Garden Variety

Do weekend garden tasks before clocks fall back 03.11.2023 13:40 ↓

Daylight hours are about to get even shorter. What's your outdoor agenda this weekend?

Don't believe the web of lies about spiders 20.10.2023 12:59 ↓

Though they may look scary, horticulture and insect experts say Iowans do not need to be afraid of the spiders that may enter their homes this fall.

BONUS: Getting ready for fall 16.10.2023 5:20 ↓

In this bonus episode of Garden Variety, ISU experts answer your questions on global warming, spring prep, and more!

A very prairie episode 13.10.2023 12:55 ↓

Prairie and savanna biologist Pauline Drobney and horticulturist Kelly Norris offer advice on planting and maintaining native plants and grasses.

Color me glad 06.10.2023 12:58 ↓

Fall is here, and beautiful colors are creeping across the landscape. On this episode, it's a conversation about fall colors!

Mum is the word, and we're telling everyone 29.09.2023 12:58 ↓

Summer is over, but it's prime time for mums and asters. Here's how to help them flourish

Honeyberry, I'm home! 22.09.2023 ↓

Honeyberries are delicious — and chances are good that you can grow them in your yard!

The shrub can't even handle me right now 15.09.2023 ↓

Horticulture experts discuss which shrubs will put on a colorful show during the fall.

We're keen for greens this fall 08.09.2023 ↓

Cool season crops to plant this September

Social Wasps do their own sting 01.09.2023 ↓

Social wasps might make you think of wasps that are invasive, but it refers to the fact that certain kinds of wasps like to live in groups.

BONUS: Fireflies in Iowa 30.08.2023 ↓

There are fewer and fewer fireflies in Iowa every year. In this bonus episode of Garden Variety, it's a conversation about climate conditions and light pollution and their impact on fireflies in the state.

Mower lawn care advice 25.08.2023 13:05 ↓

Let's talk about what you need to know about lawn care — and lawn robots!

BONUS: Everything melon 23.08.2023 ↓

Do melons grow well in Iowa? How long do they stay fresh? What do I need to know? All these questions answered, and more, in this bonus episode of Garden Variety.

A bunch of grape advice 18.08.2023 ↓

What you need to know about picking, storing and processing your grape harvest

BONUS: Our favorite garden Q&A 16.08.2023 ↓

Every week, we get the best garden questions from our listeners. We've put together a few of our favorites in this bonus episode of Garden Variety from IPR News.

Is the grass greener? Choosing new plants 11.08.2023 ↓

How experts select new plant varieties that will thrive

Singing Scissor Grinder Cicada all summer long 04.08.2023 ↓

Late summer in Iowa has its own distinct soundtrack, provided by insects.

Who turnip-ed the heat? 28.07.2023 ↓

Advice on keeping your plants healthy in hot temps

Sweet re-leaf 21.07.2023 13:03 ↓

How to identify signs of stress in the trees

Can I offer you a cucurbit of advice? 14.07.2023 ↓

Cucumbers and summer squash can thrive! Here's how

Beetlemania 07.07.2023 12:51 ↓

Japanese beetles are emerging once again and, as usual, they’re hungry. Here’s what you need to know about everyone’s least-favorite invasive species.

Don't forget the trees! 30.06.2023 ↓

We often remember to water the plants in our landscape when it's dry, but don't neglect the trees in your yard.

Keep your tomato plants feelin vine 23.06.2023 ↓

Some people start gardens solely for fresh tomatoes, but disease can keep your plants from thriving. Here's how to avoid and address tomato diseases.

Puns and roses 16.06.2023 ↓

Experts answer your thorniest questions about growing roses.

Have you tried turning it melon and off again? 09.06.2023 12:33 ↓

What’s one of the best summer fruits to bite into? You’re right — melon. And it’s even better if it comes from your garden.