Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, shredded newspapers or whole sheets may be used as a mulch in the vegetable garden. Newspapers use organic inks so gardeners need not worry about lead contamination. When using newspaper sheets, place a layer of 2 to 4 sheets between...
Because of the possibility of the transmission of certain diseases, human, dog, and cat feces should not be placed in the compost pile. It's advisable not to add diseased plant material or weeds that have gone to seed to the compost pile....
Mowing frequency is based on the growth rate of the turfgrass and mowing height. As a general rule, never remove more than one-third of the total leaf surface at any one mowing. Shorter mowing heights require more frequent mowing. A lawn...
The black sooty material is likely sooty mold. Sooty mold is caused by several different fungi. The fungi don’t infect plants, but grow on the sugary honeydew excreted by aphids, scales, mealybugs, and other insects. In...
Most hybrid tea, grandiflora, floribunda, and other modern roses require protection during the winter months. Low temperatures and rapid temperature changes in winter can severely injure and sometimes kill unprotected modern roses. (...
The asparagus foliage can be cut back to the ground after it has been destroyed by cold temperatures in fall. However, it is generally recommended that the dead foliage be allowed to stand over winter. The dead debris will catch and...
When selecting a forsythia, choose a cultivar that reliably blooms in Iowa.
Forsythias to avoid planting in Iowa
The flower buds on some varieties are not reliably cold hardy in Iowa, and typically don’t bloom well in Iowa as...
There are several factors which may cause peonies to bloom poorly. Peonies perform best in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Peonies that receive less than 4 hours of direct sun will not bloom well. ...
Beginning at the base of the plant, harvest the buds (sprouts) when 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Continue to harvest the sprouts higher up on the plant as they mature. Sprouts can be stored in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator...
Carefully dig up the plants with a spade in late summer/early fall. Gently shake off the soil from the bulb-like corms. Then cut off the foliage 1 to 2 inches above the corms. Dry the corms for 2 to 3 weeks in a warm, dry, well-...
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’ (...
When planting an amaryllis bulb, select a pot which is approximately 1 to 2 inches wider than the diameter of the bulb. The container may be clay, ceramic or plastic, but should have drainage holes in the bottom. Plant the bulb in...
Several steps can be taken to minimize disease problems in your garden next year.
Fall Clean-Up
An important task is to clean up the garden in fall. Carefully remove and destroy the infected plant debris. Many 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.
The small, round holes on the sides of the acorns were likely caused by the larvae of the acorn weevil.
The adult acorn weevil is a brown beetle about 3/8 inch in length and has a long, thin snout. Adult females lay their eggs...
Tulip, daffodil, hyacinth, and other spring-flowering bulbs usually begin arriving in garden centers and other retail businesses in late August. Spring-flowering bulbs purchased in late summer should be stored in a cool, dry place (such as...
Mid-August through September is an excellent time to plant pine, spruce, and other evergreens. (Evergreens planted in late October or November may not have adequate time to become established before the onset of winter and could be subject...
It’s likely the sweet potatoes were not cured and stored properly. After harvest, sweet potatoes should be cured for 7 to 10 days at a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 80 to 90 percent. (These...
Harvest the seed pods of butterfly weed when the pods begin to split. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in late fall or started indoors.
When sowing seeds outdoors, work up the soil in a protected location in early to mid-...
If stored properly, the seeds of many vegetables and flowers will remain viable (alive) for 2 to 3 years.
Keep them Cool and Dry
Ideal storage conditions are cool and dry. Keep the seeds in their original packets so...
Proper care of garden tools and equipment prolongs their lifetime, prevents costly repairs, and improves their performance. In fall, remove caked-on soil from shovels, spades, hoes, and rakes with a wire brush or stiff putty knife. ...
Curing
After harvesting the pumpkins, cure them at a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 percent relative humidity for 10 days. Curing helps to harden their skins and heal any cuts and scratches.
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To insure adequate leaf surface and herbicide absorption, don’t mow the lawn 2 to 3 days before treatment. After treatment, allow 3 to 4 days to pass before mowing. This allows sufficient time for the broadleaf weeds to absorb the...
When purchasing grass seed, select a high quality seed mix that is best adapted to the site. Kentucky bluegrass is the best choice for sunny areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Choose a seed mix that contains...
Chrysanthemums perform best in moist, well-drained soils. Avoid wet, poorly drained sites. Improve hard, difficult-to-work soils by incorporating 2 to 3 inches of organic matter, such as compost, peat, or barnyard manure, into the...
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