Gardening Research Articles

This fact sheet discusses the identification and management of *Parrotfeather* (*Myriophyllum aquaticum*), an invasive aquatic plant that can spread rapidly in freshwater habitats. It covers prevention, mechanical, biological, and chemical control methods...

Water-wise landscaping is the practice of using plants in a landscape that are adapted to local conditions and only need small amounts of water. Converting yards to water-wise landscaping conserves water and is a climate adaptation action residents can ta...

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is an herbaceous, biennial, or short-lived perennial weed in North America native to Eurasia. The species produces furanocoumarins in the sap, stems, and leaves that cause severe burns (phytophotodermatitis) and blisters wh...

Dr. Corey Ransom, Utah State University, discusses weed identification, weed management, and resistance management.

This peer-reviewed fact sheet provides information on the identification and management of the invasive aquatic plant *Parrotfeather* (*Myriophyllum aquaticum*). It covers the plant’s characteristics, such as its ability to grow dense mats in waterways, a...

Using straw mulch for weed suppression in small-scale agriculture is a common and effective practice. Straw mulch refers to a layer of straw (typically wheat or rice straw) that is spread over the soil surface around plants. This mulch layer helps to cont...

Trees, undoubtedly, are the most valuable plant in a landscape and must be prioritized for irrigation in drought conditions. Grass easily recovers from a period of long drought; hence, it must be placed last on the priority list for irrigation.

How to grow asparagus in the garden by USU Extension Vegetable Specialist Dan Drost.

Much like rock collecting, hunting, or fishing, collecting plants can be a great way to enjoy the beauties of Utah and enhance appreciation for our local environment. At the broadest level, it may include collection of seeds, cuttings, boughs, seedlings, ...

A great garden starts with healthy soil. In Utah, there are unique considerations for creating and maintaining healthy soils.

Homeowners recognize the need for timely fertilizer applications to enhance plant growth in landscapes and gardens. However, the number of different products on the market can be overwhelming. Nursery and garden supply stores commonly stock a dozen or mor...

Broccoli is a cool season vegetable that prefers sunny locations and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate some organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting.

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolias) thrives in full sun, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5. Grow in full sun. Climates suitable for lavender range from zones 5 to 10 on the USDA hardiness scale. It does not perform well in wet or water-logged ...

You can brighten your home with fresh flowers from your own bulbs if you are willing to do a little planning. Some flowering bulbs are easy to grow and require nothing more than potting and watering, while others are not quite as anxious to please. The pr...

Finding the right landscape plants for dry areas that are also shady can be challenging. Most of the drought tolerant plants used in Utah’s residential and commercial landscapes come from dry environments and are adapted to full sun. Therefore, these plan...

Pansies are among the most popular garden flowers today. They exhibit a wide range of colors, markings and sizes. Read about where to plant, how to plant, propagating, and more!

Watermelons grow best in sunny locations and in fertile, well-drained soils. There are several varieties of watermelon, and most grow well in Utah.

Advice and insight for growing goji berries throughout the state of Utah as given by USU Extension experts and educators. These tips will help anyone interested in growing Goji Berries in their home garden to get started.

Weed prevention through proper turf establishment and maintenance is the best practical approach for long-term weed control, and is less expensive than controlling weeds later. Aspects of prevention include using best management practices such as proper m...

A landscape design should meet the needs of the people who will use and maintain the area while incorporating the site’s existing environmental conditions into the design. Water is a limiting resource in Utah, so designing the landscape to efficiently use...

How to grow sweet corn in the garden by USU Extension Vegetable Specialist Dan Drost.

Chives are cool-season, cold-tolerant perennials that prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soils. Seeds should be planted ¼ inch deep and final plant spacing should be 4-6 inches apart in all directions.

New Zealand spinach is a warm season alternative to regular spinach that does well in hot, dry conditions. Soak seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting to hasten germination.

Poppy (Papever somniferum) is a 2 to 3 feet tall hardy annual, grown for its seeds, which are used for culinary purposes. Poppy grows best in full sun and requires well-drained, fertile soil.

Horseradish is a hardy perennial vegetable that is grown for its thick yellowish to white taproot

The Wasatch Front is the urban corridor in Utah extending from Brigham City to Payson along the Wasatch Mountain Range. Roughly 80% of Utah’s population lives in this region.

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious crop that is high in vitamin content. It is a warm season crop that grows best in long, hot growing seasons.

