Care and How-To

How to Kill Grass to Create a New Garden Bed

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. 
 

Propagating Houseplants

Propagation is the creation or growing of new plants.  When houseplants get large or more plants are desired, many can be easily propagated.  Many species are propagated at home utilizing techniques like cuttings, division, and layering. 

Step-by-step instructions on many of the different forms of propagation that can be used on houseplants are outlined below.

How to Prune Neglected Apple Trees

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.

How to Prune Raspberries

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

All About Hedge Apples

Hedge apples, from the Osage-orange tree, are yellow-green fruits popular for decoration. They are often touted as being an effective pest deterrent but in reality this myth doesn't hold up well.

Managing Skunk and Raccoon Damage to Lawns

Learn how to manage and repair lawn damage caused by skunks and raccoons searching for grubs. Explore effective strategies including grub control, exclusion methods, repellents, and lawn repair techniques.

A Brief History of the Rose

Explore the rich history of roses, from ancient fossils records to modern gardens. Learn about their cultural significance across civilizations and their evolution into beloved garden plants.

Common Problems and Issues of Succulents

Discover how to care for succulents and prevent common issues like overwatering, insufficient light, and pests. Early detection ensures healthy growth!

All About Air Plants

Air plants grow and reproduce without any soil. The watering method and frequency for air plants looks much different than the typical houseplant.

How to Prevent Ice and Snow Damage on Trees and Shrubs

Heavy amounts of snow and ice on the branches of trees and shrubs can cause considerable damage. Improper removal of ice and snow can increase the amount of damage to trees and shrubs. Learn about how to manage ice and heavy snow on trees and shrubs.

Managing Tomato Diseases, Disorders, and Pests

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.

Easy Low-Maintenance Houseplants

Looking to buy a houseplant?  Try starting with some of these easy-to-care-for, low-maintenance indoor plants.

Overwintering Unplanted Trees, Shrubs and Perennials

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.

How to Transplant Small Trees

Occasionally the need arises to move trees within the home landscape. Follow these tips to move small, young trees successfully.

Vegetable Planting and Harvesting Times

This guide helps schedule vegetable planting for efficient space use with date ranges for sowing, planting, and harvesting in all parts of Iowa.

How to Propagate by Air Layering and Simple Layering

Alternatives to cuttings are air and simple layering. Discover air layering and simple layering methods, timing, rooting hormone use, and suitable plant species. 

Diagnosing Houseplant Problems

Growing indoor plants is a rewarding hobby that yields beautiful results.  But when problems arise with your indoor plants, it can be challenging to determine how to fix them.  Learn what to do when your houseplants have problems.

All About Holiday Cacti

Holiday cacti (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter) are easy-to-grow, long-lived plants that thrive with minimal care. Learn about the best growing conditions, how to care for them, dealing with potential problems, and how to get them to rebloom each year.

Your Complete Guide to Pruning Trees and Shrubs

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.

Testing and Improving Soil Drainage

What is "well-drained" soil and how can you improve "poorly-drained" soils?  Learn how to test soil drainage and what to do to improve soil drainage.