Aaron Steil

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 to getting your grass off to a healthy start, the season’s first lawn decisions can shape how your yard looks all summer long.

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 acidity, successful growth starts well before the first berries appear. Guest host Meghan McKinney talks with Randall Vos, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, about the best tactics for growing healthy, productive blueberry bushes.

The earliest blossoms of spring have already arrived, but it’s not too soon to think about the next wave. Iowa State University Horticulturists Aaron Steil and Cindy Haynes talk about columbine, lungwort, bleeding heart and their other favorite spring blooming perennials. Then, they answer listener's gardening questions.

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 perennials.

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 Iowa State University joins to give us the tools we need to decide if an insect is a pest or something we should leave in peace.

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 University shares the cultivars he loves to plant and what makes them stand out in a home garden.

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 prevent some common diseases. Chelsea Harbach of the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic at Iowa State University joins to discuss disease prevention.

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 frustration and even controversy. On this Horticulture Day, we talk with Jeff Iles, professor of horticulture at Iowa State University, about how recommended plant and tree lists are created and why they sometimes spark debate.

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 all the difference in creating a successful home harvest. Randall Vos, an Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, talks about how to select the best cultivars for your garden.

When temperatures drop in the fall, suddenly the outdoors becomes insect-free. That doesn’t feel like much of a mystery. But when temperatures rise in the spring and suddenly insects emerge, it raises questions, like how do these tiny creatures survive in subzero conditions? Entomologist Laura Iles demystifies this phenomenon. Later, horticulturist Aaron Steil joins the conversation to answer listeners' questions. To further grow your gardening knowledge, sign up for our Garden Variety newsletter. And check out all the episodes of Garden Variety, the horticulture podcast for all the things you’d like to grow or grow better.