The “worms” are likely fall webworms. Fall webworms are hairy, tan to yellow caterpillars. As they feed, fall webworms construct tents or webs at the ends of branches. Tents are initially small, but the caterpillars enlarge the…
Jostaberries are a cross between black currants and gooseberries. Plants are vigorous and may grow to a height of 6 to 8 feet. Jostaberry fruit are similar in size to gooseberries and black in color. Plants possess excellent…
There are a number of vegetables that are relatively easy to grow. Peppers, bush beans, leafy greens, and even tomatoes often make the easy to grow vegetable lists. Be sure to select vegetables that you are most likely to eat as you…
Part shade garden areas receive 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Some annuals thrive in these conditions, and others may grow best in full sun but tolerate part shade. For these species, they may have fewer flowers or a more…
Many annual flowers perform best when they have a consistent supply of moisture throughout the growing season. However, some annuals are tolerant of dry conditions. After they’ve been planted, drought tolerant annuals may need to…
Several varieties of grapes can be grown successfully in Iowa. The best cultivars to plant depend on where in Iowa you live, what you intend to use the grapes for (wine, fresh, etc.), and what color of fruit you want (red, white). …
When selecting perennials for the home landscape, it’s important to consider their size, bloom period, hardiness, and cultural requirements. Another consideration is their longevity. Some perennials are short-lived. Short-lived…
Raised beds provide several advantages over conventional garden areas. Wet, poorly drained sites can be improved by constructing raised beds. A properly prepared raised bed increases drainage, thereby promoting plant growth and increasing crop…
Aeration relieves soil compaction, improves water and nutrient movement in the soil, and prevents thatch accumulation. Aeration improves the growing conditions for the turfgrass plants and results in a healthier, more vigorous lawn. …
The foam-like masses on the strawberry plants were probably created by the meadow spittlebug. The meadow spittlebug is one of several species of this commonly recognized group of sap-feeding insects. Spittlebugs are familiar because…
The growths on the pin oak are a type of gall. Galls are abnormal growths of plant tissue induced to form by mites, insects, or other small organisms. The galls on the pin oak are called horned oak galls because of the horn-like…
Adult Japanese beetles have been documented to feed on the foliage, flowers and fruits of more than 300 different plants. Their top favorites are grape, cherry, apple, rose, raspberry and linden. A link to a list of the Japanese beetle’s most-…
Ash rust is probably responsible for the orange growths on your ash tree. Ash rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia sparganioides. The fungus produces conspicuous swellings on leaves, petioles, and twigs. Infected…
The small, white, popcorn-like objects are likely cottony maple scale. Cottony maple scale is an insect. It is most commonly found on silver maple trees. However, it can also be found on other maples, oak, linden, hackberry,…
The yellow-green bugs are probably the adults of the northern corn rootworm. The larvae of the northern corn rootworm feed on the roots of corn plants. The adults (yellow-green beetles) appear in mid-summer and are present until frost…
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…
Blossom end rot is probably responsible for the blackish spots on the tomato fruit. Blossom end rot is a common problem on tomatoes. It appears as a brownish black spot on the blossom end (bottom) of the fruit. Secondary…
Brown rot is a common fungal disease of peaches and other stone fruits. Affected fruits develop circular light brown spots that expand rapidly and rot the fruit. Sometimes the fungus that causes this rot is visible as ash-gray tufts.…
Pine wilt is a common disease that causes browning and death of pines, especially Scotch pine. Austrian, mugo, red, jack, and white pine may also be affected, but less commonly than Scotch pine. Affected trees turn brown and die within a few…
It’s likely the pile of sawdust-like material was produced by carpenter ants. Carpenter ants commonly nest inside older, hollow trees or in trees with dead limbs or branches. Carpenter ants do not eat wood. However, they…
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…
Herbs grow best in the same conditions as most vegetables. Plant in full sun with at least six hours of sunlight a day. While not ideal, some species will grow in part-sun, receiving two to four hours of direct sunlight each day. Herbs will grow…
