arborvitae

Got gardening questions? Contact the Hortline at (515) 294-3108 (Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-12 noon and 1-4:30 p.m.) or send an e-mail to hortline@iastate.edu. For more gardening information visit us at Yard and Garden Online at www.yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu

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11/12/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Rubber Trees, Begonias and Arbor Vitae
This week's answers discuss how to propagate a rubber tree, humidity conditions needed by rex begonias and what browning of arborvitae needles indicates.

11/9/2009 - Why You Should Worry about Your Walnuts
Thousand cankers disease is a malady looming on the western horizon that has already claimed many Eastern Black Walnut trees transplanted to the western states.

11/4/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Perennials, Amaryllis Bulbs, African Violets and Fertilizer
This week's answers discuss which perennials will not last forever in your landscape, how to have amaryllis blooms at Christmas, light needed by African violets, and how to store unused fertilizer.

11/4/2009 - Healthy Homemade Calendar Puts Nutrition and Fitness on Same Page
A 2010 calendar now available from ISU Extension promotes healthy homemade meals and physical activity. Low cost, easy recipes and activities fill the pages. 

11/2/2009 - November Garden Chores
Now is the time to prepare your roses and strawberries to withstand the trials of winter.You also can do cleanup in your vegetable garden to prevent disease carryover, and protect your trees and shrubs from rabbit damage.

10/29/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Vegetables, Acorns, Water Lilies
This week’s answers discuss how to prepare your vegetable garden to minimize disease problems next year, damage from acorn weevil larvae, and what to do with your tropical water lilies this fall.

10/26/2009 - Yellowjacket Wasps Look for Sweet Things to Eat in the Fall
Winter weather will put an end to invasions from yellowjacket wasps, but they can be annoying at this time of year.

10/21/2009 - Ask the ISU Garden Experts: Twig Beetles, Hostas and Magnolias
This week's answers discuss why leafy twigs may be falling from oak trees, whether hostas need winter protection, and how to germinate seeds from a saucer magnolia.

10/19/2009 - Grow Green Know How and When
Show a “green” attitude with a 2010 Garden Calendar from Iowa State University Extension – seasonal task prompts and earth-friendly gardening tips with space for your garden diary; printed on recycled paper using soy ink.

10/19/2009 - Growing Garlic
Pumpkins are not the only plants associated with Halloween. Fall is a great time to plant garlic in Iowa -- to keep vampires away and for use later in a wide variety of good-tasting recipes.

10/16/2009 - Study Measures Significance of Agriculture to Iowa Economy
As harvest takes place it is appropriate to note agriculture's impact not only on the the landscape, but on Iowa's economy. County by county economic impacts are available.

10/15/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Fish, Lichens and Compost
This week's answers discuss what to do with the fish in your garden pond over the winter, lichens that grow on tree bark and how to avoid odor issues with compost piles.

10/13/2009 - Iowa-Minnesota Drainage Research Forum in Ames Nov. 10
Sponsored jointly by Iowa State University Extension and the University of Minnesota Extension, the program will provide updates on drainage research and projects in Iowa, Indiana and Minnesota.

9/16/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Soldier Beetles, Hardiness Zones and Mowing Lawns
This week's answers discuss soldier beetles in flower beds, plant hardiness zones and when to put away the lawnmower for the winter.

9/15/2009 - Iowa State Organic Program Launches Water Quality Project with $600,000 Grant
An organic farm in Jefferson and an ISU site in Story County will be the locations for a project comparing sediment delivery, nutrient use and transport, and overall water availability between conventional and organic cropping systems.

9/14/2009 - New Initiative Helps Iowans Make Decisions about Long-term Care
Iowans need to plan ahead for long-term care.That’s why Iowa State University Extension is a partner in Own Your Future, a new initiative to help Iowans plan for their future needs.

9/14/2009 - Late Summer Is Time to Rejuvenate Your Lawn
There are four steps in lawn care that can be done now to encourage a beautiful lawn next spring and summer.

