Yard and Garden News

Correctly watering poinsettias will deter several common problems associated with this popular holiday flower. Iowa State horticulturists share how.

Iowa State University has received a grant to continue hosting the North Central Region Center for FSMA Training, Extension and Technical assistance to help fruit and vegetable growers and processors comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) across the 12-state region.

Oak trees, generally pruned for safety reasons and the health of the tree, should be pruned during winter months. Learn why and how from horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Amaryllis and holiday cacti provide lovely indoor blooms during winter months with proper care and planning. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer tips for maintaining plants so they can be enjoyed for many years.

Vegetable gardens may close down for the winter in Iowa, but gardeners can still enjoy the vegetables they have grown. Many vegetables keep for months in cold storage when provided the right conditions.

Fall training for 300 ISU Extension and Outreach Master Gardener trainees culminated with a full-day class on the Iowa State University campus, Ames.

Paperwhite narcissus is a type of narcissus flowering bulb that makes for great home decoration during the holidays. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists share information on paperwhite narcissus to help brighten homes this winter.

Store garden supplies and tools for over-winter before cold winter weather arrives. Start the new year with protected supplies – and perhaps a 2019 garden calendar.

There are two ways to start tree seeds – the natural way, which often includes sowing the seeds in the fall, or through forced or assisted germination. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach detail assisted germination of several common Iowa tree seeds.

Winter brings food scarcity, which makes the home landscape a target for rabbits. Rabbits can severely damage trees and shrubs unless homeowners are proactive, which makes protecting them before winter arrives a major priority.

The 2019 Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Garden Calendar showcases the beauty that can be found in gardens in backyards and public spaces. This annual favorite is now available.

We expect oaks, maples and sycamores to change colors and shed leaves each autumn, but many are surprised and concerned when evergreens begin to shed needles. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists answer questions about evergreens, shedding light on what’s natural and what needs attention.

ISU Extension and Outreach will host a short course Nov. 5 designed to highlight the importance of crop, environment and soil management for vegetable production in high tunnels.

A trio of publications available through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers instruction for using pesticides to homeowners and commercial greenhouse employees alike.

Perennials such as tuberous begonias, gladioli, cannas and dahlias are an integral part of many home landscapes. They put on excellent displays of color until a killing frost. Unfortunately, they will not survive our harsh winter weather outdoors and must be dug in the fall and stored indoors through the winter months.

Actively growing crops, such as broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts and kale, need to be monitored for pests who still have time to cause damage before harvest.

Horticulturists with ISU Extension and Outreach share information about adding trees with colorful fall foliage to home landscapes.

The emerald ash borer, a destructive insect that attacks and kills ash trees, has been detected for the first time in Grundy County. There are now 65 counties in Iowa with confirmed infestations.

Mums offer gardeners a wide range of colors and flower forms and only require moderate maintenance. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists tell how to get the most enjoyment out of mums.

Bulb forcing can bring the bright colors and fragrances of spring indoors during winter. Tulips can be forced indoors from December through March, if steps are taken in the fall to prepare the bulbs.