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Iowa Public Radio
Whether you're a master gardener, just getting started or somewhere in between - there's always something new to learn in your garden and landscape. On each episode we'll talk with horticulturists, foresters and other experts. We'll learn about vegetable gardens, lawns, native plants, trees and more. Garden Variety is the podcast for all the things you'd like to grow or grow better.
Garden Variety is a horticulture podcast from Iowa Public Radio and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Kind of a fig deal
Fresh figs are grown and eaten in many parts of the world, and you can grow them in Iowa.
00:0022/11/2024
BONUS: A rare bee discovery
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.
17:2718/11/2024
Wicked witch of the pest
Weevils, moths and beetles, oh my!
00:0015/11/2024
A look at plant disease trends this year
Severe weather created the perfect storm for plant diseases.
00:0008/11/2024
Shiver me timbers
If you feel cold, your plants feel cold, too. Extra steps are needed to protect your landscape plants through the winter months.
00:0001/11/2024
Gourd big or go home
When it comes to Halloween plants, pumpkins are gourdgeous.
00:0025/10/2024
Fall perennials are bloomin brilliant
You know the changing leaves are beautiful, but there's even more fall color to love.
00:0011/10/2024
Bet your autumn dollar
Fall in love with autumn leaves as they change color.
00:0004/10/2024
May the forced bulbs be with you
All the advice you need for planning and planting spring blooming bulbs.
00:0027/09/2024
'Tis the season for freezing
Time to prepare, frost is near.
00:0020/09/2024
Iowa's fields of green are turning gold
Fall is drawing near, but there's still yardwork to do.
00:0013/09/2024
Advice for hard-core apple lovers
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.
00:0006/09/2024
BONUS: Don’t fear the Ghost Plant
It’s a flower? It’s a fungus? It’s a non-photosynthetic native plant!
04:1703/09/2024
Plentiful perennials
Iowa's native prairies are in full bloom.
00:0030/08/2024
Unwelcome beehavior
This time of year, bees are frequent, uninvited guests to your outdoor activities.
00:0023/08/2024
BONUS: Pondering our pollinators
Some Iowans have noticed a reduction of pollinators in their neighborhoods and gardens this summer, as the state has experienced severe weather this season.
17:3120/08/2024
How to dill with excess herbs
Experts share how they dry and preserve the spoils of their herb garden.
00:0016/08/2024
Shrub going up on a Tuesday
Experts discuss how to care for summer blooming shrubs — hydrangea, button bush and so many others
00:0009/08/2024
Friend or foe? Predator or prey?
Within a healthy ecosystem nature creates a balance between predator and prey, resources and consumers.
00:0002/08/2024
Practice what you peach
The best stone fruits for your region and how to care for them
00:0026/07/2024
Leaf your root worries behind
How to avoid stem girdling roots
00:0019/07/2024
Cease the disease
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.
00:0012/07/2024
Sweet corn is an a-maize-ing summer crop
One of the greatest pleasures for an Iowa summer is fresh, locally-grown sweet corn.
00:0005/07/2024
Nothing a homegrown tomato won't cure
BLT's, caprese salad or just sliced and salted... With tomatoes, the possibilities are endless!
00:0028/06/2024
Contain your plants, not your excitement
From functional to fancy, container gardening can take many different forms. They are pretty, colorful, and great options for people with limited mobility.
00:0021/06/2024
Born a bramblin man
When you decide to plant a backyard bramble, you have a lot of choices to make.
00:0014/06/2024
Welcome to the shrub club
Not big. Not small. Something in between.
00:0007/06/2024
This episode is jam-packed with great advice
How to make the most out of your strawberry patch
00:0031/05/2024
In the mood to brood
ISU Entomologist Zach Schum talks all things cicadas.
00:0024/05/2024
Highway to the hardiness zone
The USDA plant hardiness zone map has been updated. Here's what that means for your garden.
00:0017/05/2024
BONUS: Cicadas
In this bonus episode of Garden Variety, Charity talks with University of Iowa biology professor Andrew Forbes about all things cicada.
00:0014/05/2024
Assets for your baskets
How to care for hanging basket blooms.
00:0010/05/2024
BONUS: Invasive Species
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.
11:5307/05/2024
He speaks for the trees!
Protect the trees in your landscape during construction projects
00:0003/05/2024
A little mower lawn advice
What to keep in mind as you begin to mow your lawn regularly
00:0026/04/2024
Blooming brilliant tips for beautiful trees
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
00:0019/04/2024
Take the petal to the metal
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.
00:0012/04/2024
Advice for when insects make you want to flea
As the weather warms up and insects emerge, you might find yourself with some unwanted houseguests crawling around.
00:0005/04/2024
Breaking bud
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.
00:0029/03/2024
What to do when mustard has you flustered
Many landowners and stewards in Iowa battle invasives on a regular basis, sometimes spending hours weeding plants like honeysuckle and garlic mustard.
00:0022/03/2024
Sowing seeds of knowledge
Guidance on caring for seedlings
00:0015/03/2024
These plants really deliver
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?
00:0008/03/2024
Throwing shade and catching rays
If you’re going to prune your shade trees this spring, it’s time to make a plan
00:0001/03/2024
BONUS: Philadelphia Flower Show
In this bonus episode of Garden Variety, learn about the Philadelphia Flower Show from designer Kelly Norris.
00:0019/02/2024
The key to a successful garden - variety!
Variety is the spice of life and the key to getting the most out of your garden.
00:0016/02/2024
Flowers for that special some bud-y
Instead of going to the grocery store this season, grow flowers for your Valentine from home.
00:0002/02/2024
Water hydroponics good for anyway?
A horticulture expert shares ways to create your own indoor hydroponics system without breaking the bank.
00:0019/01/2024
Extra, extra! Seed all about it!
Horticulture experts discuss their favorite seed catalogs and picking the right plants for your garden.
00:0005/01/2024
BONUS: Behind the Scenes with the Hort Gang
In this bonus episode of Garden Variety, go behind the scenes to learn about how Horticulture Day started!
00:0022/12/2023
Tree-mendous advice for your holiday plants
The holidays inspire many of us to bring new plants into our homes. Here's how to best care for them
00:0015/12/2023