Care and How-To

Reasons Why Peonies Fail to Bloom

There are several possible causes for peonies to fail to bloom. They include too much shade, recently divided, or premature removal of foliage. Find out what may be keeping your peonies from flowering.

Pruning Large, Overgrown Shrubs

Shrubs enhance landscapes with beauty and function. Proper pruning is essential but is sometimes overlooked.  Learn how to overgrown shrubs to get them back to their former glory.

Colorado Potato Beetle Control in the Home Garden

Colorado potato beetles damage potato plants; tough to control due to resistance; early action and varied methods help manage them.

Growing Bee Balm in the Home Garden

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.

Easy Low-Maintenance Houseplants

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

Growing Impatiens in the Home Garden

Ideal for adding color to shaded areas in your garden, learn how to care for impatiens, from planting and watering to managing common issues like downy mildew. Explore different varieties, including New Guinea impatiens and double impatiens, and understand their growing conditions. Perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and beds, impatiens are a versatile choice for any gardener.

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.

Shedding, Peeling, and Splitting Bark on Shade Trees

Shedding, peeling, or splitting bark on trees in the landscape can be a concerning sight. 

Understanding what is causing the bark loss is an important first step to preventing further damage.

Pests and Diseases of Roses

Roses have several disease and insect issues.  When a problem comes up, identifying it accurately is the first step.  

Growing Succulents Indoors

Succulents generally make good indoor plants because they require little care.  They are grown for their attractive leaves, stems, growth habit, and/or flowers.  The many different colors, shapes, and sizes of succulents and the fact that many are small in size make them highly collectible. 

Growing Sweet Corn in the Home Garden

Sweet corn is one of our most popular vegetables. Learn more about this excellent summer treat and growing sweet corn the home vegetable garden.

Growing Rhubarb in Iowa

Explore the essentials of growing rhubarb in Iowa! Discover cultivars, planting tips, care, harvesting methods, and how to manage pests and diseases.

All About Hoyas

Hoyas are hardy, attractive houseplants that thrive in bright light and airy soil. With proper care they grow for years, bloom reliably, and are easy to propagate from stem cuttings.

Susceptibility of Plants to Rabbit Damage

Rabbits tend to avoid plants with strong aromas or dense hairy leaves. Discover annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs that are less likely to be damaged by rabbits, compiled from various Midwest sources.

Ants Are Ecologically Beneficial

Discover the importance of ants in ecosystems. Learn about their diversity, adaptability, and positive impacts on the environment. Gain a new perspective on these often misunderstood insects.

Propagating Shrubs and Trees from Softwood Cuttings

How to propagate deciduous shrubs and trees using softwood cuttings. Discover timing, techniques, and care tips for successful rooting.

How to Remove Tree Stumps

There are many options for removing tree stumps, including grinding, natural decay, or digging. They can also be left for wildlife or turned into garden sculptures. Learn all about stump removal below.

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.

Proper Time to Prune Trees and Shrubs

The best time to rejuvenate large, overgrown shrubs is late winter or early spring (March or early April)

Pests and Diseases of Hosta

Hostas are typically easy to care for with few pest and disease problems - but that doesn't mean they don't have any.  Learn about the common insect, wildlife and disease issue that face hostas.