9/11/2009 - Conference Will Tell How America’s Bioeconomy Can Clean the Planet
Iowa State University's seventh bioeconomy conference on Dec. 1 will be offered simultaneously with partner universities as a virtual conference. James Lovelock, renowned for his global environmental science thinking, is keynote speaker.

9/9/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Sooty Mold, Spider Mites and Tomatillos
This week's answers discuss sooty mold on maple leaves and other trees, how to deal with spider mites on houseplants and when to harvest tomatillos.

9/7/2009 - Discoloration on Oak Leaves May Be Caused by Bur Oak Blight
Newly identified leaf spot species causing widespread damage to bur oaks in several Iowa counties.

9/3/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Phlox, Potatoes and Apples
This week's answers discuss when to divide garden phlox, why potatoes turn green and how to tell when you should pick apples.

9/1/2009 - Meet ISU Extension’s New Regional Directors
Iowa State University Extension’s 20 new regional directors have been on the job for a month, meeting with their county extension councils and setting the direction for ISU Extension educational programs in their regions. See feature stories about each regional extension education director.

9/1/2009 - Festival Will Give Visitors a Complete Aronia Berry Experience
The increasingly popular aronia berry is the festival's main attraction, but visitors will be treated to educational seminars, tours, music and wares of local artisans for a total Loess Hills experience.

8/31/2009 - Money Talk: A Financial Guide for Women on Web and by Mail
Next series begins in October to assist women who face an 85 percent likelihood of being on their own financially at some time during their lifetime.

8/31/2009 - Transplanting Peonies
September is the best time to move your peonies to a new location or to divide established plants.

8/26/2009 - Ask the ISU Garden Experts: Lilac Mildew, Magnolia Scale and Cockscomb
This week's answers discuss powdery mildew on lilacs, treating scale infestations on magnolias and how to preserve cockscomb.

8/26/2009 - Webcasts will Cover Water Quality Protection
A Sept. 1 webcast will discuss best management practices for water quality protection; a Sept. 15 webcast will present information on converting CRP land.

8/24/2009 - Mum's the Word for Fall Color in the Garden
Careful selection and some special measures are needed to ensure long survival of chrysanthemums in the Iowa climate.

8/21/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Beetles, Grass Seed and Gourds
This week's answers discuss insecticides and Japanese beetles, when to sow grass seed and when to harvest gourds.

8/21/2009 - New Publication Reveals Late Summer Flower Possibilities
Gardeners looking for late-summer-blooming plants can find ideas in the new ISU Extension publication "Flowering Plants for the Late Summer Garden."

8/20/2009 - USDA Proposes Label Rule to Help Consumers Identify Biobased Products
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making it easier for consumers to identify biobased products through the release of its proposed BioPreferred labeling rule.

8/17/2009 - Local Foods Offer More Than Just Good Eating
Opportunities abound for good nutrition, a connection with the land, and support for the local economy when you check out the fruit and garden produce available in your community.

8/6/2009 - Eat at Home: It’s Inexpensive, Nutritious and Promotes Family Communication
Preparing and eating more meals at home can be a key behavior to become more fit by eating healthier.

8/6/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Lace Bugs, Bell Peppers and Tomato Hornworms
This week's answers explain why the leaves on your hackberry tree may be dropping early, when you should harvest your bell peppers and what to do about those green caterpillars on your tomato plants.

8/5/2009 - ISU Extension Web Site Offers Management Options for Hail Damaged Crops
ISU Extension responds to crop and livestock producers crop and forage concerns caused by severe hail storm damage. In addition to extension field and livestock specialists, producers can access a hail damage Web page for information.

8/5/2009 - High Tunnel Production Workshops Offered by Iowa State University Extension
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers and farmers who want to diversify invited to workshops north of Ames at the end of September and at the Armstrong Research Farm near Lewis in January.

