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Cool as a cucumber in the summer

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Cucumbers thrive in Iowa gardens and so does its cousin, summer squash.

On this horticulture day episode on Talk of Iowa, it's hard to be cool as a cucumber when you’re fighting off cucumber beetles or squash bugs in the garden. Professor of Horticulture, Ajay Nair joins the show to tell us how to get the most out of our favorite members of the cucurbit family. Then later in the hour, Cindy Haynes and Mark Vitosh join the program to answer listeners' questions.

Guests:

  • Ajay Nair, professor of horticulture, Iowa State University
  • Cindy Haynes, professor of horticulture, Iowa State University
  • Mark Vitosh, forester, Iowa DNR
Tags
Talk of Iowa Hort DayHorticultureIowa
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. 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 bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.