August 22, 2003
Herbs vs. Spices
We often use the words herb and spice interchangeably. Herbs and spices are obtained from plants. (Salt is neither a spice nor an herb. It is actually a mineral.) Herbs and spices are used primarily for adding flavor and aroma to food. And both are best used fresh but can be saved by drying. While there are similarities, there also are subtle differences between herbs and spices.
Late Summer and Early Fall Planting
Late Summer and Early Fall Planting
While spring is the traditional planting season in Iowa, late summer/early fall is an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and spring-flowering bulbs. Late summer to early fall also is the best time to establish a lawn from seed.
Viburnum, Bacterial Leaf Spot/Leaf Blight
If your Viburnum has angular shaped, water soaked, diseased areas on its leaves, the plant may have bacterial leaf spot, also known as bacterial blight. This disease is caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. viburnum. A layer of exuded bacterial cells often found on the leaf surface can make the leaves shiny. If infection occurs early in the season, leaves can become distorted. In severe cases, entire shoots can die back.