The benefits of using compost as a soil amendment include increasing soil tilth, fertility, water holding capacity, aeration, and drainage.

How to grow Elderberry in the garden by USU Extension Fruit Specialist Brent Black

Gooseberries are relatively easy to grow and yield rewarding, tart berries perfect for pies and jellies. Gooseberry bushes have arching branches and are usually 3 to 5 feet high and wide. They have inconspicuous small green and pink flowers that are self-...

How to grow tomatoes in the garden by USU Extension Vegetable Specialist Dan Drost.

How to grow Serviceberry in the garden by USU Extension Fruit Specialist Brent Black

Many home gardeners are interested in harvesting and storing their own vegetable seeds. For gardeners who have had this in mind, there are several aspects to consider.

This plant can be found naturally in desert surroundings, along waterways, and in rock crevices. This is a long-living plant that can be used ornamentally as a specimen, in a rock garden, or anywhere soil stabilization is desired. In winter, the seeds are...

This bulletin presents appropriate information pertaining to growing apple trees in the home orchard. Success depends on several key factors.

Learn how to grow raspberries in Utah from USU Extension.

Urban and suburban landscapes present special challenges concerning shrub selection in Utah. Due to our distinctive climate, shrubs must be able to withstand intense sunlight, low relative humidity, drying winds, and limited seasonal precipitation.

In this fact sheet, we calculated average reference evapotranspiration and precipitation data for multiple locations in Utah, USA. To accomplish this, we collected the data from the Utah Climate Center and compiled it to show an average of 20 years of dat...

Irrigation system maintenance is necessary to ensure the most efficient use of the water that is being applied. Efficient irrigation is important because over two-thirds of the total water used in the average Uta home is applied to the landscape. With the...

Chicory is a cool-season vegetable that prefers a sunny location and fertile, well-drained soils. Two garden types of chicory include witloof (grown for its root), and radicchio (grown for its head of leaves).

Many homeowners who are new to these regions wish to establish perennial fruit crops in their gardens. This publication outlines the challenges to fruit production in Utah’s high mountain valleys, offers mitigation suggestions, and lists plant materials t...

Welcome to the wonderful world of mushrooms! Mushrooms are not only nutritious and delicious but also provide a myriad of known medicinal benefits, such as protection against cancer, protecting brain health, stimulating gut health, and supporting a health...

Historically, Utah has not been a significant blackberry producer. This is likely due to harsh winters and frequent late spring frosts, which result in significant crop loss.

The single best soil amendment—the one that provides desirable benefits regardless of the soil one applies it to—is organic matter.

With tulips you have the color palette of Van Gogh; no other flower offers the vibrant array of spring color as do tulips, try one or several until you have tried them all, you are the artist. Tulips are classified by bloom time (Early, Mid-season, and La...

Summer bulbs are planted in the spring, bloom in the summer and should be removed in the fall before it freezes. If they stay in the ground during winter, most will eventually die. These bulbs include tuberous begonias, cannas, dahlias and gladiolus.

How to grow popcorn in the garden by Utah State University Extension faculty.

Parsnips are cool season vegetables that prefer sunny locations and fertile, deep, well-drained soils. Incorporate plenty of organic matter and an all-purpose fertilizer into the area before planting

Artichoke prefers a sunny location and fertile, well-drained soils. Learn how to grow artichoke successfully, and how to avoid problems with weeds and pests.

The basic practices of turfgrass care include mowing, fertilization, and irrigation. In Utah, our climate has a unique effect on the turfgrasses that we grow and proper basic care will help to keep your lawn healthy and attractive.

How to grow summer and winer squash in the garden by USU Extension Vegetable Specialists Dan Drost and Rick Heflebower.

With so much interest in acid-loving plants like blueberry, azalea, silver maple, etc., many folks wish they could easily reduce their high, alkaline pH levels to accommodate them.

Watercress is a sun and water loving perennial that grows naturally along running waterways. Watercress has a preferred pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant does well in varying soil conditions provided the soils stay saturated with water.

Monitoring the depth of wetting and uniformity of water application can improve water management and conservation. Various types of probes can be used to monitor soil moisture conditions both before and after an irrigation. Probes can also be used to chec...

Traditionally, we irrigate using overhead sprinklers and/or flood irrigation. However, these methods can be wasteful, and so a way to conserve and still have a healthy garden is to use drip irrigation. It can reduce water use by up to about 50%.

