Care and How-To - Perennials
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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.
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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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Attempting to grow grass under large shade trees or shady areas created by buildings, fences, and walls is difficult and frustrating. Because of unfavorable growing conditions, grass doesn’t grow well in shady areas and the area is often lit
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Find the best groundcovers for sunny and shady sites. Perfect for Iowa’s climate, these low-maintenance plants enhance your garden’s beauty and practicality.
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There are several possible causes for failure to bloom. If the flowers do not appear some causes are too much shade, recently divided, or premature removal of foliage.
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Learn how to protect container plants in winter. Discover methods like burying pots, mulching, and using unheated storage to keep roots safe from cold damage.
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The slender, tubular flowers are produced in 2- to 3-inch-wide flower heads in June and July. They perform best in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Spent flower heads should be promptly removed to prolong bloom period.
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Learn when and how to divide bearded and Siberian irises to maintain healthy, blooming plants plus tips for best growing conditions for both iris varieties.
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As winter fades and spring arrives, several things can be done to prepare the garden for the upcoming growing season.
Below are tips for the perennial garden, vegetable garden, annual containers, trees & shrubs, houseplants, and lawns.
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Trees, shrubs, roses, and perennials are available bare root. That is, they come to you from the garden center or mail-order retailer with no soil around their roots. Extra care is required to make bare root plants survive and thrive.
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Bring garden flowers indoors for bouquets in spring, summer, and fall. No experience needed. Condition flowers to keep them fresh and vibrant.
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Springtime often means plant shopping. Follow these steps to purchase high-quality plant material. Tips are available for containerized, balled and burlapped, and bareroot plants as well as for seeds and bulbs.
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When selecting plants for the shade garden, don't overlook native woodland wildflowers. Woodland wildflowers are attractive additions to home landscapes and are easy to grow when given a favorable site.
When purchasing plants for those shady areas in the landscape, consider the following woodland wildflowers.
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Aroids or arums are members of the Araceae family. The Araceae family is large, with more than 100 genera and 3700 species of mostly sub-tropical monocots. Many species are popular as houseplants, and a few are distinctive landscape plants.
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The late growing season is a good time to collect seeds from vegetables and flowers. Seed saving allows gardeners to preserve heirloom varieties or their favorite plants from year to year. Below are the basics of harvesting, preparing, and storing seed from your garden.
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When selecting perennials, it’s important to choose plants that are suitable for the site. Wet locations can be challenging, but they also provide gardening opportunities. The following native perennials perform well in moist to wet so
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A popular symbol of Easter is the trumpet-shaped, white, fragrant flowers of the Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum). Plants are available from flower shops, greenhouses, and other retail outlets.
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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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In recent years, the number of farms that grow and sell locally-grown cut flowers has increased. Learn more about the reasons for the rise in flower farms across Iowa and the unique niche they are filling at farmer's markets and flower shops.
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While annual sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are the species grown for edible seed and oil production, the majority of Helianthus species are perennials. These native species can be wonderful additions to home landscapes. Learn more about perennial sunflowers below.