March 31, 2010
Fertilizing Tree and Small Fruits in the Home Garden
Commercial fertilizers and manures are applied to supplement a soil's natural fertility. The rate of material to apply varies according to past fertilizer use, crop grown, soil type, and other
Ant Swarming
We have many different species of ants in Iowa that live in different habitats and eat different foods.
Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic Update - March 31, 2010
The following are highlights and updates about samples and questions recently received in the Clinic:
Insects
Snow Mold on Lawns
As the extended snow cover from last winter melted from lawns, evidence of gray snow mold and pink snow mold disease became apparent in many lawns. Snow molds are fungal diseases that flourish under snow, especially when the ground is not thoroughly frozen and snow cover is present for extended periods. Snow molds are named for the webby material that grows over circular patches of matted grass.
Spring Mulching Reminder
As every gardener knows, it is difficult to wait for the frost-free date to begin the gardening season. That is why it’s good to find things that can be done any time of year.
Emerald Ash Borer Iowa Detection Plans, 2010
Robin Pruisner, State Entomologist with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, says, "Spring is in the air so my thoughts are turning green...emerald green." Below