Determining when to harvest vine crops, such as melons, squashes, and cucumbers, is not always easy. While some vegetables like tomatoes exhibit clear signs, the proper time to harvest other crops may require a little more knowledge and experience. Learn more about harvesting and storing various vine crops including watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, summer squash, winter squash, pumpkins, and gourds.
|
|
|
Garden Trivia
True or False: Sunshine focused through water droplets will burn holes in the leaves.
Read on to see the answer!
|
|
|
|
While annual sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are the species grown for edible seed and oil production, the majority of Helianthus species are perennials. These native species can be wonderful additions to home landscapes. Learn more about perennial sunflowers.
|
|
This week marks the start of the Iowa State Fair! Each year, amazing flowers, fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural plants are put on display. There is something horticultural to see any day of the Fair - the Rose Show, Dahlias, Bonsai, and exhibits from students in 4-H and FFA. Here are a few of Aaron Steil's favorite horticulture highlights to catch at the Iowa State Fair!
|
|
|
|
|
When selecting annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees, choose plants that are adapted to the growing conditions at the planting site. Most landscape plants prefer moist, well-drained soils in full sun. However, there are plants that will tolerate more difficult sites. Lists of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees that tolerate dry soils, wet soils, and partial shade are provided.
|
|
All-America Selections (AAS) has been trialing edible and ornamental plants for over 90 years, presenting awards to entries that will impress home gardeners with their performance regionally or nationally. There have been plenty of exciting new winners that merit a place in your garden. See this article for a few new vegetables and Reiman Gardens' harvests for Plant A Row for the Hungry.
|
|
|
|
|
As summer continues, bald-faced hornet nests get larger, and the number of hornets you see outside can increase substantially. The Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic has received several inquiries about bald-faced hornets since the start of August, and we’re here to tell you if you should worry, and what to do if you find a nest.
|
|
Garden Trivia Answer
False. Water does not act like a magnifying glass and burn holes in the leaves on hot, sunny days. On some species, very cold water could cause discoloration because of the temperature difference, but plants can be watered at any time of the day. It is still beneficial to avoid mid-day irrigation because much of the water is lost due to evaporation. Learn more tips for watering in this article: Watering Tips for the Garden, Lawn, and Landscape
|
See our previous issue here.
|
|
Not yet subscribed? Subscribe to receive all the latest Hort and Home Pest News!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