Annuals that reseed themselves can make gardening easier, but some soon try to bully the rest of the plants. In my opinion, some ornamental flowers are weeds once they are planted,” says Jerry Goodspeed, Utah State University Extension horticulturist. “Si...

Tomatillos are easy to grow and have a tangy, citrus flavor that is slightly acidic. Green or purple fruits are encased in a papery husk. The plants require little maintenance or effort to produce high yield. They prefer full sun and well-drained soils. T...

Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or the fescues, may be seeded any time from midspring to early fall, but late summer/early fall is the optimum seeding time in southeast Utah. The warmth of the soil in late summer is more advantageous for s...

Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum L.) has been cultivated for thousands of years and was introduced to North America in the seventeenth century. Rhubarb is an easy to grow, nutritious vegetable that can live in the garden for 10 to 15 years, and deserves more at...

Homeowners recognize the need for timely nutrient applications to promote vigorous plant growth in landscapes and gardens. These nutrients may be supplied by either organic or inorganic fertilizers, or a combination of materials. Many nursery and garden s...

Beans are a great addition to your garden. Learn what varieties grow best in Utah, how to grow beans successfully, and how to control weeds and pests.

Brussels sprouts are cool season vegetables that prefer a sunny location and fertile, well-drained soil. Get tips and tricks for growing and caring for brussel sprouts so that you have a successful harvest.

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), also known as bitter-berry or wild cherry, is usually grown as a large shrub but can also be trained to be a small tree.

How to grow Swiss chard in the garden by USU Extension Vegetable Specialist Dan Drost.

When properly managed, animal manures increase soil fertility, build soil organic matter, and sustainably cycle nutrients. However, knowing how much and when to apply manure is critical for long-term soil heath.

For many purposes, the turfgrass seed that may be purchased from a reputable garden center or nursery will usually fit the needs for most Utah lawns. When making such a purchase, look for a quality mixture of named turfgrass varieties avoiding those seed ...

Information about cloches, cold frames, floating row cover, hotbeds, plastic mulch, low tunnels and high tunnels.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), also called heart’s delight, lemon mint, balm mint, blue balm, garden balm, or sweet balm, is a useful perennial herb for the garden.

How to grow pumpkins in the garden by Utah State University Extension faculty.

Bright scarlet flowers that shower from arching stems of firecracker penstemon have made this plant a favorite of many penstemon enthusiasts.

There are many reasons to choose a raised bed garden over a traditional in-ground garden. Learn how to build a raised bed garden, how to prepare soil, irrigate, and extending the growing season.

Winter melons grow best in sunny locations and in fertile, well-drained soils. Incorporate organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting. Plant 4-6 seeds directly in the garden when soils are 65°F. Seeds should be planted 1-1½ inc...

Blackberries can be grown successfully in Utah but careful cultivar selection and care is needed. Harsh winters and frequent late spring frosts often result in significant blackberry cane damage and crop loss.

Cabbage is a cool season vegetable that prefers sunny locations and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate some organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting. Plant seeds ¼-½ inch deep, 2-3 weeks before the last fro

Peppers are a great addition to any garden. Explore tips for growing and harvesting peppers, including which variety to plant and how to prevent insects and diseases.

Spinach is a cool-season vegetable that prefers sunny locations and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant seeds ½ inch deep, 2-3 weeks before the last frost in the spring.

This fact sheet covers the basics of clay, silt and sand soils with an emphasis on gardening in soils with a high clay content. It includes information on the composition of clay soils, gardening tips for managing clay soils, and the types of plants that ...

Kohlrabi is a cool season vegetable that prefers a sunny location and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate some organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting.

Learn the basics of clay, silt and sand soils with an emphasis on gardening in soils with high sand content. Get tips for gardening tips for managing sandy soils, and the types of plants that grow best in sandy soils.

Almonds (Prunus dulcis) are a close cousin to peaches and nectarines, but are not generally as cold tolerant. Almonds are currently not a recommended crop in northern Utah, including the warmest parts of the Wasatch Front.

Carrots are cool season vegetables that prefer sunny locations and fertile, deep, well-drained soils. Incorporate plenty of organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting.

Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.), commonly called scrub oak, Rocky Mountain white oak, or Utah white oak, is native to the western part of the U.S., including Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Arizona.

Hazelnuts or filberts can be useful crops for home food production or hobbyists in Utah. Several species have nuts with good flavor, with American, beaked and certain hybrid types most likely to produce consistently.

