues to deal with because it can be caused by a wide variety of issues. Many of the problems seen in houseplants are not caused by just one factor, they are the...

Question:
Why does my houseplant have brown leaf tips and edges?
Answer:

Brown leaf tips or edges can happen on any indoor plant but are common on some species like spider plant and dracaena.  Trimming the brown portions off the leaves with a scissors can improve appearance, but new browning will occur if...

Question:
Are philodendrons poisonous?
Answer:

Yes.  Philodendrons and closely related species contain calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and other animals.  When any part of the plant is eaten, it may cause pain and swelling in the lips, mouth, tongue,...

Question:
How do I propagate philodendron?
Answer:

Trailing types of philodendron propagate easily from stem cuttings.  Stem sections 3 to 6 inches long with the lower leaves removed will readily root in water or rooting media, like perlite or well-drained potting soil.  If rooting in...

Question:
What do I do with the aerial roots of a philodendron?
Answer:

Most philodendron species will produce aerial roots which allows them to successfully grow on or up other trees in their native habitats.  In the home, these roots can help trailing types climb a trellis or moss pole or help the plant...

Question:
What are popular types of philodendron?
Answer:

This large tropical plant genus is divided into two major types: climbing and non-climbing. 

Climbing Types

Those that climb or vine look great on a trellis, moss pole, or growing in a hanging basket.  They include...

Question:
How do I care for a philodendron?
Answer:

Philodendrons are native to the low-light understory of tropical forests, primarily in Central and South America.  Because of this, they prefer indirect or dappled light.  Some varieties, like heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron...

Question:
How do I get my orchid to rebloom?
Answer:

Some orchids bloom annually, others will bloom continuously.  Providing all the proper environmental conditions (light, temperature, water, fertilizer, etc.) will allow for the orchid to bloom well. 

There are many factors that...

Question:
What do I do with fallen leaves in my flower beds?
Answer:

Leaves are an excellent resource for the garden. They break down to add organic matter and nutrients to the soil. As they decompose, they act as a mulch suppressing weeds and helping to maintain consistent soil moisture. Additionally, they can...

Question:
How do I grow and care for garlic?
Answer:

Fertilization

Garlic requires more fertilizer than many vegetables. Apply and incorporate 1 to 2 pounds of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, per 100 square feet of garden area prior to planting. Lightly incorporate one...

Question:
When and where should I plant garlic?
Answer:

In Iowa, October is the time to plant garlic cloves 1-1.5 inches deep and 3-5 inches apart in well-drained, fertile soils.

Ideal Planting Conditions

Grow garlic in well-drained, fertile soils that are...

Question:
What types of garlic should I grow in Iowa?
Answer:

Garlic is distinguished from its other close family members like onions, chives, shallots, and leeks, by its flat leaves and clove-like bulbs which contain several small scales or cloves enclosed in a white or purplish parchment-like sheath....

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