8/4/2009 - Celebrate and Enjoy National Farmers’ Market Week
As part of celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week August 2-8, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is urging consumers to benefit from the nation’s rapidly growing network of some 4,900 farmers’ markets now operating in every state.

8/3/2009 - Horticulture Hot Spots to Help Keep You Cool at the Iowa State Fair
Displays and plantings at the Iowa State Fairgrounds give garden-minded fairgoers something to look forward to during the fair Aug. 13-23.

7/30/2009 - New Iowa Publication on Protecting Bees Complements New National Web Resource
Iowa’s bee colony losses between September 2008 and April 2009 were 63.9 percent. An Iowa State University Extension publication helps beekeepers and pesticide applicators understand their roles to protect pollinators.

7/30/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Perennials, Stinkhorns and Tomatoes
This week's answers discuss when to divide perennial plants, common garden fungi and why tomatoes are ripening slowly this year.

7/30/2009 - Teens Recycle, Repurpose, Restyle Clothing with the 4-H $15 Challenge at State Fair
With a shirt from a garage sale, pants from a consignment store and a retro jacket from a second-hand shop, teens are putting together unique outfits for the 4-H $15 Challenge clothing event at the Iowa State Fair.

7/30/2009 - Healthy Kids Act: Goodbye Junk Food, Hello Healthy Kids
On the one hand, the Healthy Kids Act is a junk food ban in Iowa schools. But on the other hand, it’s a welcome step to improving the health of Iowa’s kids, says Ruth Litchfield, an Iowa State University Extension nutritionist and member of the Healthy Kids Act Advisory Panel.
 
7/28/2009 - Iowa Learning Farm Hosts Water Quality Field Day
The Iowa Learning Farm will host a field day at Rick Juchems’ farm near Plainfield, Iowa, on Wednesday, Aug. 5, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The field day will focus on improving water and soil quality using conservation farming practices for optimum results.
 
7/27/2009 - Harvesting and Storing Onions
Easy to grow onions can provide flavor from the garden all winter if harvested and stored using these suggestions.

7/23/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Watering Your Plants and Cherry Leaf Spot
Watering perennials, reducing the use of water in the garden, and holes in cherry tree leaves are topics for this week's answers.

7/21/2009 - Septic Systems: Out of Sight -- Out of Mind -- and Out of Pocket
Regular maintenance of septic systems saves headaches and money.

7/20/2009 - The Very Yellow 'Princeton Gold' Norway Maple
For variety in your landscape, several trees and shrubs are available that feature yellow foliage instead of everyday green.

7/16/2009 - Ask the ISU Garden Experts: Snap Beans, Orange Grass and Holes in Roses
This week's answers discuss late plantings of snap beans, what causes turfgrass to take on an orange coloration, and what causes round holes in rose foliage.

7/16/2009 - Carbon Footprint of Animal Agriculture Is July 31 eXtension Webcast Topic
A free webcast highlights dairy farming's management practices and their environmental impact.

7/15/2009 - Extension Brings Pasture Walk to Pleasantville in August
The early evening event will feature speakers from Iowa State University Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Services, and Cargill Nutrition, including beef producer Bryan Hill.

7/14/2009 - 2009 Grassfed and Organic Beef Field Days in Three States
Organic and grassfed beef is a growing industry throughout the Midwest. The 2009 SARE Grassfed and Organic Beef Field Days are the perfect opportunity to learn more about the production industry.

7/14/2009 - Iowa Learning Farm Hosts Howard County Field Day
The Iowa Learning Farm will host a field day at the Max Schmidt farm near Elma in Howard County July 23 at 5:15 p.m. The field day will focus on crop residue management and conservation farming practices to reduce soil erosion and improve soil and water quality.

7/13/2009 - Protect Ponds and Stream Banks with Research-based Practices
Banks and areas near steam and pond edges can be improved and maintained with research-based practices including limiting unwanted nutrients.

7/13/2009 - Don't Wig Out Over Earwigs
Superstition is the source of the earwig's name. These insects are unique in that they provide some parental care of their young.

7/9/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Wasps, Peonies and Herbs
Wasps known as cicada killers, peony leaf blotch and when to harvest herbs are discussed in this week's answers.

7/8/2009 - Media Advisory - ISU Extension Regional Director Office Locations Announced
Iowa State University Extension has selected office locations for the 20 Regional Extension Education Directors. ISU Extension has entered into memorandums of understanding with county extension councils that will provide office space and support staff for the directors.

7/6/2009 - Conservation Loan Programs Improve Land, Water Quality, Iowa State Research Shows
Conservation loan programs appear to be leading to significant improvements in Iowa land and water quality, according to a recently released study of Iowa landowners.

7/6/2009 - Eight Gardens in Eight Days
Iowa State University Extension Home Demonstration Gardens ready for visitors at locations near Chariton, Fruitland, Gilbert, Kanawha, Lewis, Nashua, Rock Rapids and Sutherland.

7/1/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Evergreens, Tulips, Barberries and Tomatoes
This week's answers discuss evergreens that can be planted on a slope, when to move tulips, verticillium wilt in barberries and curling leaves on tomato plants.

6/29/2009 - Postharvest Handling of Vegetables Highlighted at July Workshops
Sessions in Ames and Decorah to include discussions on wholesale markets and on preparing produce for market.

6/29/2009 - Summer Care of Raspberries
Pruning, weed control and irrigation can help ensure an excellent fruit crop during summer months.

6/26/2009 - Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Fertilizer, Rain Gardens and Blueberries
This week's answers tell how to interpret the numbers on the fertilizer bag and when to pick blueberries. The advantages of rain gardens are also discussed.

6/25/2009 - ISU Extension Selects 20 Regional Directors
This is an update to a story first released June 23. An extension education director has been hired for Region 2, bringing the total number of new Iowa State University Extension regional directors to 20. Individual stories are available for all 20 directors.

6/24/2009 - Iowa Learning Farm Hosts Clay County Field Day
The Iowa Learning Farm will host a field day at the Clay County Growers demonstration site near Spencer, Iowa, on Tuesday, July 7, beginning at 5:15 p.m. with field tours beginning at 5:30. The field day will focus on crop residue management and conservation farming practices, including no-till and strip-till, for optimum results.

6/24/2009 - Manage Brush Effectively and Economically with Herbicides
Three distinct types of herbicide treatments are commonly used to control invasive woody plants. They are cut-surface, basal bark and foliar applications.

6/22/2009 - Blistered Leaves on Oak and Maple Trees – What Happened?
Fungi are causing this year's blister bonanza, but the unsightly spots rarely cause any permanent damage.

6/19/2009 - Iowa 4-H Foundation to Raffle 2009 Toyota Corolla
The Iowa 4-H Foundation is partnering with Wilson Toyota of Ames to give away “Clover,” a 2009 Toyota Corolla, during the second annual Iowa 4-H Vehicle Raffle.

6/18/2009 - Ask the ISU Garden Experts: Rutabagas, Ash Rust and Cabbageworms
This week's answers discuss how to grow rutabagas, orange-colored growths on ash tree leaves, and methods that can be used to control cabbageworms.

6/15/2009 - Summer Lilac Care
Well-adapted to Iowa, lilacs thrive in sunny sites with good air circulation. Here are some tips on how to maintain your lilac plantings.

6/14/2009 - Agritourism: A Recession Cure for Farmers and Vacationers
Agritourism provides vacationers a fun and educational experience close to home -- an important factor for many tightening the entertainment budget.

Contacts :
Richard Jauron, Horticulture, (515) 294-1871, rjauron@iastate.edu

Jean McGuire, Extension Communications and Marketing, (515) 294-7033, jmcguire@iastate.edu


JB 11/13/2009