You’ve done all of the work to grow great vegetables and fruits. Now, how do you know when to harvest them? Are there ways to store part of the harvest to enjoy during fall and winter time?

Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa) is native to northern China and naturalized in Japan, Russia, and other northern regions of the continent. It has become a staple back yard garden plant in Russia and much of Eastern Europe.

There are so many vegetable varieties available, how do you select good ones for the home garden? Which ones are adapted and grow well in my area? This article gives you some answers to these questions.

Learn how to grow radishes in Utah gardens.

How to grow potatoes in the garden by USU Extension Vegetable Specialist Dan Drost.

Peas are a great addition to your garden. Learn about the different varieties, ideal soil conditions, and how to prevents weeds and insects.

Grapes are a wonderful addition to the home garden. Learn basic pruning information and two common training methods suitable for the Utah home garden.

Kale is a cool season vegetable that prefers a sunny location and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate plenty of organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting.

Mint is a rapid growing perennial herb with many varieties that grow up to 3 feet tall and are quite invasive. Mint grows best in full sun to partial shade, should be planted early in the growing season and is generally hardy to -20° F.

Garlic is a hardy perennial that grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soils. Explore the best methods for planting and ensuring a great harvest.

How to grow beets in the garden by USU Extension Vegetable Specialist Dan Drost.

Calendula, also called pot marigold, is an annual herb grown for its medicinal blooms, edible leaves and stems. It grows best in fertile, well drained soils from full sun to part shade.

Cantaloupes grow best in sunny locations and in fertile, well-drained soils. Incorporate organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting.

Cucumbers grow best in sunny locations and in fertile, well drained soils. Incorporate organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting.

This fact sheet describes onions, recommended varieties, how to grow, planting and spacing, problems, harvest and storage, and nutrition.

Eggplant prefers a sunny location, a long growing season, and fertile, well-drained soil for best yields. Do not plant too early as plants are killed by light frost and grow poorly in cool conditions.

Hops are a perennial plant that can be harvested for many years. Growing hops is relatively easy if plants are grown in soil rich in organic matter and provided with sufficient vertical space for vine extension. Hops are a vigorous growing vine that requi...

Guide to growing peaches in the garden. Covers cultivars, site prep, chill hours, hardiness, fruit type, ripening time, planting and spacing for optimal growth.

Celery grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches and is composed of leaf topped stalks arranged in a cone that are joined at a common base. The stalks have a crunchy texture and a delicate, but mildly salty taste

Summary Haskap berries are a relatively new crop in the United States and subsequently, the home garden. Haskaps, Lonicera caerulea L., are a long-lived, extremely hardy shrub

Garden cress or pepper-grass is an annual herb that was introduced to the United States from China. Garden cress grows best in cultivated areas that receive full sun or partial shade with moist soils.

Referred as “a chef’s best friend,” French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is an essential aromatic herb. Other common names include estragon, dragon sagewort, or German tarragon, but it should not be confused with the closely related Russian tarragon.

Cauliflower is a cool season vegetable that prefers a sunny location and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate plenty of organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting.

Wisteria is a vigorous, cold-hardy, long-lived, true climbing/twining vine best known for large panicles of beautiful spring blooming flowers.

Black salsify (Scorzonera hispanica), is also known as Spanish salsify. Black salsify is a cool season crop grown primarily for its long, brown-black roots, but its leaves can also be used as fresh greens for salads

Common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) has become a well established weed in many lawns and gardens throughout the southwest. It is sometimes grown intentionally as a turfgrass on golf courses, or lawns.

Cosmos is native to Mexico with daisy like flowers that come in an array of colors. Once established, Cosmos needs little water, no fertilizer and not much care, which makes it well suited to Utah’s climate.

Rutabagas and turnips are cool season vegetables that prefer sunny locations and fertile, deep, well-drained soils. Incorporate plenty of organic matter and an all-purpose fertilizer into the area before planting.

Okra is a warm-season crop often grown in southern gardens where summers are hot and long. However, some varieties are well suited for Utah gardens.

Lettuce is a cool-season vegetable that prefers sunny locations and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant seeds ¼-½ inch deep, 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Final spacing for head lettuce should be 8-12 inches apart in the row with rows 12-18 inches apart....

Apricots (Prunus armeniaca) originated in China, but can be grown in most of the western world including much of Utah. Like peaches, plums, and cherries, apricots have a large, hard pit or ‘stone’ in the fruit and are considered ‘stone fruits’.

