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…
If the rhubarb plants are vigorous, pulling a few stalks and preparing a dish for a special occasion in summer shouldn’t be a problem. Harvesting rhubarb in summer should be a one time event, not a frequent practice. Continued harvest…
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…
It would be best to place weeds that are producing seeds and diseased plant debris in biodegradable bags and have the material picked up and composed by a municipal or commercial composting facility. The temperatures in home compost piles…
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…
Temperatures of 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit are required to kill most plant disease pathogens. Unfortunately, the internal temperatures of most home compost piles don’t reach this level and the disease organisms are not destroyed. For many home…
Preemergence herbicides, such as benefin, bensulide, and pendimethalin, prevent the germination of crabgrass seeds in spring. Most preemergence herbicides also prevent the germination of turfgrass seeds. If you intend to sow grass…
True lupines (Lupinus species), such as the Russell hybrids, are grown for their attractive, erect, 1- to 2-foot-long flower stalks. Unfortunately, the Russell hybrids and most other lupines don’t perform well in Iowa. …
For an earlier crop, muskmelons can be started indoors. Sow seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the anticipated outdoor planting date. Muskmelons can be planted outdoors in early May in southern Iowa, mid-May in central Iowa, and late…
Yes, shredded newspapers or whole sheets may be used as a mulch in the vegetable garden. Newspapers use organic inks so gardeners need not worry about lead contamination. When using newspaper sheets, place a layer of 2 to 4 sheets between…
Sweet corn should be isolated from popcorn and field corn to prevent cross-pollination. The quality of the sweet corn will be lowered if it’s cross-pollinated by other types of corn. For example, sweet corn pollinated by popcorn will…
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…
Cutting back or mowing off weeds is sometimes used to control weeds in the garden or lawn. Timely or frequent cutting back stresses the weed and reduces its competitive advantage over more desirable plants. Consistent removal of the…
Generally, climbing roses don’t perform well in Iowa. Many bloom on the previous year’s growth, but suffer extensive winter dieback. As a result, many climbing roses bloom little or not at all.
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,…
Annual flower and vegetable plants started indoors or purchased from greenhouses should not be planted directly into the garden. The intense sun and strong winds may damage or kill the tender transplants. Plants should be “hardened” (…
Phytophthora root rot can be a serious problem in poorly drained sites. Phytophthora root rot can be avoided by planting blueberries in well-drained soils. Outside of root rots, blueberries generally have few insect and disease…
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…
Ash trees infected with emerald ash borer (EAB) do not need to be treated or chipped when removed. If you do plan to keep the wood for campfires or fireplaces use it on your property and do not transport the wood to new locations. Any…
It is not necessary to add an inoculant or activator to a compost pile. A compost pile should be composed of layers of plant material and soil or finished compost. The soil and finished compost contain the microbes that will decompose the plant…
Before filling raised beds, remove the grass sod, if possible, and work up the existing soil with a rototiller or spade. Add a few inches of the soil mix, then incorporate it into the existing soil. Continue to add and incorporate…
Sour or tart cherries are self-fruitful. Self-pollination occurs when pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma on the same flower, from another flower on the same plant, or from a flower on another plant of the same variety.…
Grass clippings contribute very little to thatch development because clippings are primarily cellulose and decompose quickly. There is no need to remove grass clippings when lawns are mowed properly. Infrequent mowing of tall grass…
After digging an appropriately sized hole for the tree, carefully lower the tree into the hole. Then begin to backfill with the original soil. When the planting hole is one-half full, cut and remove all twine. Also, cut away and…
