7 Tips To Spend Less Time Weeding
One of the more onerous chores in gardening is weeding. But there are tricks to make it less so. By …
We’ve been gardening in Iowa for decades. In that time, we’ve learned a thing or two, and we want to share that know-how with you. Get started by checking out all of our gardening knowledge articles below.
Don’t know where to start? Try the entering the information you need into the search bar at the top of the page.
A Remedy For Fungal Diseases In the Garden
Here’s an easy organic spray “recipe” to prevent black spot, powdery mildew, and other fungal diseas…
Composting For Beginners In Three Easy Steps
Improve your soil the free, easy, and best way—with compost! If you can pile stuff up, you can compo…
Essential Pruning Tips for Evergreens
With few exceptions, evergreens (conifers) require little pruning. Different types of evergreens sho…
Fall Garden Cleanup
Make sure you’re getting it all done and doing it right with this handy checklist of garden ch…
Five Simple Steps to Healthier Tomatoes
Does it seem like every year your tomatoes get felled by disease? Follow these tips to have the heal…
Hot Compost Vs. Cold Compost
Composting basically falls into two rough categories, “hot” and “cold.” Each…
How To Mulch Cheaper And Better
Here are some ideas for how to mulch more effectively while spending less! In the vegetable garden:F…
How To Prune A Small Tree
Pruning is really the best preventive maintenance a young plant can receive. It is critical for youn…
How to Prune Shrubs and Hedges
Well-kept shrubs and hedges make your landscape look cared for. As a rule, most shrubs should not be…
How to Spend Less On Potting Soil
If you have lots of containers to fill, especially large pots and planters, save money big-time by b…
How To Use Compost
There hasn’t been a gardener yet who felt he had too much compost! It’s the one thing yo…
Planting Calendar for Iowa
What to plant when in Iowa? Whether it’s seeds or seedlings, spring or fall, check out this mo…
Planting Soil Temperatures
The coolness or warmth of the soil (rather than the air) is key in knowing when to plant seeds or se…
Pruning Basics
Pruning is a horticultural practice that alters the form and growth of a plant. Based on aesthetics …
Pruning Large Established Trees
When to Prune The late dormant season is best for most pruning. Pruning in late winter, just before …
Pruning Roses In Iowa In Four Easy Steps
Pruning roses is part art, part science. Get started on pruning roses like a pro by learning the bas…
Pruning Tools
Use the Right Tools for Pruning The right tools make pruning easier and help you do a good job. Keep…
Raised Garden Beds
Create the ideal planting bed by taking your gardening to new heights. Raised beds are great for Iow…
Smart Planting Tips for a Thriving Garden
Get your garden off to its best start by planting smart. Whether you’re planting seeds, annual…
Snow and Ice in the Garden
When it snows, many gardeners worry about the impact of winter conditions on their plants, but it ca…
Starting Plants From Seeds Indoors
Too many people try to start plants from seed and end up discouraged. But if you read up a little on…
Summer Container Care
Keep your containers looking lush and beautiful even when Iowa’s weather goes hot and dry. Wat…
The Easiest Plants To Start From Seeds
Not only can you save money by starting plants from seeds, but you can ensure you get exactly …
Understanding Cool-Season and Warm-Season Annuals
Get more out of Iowa’s gardening climate by planting both cool- and warm-season annuals. The n…
Understanding Frost Dates in Iowa
The last average frost date in Iowa is what all spring planting is based on; the first frost is what…
Watering Basics
Watering your garden wisely not only will result in healthier plants, but you’ll save money an…
What Long-Time Iowa Gardeners Know
After gardening in Iowa for more than a quarter of a century, I’ve learned some hard-won lesso…
What To Do With Autumn Leaves
There are lots of options to bagging ’em! Each fall, millions of homeowners struggle to find w…