Strawberries are one of the best fruits to grow in the home garden. When little garden space is available or there is not enough space in full sun to grow strawberries, containers are a fun alternative. When grown in a container, plants not only produce fruit but are also ornamental, making them an attractive addition to a patio or deck. Growing strawberries in containers takes some special considerations. Learn more about getting the most from container-grown strawberries.
Garden Trivia
How many different tomato cultivars are available to gardeners?
There are over 200 species of iris. Bearded irises are one of the most popular and widely grown perennials in the home landscape. Though not as widely grown, several other types or species of iris are also attractive additions to the perennial garden. By selecting and planting several different iris species, gardeners can enjoy blooming irises from April through July.
Lilacs are one of the most cherished and adored of all flowering shrubs. They are noted for their beautiful blossoms and fragrance. Lilacs are available in a wide range of colors. Though they offer mainly one season of interest, their spring flower displays are greatly appreciated after a long, hard winter. Learn about the selection and care of lilacs in Iowa.
The Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic (PIDC) now runs two insect identification services, the regular microscope insect identification ($10.00) and a new molecular insect identification ($35.00). Learn more about molecular insect identification in this article.
All-America Selections 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 that will be highlighted in this series.
Other Items of Interest
Garden Trivia Answer
More than 1,000 cultivars of tomato can potentially be found to grow in your garden.This does not truly represent the number of tomato cultivars that have ever been grown. Some varieties were developed years ago and have since fallen out of favor and can no longer be found. Others come from parts of the world that we don’t have access to. The total number of tomato cultivars is thought to be between 4,000 and 10,000! That’s a big range, but it illustrates the sheer amount of variety that can be found in our favorite homegrown vegetable! Learn more about tomatoes and some of the cultivars you should consider growing in these two publications: Tomatoes and Suggested Vegetable Varieties for the Home Garden.
