Care and How-To - Fruits and Nuts
-
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.
-
Learn about blackberry varieties for Iowa, including winter-hardy and primocane-bearing types. Discover proper pruning techniques for summer-bearing and primocane blackberries to maximize yield and plant health.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Commercial fertilizers, composted manures, and other fertilizers are applied to supplement a soil's natural fertility. The rate of material to apply varies according to past fertilizer use, crop grown, soil type, and other factors.
-
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
-
Old, neglected apple trees that haven't been pruned for several years are often tall, densely branched, unproductive, and may contain a large number of dead branches.
-
Learn how to protect plants from frost and freeze damage in fall and spring. Get tips on covering plants, using cold frames, and when to bring plants indoors for the season.
-
Strawberries are one of the best fruits to grow in the home garden. When little garden space is available or there is not enough space in full sun to grow strawberries, containers are a fun alternative. When grown in a container, plants not only produce fruit but are also ornamental, making them an attractive addition to a patio or deck.
Growing strawberries in containers takes some special considerations. Learn more below about getting the most from container-grown strawberries.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Explore the essentials of growing rhubarb in Iowa! Discover cultivars, planting tips, care, harvesting methods, and how to manage pests and diseases.
-
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.
-
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.
-
The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a native fruit tree in the U.S. with sweet, banana-like fruit. It can be grown in Iowa, and makes a nice unique fruit treat.
-
Serviceberries are shrubs or small trees that offer homeowners multiple seasons of interest. Their bright white flowers are one of the first harbingers of
-
Blackberries are a delicious gourmet treat that may be eaten fresh or used in cobbler, cake, sauce, jam, jelly or syrup. Unfortunately, many blackberry cultivars (varieties) do not perform well in Iowa.
-
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.
-
Pollination is an important factor when selecting and planting tree and small fruits. A list of pollination requirements for the various fruits is presented below. Home gardeners should consider these fruiting requirements when browsing garden centers or leafing through garden catalogs.
-
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.