Yard and Garden News

Growing conditions for houseplants are less than ideal during the winter months. Horticulture specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach say that good consistent care should keep them healthy and attractive.

Add brilliant color to your home decor with a live poinsettia this holiday season. Follow the recommendations of Iowa State University horticulture specialists for easy caregiving and enjoyment.

Patrick O’Malley, commercial horticulture specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, explains the planting and growing of Chinese chestnuts in the November-December edition of the Acreage Living Newsletter.

Some blame farming practices, in particular, the intensive corn and soybean production systems in the Midwest for the tough times honey bees are facing. New research by Iowa State University and University of Illinois scientists offers a more nuanced view of the role of agriculture in honey bee health than what has been previously known.

The weekend after Thanksgiving is traditionally when most Christmas tree buying occurs. Whether you cut your own tree or buy a pre-cut tree there are several things to consider before buying and when selecting a fresh tree.

Master Gardener volunteers with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach continue to improve the lives and communities of Iowans. Twenty-two counties across the state received Growing Together Mini-Grants in 2019, which resulted in about 115,000 pounds of produce being donated to nearby pantries.

Horticulture specialists with Iowa State University share information about how snow can either benefit or damage landscape plants.

Horticulture specialists with Iowa State University share information about when to delay cutting back perennials and which perennials need mulch protection from extreme winter temperature fluctuations that cause heaving.

It’s hard enough to keep perennials in the ground alive during Iowa’s extreme winters. It’s much harder to over-winter potted trees, shrubs and plants. ISU Extension and Outreach horticulture specialists offer several ways to over-winter potted plants.

Butterflies are highlighted in the 2020 Garden Calendar that also includes important planting, harvesting and cultural practices information.

It's time to think about protecting strawberry plants from the winter elements. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach explain how to properly mulch strawberries to provide protection against winter injury.

A high tunnel short course will be held at Reiman Gardens on the Iowa State University campus Nov. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Master Gardener training event known as “Class on Campus” was offered Oct. 19, to 245 Master Gardener trainees at the Scheman Building on the campus of Iowa State University, Ames.

Native and ornamental grasses are wonderful for adding multiple seasons of interest in the garden. ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturists recommend native and ornamental grasses with good fall color.

Protect trees and shrubs in the home landscape to limit damage done by wildlife during winter. Voles, rabbits and deer can cause severe damage to plants in the winter by feeding on twigs, bark, leaves and stems.

It's the time of year that homeowners must decide when and how to remove fallen leaves, before the Iowa winter freezes them in place. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists respond to questions about removing and using autumn leaves.

Apple trees are a treat in a home garden, but they are susceptible to a variety of diseases. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach identify several causes of apple blemishes and how to reduce their presence.

October is the best time to plant tulip and other spring-flowering bulbs. Make your selections and purchase bulbs, then follow the planting recommendations of ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturists to color your spring garden with floral beauty.

Fall is the best time to apply broadleaf herbicides for weed control in Iowa lawns, but take care to do it properly and effectively. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach explain timing, applying and getting good results with broadleaf herbicides.

Twelve species of oak trees are native to Iowa. Frequently found in landscapes and timbers across the state, they provide shelter, food and nesting cover for a variety of Iowa wildlife. Several symptoms that may be observed in oak trees are explained by Iowa State horticulturists.