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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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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This guide helps schedule vegetable planting for efficient space use with date ranges for sowing, planting, and harvesting in all parts of Iowa.
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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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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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Many resources are available to help you be successful in starting seed indoors for your garden.
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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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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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There are many different options for containers that can be used to start seedlings.
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Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are a vegetable garden staple. These vining plants are in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) and include not only cucumber, but squash, pumpkin, gourd, watermelon, and cantaloupe. This member of the "vine crops" grows on long trailing vines that can take up quite a bit of space in the home vegetable garden, so plan accordingly if you are thinking of adding them to your home garden. Cucumbers can be successfully grown on trellis systems to save space and make harvest easier.
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When starting a vegetable garden, consider location, size, layout, soil, and what to grow. Plan for sun exposure, drainage, crop rotation, and proper record keeping. Learn more below.
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Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are the most popular vegetable in the home garden. There is nothing quite like a tomato fresh from your garden!
Learn all things growing tomatoes including planting, care, training, pruning, harvest, recommended cultivars, seed saving, growing in containers, and how to deal with common problems.
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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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Sweet corn is one of our most popular vegetables. Learn more about this excellent summer treat and growing sweet corn the home vegetable garden.
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Ready to start your own vegetable garden? Learn the basics of planning, caring, growing, planting, and harvesting. Gardening benefits your health, connects you to nature, and saves you money.
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In Iowa, onions are easy to grow and versatile. They come in various colors and shapes, and can be grown as green onions or dry onions. Learn more about successfully growing onions in the home vegetable garden.
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Raised beds have become popular features in the home landscape. They are both functional and attractive and can be used to grow flowers, vegetables, and small fruits.
Learn how to build your own raised beds for use in vegetable gardens and other areas in the landscape.
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Vegetable gardens can thrive in the cooler temperatures of early spring. Plant cool-season crops, like lettuce and peas, when soil hits 50°F for a better quality harvest and efficient use of garden space.
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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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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.