Apple trees are laden with fruit this month, after a dismal season last year. Other fruit and nut trees are thriving, as well, but need special attention as Iowa continues a streak of dry weather. Eastern Iowans interested in learning more about the proper care of fruit and nut trees are in luck. Marion-based Trees […]
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Year: 2013
Viticulture full circle: harvesting grap...
CEDAR RAPIDS – Who can blame Kirkwood Viticulture Instructor, Lucas McIntire, for being in what I can only describe as a state of grape Nirvana. At our most recent class, the weather was Iowa-perfect and early grapes were good to go, allowing us to not only harvest the fruit of the vineyard, but to take […]
Monsanto lobbyist hired for Iowa agricul...
The following is from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship: DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that Mike Naig has been hired as the new Deputy Secretary for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. He will start with the Department on September 4. “Mike will be […]
Brucemore Garden and Art Show returns Sa...
CEDAR RAPIDS – You can’t walk away from the Brucemore Garden and Art Show without learning something new, and often, buying something new, as well. Gardening experts offer tips on raised beds, insect identification, heirloom vegetables and much more, while vendors sell garden art, pottery, jewelry and other artwork.
Salsa days and aronia berries
So many people I’ve talked to this weekend were in the process, or at least planning, to make salsa. From what I’m hearing from area CSAs, farmers market vendors and gardeners, this has been an excellent season
Downtown Farmers Market set for Saturday...
The season’s abundance will undoubtedly be evident at this Saturday’s Downtown Farmers Market in Cedar Rapids. You can always find details about upcoming farmers markets on the Homegrown list and here is more about Saturday’s event from the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance:
North Liberty neighbors can’t peck at ur
NORTH LIBERTY – Neighbors no longer must give their approval to chicken-seeking residents of North Liberty, under the initial reading of a proposed ordinance change. City Council members last night voted 3-2 to pass the first of three readings to allow up to four chickens per household.
Volunteers needed to help remove invasiv...
Bright red berries make oriental bittersweet an attractive decoration, but those berries are viable as seeds that have helped spread this invasive species. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, along with other groups, needs volunteers to help remove oriental bittersweet from one of Iowa’s parks. See more from the DNR:
Iowa’s only commercial vineyard in multi
BALDWIN – The ultimate performance of new cold-hardy grapes under study in Iowa remains to be seen, but one is a standout to the owner of Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery. Paul Tabor, who also serves as winemaker for the family-owned business near the Eastern Iowa town of Baldwin, pointed to the Minnesota 1220 selection […]
Saving the family farm: next step, the a...
CHELSEA – These past several weeks have been exhausting, heartrending, gut wrenching and occasionally, enlightening. Anyone who has had to prepare an estate auction for a close relative can probably relate. In this case, my uncle, Craig Musel, should be out on his farm, doing what he loves. In past years, that would mean getting […]