Garden Variety
Iowa Public Radio
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Grape vines think alike
There are a lot of different factors that can derail a fruit crop, even after your blossoms have survived the last frost. It was a tough spring for many fruit crops, but if you are lucky enough to…
Closer I am to vine
Often called the "queen of climbers," clematis are known for their beautiful blooms and ability to add height to your garden. These vining members of the buttercup family make a beautiful addition to…
Grow with the flow
When you flip through the pages of your favorite garden catalog, your eye might be caught by any number of new varieties of your favorite plants. All of the new plants at your garden center or in…
Diversi-tree is key
The oak is the state tree of Iowa. It’s a keystone species that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including over 500 species of butterflies and moths. But Iowa’s oak woodlands are…
We didn't start the fire blight
Fire blight can spread fast through orchards and backyard fruit trees, leaving growers scrambling to protect their crops. We talk with Iowa State University assistant professor and fruit tree…
Lawn story short
The magic of spring has done its work. Iowa is green again, and with lawns waking up across the state, it’s time to start thinking about spring yard care. From knowing when to mow for the first time…
Berry good blueberry tips
Blueberry bushes can be a rewarding addition to any garden, but getting them to thrive takes the right balance of soil, sunlight and care. From choosing the best variety to understanding soil…
Small but might-tree
A towering oak, a giant sycamore, a stately walnut-big trees are awe-inspiring, but sometimes the landscape needs a little tree. Today, Iowa State University Horticulturist Jeff Iles gives his picks…
BONUS: The pep talk you need to start a backyard prairie
We can't save the whole world on our own, but we can save our own backyard. 'National Geographic' photographer Joel Sartore has spent his career championing biodiversity and promoting conservation.…
Get a thrillium from trillium
The earliest blossoms of spring are here. Iowa State University Horticulturists Aaron Steil and Cindy Haynes talk about columbine, bleeding heart, lungwort and their other favorite spring blooming…
Pest in show
When you encounter an insect in a surprising place it can be alarming, particularly if you’re one of the many people who has an uncomfortable relationship with insects. Entomologist Zach Schumm of…
Grow with what you know
Catalog descriptions and garden center tags can make every cultivar sound like the best one, but firsthand experience can make all the difference. Horticulture specialist Dan Fillius of Iowa State…
Spot and treat those plant spots early
When plants start growing and insects start buzzing, plant diseases aren't far behind. There's no way to protect your garden from everything that can go wrong, but there are things you can do to…
Stumped on which tree to pick?
When you plant a tree, the hope is that it will remain healthy and strong for decades but the recommendations for what to plant often change faster than the trees themselves, sometimes creating…
The root to great fruit
Spring is the perfect time to start planting fruit trees, bushes, vines and brambles. While it may take some time before you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, choosing the right cultivars can make…
The bugs are back in town
A few days of sunny weather in late winter or early spring, and the bugs are immediately back. It raises questions like, how do these tiny creatures survive in subzero conditions? We explore that…
Fine pruning your fruit trees
Our relationship with fruit trees is a little different than our relationship with other trees. Iowa State University’s Suzanne Slack shares advice about when and how to prune fruit trees, vines and…
BONUS: Exploding trees? Please!
Extremely cold temperatures can put pressure and tension on trees as the outside freezes faster than the inside. This can cause cracks in the tree. Frost cracking has been around forever, but only…
Prune with purpose
Some trees, like oaks, need to be pruned during the dormant season to avoid diseases — though you'll likely want to wait for warmer winter days. Mark Vitosh, district forester with the Iowa…
Getting to the root of African violets
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…
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Garden Variety has published 198 episodes since May 2022, covering topics in Arts, Earth Sciences.
Garden Variety is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 13m.
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