A slow-release fertilizer is the best option for many homeowners. A fertilizer label will include what type of fertilizer is in the bag. Slow-release fertilizers include sulfur-coated urea, methylene urea, IBDU, and natural organic fertilizers.…
Tuberous begonias perform best in moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. Choose a site sheltered from strong winds. In the home landscape, locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade are often excellent planting sites…
Garlic is distinguished from its other close family members like onions, chives, shallots, and leeks, by its flat leaves and clove-like bulbs which contain several small scales or cloves enclosed in a white or purplish parchment-like sheath.…
Suitable materials for the compost pile include garden debris, leaves, grass clippings, straw, sawdust, and small twigs and branches. You can also add food scraps from produce items, such as apple cores, potato and banana peels, and melon rinds.…
Noticeable symptoms of emerald ash borer usually appear in the second or third year of the infestation or later. Emerald ash borer infested trees exhibit thinning of the leaf canopy and dieback in the crown. Also, infested ash trees…
Blueberry plants require a sunny location and a well-drained soil high in organic matter. Avoid wet, poorly drained sites. Blueberries are susceptible to root rots in poorly drained soils. Soil pH is also important. …
The butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a member of the milkweed family. Plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall and produce flat-topped clusters of bright orange flowers from July through September. Their flowers attract several…
Selecting the proper planting site is critical when planting fruit trees in the home landscape. While fruit trees can be grown on a wide variety of soils, good soil drainage is imperative. Apples and other fruit trees do not tolerate…
Gooseberries and currants prefer cool, moist, well-drained sites. Avoid poorly drained, wet soils and hot, dry sites. To discourage fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, select sites with good air movement. Gooseberries and…
Planting site requirements for marigolds are full sun and a well-drained soil. The planting site should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Poorly drained soils can often be improved by incorporating organic matter (…
Peonies perform best in full sun and well-drained soils. When selecting a planting site, choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Avoid shady areas near large trees and shrubs. Poorly drained…
Petunias perform best in sunny locations. The planting site should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. They also require a moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Crown or root rots may be problems in wet, poorly…
The magic lily (Lycoris squamigera) is a rather intriguing plant. Other common names include resurrection lily, surprise lily, hardy amaryllis, and naked lady. The life cycle of Lycoris squamigera is different from…
Raised bed soils should be light and well-drained. An excellent soil mix can be prepared by mixing equal parts topsoil, organic matter (well-rotted manure, compost, or peat), and coarse sand. If bringing topsoil from other…
Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) can be divided in spring or late summer/early fall. In spring, dig up the plants just as new growth begins to appear. Divide each clump into sections with a sharp knife. Each division…
Daffodils can be dug up and replanted as soon as the foliage dies back (turns brown) in early summer. Daffodils can also be dug up and replanted in fall (October). If you would like to move daffodil bulbs in fall, mark the site when…
The amaryllis can be moved outdoors in late May. When the amaryllis is moved outdoors, harden or acclimate the plant to the outdoor environment by initially placing it in a shady, protected area for 2 or 3 days and then gradually expose it…
Cucumbers are a warm-season crop. Plant cucumbers after the danger of frost is past and soil temperatures have warmed to 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In central Iowa, cucumbers may be planted in mid-May. Gardeners in southern…
Plant impatiens outdoors after the danger of frost is past. It’s usually safe to begin planting impatiens in late April in southern Iowa and mid-May in northern portions of the state. Plants purchased at a greenhouse or started…
Two planting options are available when planting marigolds. Most gardeners set out plants in spring. However, gardeners can also sow marigold seeds directly outdoors.
Plant marigold seedlings outdoors after the danger of…
Peppers are a warm-season crop. Plant peppers in the garden after the danger of frost is past. In central Iowa, peppers can be planted in mid-May. Gardeners in southern Iowa can plant one week earlier, while those in northern…
Snap beans are a warm-season vegetable and should be planted after the danger of frost is past. In central Iowa, it’s usually safe to begin planting snap beans around May 5. Bean seeds should be planted 1 to 1 ½ inches deep. …
Summer and winter squash are warm-season crops. Plant squash after the danger of frost is past. In central Iowa, summer and winter squash can be planted in mid-May. Gardeners in southern Iowa can plant 1 week earlier. …
Transplant tomatoes into the garden after the danger of frost is past. In central Iowa, it’s usually safe to plant tomatoes around May 10. Gardeners in southern Iowa can plant one week earlier, while those in northern areas should…
Daffodil foliage should not be removed until it has turned brown and died. The length of time it takes the foliage to die back depends on bulb type, weather, and other factors. The foliage of daffodils usually doesn’t die back until…
Asparagus Photo by Cindy Haynes…