Most houseplants, including the schefflera, experience stress when moved from one location to another. Environmental conditions in the average home are dramatically different (less favorable) than those in a greenhouse. The less…
Asparagus plants should be allowed to become well established before any spears are harvested. No spears should be harvested during the first growing season. Asparagus can be harvested over a three to four week period during its…
Yes. Philodendrons and closely related species contain calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and other animals. When any part of the plant is eaten, it may cause pain and swelling in the lips, mouth, tongue,…
Many varieties of sweet cherry are not reliably cold-hardy in Iowa. Because they tend to bloom earlier in the season than other fruit trees, like apples and pears, they are also more prone to damage from a late spring frost. When…
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
While most trees and shrubs bloom in spring or summer, witch hazels are a notable exception. Common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) blooms from mid-October to early December. Vernal witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) and…
White fruited pumpkins are edible. White fruited varieties, such as ‘Lumina,’ have a white skin and orange flesh. They are chiefly grown for their unique “ghostly” appearance. However, the orange flesh is suitable for cooking.…
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…
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…
Cultivars of the common or French hybrid lilac (Syringa vulgaris) often do not bloom for several (five or more) years after planting. The shrubs must grow and mature before they are capable of flowering. Selecting a favorable planting…
While it is not recommended that you save waxed bulbs, you can potentially get them to rebloom with diligent care. Once the last flower stalk has faded, leaves will begin to slowly emerge. Carefully remove the wax from the outside of…
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…
Many herbs can be successfully grown indoors during the winter months. The best herbs to grow indoors include basil, cilantro, parsley, chervil, rosemary, bay laurel, mint, chives, oregano, thyme, sage, and lemongrass.
Planting garlic cloves purchased from grocery stores is rarely successful in an Iowa garden. The garlic found in grocery stores are usually softneck cultivars from warmer regions that are not well adapted to Iowa’s climate. …
Flower and vegetable plants purchased from greenhouses or started indoors should not be planted directly into the garden. The intense sun and strong winds may damage or kill the tender seedlings. Bedding plants should be "hardened" (…
Individuals wishing to save their Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) should place the plant in a sunny window after flowering. Continue to water the plant when needed. Fertilize once every 2 weeks with a dilute fertilizer…
While more demanding than many other perennials, the Lenten rose (Helleborus x hybridus) can be successfully grown in Iowa. The Lenten rose requires a fertile, well-drained soil in partial shade. Also, choose a site…
Newly emerged tree and shrub foliage is susceptible to damage from below freezing temperatures. The new growth on many trees and shrubs can tolerate temperatures in the low 30s and upper 20s. Freeze damage is most likely when temperatures drop…
Most vegetable seeds will remain viable for several years when stored in a cool, dry location. If properly stored, cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, squash, watermelon, eggplant, and radish seeds will remain viable for 5 years. Snap bean,…
When a prolonged period of snow cover deprives deer of food on the ground, deer often feed on trees and shrubs in woodlands, windbreaks, and home landscapes. Among evergreens, arborvitae and yews are most susceptible to browsing by deer in…
While not widely planted in home gardens, hardy geraniums (Geranium spp.) are attractive, easy-to-grow perennials. Numerous species and varieties are available. Plants typically bloom in late spring/early summer. The 1…
Houseplants have received much attention as options for improving indoor air quality. In 1989, scientists from NASA discovered that plants could remove VOCs (volatile organic…
Most seeds germinate best when the medium temperature is consistently 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Placing containers in a warm location in the house, such as on top of a radiator or near a heat register, usually works fine. In cool…
Tree peonies are small woody shrubs. Unlike herbaceous peonies, the stems of tree peonies do not die back to the ground in fall. Tree peonies can be successfully grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8.
