Care and How-To - Environmental
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Iowa soils are very diverse and so are the chemical characteristics that make up these soils. Soil pH is one property that can vary widely across the state both naturally and due to how we manage the field or garden. It is also one of the most cost effective and easy to manage soil properties that can be modified to improve plant health and crop production.
Learn about how to decrease and increase your soil pH below.
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Shedding, peeling, or splitting bark on trees in the landscape can be a concerning sight.
Understanding what is causing the bark loss is an important first step to preventing further damage.
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In Iowa, the weather in spring is often erratic. Below-freezing temperatures in April and May can follow unseasonably warm weather in late March and early April. The cold spring temperatures can affect plants in gardens and home landscapes. The good news is that cold temperatures shouldn't affect most plants long-term. How to manage cold temperatures and the damage they can cause to trees, shrubs, fruit trees, spring bulbs, perennials, vegetables, and other plants is provided below.
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Discover how to care for succulents and prevent common issues like overwatering, insufficient light, and pests. Early detection ensures healthy growth!
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Many trees and shrubs thrive in Iowa's fertile, well-drained soils. Most trees and shrubs, however, don't like wet soils. Fortunately, some plants tolerate wet soils better than others.
When selecting trees and shrubs for the home landscape, gardeners should select plants suitable for the site. Wet sites can be a challenge. However, the trees and shrubs listed below will perform well in wet soils.
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Wood chips and shredded bark are commonly applied to landscape areas to control weeds and conserve soil moisture. Wood chips and shredded bark are organic matter. The decaying organic matter provides an ideal environment for some strange-looking fungi or fungal-like organisms when weather conditions are favorable. Fungi that occasionally grow in landscape mulches in Iowa include stinkhorns, slime molds, and bird’s nest fungi.
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Heavy amounts of snow and ice on the branches of trees and shrubs can cause considerable damage. Improper removal of ice and snow can increase the amount of damage to trees and shrubs. Learn about how to manage ice and heavy snow on trees and shrubs.
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Roses have several disease and insect issues. When a problem comes up, identifying it accurately is the first step.
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Several factors cause branch dieback on trees. Correctly diagnosing the problem(s) is the first step in managing an unhealthy tree. Below are some common causes of branch dieback on trees in the landscape. Use this guide to evaluate your tree and determine the likely cause of the branch dieback.
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While easy to grow, tulips do occasionally develop problems. Early emerging foliage, browsing from deer and rabbits, and bulb rot are a few common ones. Below are potential problems encountered when growing tulips in the landscape and how to manage them.
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Storms can damage trees through wind, ice, and snow. Proper maintenance reduces risk, while damaged trees need careful evaluation and prompt action. Many times, trees are best replaced.
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In the winter, deicing compounds are frequently used to make roads, sidewalks, and pathways safer. However, they can damage concrete surfaces and landscape plants. Learn about the key considerations to keep in mind when using deicing materials in your landscape.
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Some plants in the landscape need a little extra protection to make it through the winter months. Here is what you need to know to successfully overwinter plants in Iowa.
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Keep your trees healthy and vibrant through the cold months! Discover tips on preventing winter browning of conifers, sunscald injury, and animal damage.
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Trees enhance landscapes with beauty and shade, but healthy roots are crucial for their vigor. Damage or soil grade changes can jeopardize tree health. Learn how to avoid these issues.
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Growing indoor plants is a rewarding hobby that yields beautiful results. But when problems arise with your indoor plants, it can be difficult to determine how to fix them.
When encountering a houseplant problem, ask yourself, Are the environmental conditions appropriate for this species?
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Growing transplants at home requires good seed, proper temperature, moisture, light, and care. When things don't go right, follow best practices to avoid poor germination, spindly growth, and other issues.
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When a summer heat wave arrives, it can be stressful for the plants and gardeners alike. The plants of your landscape will require a little more TLC to make it through periods of extreme heat. Below are a few tips to protect your lawn, garden, and landscape when temperatures soar.
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Peonies are easy-to-grow, long-lived, and reliable performers in the garden, but they occasionally have issues. The most common issues with peonies, such as failure to bloom, powdery mildew, and flopping over, are listed below.
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Home gardeners face various problems growing potatoes, including green tubers, frost damage, scabs, cracks, and pests. Effective care and proper storage can ensure a healthy, productive harvest.