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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.