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.
After a flooding event, biological and chemical contamination is of concern for vegetables, fruits, and other edible crops. Chemical contamination includes pesticides, agricultural chemicals, heavy metals, and petroleum products.
Tomatoes are great candidates for growing in containers. This is a great option when space is limited, a suitable full-sun location can only be found where a garden cannot be established (like a patio), or when you do not have access to an in-ground garden plot or raised bed.
Learn all things growing tomatoes in containers including planting, care, harvest, and recommended cultivars.
Discover how to grow and care for amaryllis bulbs, from potting and forcing to after-bloom care. Learn about various types, colors, and cultivation tips!
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.
When brown needles and branch tips show up on our conifers, it can be alarming. Learn about the many possible causes of browning and dieback on conifers, including desiccation, winter injury, disease, herbicide damage, and seasonal needle loss.
Hydrangeas, with their large, elegant flowers, are great for home landscapes and cut flowers. New cultivars offer diverse colors and shapes, suitable for Iowa.
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.
Establishing a new lawn requires careful planning and effort. Learn the best seeding times, turfgrass selection, site preparation, and maintenance tips for a thriving lawn!
Serviceberries are shrubs or small trees that offer homeowners multiple seasons of interest. Their bright white flowers are one of the first harbingers of
Organic mulches serve several important functions in gardens and landscape plantings.
These many benefits make the use of mulch very beneficial in a wide range of garden settings. When choosing which organic mulch to use, consider availability, cost, appearance, function, and durability.
Deer, rabbits, mice, voles, and other animals can cause a lot of damage to trees and shrubs over the winter months. Prevention is key to managing these garden pests. By taking steps in the fall, you can prevent damage from occurring over the winter.
Clematis are vining members of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Over 250 species and hundreds of varieties are available which bloom from May until frost. No matter how you say it (kla-MAT-us; KLEM-a-tis), they are some of the most beautiful and diverse climbing vines for the landscape. They have earned the moniker of "Queen of Vines."
Silver foliage plants add sparkle, texture, and heat tolerance to sunny gardens and brighten shade spots with year-round contrast and interest. Learn about the silver foliage perennials you can grow in your Iowa landscape.
“What tree should I plant in my yard?” This is a difficult question to answer because the tree should be matched to its site. Tree lists like the ones provided are a good first step, but they must be interpreted and understood. So, if you see a species or cultivar that sounds interesting, do some research to find out what the tree needs in terms of space and growing conditions. Remember, tree lists are not like restaurant menus. Not every entrée or tree is suitable for every occasion.
Learn how to turn garden flowers into beautiful arrangements with tips on design basics, prepping stems, choosing containers, and using simple tools to create long‑lasting, balanced displays.
To successfully establish trees in the home landscape, it's important to follow proper planting techniques. Follow this easy to follow guide to get all the basics you need to get started
Bumpy, rough, uneven lawns are annoying, difficult to mow, and potentially dangerous. Learn about the factors that cause rough, bumpy lawn and how to manage them.
