Hardneck cultivars of garlic will produce a scape or flower stalk from the center of the leaves in mid-to-late May. Removing the scape is advised as it will help the bulb grow larger because the plant will put energy into bulb production…
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.
Grape hyacinths (Muscari spp.) are spring-flowering bulbs. They produce urn-shaped flowers on 6- to 9-inch-long, upright spikes. (The flower spikes somewhat resemble clusters of grapes, hence the common name.) Flowers…
Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea) is a species of honeysuckle native to cold regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Other common names include blue honeysuckle or haskap. Honeyberries grow 4 to 6 feet tall. Plants…
Jostaberries are a cross between black currants and gooseberries. Plants are vigorous and may grow to a height of 6 to 8 feet. Jostaberry fruit are similar in size to gooseberries and black in color. Plants possess excellent…
The Martagon lily (Lilium martagon) is one of the most widely distributed lilies in the world. It grows naturally in most of Europe and parts of Asia. It is also referred to as Turk’s cap lily.
Serviceberries are members of the genus Amelanchier. Other common names for plants in the genus Amelanchier include juneberry, saskatoon, shadbush, sarvisberry, and sugar plum.
Snap peas are an edible podded pea. Snap peas are best picked when the seeds are nearly full size and the pod walls are thick, fleshy, and crunchy. Snap peas may be eaten raw in salads, snapped and cooked like snap beans, or shelled…
Snow peas are an edible podded pea. Snow peas are harvested when the pods are long and thin, just as the seeds begin to develop. Young pods are tender, stringless, and may be stir-fried in Chinese dishes, steamed, or cooked like snap…
Disease issues are a primary limiting factor to producing high-quality apples in the home garden. Without regular fungicide applications, most apple cultivars will develop serious issues with diseases like apple scab, fire blight, cedar…
There are a number of vegetables that are relatively easy to grow. Peppers, bush beans, leafy greens, and even tomatoes often make the easy to grow vegetable lists. Be sure to select vegetables that you are most likely to eat as you…
Part shade garden areas receive 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Some annuals thrive in these conditions, and others may grow best in full sun but tolerate part shade. For these species, they may have fewer flowers or a more…
Numerous carrot cultivars are available to home gardeners. The main differences between cultivars are the shape and size of the root. Carrot roots can be long and tapered, cylindrical, or even roundish. Most carrots are orange. However,…
Numerous eggplant varieties (cultivars) are available for the home garden. These varieties differ in color, size, and shape. Fruit colors include green, white, pink, purple, and black. Some fruit are striped. Fruit may be…
When selecting plants for the shade garden, one group of plants that is often overlooked are native woodland wildflowers. Since they are native to the state, woodland wildflowers are well adapted to the area. They are easy to grow and…
Cold hardiness is an important factor when selecting plum varieties for home gardens. Japanese plums are not reliably cold hardy in Iowa. However, several European and hybrid plum varieties can be successfully grown in the state.…
Several potato varieties perform well in Iowa. A list of recommended potato varieties (along with a brief description of each) is provided to help you choose the best variety for your garden.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native prairie grass. It is typically found in moist sites, such as along the banks of streams, and grows 3 to 6 feet tall.
Several switchgrass cultivars are excellent plants for…
When selecting perennials for the home landscape, it’s important to consider their size, bloom period, hardiness, and cultural requirements. Another consideration is their longevity. Some perennials are short-lived. Short-lived…
Home gardeners should carefully consider their landscape needs and the characteristics of the various shrubs. For example, deciduous shrubs drop their leaves in fall and are effective screens mainly during the growing season. Evergreens provide…
Raised beds provide several advantages over conventional garden areas. Wet, poorly drained sites can be improved by constructing raised beds. A properly prepared raised bed increases drainage, thereby promoting plant growth and increasing crop…
