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 greenish worm is probably the pear slug. The pear slug is not an actual slug. It’s the larval stage of an insect (sawfly). The pear slug feeds on pear, cherry, plum, and several other woody plants.
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…
Ants aren’t necessary for peonies to flower. The ants are attracted to the sugary nectar produced by the peony buds. The nectar is a good food source for the ants. Peony buds will open without the presence of ants. …
Grapes are highly susceptible to damage from herbicide drift, in particular from 2,4-D and other chemically similar herbicides. Depending on weather conditions, 2,4-D herbicides can potentially affect grapes up to 2 miles from the…
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…
In addition to their landscape uses, daylily leaves and flowers are edible. Edible materials should be gathered from only those plants that have not been sprayed with any pesticides.
Gourd seeds have hard seedcoats. To hasten germination, soak gourd seeds in water overnight or up to 24 hours. Gourd seeds can also be nicked along their edge with a file or other device.
Louisiana iris is the collective name for several species of iris which are native to Louisiana and boggy coastal areas from Florida to Texas. They are prized for their colorful white, blue, red, or yellow flowers. Louisiana irises…
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…
Rembrandt tulips produce striped or “broken” blooms. The white, yellow, or red petals are striped (flamed) with red, bronze, or purple. Rembrandt tulips were sold for huge sums during “tulip mania” in Holland in the seventeenth and…
While rhubarb leaves do contain poisonous oxalic acid, they can be placed in the compost pile. Oxalic acid, like other organic acids, are not readily absorbed by plant roots. Compost containing decomposed rhubarb leaves can be safely…
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…
Most iris species (bearded, Siberian, Japanese, etc.) perform best when grown in partial to full sun. However, the crested iris (Iris cristata) prefers partial shade. A native of the eastern United States, crested iris…
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
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…
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.…
There are more than 900 species and innumerable cultivars of azaleas and rhododendrons. However, only a small number perform well in Iowa. To be successful, the Iowa gardener must select cold hardy cultivars, choose suitable planting…
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…
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…
