Garden Variety

Don't judge a crop by its cover

By Charity Nebbe,

Published August 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM CDT

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Farmers who use cover crops see all kinds of benefits, improvements in soil health, reductions in runoff and erosion. They can even help with weed control. Home gardeners can also harness the power of cover crops. Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist Dan Fillius tells us how to use cover crops.

Guest:

Dan Fillius, commercial vegetable and crop specialist, Iowa State University

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Garden Variety HorticultureGardeningHort Day

Charity Nebbe

Charity Nebbe is the host of 'Talk of Iowa'. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University.

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Neve Kelley

Neve Kelley is a 2025 summer intern with IPR's talk show team and a senior at Oberlin College studying English, environmental studies and education. She is originally from Peoria, Illinois. Some of her favorite things to do in Iowa include going to shows at Codfish Hollow and the Englert, visiting different coffee shops and taking yoga classes.

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