Snap beans (also called green beans, string beans, or wax beans) should be harvested frequently and thoroughly. Leaving mature pods on the plant decreases yields as the bean plant puts its energy into seed development rather than additional…
The fruit of most tomato cultivars generally begins to ripen in August. Fruit production for early maturing cultivars such as ‘Early Girl’ or many of the cherry and grape tomatoes generally begins in mid- to late-July.
Harvest mature bulbs in late summer when the tops have turned yellow and begun to dry. Cure the shallots in a warm, dry location for 1 to 2 weeks. After the shallots have been cured, cut off the dry foliage, place the bulbs in a mesh…
Soil testing services are provided by neighboring universities and private laboratories. Information on how to collect good soil samples for testing and recommendations for how to find testing laboratories can be found at …
Annual weeds grow rapidly, flower, set seed and die in a single season. New annual weeds germinate from seeds each year. Before they die, most annual weeds produce large quantities of seeds.
Air-drying is the best way to preserve cockscomb. After harvesting cockscomb, strip the foliage from the stems. Tie the stems into small bunches with rubber bands. Hang the loose bunches upside down in a warm, dry, well-…
In windy, exposed areas, straw mulches can be kept in place by placing wire or plastic fencing over the area. The fencing can be held in place with bricks or other heavy objects.
Proper cleaning and sanitization of pruners and other garden tools is important to prevent the spread of disease issues. At minimum when removing disease-infected plant material, pruners should be disinfected between plants. Ideally,…
Birds are the biggest threat to the blueberry crop in the home garden. If not controlled, hungry birds may devour most of the crop. Scare devices are sometimes helpful. However, netting is the most effective way to protect the…
Yellowjackets are social wasps that build paper nests in the ground, a log, building wall, attic, or other sites. The workers from the colony travel up to a few hundred yards from the nest while looking for food. In early summer, the…
Red raspberries sucker freely. If not confined, plants will spread rapidly. Red raspberries are most productive when grown in 2-foot-wide hedgerows. If the raspberry planting is several feet wide, plant rows need to be…
The forsythia is easily propagated from softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be made from the current season’s growth in late June or early July.
Using a sharp knife, cut off 4 to 6-inch long shoots. Pinch off the leaves on the…
After harvesting the garlic, dry the garlic in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location. Place the garlic on an elevated wire screen or slotted tray to promote drying. When the tops have dried, cut off the dry foliage 1 inch above the…
The frequency of watering may vary considerably from container to container. Watering frequency depends on the size and type of container, composition of the potting mix, plant species, and weather conditions. Some plants, such as…
The rate of decomposition depends upon the composition of the compost pile, level of management, and other factors. A well-managed compost pile (one that is watered and turned regularly) containing a mixture of shredded plant material should be…
The roots of trees continue to grow until the ground freezes. If the weather is dry, continue to water newly planted trees until the soil freezes in winter. Small trees usually require watering for 1 or 2 growing seasons. It may…
The frequency of aeration is largely determined by the soil type and the amount of use. Lawns growing in heavy, clay soils and those subject to heavy foot or pet traffic should be aerated twice a year. Once a year should be sufficient…
To encourage vigorous growth and abundant bloom, hybrid tea, floribunda, and grandiflora roses should be fertilized two or three times a year. Fertilizer applications can be made in early spring (immediately after pruning), during the first…
Mowing frequency is based on the growth rate of the turfgrass and mowing height. As a general rule, never remove more than one-third of the total leaf surface at any one mowing. Shorter mowing heights require more frequent mowing. A lawn…
Pinch chrysanthemums 2 to 3 times from spring to mid-summer. Remove the stem tips when the shoots are 6 to 8 inches tall. New lateral shoots will develop along the stems. Pinch again when these new shoots reach a length of 6 to…
Bee balms like an even supply of moisture during the growing season. For best performance, water bee balms every 7 to 10 days during dry periods. When watering, soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Apply a mulch around…
The frequency of watering is determined by soil characteristics, weather conditions, type of plant material, and other factors. In general, however, a deep watering once a week in dry weather should be adequate for most fruit, vegetable,…
Most lawns in Iowa require 1 to 1½ inches of water per week. When watering the lawn, apply this amount in a single application or possibly 2 applications 3 or 4 days apart. Avoid frequent, light applications of water which promote…
Modern roses, such as hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras, require watering during hot, dry weather. The frequency depends upon weather conditions and soil type. In most gardens, a thorough watering every 7 to 10 days during…
Plants in hanging baskets need to be watered frequently (especially in summer). Potting mixes are light, well-drained, and dry out quickly. Plus, hanging baskets may contain several plants. In general, water plants in hanging…
Most turfgrasses have a difficult time growing in the vicinity of large shade trees. If your efforts to grow turfgrass are unsuccessful, there are alternatives. Areas around and beneath trees can be mulched with wood chips or shredded…
Kentucky bluegrass is an excellent choice. Bluegrass provides good cover, yet is less competitive than other cover crops. Late summer (mid-August to mid-September) is the best time to establish bluegrass by seed. Do not sow…
Blueberry plants should not be allowed to bear fruit in the first 2 years. Any blossoms which form should be removed (rubbed off). Removal of the flowers will maximize vegetative growth and increase yields in later years. …
