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Winter Garden Tasks

While winter is often considered a slow time in the garden, there are still several things that can be done from December through February to prepare for spring and keep yourself active in the garden even when there is snow on the ground!  Below is a list of tasks to do for perennials, annuals, trees & shrubs, vegetables, lawns, and houseplants.

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Spring Garden Tasks

As winter fades and spring arrives, several things can be done to prepare the garden for the upcoming growing season.

Below are tips for the perennial garden, vegetable garden, annual containers, trees & shrubs, houseplants, and lawns.

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Susceptibility of Plants to Deer Damage

Damage caused by deer browsing on garden plants can be a problem in rural and suburban areas in Iowa. The amount of damage depends upon seasonal factors, weather conditions, availability of alternative foods, and plant palatability. Prevention of deer browsing is difficult.  

Browse these lists of plants that are less likely to browsed by deer.

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Propagation of Trees, Shrubs, and Vines from Hardwood Cuttings

Hardwood cuttings is a propagation method done while the plant is dormant from the shoots that developed during the previous growing season.  Learn more about this type of vegetative propagation if you want to propagate any trees, shrubs, or vines in the home landscape.

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Trees and Shrubs Suitable for Partial Shade

Some individuals consider shady sites to be problem areas in the home landscape. However, shady areas actually provide opportunities for home gardeners. Wise plant selection can turn a shady site into an attractive landscape area. A number of trees and shrubs can be successfully grown in partial shade. (Partially shaded sites receive 3 to 4 hours of direct sun but are in shade the rest of the day.)

Selecting and planting shade tolerant trees and shrubs, along with suitable annuals and perennials, can transform bare shady areas into attractive landscape sites. Below is a list and brief description of trees and shrubs adapted to partial shade.

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Trees and Shrubs with Great Fall Color

Cooler temperatures, crisp breezes, and beautiful fall foliage are some of the many reasons so many people love autumn.  The yellows, oranges, reds, and purples seen on many deciduous trees and shrubs in fall come from compounds present in the leaves earlier in the growing season, but masked by the green chlorophyll in the leaves. 

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Perennials with Winter Interest

An attractive landscape requires careful planning for seasonal interest throughout the year. Since the Iowa landscape is dormant for about four months of the year, extending the attractiveness of the garden into the winter can help make the season a little more bearable. Many herbaceous perennials can help add shape, color, and texture to create interesting landscapes, even in winter!

Trees and Shrubs for Wet Soils

Many trees and shrubs thrive in Iowa's fertile, well-drained soils. Most trees and shrubs, however, don't like wet soils. Fortunately, some plants tolerate wet soils better than others.

When selecting trees and shrubs for the home landscape, gardeners should select plants suitable for the site. Wet sites can be a challenge. However, the trees and shrubs listed below will perform well in wet soils.

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