When is the best time to plant rutabagas in Iowa?
The rutabaga is a cool, long-season crop. It performs best when planted in summer for a fall crop. Sow seed at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch from June 15 to July 15 in Iowa. Rows should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Thin the planting within a few weeks of germination. After thinning, rutabaga seedlings should be spaced six inches apart. ‘American Purple Top’ and ‘Laurentian’ are suggested rutabaga varieties for home gardens. Both varieties produce globe-shaped, light yellow roots with purple tops. Their flesh is yellow. What are the orange-colored growths on the leaves of my ash tree? Is control necessary? Ash rust is probably responsible for the orange growths on your ash tree. Ash rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia sparganioides. The fungus produces conspicuous swellings on leaves, petioles, and twigs. Infected leaves, petioles, and twigs may become twisted and distorted. Infected areas eventually produce masses of yellow to orange, powdery spores. Puccinia sparganioides requires
