The rate of decomposition depends upon the composition of the compost pile, level of management, and other factors. A well-managed compost pile (one that is watered and turned regularly) containing a mixture of shredded plant material should be…
The roots of trees continue to grow until the ground freezes. If the weather is dry, continue to water newly planted trees until the soil freezes in winter. Small trees usually require watering for 1 or 2 growing seasons. It may…
The majority of roots, especially those roots that are responsible for water and nutrient uptake, are in the upper 6 to 18 inches of soil. Structural roots that radiate out from the tree and provide support and anchorage can reach a…
Mowing frequency is based on the growth rate of the turfgrass and mowing height. As a general rule, never remove more than one-third of the total leaf surface at any one mowing. Shorter mowing heights require more frequent mowing. A lawn…
Pinch chrysanthemums 2 to 3 times from spring to mid-summer. Remove the stem tips when the shoots are 6 to 8 inches tall. New lateral shoots will develop along the stems. Pinch again when these new shoots reach a length of 6 to…
The key to watering newly planted balled and burlapped and container-grown trees is to keep the plant’s root ball moist for several weeks after planting. Water newly planted trees every day for 4 or 5 days and then gradually reduce the…
Bee balms like an even supply of moisture during the growing season. For best performance, water bee balms every 7 to 10 days during dry periods. When watering, soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Apply a mulch around…
The frequency of watering is determined by soil characteristics, weather conditions, type of plant material, and other factors. In general, however, a deep watering once a week in dry weather should be adequate for most fruit, vegetable,…
Most lawns in Iowa require 1 to 1½ inches of water per week. When watering the lawn, apply this amount in a single application or possibly 2 applications 3 or 4 days apart. Avoid frequent, light applications of water which promote…
Modern roses, such as hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras, require watering during hot, dry weather. The frequency depends upon weather conditions and soil type. In most gardens, a thorough watering every 7 to 10 days during…
Plants in hanging baskets need to be watered frequently (especially in summer). Potting mixes are light, well-drained, and dry out quickly. Plus, hanging baskets may contain several plants. In general, water plants in hanging…
Fruit trees purchased from nurseries and garden centers are usually 1- to 2-year-old plants. The length of time from planting to fruit bearing varies with the species of fruit, the cultivar, and whether the tree is dwarf or standard.…
There are several different trellis systems. A two-wire permanent trellis is commonly used to support raspberries in the home garden. Its construction requires wooden posts, No.12 or 14 galvanized wire, and 2- by 4-inch lumber. …
Most turfgrasses have a difficult time growing in the vicinity of large shade trees. If your efforts to grow turfgrass are unsuccessful, there are alternatives. Areas around and beneath trees can be mulched with wood chips or shredded…
Kentucky bluegrass is an excellent choice. Bluegrass provides good cover, yet is less competitive than other cover crops. Late summer (mid-August to mid-September) is the best time to establish bluegrass by seed. Do not sow…
Blueberry plants should not be allowed to bear fruit in the first 2 years. Any blossoms which form should be removed (rubbed off). Removal of the flowers will maximize vegetative growth and increase yields in later years. …
Trees are valuable assets to the home landscape. Occasionally the services of a professional arborist are needed to prune a large tree or assess the condition of a tree after a storm. For many individuals, selecting an arborist is a…
The roots of trees continue to grow until the ground freezes. If the weather is dry, continue to water the newly planted trees until the soil freezes in winter.
In the midwest, yield is largely determined by weather conditions. Lima beans grow best when temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They also require 1 inch of water per week (either from rain or irrigation) during…
During the first growing season, all the blossoms should be removed from June-bearing strawberries. If the flowers are allowed to develop into berries, their development will reduce plant growth, runner production, and the size of next year…
The small, round, green objects are the true fruit of the potato plant. While potato plants may bloom heavily in late spring, most of the flowers dry up and drop from the plant and don’t develop into fruit. The fruit that do develop…
Plants grown in containers require a well-drained growing medium. Garden soil alone is not a good growing medium. Garden soil compacts when placed in a container, resulting in poor water drainage and aeration. Soil also pulls…
Astilbes perform best in moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. Plants like evenly moist soils throughout the growing season. Astilbes do not like dry sites. Their foliage will turn brown when plants don’t have adequate…
Purchase virus-free raspberry plants from a reliable garden center, nursery, or mail-order company. Plants obtained from an old patch are often diseased. Virus-infected plants may appear healthy, but grow and yield poorly. …
Using a well-drained growing medium, sow onion seeds in flats approximately 8 to 10 weeks before you intend to plant them outdoors. As soon as the seeds germinate, place the onion seedlings under artificial lighting. An ordinary…