Three types of plum are commonly grown in Utah: European, Japanese and American species. These species vary in where they are successfully grown and for what the fruit will be used for. Before planting in the home orchard, planning helps ensure success.

Learn how to grow strawberries in Utah gardens.

Successful establishment of a lawn is best achieved with careful planning, soil preparation, appropriate seed or sod choice, and an understanding of turfgrass requirements.

Successful establishment or renovation of a lawn is best achieved with careful planning, soil preparation, and an understanding of turfgrass requirements.

Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or the fescues, may be seeded any time from midspring to early fall, but late summer is the optimum seeding time in northern Utah. The warmth of the soil in late summer is more advantageous for seed germinat...

Information on common turf diseases in Utah and how to manage them from USU Extension and Utah Pests.

Compaction destroys soil structure and causes significant plant growth problems in Utah landscapes. It is normally caused by repeated foot or vehicle traffic over the same soil area.

Utah soils are inherently low in organic matter due to the desert climate and historically low plant growth rates.

Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or the fescues, may be seeded any time from midspring to early fall, but late summer/early fall is the optimum seeding time in southeast Utah. The warmth of the soil in late summer is more advantageous for s...

The majority of soils in Utah are alkaline with an average pH of 8.0. Alkaline soils in Utah are the product of the alkaline parent materials that formed them and thousands of years of development in an arid (low rainfall) environment.

Weeds around the home are a nuisance. This guide will show you how to deal with weeds in your lawn, garden, fruit trees, parking areas and drive ways, and amoung brush and trees.

In many areas of Utah, high salt levels in the soil limit the growth of some turfgrasses, especially Kentucky bluegrass. This fact sheet was written to assist you in determining if you have a soil with a high salt level and, if you do, how to manage it wi...

Salinity is a measure of the total amount of soluble salts in soil. As soluble salt levels increase, it becomes more difficult for plants to extract water from soil. Some plants are more resistant than other’s, but as the salt levels exceed their ability ...

Urea usually has the lowest cost per pound of nitrogen compared to other single-element nitrogen fertilizers. However, urea undergoes unique chemical transformations when field applied and severe losses in efficiency may result if special management pract...

Each class of material has specific characteristics and management issues when it comes to using it as a soil amendment.

The term cultivation can be a bit confusing when used in the context of turfgrass management. While agricultural cultivation typically refers to tilling the soil, this is not possible in stands of turfgrass. But the purpose of turfgrass cultivation is sim...

Don’t start performing funeral rights on your brown grass. It most likely is not dead, just dormant. It’s normal for the grasses that are traditionally grown in Utah to struggle with the heat and drought we are experiencing now, says Kelly Kopp, Utah Stat...

After a long, hot summer, your lawn can look pretty sad. The heat and drought conditions take a toll, because most of our turf grasses are adapted to cool weather. During the heat of the summer, they stop growing and often go dormant. If conditions become...

Much like human beings, plants also have different ways of dealing with the heat, said Jerry Goodspeed, Utah State University Extension horticulturist.

Bulbs are prodigies, flowing early and brilliantly and then just hanging around looking green the rest of the year. Many people love the colors brought by spring bulbs, but have a lot of questions about caring for the foliage once the flowers are just a m...

The plants are easy to grow and can be grown throughout the United States. Even without care, they usually produce flowers. However, neglected mums may have weak branches, yellowish leaves, and only a few small flowers.

Before the leaves cover everything and the ground freezes solid enough to break your spade is a good time to move perennials. Some overgrown monsters may need to move to the compost pile while others just may need a change of address in your yard. Most pe...

By the time frost covers the lawn at the end of the season, many gardeners, like their plants, are spent. It is all too easy for gardeners to go dormant like their plants. By accomplishing a few simple chores before the snow flies, gardeners can ensure an...

Mexican cliffrose occurs throughout the southern regions of the Intermountain West and has great potential for use in low-water landscapes.Cultural Requirements:

Garden irises are hardy, long-lived perennials that need a minimum of care. They are an established “backbone” of home gardens because they bloom when few other plants do—after spring-flowering bulbs and before peonies, delphinium and phlox.

Annuals are plants that come up in the spring, reach maturity, flower, set seeds, then die all in one season. They provide eye-catching color to any flower bed and can be used as borders, fillers, or background plantings. There are several ways to find an...

Water conservation ideas on a budget.

