Care and How-To - Fruits and Nuts
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Suckers are vigorous upright growing stems that form at the base of a tree or from the root system causing stems to appear inches or feet from the base of the trunk. They are problematic because they can reduce flowering and fruiting, alter the form of the tree, harbor pests and diseases, and look unsightly.
Learn about what causes suckers to form and how they can be managed in the home landscape.
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Whenever sprays are applied, it is important to follow label directions. Often the product label will direct to spray at certain developmental stages in the tree’s annual growth cycle. Many of the most effective management steps occur in spring, well before the apples form and ripen.
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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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Iowa soils are diverse. Soil pH is one property that can vary widely across the state. 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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Late winter or early spring is the perfect time to prune grapevines. Pruning grapevines is important to obtain maximum yields of high-quality grapes. The steps for pruning are straightforward. Learn more below.
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Growing watermelon in your garden lets you enjoy fresh, sweet fruit. Learn tips on soil, watering, and pest control for a bountiful harvest.
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Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a valuable tree in Iowa. Harvest in late September, hull immediately, dry for 2-3 weeks, and store kernels in the freezer.
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Melons like cantaloupe, muskmelon, and honeydew are perfect for summer. They need sunlight and warmth to thrive. Learn how to select, plant, and care for them.
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Explore the essentials of growing rhubarb in Iowa! Discover cultivars, planting tips, care, harvesting methods, and how to manage pests and diseases.
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Proper pruning of raspberries is essential for higher yields, disease control, and ease of maintenance. Follow specific pruning techniques based on the type of raspberry to ensure vigorous growth and abundant harvests
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Learn how to prune and train apple trees using the central leader system. Discover proper techniques for each growth stage, from planting to maturity, for healthy, productive trees.
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Watering is one of the most frequent tasks performed in any garden or landscape. Proper watering utilizes water responsibly, reducing evaporation and runoff. There are many ways to make the process easier and better for the gardener and the plants. Use the tips below to water the perennials, annuals, containers, hanging baskets, lawns, trees, shrubs, and vegetables in your landscape.
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Drip irrigation is a water-efficient method for vegetable gardens, delivering moisture directly to roots, saving time, and reducing disease risks.
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After a flooding event, biological and chemical contamination is of concern for vegetables, fruits, and other edible crops. Chemical contamination includes pesticides, agricultural chemicals, heavy metals, and petroleum products.
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February and March is the best time to prune most trees and shrubs in Iowa. The absence of foliage at this time of year gives you a clear view of the tree and allows the selection and removal of appropriate branches. Also, when pruned in the late dormant season the walling-off, compartmentalization, or sealing of wounds can begin as soon as growth starts in the spring giving the tree the most time to recover from the pruning cut.
Iowa State University has many resources available to help with pruning all your woody plants.
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Serviceberries are shrubs or small trees that offer homeowners multiple seasons of interest. Their bright white flowers are one of the first harbingers of
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Mulch your strawberry plants in the fall with 3–5" of clean straw to protect them from freezing temperatures. In the spring, remove mulch after 25% of the plants show new growth to avoid frost damage. Read the full guide to protect your strawberry plants and get the most out of your harvest!
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When flooding occurs in the landscape, its sometimes unclear how to proceed. Can I eat the produce in my vegetable garden? Will my trees die? What should I do to help my lawn recover from flood damage?
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Late summer is the time of year when wasps become most noticeable in Iowa. Unfortunately, one of the places they are noticed is in the orchard and vineyard where they feed on the ripe fruit. This creates two problems: w
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Ornamental trees and shrubs add beauty to landscapes, and sometimes their fruit is even edible. Many common landscape trees and shrubs can be used for jams or wildlife food.