I have to admit, I wasn’t particularly thrilled to hear we would be putting up bird netting during our viticulture class this week at Kirkwood Community College. I’ve tried bird netting on various plants. While useful, it’s not the easiest gardening tool to work with, often becoming tangled on branches or wire or body parts. […]
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Year: 2013
Diatomaceous earth vs. the ants
Fellow journalist, Dave DeWitte, who brought you his review of reel lawnmowers and awesome mushroom photos, now shares his battle strategy with ants, using non-toxic diatomaceous earth. By Dave DeWitte A long time ago when I bought my first house, I was in for a surprise.
Urban chickens could soon roost in North...
UPDATE: The North Liberty City Council will consider the urban chicken ordinance at its Aug. 13 meeting, after the matter was tabled on July 23. Daniela Williams of North Liberty, one of the supporters of the measure, said new information was presented at this week’s meeting from the Cedar Valley Humane Society, which indicated that […]
Iowa moving back to dry mode
After the over-abundance of precipitation earlier this season, I’m amazed that my rain barrel is already running dry. I’m told Ames received a good drenching of rain on Sunday and I had hoped it would make its way to Cedar Rapids. Didn’t happen. Now, I’m keeping my fingers crossed, along with other gardeners, that those […]
Green Day at Downtown Farmers Market in ...
CEDAR RAPIDS – No, it’s not the band, but this Saturday’s Downtown Farmers Market “Green Day” theme reflects the environmental organizations that will be providing information during the event. Also, watch for changes in the venue space, due to downtown construction. As always, you can find information on more than 40 farmers markets in Eastern […]
Colorful daylilies and lilies peaking pe...
I’ve been fortunate to visit a good number of gorgeous gardens in Eastern Iowa and one of the best is open for viewing this Sunday, July 21, 2013. Zora and Paul Ronan will open their garden near Central City to friends and gardening enthusiasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day.
Local brews and food showcased in NewBo ...
Home-brewed beer is seeing a resurgence and the NewBo City Market will recognize that popularity with its first BBQ & Brew event on Saturday, July 20, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. NewBo’s BBQ & Brew aims to provide local and regional food producers and home brewers with a venue to gain exposure to […]
Emerald Ash Borer found in Burlington, I...
Bad news out of Burlington, in Des Moines County, Iowa: the invasive emerald ash borer has been discovered on a residential tree, marking the second time the beetle has been found in the state.
Truckloads of heirloom seeds to be distr...
DECORAH – Gardeners attending the Seed Savers Exchange annual conference and camp-out will benefit from the generosity of a past member. Mary Ann Fox, a longtime Seed Savers member from Shelbyville, Indiana, died in February at age 71, leaving behind her seed collection of more than 200 bean varieties.
Iowa City homeowner gives up battle over...
IOWA CITY – The Iowa City homeowner whose front-yard garden led to a dispute with the city said he will comply with removing all of his plantings. Dr. Timothy Volm said he was given a July 31 deadline or the city would bulldoze the roses, native wildflowers and other plants that adorn his front yard.