Many crop producers are using best management practices to reduce and control nutrient loss and soil erosion from crop land. These same conservation methods can be applied to large-scale gardens and commercial vegetable production. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is releasing two new publications about combining cover crops and strip-tillage systems and their use in vegetable production.
Perennials are beautiful plants that live three or more years, die in the ground each fall and return in the spring. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach identify different types of perennials and planting sites where perennials can grow successfully.
Recent weather conditions may have pond owners battling an abundance of aquatic plants. While the plants are a necessary and beneficial component of a natural ecosystem, too many can cause issues for pond owners, says an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach fisheries specialist.
Azaleas and rhododendrons are spectacular flowering shrubs that can brighten any yard or garden. Even though there are many species of azaleas and rhododendrons, only a small number can successfully be grown in Iowa. Here are some tips from horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach showing what steps to take to ensure successfully grown azaleas and rhododendrons.
Bearded iris is among the most elegant, and easy to grow, flowers of spring. Follow these tips from horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to maintain a colorful, attractive iris planting.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists discuss rhubarb flowering and stalk condition and offer harvesting tips.
Researchers need samples of aronia berry jams and jellys for a research project with the goal of helping the FDA establish a standard of identity for aronia berry jams and jellies.
Gardening in the shade is cool and calming. When the right palette of plants is used, it can be successful as well. Hostas aren't the only perennials that thrive in shady conditions.
Local leaders, decision-makers and nonprofit organizations can use the information in their county’s “Poverty and Food Needs” profile to better understand and address local food insecurity issues, said Kimberly Greder, an associate professor and extension specialist in human development and family studies at Iowa State University.
Millions of trees are planted in Iowa on both private and public lands. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach answer questions related to successful tree planting.
Tomatoes are a popular part of many Iowa gardens, and with spring here, the time to plant them is approaching. But when is too early to plant? Where should they be planted? Here are some tips from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists.
A new release of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Pesticide and Field Records mobile app supports sending emails and printing hardcopies of crop and pesticide application information.
Weeds can cause trouble for asparagus, raspberries and strawberries. Here are some tips from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists on the proper way to control weeds in home gardens.
A new publication providing information on suitable tomato varieties for commercial field and high tunnel production in Iowa is now available at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Online Store. Home gardeners also will find the variety descriptions helpful.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer tips on controlling crabgrass.
The revised publication includes the life stages affected by systemic insecticides, two new professional products and proper use to protect insect pollinators. It also highlights two pesticides that protect the ash tree for two years.
Learn what it takes to have your very own asparagus patch and enjoy this favorite spring vegetable for years.
In Iowa, onions are a popular garden product, but they do require some special conditions and care to get optimal results. Here are some tips from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists on onion cultivar varieties and the proper way to plant them.
Fish producers can stay current on the areas of fish health, feeding practices, water quality and water treatment by referring to the standard operating procedures for aquaculture outlined in new Iowa State University Extension and Outreach publications.
The key to good fruit set is to provide conditions favorable for flower bud formation, survival and pollination. Horticulturists with ISU Extension and Outreach share cultural practices that improve a tree’s ability to begin and continue to bear fruit.
Rates for custom machine work and services are showing a steady increase again for 2015, according to the 2015 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey.
Right now, the weather outside is cold and the ground is inhospitable to plants. However, this is an excellent time to begin growing seedlings indoors that can be transplanted outside for successful growth in spring.
At this stage of winter, trees on Iowa’s landscape are still months from blooming and providing shade, which makes this the prime time of the year to give trees a tune-up with pruning. What is the best way to prune properly to avoid harming trees?
When temperatures are cold outside, it’s the perfect time to plan spring plantings. Include butterfly weed, a pretty, low maintenance perennial, in those plans to add significant beauty and value to a lawn. For maximum growth and beauty, specific growing procedures should be followed.
Winter is the best time to prune oak trees in Iowa, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer tips on how to prune safely and smartly.
