Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
7/8/02
Contacts:
Cindy Haynes, Horticulture, (515) 294-4006, chaynes@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning July 12
A Gardener's Secret: The 2002 Home Demonstration Gardens
By: Cindy Haynes
Extension Horticulturist
Iowa State University Extension
Books, radio and the Internet are good sources of plant information. However, even these sources can't compare to the wealth of information we gain from our own experiences or from other gardeners. The Home Demonstration Garden Field Days at the Iowa State University (ISU) Research Farms is one of the best-kept secrets for gathering such gardening information.
Every year, extension specialists and farm superintendents invite the public to field days to share the knowledge they have gained in growing a wide variety of annual plants. Vegetables, flowers and cultural practices are put on display for a limited time each summer. This year the Home Demonstration Gardens are featuring grape tomatoes, zinnias, miniature vegetables, pole beans and tropical plants. In addition, corn gluten meal for weed control is being tested on vegetable transplants.
What is the difference between a cherry and a grape tomato? When a tomato doesn't turn red at maturity, how do you know when it is ripe? Answers to these questions can be found by attending the ISU Demonstration Garden Field Day near you. Who knows, we might even let you sample a few of the grape tomatoes we are growing, including 'Grapette,' 'Sweet Olive,' 'Gabrielle,' 'Summer Sweet,' 'Mini Charm' and the non-red type called 'Green Grape.'
We are also comparing several varieties of pole beans and zinnias. It is amazing how a group of plants can be so similar and yet so different. The farms will feature both heirloom and newer varieties of pole beans. The incredible diversity of zinnia growth habits, flower colors and bloom sizes will also be featured. Visit the demonstration gardens to pick a few varieties for your garden next year.
A few years ago we showcased giant tomatoes. This year the gardens are highlighting "baby vegetables." Miniature versions of eggplant, corn, beets, carrots, pumpkins, melons, peppers and cucumbers have been grown at the farms. These "bite size" babies can be equally as colorful and tasty as their larger counterparts.
Since the weather was so mild this winter (and so hot this summer), we are going tropical at the demonstration gardens. Come see for yourself how Cannas, Calla Lily, Elephant Ear, Four O'clock, Cuphea, Hibiscus, Castor Bean, Angelica and Datura can transform a garden into something exotic. Unfortunately, these equatorial natives are not winter hardy in Iowa and must be replanted each spring.
Gardening is more than just growing different varieties of plants. Sometimes gardeners try out new techniques as well. This year we are trying corn gluten meal in the vegetable garden. This corn byproduct prevents the germination of weed seeds. Come see for yourself how it performs in our garden.
Information about the dates, times and locations of the Home Demonstration Gardens and Field Days does not require a secret password or handshake. Just look below, visit the ISU research farms Web site (http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/) or contact your local county extension office for more details.
| Research Farm | Date and Time | Closest Town |
| Southeastern | August 1 at 6:30 pm | Crawfordsville |
| Northeastern | August 3 at 4 pm | Nashua |
| Armstrong | August 6 at 6:30 pm | Lewis |
| Northwestern | August 7 at 6:30 pm | Sutherland |
| Northern | August 8 at 6:30 pm | Kanawha |
| Muscatine Island | August 9 at 6:30 | Fruitland |
| Rhodes | August 21 at 6:30 pm | Rhodes |
| Northwestern at Doon | August 22 at 6:30 pm | Doon |
| McNay | September 5 at 5 and 6:30 pm | Chariton |
Come visit the ISU Home Demonstration Garden Field Days in a town near you. We want everyone to know about this secret. Pass it on!
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