Garden Variety

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.

Summer is fast approaching, which means it’s time to cultivate your vegetable gardens.

It's springtime, and with it comes pesky plant diseases. On this episode, we discuss how to keep your garden healthy.

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

Leaving plant debris in your perennial garden all winter long provides texture and habitat, but now it’s time to do some spring cleaning as the weather warms.

As the weather warms up and insects emerge, you might find yourself with some unwanted houseguests crawling around.

It will be a while before you can pick your homegrown harvest, but we can offer some guidance when it comes to picking the right fruit trees.

Many landowners and stewards in Iowa battle invasives on a regular basis, sometimes spending hours weeding plants like honeysuckle and garlic mustard.

Guidance on caring for seedlings

To get a larger plant selection conveniently sent to your home, there is an online market of bulbs, seeds and plants. But how do you know you are ordering quality plants?

If you’re going to prune your shade trees this spring, it’s time to make a plan

In this bonus episode of Garden Variety, learn about the Philadelphia Flower Show from designer Kelly Norris.

Variety is the spice of life and the key to getting the most out of your garden.

Instead of going to the grocery store this season, grow flowers for your Valentine from home.

A horticulture expert shares ways to create your own indoor hydroponics system without breaking the bank.

Horticulture experts discuss their favorite seed catalogs and picking the right plants for your garden.

In this bonus episode of Garden Variety, go behind the scenes to learn about how Horticulture Day started!

The holidays inspire many of us to bring new plants into our homes. Here's how to best care for them

Host Charity Nebbe talks with horticulturist Chris Currey about the long history of the poinsettia.