The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an exotic destructive pest that kills all native ash trees (Fraxinus). The loss of ash trees significantly impacts the urban tree canopy. While treatment options are available, some trees cannot be treated…
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an exotic destructive pest that kills all native ash trees (Fraxinus). The loss of ash trees significantly impacts the urban tree canopy. While treatment options are available, some trees cannot be treated…
Yellowing, browning, and dropping of leaves is one of the most vague and difficult issues to deal with because it can be caused by a wide variety of issues. Many of the problems seen in houseplants are not caused by just one factor, they are the…
Cool-season annuals are annual plants that prefer cool temperatures, growing best in spring or fall. Many are tolerant of a light frost often surviving down to 28°F or sometimes even 25°F with little damage to flowers or leaves. They are great…
Cool-season annuals are annual plants that prefer cool temperatures, growing best in spring or fall. Many are tolerant of a light frost often surviving down to 28°F or sometimes even 25°F with little damage to flowers or leaves.
Cool-season…
Leaves are an excellent resource for the garden. They break down to add organic matter and nutrients to the soil. As they decompose, they act as a mulch suppressing weeds and helping to maintain consistent soil moisture. Additionally, they can…
Construction of buildings, patios, garages, driveways, sidewalks, and roads often compromises the growing environment of nearby trees. The majority of a tree’s roots are located in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil and often extend well…
A few decisions should be made before going out to buy a Christmas tree. Decide where you are going to place the tree in the home. Be sure to choose a location away from heat sources, such as a fireplace or radiator. Also, decide on the size (…
Light is typically the most limiting factor to successfully growing herbs indoors. Plants will need as much direct sunlight as you can provide. Most herbs need around eight hours of direct light each day when grown indoors. A south-facing sunny…
Tulip, daffodil, hyacinth, and other spring-flowering bulbs usually begin arriving in garden centers and other retail businesses in late August. Spring-flowering bulbs purchased in late summer should be stored in a cool, dry place (such as…
If you don’t intend to set up the Christmas tree immediately, place the tree in a cool, sheltered location. An unheated garage or shed is often a suitable storage site. (The sun and wind dries out trees stored outdoors.) Put the butt of the tree…
The nutrient content of composted leaves is very small. The levels of nutrients vary somewhat from species to species. However, the nitrogen content of composted leaves on a dry basis usually varies from 0.5 to 1.0 percent. Potash amounts are in…
Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) are one of the easiest orchids to grow indoors. Moth orchids grow best in bright, indirect light. Direct sun may actually harm the foliage. Ideal sites…
Most houseplants grow well with daytime temperatures of 65 to 75°F and night temperatures of 60 to 65°F. Temperatures below 50°F or rapid temperature fluctuations may harm some plants. Keep houseplants away from cold drafts, radiators…
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) seeds germinate slowly because they possess dormant embryos and slowly permeable seedcoats. Germination can be improved by placing the seeds in a cool, moist environment for 80 to 100 days. The cool, moist…
Harvest winter squash when the fruit are fully mature. Mature winter squash have very hard skins that can’t be punctured with the thumbnail. Additionally, mature winter squash have dull-looking surfaces. …
After harvesting the pumpkins, cure them at a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 percent relative humidity for 10 days. Curing helps to harden their skins and heal any cuts and scratches.
Honeydew is a sticky, sugar-rich substance produced by insects that suck sap from plant leaves and stems. This excretion often coats lower leaves, tables, and floors and when severe, may promote the growth of black sooty mold.
Some individuals discard their amaryllis after it is done blooming. However, it’s possible to save the amaryllis and force it to flower again next year.
Proper cultural practices must be followed to…
Poinsettias are available in a wide range of colors. Red is the most popular color. However, poinsettias are also available in burgundy, pink, salmon, white, cream, and gold. There are also bicolored, marbled, and speckled…
Proper pruning tools for a home gardener include hand shears, lopping shears, and a pruning saw.
Hand or pruning shears are generally used for cutting stems (branches) up to 3/4 inch in…
Amaryllis are available in a wide range of colors. Flower colors include red, pink, orange, salmon, white, and bicolors. Single-flowering, double-flowering, and miniature amaryllis varieties are available.
Many species of trees are available as cut Christmas trees in both local tree farms and commercial lots. The species you select will depend on attributes like color, shape, needle retention, aroma, and branch stiffness (to hold up heavy ornaments…
In the home landscape, rabbits feed on herbaceous plants (annuals, perennials, vegetables, and grasses) during the growing season. Trees and shrubs become food sources in late fall and winter (December through March). Damage to trees…
The asparagus foliage can be cut back to the ground after it has been destroyed by cold temperatures in fall. However, it is generally recommended that the dead foliage be allowed to stand over winter. The dead debris will catch and…
Cut back peony foliage after it has been destroyed by a hard freeze. In Iowa, late October or early November is generally a good time to cut back peonies. Cut off the stems near ground level. If the peonies experienced foliar…
Continue to mow the lawn until the grass stops growing in the fall. The foliage of cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, stops growing when daytime high temperatures are consistently below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In central…
Most lawns in Iowa are comprised of Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season grasses. Cool-season grasses grow best in spring and late summer/early fall when environmental conditions are usually favorable. Applications of fertilizer…
Fertilizer applications can be made in mid-September and late October/early November. Mid-September fertilization promotes a moderate rate of shoot growth and helps to thicken the turf. An application of fertilizer in late October/…
Beginning at the base of the plant, harvest the buds (sprouts) when 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Continue to harvest the sprouts higher up on the plant as they mature. Sprouts can be stored in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator…