Would zoysiagrass be a good choice for a lawn in Iowa?
Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) is a medium-textured, slow-growing, warm-season grass. When managed properly, zoysiagrass will form an attractive lawn. However, some of its growth characteristics may be objectionable.
Zoysia grows best in well-drained, slightly acid soils. It does not tolerate poorly-drained soils. In alkaline soils, the color of zoysiagrass may be yellow-green. Zoysia performs best in full sun. However, it will tolerate light to moderate shade. The turf will be thinner in the shady areas.
Zoysiagrass is established vegetatively from plugs, stolons or sod. Due to its slow growth rate, it may take two or more years to form a dense turf.
Zoysiagrass possesses excellent heat and drought tolerance. Also, a thick, well-established zoysia lawn provides few opportunities for weeds. Cool-season annual weeds, such as henbit, may be the biggest problem.
A heavy-duty lawnmower and a sharp blade are necessary when mowing zoysiagrass because of its tough, dense foliage. Zoysia should be mowed at a height of 1 to 2 inches. During the period of active growth (June to September), it usually will be necessary to mow on a weekly basis.
One characteristic that many home gardeners find objectionable is that zoysia is slow to green up in spring (typically mid-May) and turns dormant with the first frost in fall. In Iowa, zoysiagrass is dormant eight months a year. The color of the turf during the dormant period is straw or pale yellow brown.
Another potential concern is its spreading habit. Zoysia may spread into flower beds, vegetable gardens and into adjacent lawns. Once established, zoysiagrass is difficult to destroy.
What would be a good strawberry variety for the home garden?
Home gardeners can choose from three types of strawberries. June-bearers are the most widely planted type of strawberry. They produce one crop per year, with the majority of fruit ripening in June.
A second type of strawberry is the everbearing strawberry. Everbearing varieties typically produce June and late summer/early fall crops with little flowering or fruiting in the intervening weeks. Day-neutral varieties are the third type of strawberry. Day-neutral varieties flower and fruit throughout the growing season if temperatures are moderate. Flower and fruit production stop during hot weather.
Suggested June-bearing strawberry varieties for Iowa include ‘Earliglow,’ ‘Allstar,’ ‘Honeoye,’ ‘Surecrop,’ ‘Redchief,’ ‘Jewel,’ and ‘Kent.’ ‘Ozark Beauty’ and ‘Ogallala’ are good everbearing varieties. ‘Tristar’ and ‘Tribute’ are the best performing day-neutral varieties.
When can I plant cucumbers in the garden?
Cucumbers are a warm-season crop. Plant cucumbers after the danger of frost is past and soil temperatures have warmed to 60 to 70 F. In central Iowa, cucumbers may be planted in mid-May. Gardeners in southern Iowa can plant one week earlier. Plant one week later in northern portions of the state. The last practical date to sow cucumbers is July 20.
Cucumbers are normally planted in “hills.” Plant four to five seeds per hill at a depth of one inch. Later, remove all but two or three plants per hill when seedlings have one or two true leaves.
Hills of cucumbers should be spaced three to five feet apart within the row. Rows should be four to five feet apart. For bush varieties, a three-foot spacing between hills and rows should be adequate.
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