Simple water-wise changes to conserve water without changing landscape.

Oak trees (Quercus sp.) are generally a tough, drought tolerant, and beautiful addition to Utah landscapes.

Pears are a delectable treat of late sum-mer and early fall. Most pears are cold hardy in the temperate parts of Utah.

Growing transplants can be a rewarding experience if a few basic principles are followed. Experienced gardeners have a wider range of varieties to pick from if they start their own plants from seed. By selecting your own varieties you will be able to dete...

Shallots are a cool-season vegetable that grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soils. Incorporate organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the soil before planting. Plant a bulb set or seeds in the early spring as soon as the ground can b...

Lamb’s lettuce (Valerianella locusta), also known as mâche, corn salad, fetticus, and Nüssli salat, is a native of southern Europe. It is a cool-season vegetable grown for edible leaves that add a mild, nutty flavor to any salad.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a very hardy perennial herb adaptable to most conditions. Comfrey grows best in partial to full sun in moist, fertile soil. Comfrey is propagated by root cuttings or crown divisions.

Pomegranates prefer full sun and although they will grow in part-shade the sun is needed to produce sugars and reach full flavor.

Mustard is a cool season vegetable that prefers a sunny location and fertile, well-drained soils. Plant seeds ½ inch deep. Thin seedlings or transplant mustard 3 inches apart in row with rows 12 inches apart.

Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or the fescues, may be seeded any time from midspring to early fall, but late summer is the optimum seeding time in the St. George, Utah, area. The warmth and dryness of the soil in late summer is more advan...

Fennel contributes a fragrant licorice flavor to Mediterranean and Italian cooking and fennel seed is commonly used as a seasoning in sausage. Varieties of common fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) are grown for seed and plants have an appearance similar to dill...

Walnuts are commonly found across much of the United States When purchasing walnut trees for nut production, two important aspects to consider include approximate flowering and ripening times.

Red currants are hardy and relatively easy to grow in Utah. A few plants will produce enough to supply a family with plenty of antioxidant-rich berries. They are easy to tuck into a landscape and are a wonderful addition as a border plant or on their own ...

Wasabia japonica is a challenging plant to grow successfully in Utah due to the hot arid climate combined with freezing winters. It is thought to be one of the rarest and most difficult vegetables to grow in the world.

Lawns provide a durable and functional surface for many outdoor activities while adding beauty to the landscape. For these reasons, a healthy, green lawn is the goal of many homeowners and landscape managers.

This mound-forming perennial is typically seen in higher elevations in the interior West. The lavender or rose-purple flowers are attractive to insects, especially bees and butterflies. This plant is easy to establish and maintain in Intermountain West la...

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a tender drought hardy perennial and a member of the mint family

Are you concerned about a bumpy, rough area in your lawn? Does a close inspection of your lawn reveal a miniature replica of the Wasatch Mountain Range? Such areas can be annoying, hard to mow, and even dangerous for anyone walking or running across them....

Peanuts are not commonly grown in Utah, but certain types can be productive when the frost-free growing season is more than 110. Learn more types and tricks for growing peanuts in your own garden!

This fact sheet introduces the different types of grapes and provides suggestions of grape varieties that can be grown in Utah.

Of the seven guiding principles of water-wise landscaping (a.k.a. Xeriscaping™), the most controversial involves the use of turfgrass in the landscape. At times it has seemed that water-wise landscaping might not allow for the use of turfgrasses at all. I...

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a common, aromatic garden herb, known for its culinary and medicinal properties. Dill prefers full sun, welldrained, low fertility soils and grows best from seed. Cover seeds lightly with soil.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is an easy to grow herb that requires warm, humid conditions, full sunlight and plenty of moisture. It is a tender perennial that is commonly grown as an annual in cooler areas of Utah.

Cilantro/coriander is a cool-season herb that grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soils. Explore the best varieties to grow in Utah, and learn how to properly care for the herb to get a great harvest.

Mulching is the process of maintaining a relatively thick, continuous layer of material such as bark, leaves, or rock on the soil surface.

Worm composting as it is more commonly known is the process of using worms to break down discarded food and other organic wastes and convert them into compost and liquid fertilizers.

BCTV causes the disease known as curly top of tomato. This virus can infect a wide range of host plants and usually occurs in semiarid areas in western North America, from Canada to Mexico. BLH can transmit the disease to a wide variety of plants, includi...

