Garden Variety

The oak is the state tree of Iowa. It’s a keystone species that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including over 500 species of butterflies and moths. But Iowa’s oak woodlands are disappearing at an alarming rate. Iowa Department of Natural Resources District Forester Mark Vitosh said planting a diversity of trees is crucial for a resilient canopy.

Fire blight can spread fast through orchards and backyard fruit trees, leaving growers scrambling to protect their crops. We talk with Iowa State University assistant professor and fruit tree specialist Suzanne Slack about how fire blight develops, what warning signs to look for and the impact it can have on fruit trees across Iowa.

The magic of spring has done its work. Iowa is green again, and with lawns waking up across the state, it’s time to start thinking about spring yard care. From knowing when to mow for the first time to getting your grass off to a healthy start, the season’s first lawn decisions can shape how your yard looks all summer long.

Blueberry bushes can be a rewarding addition to any garden, but getting them to thrive takes the right balance of soil, sunlight and care. From choosing the best variety to understanding soil acidity, successful growth starts well before the first berries appear. Guest host Meghan McKinney talks with Randall Vos, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, about the best tactics for growing healthy, productive blueberry bushes.

A towering oak, a giant sycamore, a stately walnut-big trees are awe-inspiring, but sometimes the landscape needs a little tree. Today, Iowa State University Horticulturist Jeff Iles gives his picks for trees on the smaller side.

We can't save the whole world on our own, but we can save our own backyard. 'National Geographic' photographer Joel Sartore has spent his career championing biodiversity and promoting conservation. His Photo Ark project aims to photograph every species living in captivity. So far, he has photographed nearly 18,000 of them. But Joel said he feels just as good about planting prairie in his yard as he feels about his work with 'National Geographic.' In this bonus episode, he shares how everyone can join the conservation team.

The earliest blossoms of spring are here. Iowa State University Horticulturists Aaron Steil and Cindy Haynes talk about columbine, bleeding heart, lungwort and their other favorite spring blooming perennials.

When you encounter an insect in a surprising place it can be alarming, particularly if you’re one of the many people who has an uncomfortable relationship with insects. Entomologist Zach Schumm of Iowa State University joins to give us the tools we need to decide if an insect is a pest or something we should leave in peace.

Catalog descriptions and garden center tags can make every cultivar sound like the best one, but firsthand experience can make all the difference. Horticulture specialist Dan Fillius of Iowa State University shares the cultivars he loves to plant and what makes them stand out in a home garden.

When plants start growing and insects start buzzing, plant diseases aren't far behind. There's no way to protect your garden from everything that can go wrong, but there are things you can do to prevent some common diseases. Chelsea Harbach of the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic at Iowa State University joins to discuss disease prevention.

When you plant a tree, the hope is that it will remain healthy and strong for decades but the recommendations for what to plant often change faster than the trees themselves, sometimes creating frustration and even controversy. On this Horticulture Day, we talk with Jeff Iles, professor of horticulture at Iowa State University, about how recommended plant and tree lists are created and why they sometimes spark debate.

Spring is the perfect time to start planting fruit trees, bushes, vines and brambles. While it may take some time before you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, choosing the right cultivars can make all the difference in creating a successful home harvest. Randall Vos, an Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, talks about how to select the best cultivars for your garden.

A few days of sunny weather in late winter or early spring, and the bugs are immediately back. It raises questions like, how do these tiny creatures survive in subzero conditions? We explore that question with Laura Iles, director of the North Central Integrated Pest Management Center.

Our relationship with fruit trees is a little different than our relationship with other trees. Iowa State University’s Suzanne Slack shares advice about when and how to prune fruit trees, vines and bushes.

Extremely cold temperatures can put pressure and tension on trees as the outside freezes faster than the inside. This can cause cracks in the tree. Frost cracking has been around forever, but only recently has the idea of “exploding trees” gone viral. In this bonus episode, DNR Forester Mark Vitosh joins us to bust some myths and give advice on what to do if your tree does crack.

Some trees, like oaks, need to be pruned during the dormant season to avoid diseases — though you'll likely want to wait for warmer winter days. Mark Vitosh, district forester with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, joins the show to talk about winter tree maintenance.

African violets are beautiful, endlessly varied and just finicky enough to make growing them a rewarding challenge. Iowa State University horticulturists Cindy Haynes and Aaron Steil talk all things African Violets and share gardening New Year’s resolutions.

Have you got your Christmas tree yet? If you haven't, there's still enough time to check out your local ditch. In this bonus episode, we hear from one caller about his holiday tradition of sourcing his tree from the side of the road.

As winter holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah and the solstice bring light into the darkest time of year, we’re taking a closer look at the plants tied to those traditions — beyond poinsettias and Christmas trees.

When you buy a Christmas tree at a farm, tree lot, or store, you’re buying an agricultural product. More than 35 million Christmas trees are harvested every year in the United States, and there are approximately 200 Christmas tree growers in Iowa. DNR Forester Mark Vitosh is here to give us some insight into the industry that brings so many people joy this time of year. To further grow your gardening knowledge, sign up for our Garden Variety newsletter.

Our horticulture experts brainstorm solutions for a well-intended caller who gifted his wife a tropical plant in a Midwestern climate.

Storage, sauce and cider. There are a number of ways that we can continue to savor the tastes of apple season into the winter months.

It's time to get your berries ready for the cold. Your future self, and your strawberries, will thank you.

Non-native insects can compete with some native species for resources, but they rarely cause extinction of native insect species.

Raking leaves is a classic fall chore, but those leaves could be put to good use.

How to (s)care for spooky plants.

As it gets colder outside, you may notice some creepy crawly household invaders inside. Here's what you should do

Digging into bulb basics and beyond with horticulture experts.

A bedtime routine is important for your plants too! We talking fall clean up with our horticulture expert.

If you've been noticing more acorns than usual, you are not alone.

All you need to know about changing leaves and autumn color.

The best ways to protect your tomatoes from disease

How to store tender perennials over the colder months.

Learn about these cool season annuals to keep your garden bright.

September is here. The growing season is still going, but temperatures are cooling. It's the ideal month to get a jump-start on a great lawn for next year.

The visible fruits of your labor are hard to resist, but patience pays off.

Farmers who use cover crops see all kinds of benefits, improvements in soil health, reductions in runoff and erosion — they even help with weed control. Home gardeners can also harness the power of cover crops.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources forester Mark Vitosh shares his tips and tricks to tree identification.

You won't believe your eyes — how millions of fireflies light up the world.

Find out which ornamental grasses could thrive in your yard.

Iowa State University horticulture specialist shares how rootstocks help grow healthy root systems.

Iowa State University horticulture experts discuss the practice of combining solar energy and agriculture.

Learn how plants and insects can peacefully coexist in your garden.

A horticulture specialist gives you lawn care advice.

Over the last 15 years the emerald ash borer has transformed Iowa's landscape. This isn't the first time a species of tree has been all but wiped out by a threat.

A plant expert shares how to care for beans and other legumes in your garden.

How to give Iowa conifers a chance to survive and thrive.

Late spring and early summer blooming perennials — peonies, shasta daisies and siberian irises — are on display.

If you're up for a wee challenge, kiwi berries are a delicious fruit you can grow at home.

With blooming flowers comes both helpful and detrimental ant antics.