Frequently Asked Questions
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...
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...
The brown growths in your ash tree are probably ash flower galls. Galls are abnormal plant growths induced to form by small insects, mites, or other organisms. On ash trees, a tiny mite causes the male flowers to develop into roundish...
A rose growing in a pot may be destroyed if the potted rose is left on a deck or patio over winter. Potting soil temperatures in containers left above ground are likely to get extremely cold, damaging or destroying the roots of the rose....
The roots of established asparagus plants are deep and quite extensive. As a result, transplanting attempts are usually unsuccessful. Large, old plants will be severely injured during the transplantation procedure. Some may...
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 (...
Tree peonies are small woody shrubs. Unlike herbaceous peonies, the stems of tree peonies do not die back to the ground in fall. Tree peonies can be successfully grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8.
Cold winter...
Cabbageworms are greenish caterpillars that eat large, irregular holes in the foliage of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts. Cabbageworms can be controlled with biological or chemical insecticides. Bacillus...
Elephant’s ear (Colocasia esculenta) is a tropical plant grown for its huge, heart-shaped leaves. Dig up the plants after the first fall frost. Cut off the foliage. Dry the tubers in a warm, dry location for 1 or 2...
Radishes can be harvested 3 to 5 weeks after planting. Periodically check their development by pulling one or two plants as they approach maturity. Harvest radishes when roots reach useable size (about 1 inch in diameter). ...
The Christmas cactus requires proper environmental conditions to flower. Critical factors in flower initiation are day-length and temperature. The Christmas cactus is a short-day plant. Short-day plants grow vegetatively during...
Fall clean-up and tillage provide several benefits. Many plant pathogens overwinter in the garden on infected plant debris. Removal and destruction of the diseased plant debris reduces the severity of many diseases. Removal of...
In Iowa, gardeners should apply lime to gardens and lawns only when recommended by a soil test. A soil test will indicate the current soil pH and, if necessary, the amount of lime to apply to the area. Liming materials include ground...
When the lawn is mowed properly, grass clippings do not need to be removed or bagged. Small clippings filter down into the turf and quickly decompose, returning essential plant nutrients to the soil. Lawn clippings do not...
The most effective way to prevent rabbit damage in the vegetable garden is by placing chicken wire fencing or hardware cloth around vulnerable plants. Fencing material that is 2 foot tall should be adequate. Support the fence with wooden stakes...
A potted miniature rose can be kept as a houseplant through the winter months. Bring the plant indoors before a hard freeze. Place the miniature rose in a sunny window or under artificial lighting. Avoid sites near cold drafts...
Gooseberries and currants prefer cool, moist, well-drained sites. Avoid poorly drained, wet soils and hot, dry sites. To discourage fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, select sites with good air movement. Gooseberries and...
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...
Powdery mildew is a common disease of garden phlox (Phlox paniculata). The fungal disease produces a grayish white coating on the leaves. Infected leaves eventually turn yellow and then brown. Initial symptoms appear on...
The tiny holes are likely due to flea beetles. Flea beetles are the most common pest of eggplant in the home garden. Adults are tiny, shiny, black beetles. They possess large hind legs that enable them to jump. Flea...
Daffodils perform best in partial to full sun. Planting sites should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. They also need well-drained, fertile soils. Daffodils don’t bloom well in partial to heavy shade. The...
Excessive nitrogen, the rapid onset of hot weather, or overcrowding may produce plants that are all tops (lush foliage, little or no root development).
Misshapen roots and hot, pithy radishes are other problems that may be...
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