Garden Variety

Now that things are getting green, people are eager to work outside. But, before you fire up your lawn mower, some tips for best mowing practices.

It’s vegetable time! On this episode, we discuss leafy greens to grow in Iowa.

How to take care of bare root seedlings.

The idea of pollinator-friendly gardens may be relatively new, but pollinators have been an important part of gardening ever since plant cultivation began.

With fruit trees, we have expectations and needs. On this episode, we discuss techniques to best care for fruit trees.

Maple! Maple, Maple! Bo-bay-ple, Bo-na-na fanna Fo-fay-ple, Fee-fi-mo-may-ple. Maple!

Iowa is famous for having some of the richest soil in the world, but that doesn't tell you much about the quality of the soil in your yard or garden.

More cut flowers are purchased on Valentine’s Day than on any other day of the year. We learn how to make the most out of your cut flowers.

You don't need the greenest of thumbs to have an impressive collection of houseplants.

It's time to work smarter, not harder.

From pumpkins to basil, hear about the new plant varieties our horticulture experts are excited plant this spring.

Chestnuts roasting by the open fire.

It's that time of year many search for the perfect evergreen tree to bring into their home.

Fresh figs are grown and eaten in many parts of the world, and you can grow them in Iowa.

This fall, an Iowa City resident discovered the first rusty patch bumble bee nest in the state since the species was listed as endangered in 2017.

Weevils, moths and beetles, oh my!

Severe weather created the perfect storm for plant diseases.

If you feel cold, your plants feel cold, too. Extra steps are needed to protect your landscape plants through the winter months.

When it comes to Halloween plants, pumpkins are gourdgeous.

You know the changing leaves are beautiful, but there's even more fall color to love.

Fall in love with autumn leaves as they change color.

All the advice you need for planning and planting spring blooming bulbs.

Time to prepare, frost is near.

Fall is drawing near, but there's still yardwork to do.

Pumpkin spice may be all over the place right now, but one of the best flavors of fall in Iowa is a crisp, sweet, locally grown apple.

It’s a flower? It’s a fungus? It’s a non-photosynthetic native plant!

Iowa's native prairies are in full bloom.

This time of year, bees are frequent, uninvited guests to your outdoor activities.

Some Iowans have noticed a reduction of pollinators in their neighborhoods and gardens this summer, as the state has experienced severe weather this season.

Experts share how they dry and preserve the spoils of their herb garden.

Experts discuss how to care for summer blooming shrubs — hydrangea, button bush and so many others

Within a healthy ecosystem nature creates a balance between predator and prey, resources and consumers.

The best stone fruits for your region and how to care for them

How to avoid stem girdling roots

Long, warm days with plenty of moisture and sunshine are ideal for plant growth, but they are also ideal for the growth of various plant diseases.

One of the greatest pleasures for an Iowa summer is fresh, locally-grown sweet corn.

BLT's, caprese salad or just sliced and salted... With tomatoes, the possibilities are endless!

From functional to fancy, container gardening can take many different forms. They are pretty, colorful, and great options for people with limited mobility.

When you decide to plant a backyard bramble, you have a lot of choices to make.

Not big. Not small. Something in between.

How to make the most out of your strawberry patch

ISU Entomologist Zach Schum talks all things cicadas.

The USDA plant hardiness zone map has been updated. Here's what that means for your garden.

In this bonus episode of Garden Variety, Charity talks with University of Iowa biology professor Andrew Forbes about all things cicada.

How to care for hanging basket blooms.

In this bonus episode of Garden Variety, Charity talks with ISU expert Jan Thompson about how the attitude toward Bradford Pear trees has shifted. Then, Charity talks with ISU expert Cathy McMullen about garlic mustard—and how to control it.

Protect the trees in your landscape during construction projects

What to keep in mind as you begin to mow your lawn regularly

The king of crab apples shares some of his favorite spring blooming trees and talk about why magnolias seem to be having an off year