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Garden Variety

Author: Iowa Public Radio

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Whether you're a master gardener, just getting started or somewhere in between - there's always something new to learn in your garden and landscape. On each episode we'll talk with horticulturists, foresters and other experts. We'll learn about vegetable gardens, lawns, native plants, trees and more. Garden Variety is the podcast for all the things you'd like to grow or grow better.

Garden Variety is a horticulture podcast from Iowa Public Radio and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
176 Episodes
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Have you got your Christmas tree yet? If you haven't, there's still enough time to check out your local ditch. In this bonus episode, we hear from one caller about his holiday tradition of sourcing his tree from the side of the road.
As winter holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah and the solstice bring light into the darkest time of year, we’re taking a closer look at the plants tied to those traditions — beyond poinsettias and Christmas trees.
When you buy a Christmas tree at a farm, tree lot, or store, you’re buying an agricultural product. More than 35 million Christmas trees are harvested every year in the United States, and there are approximately 200 Christmas tree growers in Iowa. DNR Forester Mark Vitosh is here to give us some insight into the industry that brings so many people joy this time of year. To further grow your gardening knowledge, sign up for our Garden Variety newsletter.
Our horticulture experts brainstorm solutions for a well-intended caller who gifted his wife a tropical plant in a Midwestern climate.
Storage, sauce and cider. There are a number of ways that we can continue to savor the tastes of apple season into the winter months.
Berry good winter prep

Berry good winter prep

2025-11-1413:08

It's time to get your berries ready for the cold. Your future self, and your strawberries, will thank you.
Non-native insects can compete with some native species for resources, but they rarely cause extinction of native insect species.
Leaf me alone

Leaf me alone

2025-11-0713:21

Raking leaves is a classic fall chore, but those leaves could be put to good use.
Scare your plants off

Scare your plants off

2025-10-3113:10

How to (s)care for spooky plants.
Too bug to fail

Too bug to fail

2025-10-2413:24

As it gets colder outside, you may notice some creepy crawly household invaders inside. Here's what you should do
Daffodil with it

Daffodil with it

2025-10-1713:16

Digging into bulb basics and beyond with horticulture experts.
A bedtime routine is important for your plants too! We talking fall clean up with our horticulture expert.
BONUS: An acorn storm

BONUS: An acorn storm

2025-10-0602:15

If you've been noticing more acorns than usual, you are not alone.
Fall aboard!

Fall aboard!

2025-10-0313:20

All you need to know about changing leaves and autumn color.
Vine and dandy

Vine and dandy

2025-09-2613:36

The best ways to protect your tomatoes from disease
Flower you doing?

Flower you doing?

2025-09-1913:16

How to store tender perennials over the colder months.
Learn about these cool season annuals to keep your garden bright.
September is here. The growing season is still going, but temperatures are cooling. It's the ideal month to get a jump-start on a great lawn for next year.
The visible fruits of your labor are hard to resist, but patience pays off.
Farmers who use cover crops see all kinds of benefits, improvements in soil health, reductions in runoff and erosion — they even help with weed control. Home gardeners can also harness the power of cover crops.
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