Weed management requires persistence throughout the entire growing season removing weeds when they appear and preventing them from getting large, flowering, or setting seed.
There are many different techniques for weed management and effective control often comes from using a combination of different techniques.
Weeds can be divided into several major groups. Some species can be classified in one or more of these groups, and others cannot be classified in any of these groups. Understanding how the weed is classified will help with control as the management of weeds in each group looks similar.
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.
Wood ashes have been used for hundreds of years as a fertilizer. Be sure to use it in moderation on the garden. It contains essential nutrients but can raise soil pH too high.
Overseeding improves lawn density by sowing grass seed into thin established turf. Best done in late summer or early fall, it involves good seed-to-soil contact and proper care post-seeding.
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."
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.
Serviceberries are shrubs or small trees that offer homeowners multiple seasons of interest. Their bright white flowers are one of the first harbingers of
Young or newly-planted trees require special care to ensure their establishment and rapid growth. Young trees must be protected from the careless operation of lawnmowers and weed-trimmers, from vandals, and from harmful construction activities.
Light is crucial for plant growth. Frequently, the indoor environment does not have enough light for plants to grow and develop well. Once you've determined how much light your plants need, you can build a supplemental light setup perfectly suited to provide the best light for your indoor plants.
Trees enhance landscapes but can damage sidewalks and roads with their roots. Understanding and addressing this can prevent hazards and costly repairs.
Hydrangeas, with their large, elegant flowers, are great for home landscapes and cut flowers. New cultivars offer diverse colors and shapes, suitable for Iowa.
When selecting perennials, it’s important to choose plants that are suitable for the site. Wet locations can be challenging, but they also provide gardening opportunities. The following native perennials perform well in moist to wet so
Controlling weedy vines can be difficult. There are several tactics that can be considered to manage these weeds depending on the species including pulling, digging, cutting, mowing, and herbicides.
Many of our favorite bulbs are Eurasian natives, but there are some great bulbs native to North America to include in your garden. Learn about camas, trout lily, and various native lilies and ornamental onions.
Ferns are great additions to the Iowa shade garden. They are often found in shaded, damp forests in both temperate and tropical areas of the world, but many have adapted themselves to survive in a variety of environments. The ferns that will grow in Iowa range in size from less than 1 foot tall to more than 3 feet tall. Ferns can be used as focal points, or as background or filler plants in shady garden beds.
Melons like cantaloupe, muskmelon, and honeydew are perfect for summer. They need sunlight and warmth to thrive. Learn how to select, plant, and care for them.
Small ants are a common pest in the home kitchen or bathroom. Foraging ant workers may appear a few at a time over a broad area, or a large number may descend on food, refuse, pet food, or moisture available overnight. Of the dozen dif
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.
Light is crucial for plant growth. Key factors include quality, intensity, and duration. These three factors are used to determine the light requirement needed for best growth, called the daily light integral (DLI). Learn more about the important factors that need to be considered and how to calculate the DLI below.
