Care and How-To - Vegetables and Herbs
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Here are several methods you can take to remove grass, each having its own advantages and limitations. Which method you choose depends on the time it takes, the amount of work it requires, and your personal preferences.
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Harvesting vegetables at the right time boosts taste and quality. Timing varies by type, with some needing daily or weekly picking. Check this guide for details.
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Crop rotation is an important and beneficial factor when planning a vegetable garden. Problems with diseases, insect pests, and soil fertility can increase when the same crop is planted in the same area in successive years. With careful planning and consideration, crop rotation can reduce issues with diseases and pests and balance the soil's nutrients. Learn how to best rotate your vegetable crops at home.
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While spring is the traditional planting season in Iowa, late summer and early fall (mid-August to early October) is an excellent time to plant many landscape plants. Below is advice on fall planting of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, sp
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Most seeds germinate when the soil temperature is between 68° and 86°F. Once germination occurs, the optimum growing temperature for the seedling is about 10°F cooler than the optimum germination temperature.
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Debunk the myth of cucumbers, squash, and melons cross-pollinating. Learn how pollination works in cucurbits and improve your garden's flavor!
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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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Proper storage conditions for seeds are essential to maintain viability and good germination at planting time. You can test the germination rate of your seeds to be sure they are viable and worth the time to sow and grow. More information about storing seeds, testing seed germination rates, and the expected viability of common vegetables can be found below.
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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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Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable crop to grow in the home garden. Many diseases, disorders, and insect pests can affect tomatoes during the growing season.
Learn more about managing the common problems found with tomatoes in the home garden including blights, wilts, blossom end rot, viruses, fruit cracking, tomato hornworm, and more.
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October is pumpkin season! Whether its pumpkin pie or pumpkin spiced lattes, cute décor or scary jack-o-lanterns, many of us enjoy pumpkins when autumn arrives.
Below is information on how to select pupmkings, as well as how to grow, harvest, and store pumpkins at home. Answers to common pumpkin questions are also below including: What is a pumpkin? What is canned pumpkin made from? What is pumpkin spice?
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There are many species of ants that occur in lawns or along and under sidewalks. Most ants are beneficial and do not require control. However, ants may become a nuisance by constructing mounds or small hills in the lawn, landscape, prairie planting, pasture, CRP field, roadside, or on the sidewalk or patio, or by invading the home in search of food.
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Learn why potato plants produce small, green fruits and why they shouldn't be eaten. Discover tips for managing your potato garden effectively!
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Effective weed management in vegetable gardens is important and involves using multiple methods, often together. Learn about the many different options for controlling weeds in your home vegetable garden.
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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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Cool-season crops like broccoli and lettuce thrive in fall's cooler weather. Plan your fall garden with seeds and a calendar to extend your harvest.
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Germination requirements (light and temperature) vary among the different annuals and vegetables. The various crops also differ in the length of time from seed sowing until the seedlings are planted outdoors. Below is germination and growing information for commonly grown annual flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
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Along with mums and pumpkins, ornamental (occasionally referred to as "Indian corn") is often used to decorate homes in the fall. Ornamental corn can be purchased at farmer’s markets, roadside stands, craft shows, garden centers, and other l
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When autumn arrives, several things can be done to prepare the garden for winter and the following growing season. Here is a list of things to do for perennials, vegetable gardens, annuals, trees, shrubs, lawns, and houseplants in the fall.
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Mid-March is the best time to start many vegetables and annual flowers indoors for transplanting outside once the threat of frost has past.
Regardless of what type of seed you're growing, to have the best success follow these basic tips:
Start with fresh seed and clean materials.
Consult the package to determine how early to start the seed indoors - do not start seed too early.
Provide abundant light.
Do not over or under water.
Raise the humidity during germination.
If possible warm the germination mix/soil.
More details about starting seeds indoors can be found below.