We are happy to announce we are fully functional in our new location. We have settled into our beautiful new clinic and are open for business again. See more photos in this Facebook post.
Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic
2445 ATRB,
2213 Pammel Dr.
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011
(515) 294-0581 * pidc@iastate.edu
When selecting a planting site, choose an area that receives full sun and has a well-drained soil. Planting sites should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Leaf and root diseases are often problems in poorly drained, wet soils. Do not plant in areas that are heavily infested with perennial weeds. Perennial weeds, such as quackgrass, are extremely difficult to control in a strawberry planting. Also, avoid sites where strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers have been grown within the last two years to prevent possible root disease problems.
Tulips perform best in partial to full sun. Planting sites should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Tulip bulbs also need a well-drained, fertile soil.
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 currants tolerate partial shade. However, maximum fruit yields are produced in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Vegetables grow best in a well-drained, fertile soil. The garden site should also receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Avoid shady sites near large trees and shrubs. Most vegetable crops will not produce well if they don’t receive sufficient sunlight. The site should also be fairly level to avoid soil erosion problems and free of difficult-to-control weeds, such as Canada thistle and field bindweed.
Selecting the proper planting site is critical when planting fruit trees in the home landscape. While fruit trees can be grown on a wide variety of soils, good soil drainage is imperative. Apples and other fruit trees do not tolerate wet soils. Fruit trees planted in poorly drained soils often die within a few years of planting. Most fruit trees grow well in fertile soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Because of space restrictions, planting sites are often limited in the home landscape. Fruit trees require full sun. Select a site that receives at least 8 hours of direct sun each day. Avoid shady sites near large trees.
Rhubarb performs best in well-drained, fertile soils that are high in organic matter. Heavy, clay soils can often be improved by incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the upper 12 to 15 inches of soil. The planting site should also receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day. Avoid shady sites near trees and shrubs.
Planting site requirements for marigolds are full sun and a well-drained soil. The planting site should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Poorly drained soils can often be improved by incorporating organic matter (compost, peat, or well-rotted manure) into the soil.
Petunias perform best in sunny locations. The planting site should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. They also require a moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Crown or root rots may be problems in wet, poorly drained sites. Poorly drained soils can often be improved by incorporating organic matter (compost, peat, or well-rotted manure) into the soil.
