Woody weeds are trees and shrubs that have woody plant tissue. Examples of woody weeds include tree of heaven, bush honeysuckle, and poison ivy.
These weeds can be particularly difficult to manage, especially if they grow large.
Keeping ahead of weeds and controlling them when they are small is essential for good weed management. This requires persistence throughout the entire growing season to remove weeds as they emerge.
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.
The diversity of summer-blooming perennials is amazing and often attracts a diverse group of pollinators to the landscape. Learn more about the many perennials that bloom in Iowa during the heat of the summer.
Swarming occurs when a large group of honey bees leaves an established colony and flies off to establish a new colony in response to crowding within the colony. Swarming usually occurs in late spring and early summer and begins in the warmer hours of the day.
Mulch your strawberry plants in the fall with 3–5" of clean straw to protect them from freezing temperatures. In the spring, remove mulch after 25% of the plants show new growth to avoid frost damage. Read the full guide to protect your strawberry plants and get the most out of your harvest!
Several herbaceous perennials and annuals can be propagated by stem cuttings. These cuttings can be taken at any time of the year, but many gardeners prefer to take them in spring or fall.
There are so many options in the garden center, and yet some plants seem to be everywhere (and some of them are even invasive)! These recommended alternatives are a great option for a similar plant that can introduce diversity and have fewer problems.
Hostas are hardy shade perennials with colorful foliage and summer blooms. Versatile and low-maintenance, they thrive in gardens with minimal effort. Learn more about these quintessential shade plants.
Choose the right turfgrass for your Iowa lawn based on sunlight, usage, maintenance, and quality needs. Different grasses suit varying light levels and usage types.
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.
Many of our houseplants enjoy a “summer vacation” spending the warm summer months outside in a full or part-shade location. There are several important factors to consider before bringing your indoor plants outside for the summer.
Discover how to care for succulents and prevent common issues like overwatering, insufficient light, and pests. Early detection ensures healthy growth!
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.
Many deciduous shrubs in the home landscape may be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. Trees that can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings include willow, maple, tulip poplar, crabapple, and cherry.
When flooding occurs in the landscape, its sometimes unclear how to proceed. Can I eat the produce in my vegetable garden? Will my trees die? What should I do to help my lawn recover from flood damage?
Potatoes are an important food crop and thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with ample sunlight. This guide covers planting tips, from site preparation and planting to care and harvesting, ensuring successful yields. It also addresses potential problems and recommended cultivars for home gardeners.
There are many annuals well-suited for the shady areas of your garden. Learn about the options you can use in containers, baskets, and flower beds in shade and part-shade locations.
Herbs are plants valued for their flavor, fragrance, and medicinal uses. An enjoyable group of plants to grow, herbs require little space and care. Herbs have few insect or disease problems and generally require only moderate soil fertility levels. They can be grown easily in an apartment-sized plot, among flowers, as part of the vegetable garden, or in containers on a patio or windowsill.
Learn more about growing, harvesting, drying, preserving, and using herbs in your garden. Details about your favorite herb are also included.