This article describes basil in the garden, varieties, how to grow, problems, harvesting and storage, productivity, nutrition, and frequently asked questions.

Trees and shrubs are valuable additions to most property, providing beauty, wind protection, shade, wildlife habitat, visual screening, and other benefits. Here we describe up-to-date, research-proven techniques for planting landscape trees and for post-p...

Drainage is a common problem throughout Utah.

Leek is a hardy cool-season biennial that prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soils. Incorporate plenty of organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting

The benefits of using compost as a soil amendment include increasing soil tilth, fertility, water holding capacity, aeration, and drainage.

If you are considering a vegetable garden this summer, the best way to conserve water is to start planning your garden now.

This fact sheet describes the nature of vegetation competition and proposes management strategies to reduce or eliminate competition.

Mulch can provide many benefits in water-wise landscapes. Mulch covers the soil and prevents crusting, compaction, and water evaporation.

Maple trees (Acer sp.) are a common fixture and beautiful addition to Utah landscapes. There are over one hundred species, each with numerous cultivars (cultivated varieties) that are native to both North America and much of Northern Europe. Trees vary in...

Listed below are suggested vegetable planting dates for an average year along the Wasatch Front. Of course, each season has its own unique weather conditions. The “Average Planting Date” is for the initial planting. With crops such as broccoli, radish, ca...

When applied to soil, compost increases organic matter content, improves soil structure, and provides nutrients for plant growth.

Due to water costs, and increasing water demands, gardeners need to be concerned about conservation. One effective way to conserve water is by utilizing drip irrigation.

Training and pruning are critical parts of growing a productive apple tree. The rewards of proper training are a tree that is easy to harvest, has sustained high yields, and quality fruit.

Selecting a seed variety adapted to your local climate conditions can be the first step to garden success. Additionally, a diversity of colors, flavors, and sizes are available for the culinary gardener to test.

Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) is an invasive species native to Eurasia. It was likely introduced into North America during the late 19th century (Young & Evans, 1969). Due to the plant’s size and prickles, a stand can damage pasture productivity, r...

If sprayers are not properly calibrated, it can result in over or under-application of chemicals, causing damage, reduced pest control, and potential safety concerns. Making the effort to properly mix chemicals and calibrate sprayers can save money and in...

Dyer's woad (Isatis tinctoria) was introduced into Utah during the mid-19th century as a source of indigo dye. The plant escaped cultivation and has spread across rangelands, foothills, and other sites throughout the Intermountain West.

This fact sheet lists conifers that can be grown in Utah, including all native and most introduced conifers, and some suggested cultivars.

Crabapples (Malus sp.) are native to Kazakhstan and North America. Crabapples are ornamentals that are closely related to common apple trees and are distinguished by fruit size. Technically, any apple fruit that is smaller than 2-inches is considered to b...

Managing pests in peaches and nectarines for the backyard orchard (en español).

The techniques and tools most effective for managing weeds.

Each season brings with it new colors and emotions. Many homeowners seek help in selecting plant material that will offer season-long interest in the landscape. Different colors can add variety and add interest to the landscape. Plants should add consiste...

Ornamental grasses, over the last few decades, have gained increasing popularity in their uses. This publication illustrates basic identifying structures and features of grasses in general, as well as key taxonomic characteristics that horticulturists use...

Deer/human conflicts have increased due to growing deer populations, limited resources and suburban development in deer habitat. In winter, deer often browse in residential landscapes. This can be reduced by selecting unpalatable plants, protecting woody ...

Trees and shrubs are a valuable addition to most property. Properly planted, well maintained trees add beauty, wind protection, shade, wildlife habitat, visual screening, and other benefits to the landscape.

Learn how to Identify turf/grass pests and managed them. Including pests such as worms, bugs, beetles, and grub.

Regular soil testing helps to develop and maintain more productive soils for farming, gardening, and landscaping. The purpose of this guide is to help you understand and interpret the results from a Utah State University soil test report. Additional Utah ...

Amenity landscapes in Utah use a large portion of the state’s treated potable water. Not only can this cause a shortage of water necessary for human consumption and other uses, but it can also be expensive for homeowners. The good news is that there are m...

A benefit of established water-wise landscapes is they require less time and money to maintain than a traditional landscape. This assumes you have limited turfgrass to areas where it is practical, you have selected plants adapted to your climate, and you ...

Thatch is living and dead turfgrass stems, stolons, and rhizomes that occur just above the soil level. How can you manage it?