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203 episodes

Happily ever aster
07/31/2026 | 12 mins.
If your yard and landscape look worse for the wear after a few weeks extreme heat, maybe it's time to think about a refresh. On this episode, Iowa State University Extension Horticulture Specialist Aaron Steil joins us. He tells us about the beautiful perennials that thrive in the heat of summer.
What's on the vege-table?
07/24/2026 | 12 mins.
We are at the height of the season for homegrown produce. Iowa State University Extension Horticulture Specialist Dan Filius guides us through the bounty of this time of year and share some advice for harvesting and storing potatoes, onions and garlic.
It's like a heat wave burning in my hort
07/17/2026 | 13 mins.
Warm season crops like tomatoes and green beans need consistent warmth to thrive, and it may seem like they love the heat, but when it gets too hot some of our favorite vegetables go on strike. On this episode, we talk with entomologist Laura Iles about how heat affects pollination and pollinators.
Help your trees feel oak-kay again
07/10/2026 | 12 mins.
Thanks to storms and severe weather, tree limbs are down while tree stress is up. But there are ways to help the timber in your area and to keep damage from happening. We talk with Iowa State University professor of horticulture Jeff Iles about helping trees with storm damage, as well as preventative measures to consider before the next round of severe weather.
These native plants are fan-grass-tic!
06/26/2026 | 13 mins.
Native plants improve biodiversity and help local insects and wildlife thrive. Dani Gehr sits in for Charity Nebbe, and she talks with Iowa State Extension horticulture specialist Ray Kruse about what natives have succeeded in his garden and what plants he's needed to pull.

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About Garden Variety

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.

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