Frequently Asked Questions
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....
In Iowa, the foliage of the river birch (Betula nigra) often turns a sickly yellow-green. The yellow-green foliage is due to a deficiency of iron. The problem is referred to as iron chlorosis. (A close examination of chlorotic leaves...
The symptoms on your bee balms (Monarda spp.) are most likely due to powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease on bee balms. Symptoms are most severe on overcrowded plants and those growing in partial shade....
The growth and fruiting characteristics of raspberries are unique. The plant’s roots and crown are perennial, while the stems or canes are biennial. A raspberry plant may survive and produce fruit for many years. However,...
Some perennials, such as garden peonies, can be left undisturbed for 50 or more years.
Others need to be divided periodically to contain their spread or to rejuvenate declining plants. Vigorous growing perennials include:
- ...
Ornamental sweet potatoes and sweet potatoes grown in the vegetable garden are different varieties of Ipomoea batatas. The ornamental varieties are grown for their attractive foliage, while those in the vegetable garden are grown for their...
Most modern tulip varieties bloom well for only 3 or 4 years. However, there are some tulip types (classes) that bloom well over a longer time period.
Darwin hybrid tulips are generally the longest blooming hybrid tulip. ...
The most effective way to prevent damage to the sweet corn crop is to encircle the area with an electric fence. A two-wire fence with one wire 4 to 6 inches above the ground and the other at 12 inches should keep the raccoons out of the...
The rate of decomposition depends upon the composition of the compost pile, level of management, and other factors. A well-managed compost pile (one that is watered and turned regularly) containing a mixture of shredded plant material should be...
Fertilizer applications can be made in mid-September and late October/early November. Mid-September fertilization promotes a moderate rate of shoot growth and helps to thicken the turf. An application of fertilizer in late October/...
Proper pruning tools for a home gardener include hand shears, lopping shears, and a pruning saw.
3/4 inch and smaller in Diameter
Hand or pruning shears are generally used for cutting stems (branches) up to 3/4 inch in...
Broadleaf herbicides are most effective when applied to weeds that are actively growing. During prolonged periods of dry weather, some weeds are likely to curl up or wilt. An application of a broadleaf herbicide to drought stressed...
The harvest period for apples varies from one cultivar to another. In Iowa, ‘Jonathan,’ ‘Red Delicious,’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apples are normally harvested in mid-September, late September, and early October, respectively. While...
The loss of needles is probably due to seasonal needle drop. Deciduous trees, such as maple and ash, drop all of their leaves in fall. Though it largely goes unnoticed, evergreens also lose a portion of their foliage (needles) on a yearly basis....
Spring is the best time to plant garden mums (Chrysanthemum ×morifolium) in Iowa. Mums planted in spring survive the winter much better than those planted in fall. Spring planted mums have the opportunity to grow and...
The growth and fruiting characteristics of blackberries are similar to raspberries. The blackberry plant’s roots and crown are perennial, while its stems or canes are biennial. Blackberry canes are strictly vegetative during the first...
Perennial plants can be cut back in fall after the foliage has been destroyed by a hard freeze. Compost the plant debris. While this work can be done, it is not necessary to clear cut the perennial garden after the first freeze of the...
If properly harvested and stored, sweet potatoes can be stored for 4 to 6 months. Optimum storage conditions are a temperature of 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 85 to 90 percent.
Several things can be done to make it difficult for squirrels to dig up tulip bulbs.
When planting tulips and other spring flowering bulbs, make sure they are planted at the proper depth. Plant tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths 6 to 8...
Harvest gourds when the stem attached to the fruit begins to dry and turn brown. Since the rind or skin is susceptible to bruising or scratching, handle the gourds carefully. Cut the gourds from the vines with a hand shears, leaving a...
Temperatures of 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit are required to kill most plant disease pathogens. Unfortunately, the internal temperatures of most home compost piles don’t reach this level and the disease organisms are not destroyed. For many home...
Most lawns in Iowa are comprised of Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season grasses. Cool-season grasses grow best in spring and late summer/early fall when environmental conditions are usually favorable. Applications of fertilizer...
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...
The horizontal circular webs were created by various spiders collectively called grass spiders. They are harmless to the grass and ecologically beneficial as predators. The webs accumulate between rain showers and mowings. They...
The temperature and relative humidity during storage are critical for maximum storage life. Optimum storage conditions for apples are a temperature near 30 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity between 90 and 95 percent. ...
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