Controlling Weeds in the Home Lawn and Garden
Learn about the options for controlling lawn and garden weeds from horticulture specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
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Managing Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes and Peppers
Many commercial growers and home gardeners often confront the issue of Blossom End Rot (BER) in their tomato, pepper, and eggplant. The BER is a physiological disorder caused by a localized calcium deficiency in the blossom-end of the fruit. It is a physiological disorder and is not caused by fungi, bacteria, or any other living disease microorganisms. Also, BER could also be seen on non-solanaceous crops such as pumpkins, squash, and watermelons.
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Iowa Native Plants Featured in the 2021 Garden Calendar
Iowans can expect next year to be bright and colorful – at least according to the images found within the 2021 Garden Calendar produced by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
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Yard and Garden: Start Seeds with the Right Supplies
Many gardeners like to get a head start on the gardening season by starting flower and vegetable seedlings indoors. Successfully growing seedlings indoors requires high quality seeds, a germination medium, containers, lights and other supplies, note horticulture specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. To have additional questions answered, contact the Hortline at 515-294-3108 or hortline @iastate.edu.
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Late Summer Plantings
Seeds germinate fast when the soil is already nice and warm, which makes late summer a good time to rejuvenate lawns and plant fall vegetable crops of spinach, lettuce, peas and kale. Or plant a new tree.
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Toxicity Concerns about Raised Bed Construction Materials
Summer garden projects often include plans for future expansion or modifications. If you are thinking of constructing or transitioning to raised garden beds, learn more about safe construction materials to use.
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Plan Now for Donating Excess Produce
If your home garden ends up larger than planned or more tomatoes, potatoes, and zucchini are planted than are actually needed, donating to your local food pantry is a great option. Donations from home gardeners and commercial fruit and vegetable growers are important to food pantries.
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Saving Seeds from your Garden
Seed saving is a fun family activity and the seeds of many garden plants are easy to collect and save. There are a few things to keep in mind when collecting and saving seeds to assure that they are viable the following year.
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The Beauty of Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) has long been considered the “King of the Herbs” – not only because of its popularity, but also because the name “basileus” literally means “king” in Greek. Basil has a long history of cultivation around the world and has been used as a culinary herb, aromatic herb, and ornamental herb for centuries.
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Soil Sampling for Accurate Amendments
A comprehensive testing of soils for soil fertility and nutrient management planning for your crop, garden, or turf area is desirable to use as a basis for adjusting fertilizer, manure and limestone applications. Over or under application may reduce profits.
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