Frequently Asked Questions
The growth rate of the seedlings and the outdoor planting date determine when to sow seeds indoors. The crop time (number of weeks from sowing to planting outdoors) for several popular flowers and vegetables are as follows: 10 to 12 weeks...
The upper portions of hybrid tea, grandiflora, and floribunda roses typically die due to exposure to low winter temperatures and extreme temperature changes. When the winter protection is removed from these roses in early spring (late March...
Home gardeners should carefully consider their landscape needs and the characteristics of the various shrubs. For example, deciduous shrubs drop their leaves in fall and are effective screens mainly during the growing season. Evergreens provide...
When selecting perennials for the home landscape, it’s important to consider their size, bloom period, hardiness, and cultural requirements. Another consideration is their longevity. Some perennials are short-lived. Short-lived...
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...
The cyclamen is the ideal flowering plant for a cool environment. Place the plant in a brightly lit location. Temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal. Keep the soil moist, but avoid getting water in the crown...
While grapevines can be propagated by several methods, they are most commonly propagated by hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are made from the dormant canes of the preceding year’s growth. Cutting material should be collected in late...
Leaves contain high levels of carbon and small amounts of nitrogen. The microbes that decompose leaves and other types of organic matter require nitrogen for their own metabolism and growth. A compost pile composed mainly of leaves decomposes...
Late February to early April is the best time to prune fruit trees in Iowa. Summer pruning of fruit trees is generally not recommended. However, water sprouts (rapidly growing shoots that often develop just below a pruning cut) can be...
Proper pruning can renew or rejuvenate overgrown, deciduous shrubs. One option is to prune the shrubs back over a three-year period. Begin by removing one-third of the largest, oldest stems at ground level in late winter/early spring...
These cultivars have attractive red stalks and are good choices for Iowa gardens:
- ‘Canada Red’
- ‘Crimson Red’
- ‘MacDonald’
- ‘Valentine’
In addition to the previous four, there is a reliable...
Most seeds germinate best when the medium temperature is consistently 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Placing containers in a warm location in the house, such as on top of a radiator or near a heat register, usually works fine. In cool...
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.
After removing the soil, prune out any dead wood. ...
Locations in partial shade receive 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. Deciduous trees that can be successfully grown in partial shade include:
- serviceberry (Amelanchier species),
- American hornbeam (...
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:...
Early spring is the best time to prune blueberries. In Iowa, late March or early April would be an appropriate time to prune blueberries.
Young plants require little pruning. Pruning of young plants mainly consists of...
The cineraria (Pericallis x hybrida) is a flowering plant typically sold at floral shops and other retailers from mid-winter to early spring. Plants produce clusters of 1- to 3-inch-diameter, daisy-like flowers. They...
Peaches are not reliably cold hardy in most parts of Iowa. It is possible to grow ‘Reliance’ (yellow flesh, freestone) and ‘Polly’ (white flesh, clingstone) in the southern one-third of Iowa.
Growing peaches in Iowa is...
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.
There are three main types of peas. The garden pea is grown for shelling. Snow and snap peas are edible podded peas.
Garden or English Peas
The garden or English pea has been widely grown for years. Garden...
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...
Suggested radish varieties (cultivars) for home gardens include:
- ‘Champion’ (scarlet red, globe-shaped, white flesh, 20 to 25 days)
- ‘Cherriette’ (cherry red, globe-shaped, white flesh, 20 days)
- ‘Cherry Belle’ (...
Poor or erratic germination of seeds may be caused by improper planting (for example, planting too deeply), uneven moisture, cool temperatures, and old seed.
Light for Germination
Fine seeds and those seeds which require...
In Iowa, early spring (before the plant begins to leaf out) is the best time to transplant a rose. The optimal time period is normally late March to mid-April. Dig up the rose using a shovel or spade and replant immediately. ...
American holly (Ilex opaca) and English holly (Ilex aquifolium) are prized for their glossy, green leaves and brightly colored fruit. Sprigs of both hollies are often used in wreaths, centerpieces, and other Christmas...