April 5, 1996
Gardening for Winter
While winter is the farthest thing from most gardener's minds (though Mother Nature keeps firmly reminding us of its persistence this year), an attractive landscape requires careful planning for seasonal interest throughout the year. Since the Iowa landscape is dormant 4 to 6 months of the year, extending the attractiveness of the landscape and garden into the fall and winter can help make our winters a little more bearable. Winter gardening doesn't use the flowers and fragrances of summer gardening.
Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus
Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV), formerly designated as Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus strain impatiens, is a serious disease of greenhouse flower crops such as impatiens, gloxinia, cyclamen, cineraria, begonia, and exacum. In addition to many flower crops, certain vegetables and weeds are also susceptible to INSV.
Site Selection and Placement of Fruit Trees
Selecting a proper planting site and placement are critical when planting fruit trees in the home garden.
Spacing of Small Fruits in the Home Garden
Successful gardening requires close attention to cultural practices. In order to obtain top yields, proper spacing of fruits and vegetables is vital. The spacing requirements for the commonly grown small fruits in the home garden are presented below.
June-bearing strawberries should be planted 18 to 24 inches apart in rows spaced 4 feet apart. Runners will develop and root freely and eventually form a matted row of plants about 2 feet wide.