Tree roots are not as deep as most people imagine. Most tree roots are located in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. While tree roots are quite shallow, they often extend out into an area that is 2 to 3 times larger than the crown area…
The holes were likely created by sapsuckers. Sapsuckers, members of the woodpecker family, damage trees by drilling holes in the trunk or large branches. Sapsucker damage is very distinctive. They drill uniform, 1/4 inch holes…
Red and purple raspberries are hardy throughout the state. Black raspberries, however, often suffer severe winter damage in northern Iowa and can be reliably grown only in central and southern portions of the state. ‘Black Hawk’ (an…
Broadleaf herbicides are most effective when applied to weeds that are actively growing. During prolonged periods of dry weather, some weeds are likely to curl up or wilt. An application of a broadleaf herbicide to drought stressed…
While marigolds are seldom bothered by insects and diseases, they are not problem free. Spider mites can devastate marigolds in hot, dry weather. Grasshoppers can also cause considerable damage. Aster yellows is an occasional…
Ornamental sweet potatoes and sweet potatoes grown in the vegetable garden are different varieties of Ipomoea batatas. The ornamental varieties are grown for their attractive foliage, while those in the vegetable garden are grown for their…
Peaches are not reliably cold hardy in many parts of Iowa. The best peaches to grow in Iowa tend to have slightly later bloom times and more cold hardy flower flowers buds. Cultivars good for Iowa include
Rabbits and deer are quite fond of tulips and crocuses. However, rabbits and deer seldom bother daffodils, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, Siberian squill and ornamental onions.
The small size of “baby” corn suggests that it’s a special variety. However, most baby corn is actually grown from regular sweet and field corn varieties. The ears are harvested when they are 2 to 4 inches long and 1/3 to ½ inch in…
Apply a mulch around landscape plantings and garden areas to conserve soil moisture. Mulching reduces the rate of evaporation from the soil surface and also limits weed competition. Organic materials, such as grass clippings, clean…
The wort-like growths on the grape leaves were probably caused by the grape phylloxera. The grape phylloxera is a small, aphid-like insect. The grape phylloxera has a complex life cycle that affects the leaves and roots of the…
The growth and fruiting characteristics of blackberries are similar to raspberries. The blackberry plant’s roots and crown are perennial, while its stems or canes are biennial. Blackberry canes are strictly vegetative during the first…
Borax has sometimes been touted to kill creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) in lawns. Borax contains boron, an essential plant micronutrient. However, the difference between plant requirements and toxicity problems is very small. When…
It is advisable not to add dog or cat feces to the compost pile. Dog and cat feces may contain harmful pathogens that may not be destroyed during the composting process.
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…
Herbicide residues should not be a problem if the grass clippings are thoroughly composted. As an added safety measure, mow the lawn two or three times before collecting and adding the clippings to the compost pile.
Trees have shallow roots. The vast majority of a tree’s roots are located in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. As the tree roots grow, some of the larger roots near the soil surface may emerge from the ground. While many individuals regard…
Wood ashes contain small amounts of several plant nutrients. The nutrient content of wood ashes depends on the type of wood burned, the thoroughness of its burning, and other factors. Generally, wood ashes contain 5 to 7 percent potash, 1 percent…
The black spots are probably sooty blotch or flyspeck. Sooty blotch and flyspeck are two different fungal diseases that often occur together on apples. Sooty blotch appears as dark brown to black, ½ inch or larger smudges on the…
In most cases, very little to no damage will occur to the lawn when a pool, hot tub, or other chlorinated water source is emptied on it, provided it is not done frequently, dumped all in one spot, and care is taken to reduce the chlorine…
It is possible to grow an apple tree from an apple seed. However, in most cases, apple trees don't come true from seeds. For example, a seed taken from a Red Delicious apple will not produce a Red Delicious apple tree. Seedling…
Yes, many vegetables can be grown in small plots or in containers. Consider selecting more compact or dwarf varieties of vegetables for these situations.
Vegetables That Can Be Successfully Grown in Containers or Small Plots…
Leaving the leaves alone is a good way to support native pollinators and other insects and wildlife. These valuable insects rely on the habitat fallen leaves provide, especially over the winter…
Marigolds do not repel rabbits, deer, or other animals. In fact, rabbits occasionally browse heavily on marigolds. Erecting a chicken wire or hardware cloth fence around the vegetable garden is the best way to keep rabbits out of the…
Pouring boiling water on weeds can be used especially in situations where other plants are not nearby, such as in cracks in patios or sidewalks. Boiling water will act as a contact "herbicide", killing only the portion of the plant it…
When the lawn is allowed to grow tall, it can produce seed heads. It stands to reason that if the seed heads are allowed to mature, the seed can fall to the ground, germinate, and grow, effectively overseeding the lawn and promoting a…
