Frequently Asked Questions
When selecting a planting site, choose an area that receives full sun and has a well-drained soil. Planting sites should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Leaf and root diseases are often problems in poorly drained, wet...
Do not apply a pruning paint or wound dressing to pruning wounds. The application of a pruning paint or wound dressing does not prevent wood decay and may actually interfere with the tree’s natural wound responses.
Oak trees are an...
Potatoes should be planted in early spring. Appropriate planting times are late March or early April in southern Iowa, early to mid-April in central Iowa, and mid to late April in northern portions of the state.
Since potatoes...
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...
“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
...
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 (...
While more demanding than many other perennials, the Lenten rose (Helleborus x hybridus) can be successfully grown in Iowa. The Lenten rose requires a fertile, well-drained soil in partial shade. Also, choose a site...
A late freeze in spring may damage the blossoms or developing fruit on apples, cherries, and other fruit trees. As a result, the fruit crop may be smaller than normal. The extent of damage will be determined by the plant species,...
If given good care in the home, poinsettias should remain attractive for 2 to 3 months. Toss the poinsettia when you grow tired of it or it becomes unattractive.
Tips to have the poinsettia bloom again:
March to Late...
The most desirable time to prune grapevines is late winter or early spring. In Iowa, pruning can begin in late February and should be completed by early April. Grapevines pruned at this time of year may “bleed” heavily. However...
Houseplants are attractive additions to homes and offices. They can also improve indoor air quality by removing formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, ammonia, and other harmful chemicals.
Plants that have been shown to improve Indoor Air...
When ready to plant, trim off the older leaves, place the roots of the plants in water for an hour, then plant immediately. Set each plant in the ground so the crown of the plant is even with the soil surface.
The type of...
The proper time to prune deciduous and evergreen shrubs is determined by the plant’s growth habit, bloom time, and health or condition.
Spring-flowering shrubs, such as lilac and forsythia, bloom in spring on the growth of the...
Several potato varieties perform well in Iowa. A list of recommended potato varieties (along with a brief description of each) is provided to help you choose the best variety for your garden.
- ‘Red Norland’ is an early maturing...
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...
Before applying any herbicide, carefully read and follow label directions. When applying liquid formulations, potential spray drift problems can be avoided by following simple precautions. Don’t spray when winds exceed 5 mph....
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...
Early spring is the best time to divide ‘Autumn Joy’ and other upright, clump-forming varieties sedum (Hylotelephium). Dig up plants in early spring just as new growth begins to appear. Divide each clump into sections with a...
Apple trees don’t come true from seed. Grafting is the best way to propagate an apple tree. Grafted apple trees produce fruit that are identical to their parent.
Grafting is the joining together of two plant parts (scion...
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...
By the second year, the home gardener should have selected the training system and constructed the appropriate trellis. In early spring, select a vigorous, straight cane and remove all the rest. Tie the cane securely to the uppermost...
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...
There are basically 3 types of strawberries grown in home gardens. They differ in growth, flowering, and fruiting characteristics.
June-bearing
June-bearers are the most widely planted type of strawberry. June-...
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...
To produce your own slips (plants), select a large, unblemished sweet potato from the previous year’s harvest. Place sand in the bottom of a pot or other large container. Set the sweet potato horizontally on the surface of the sand...
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