Yard and Garden News

Gardeners successfully grow a wide variety of roses in sunny Iowa garden areas. Follow these tips on deadheading, watering and Japanese beetle removal to keep roses attractive throughout the summer.

As Iowans deal with extreme heat, flooding, drought, hail and tornadoes, they have resources available from ISU Extension and Outreach to reduce the personal impact.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in partnership with the Iowa Farmers Union and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, will host a series of produce safety field days this summer focused on the Food Safety Modernization Act and horticulture best practices.

A well-timed plan, and the ability to stick with the plan for several years, is critical to being able to improve the health and appearance of a yard. A new extension publication provides a management and action plan that runs from March through November, giving instruction for yard maintenance activities for spring, summer and fall.

Fresh strawberries, a favorite of almost everyone, are relatively easy to grow and hardy throughout Iowa. Learn how to maintain productivity of a home garden strawberry planting.

The Pocahontas County and Webster County Master Gardeners have received the 2018 Search for Excellence award for their work in their communities. The Search for Excellence award is given annually by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener program.

Complete control of weeds in the home lawn or garden is not a practical goal for many homeowners. A more realistic approach is to minimize weed populations through various control measures.

Follow these tips from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists to maintain a colorful, attractive iris planting.

Home gardeners often have questions about how to manage foliage and bulbs after spring blooming. ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturists share information about daffodil care.

The characteristics of the tree, its environment, the cultural practices used and the weather all affect a tree’s ability to begin and continue to bear fruit. The key to avoiding poor fruit set is to provide conditions favorable for flower bud formation, survival and pollination.

A lawn’s overall appearance is directly related to the maintenance provided. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer tips on lawn mowing this week.

The Iowa Master Gardener program will host a trio of Growing Season webcasts this summer about insects, tree care, organic vegetables, composting and growing roses.

Garden geraniums are popular flowering plants, easy to grow and provide color in the garden from May to frost.

Whether hot or sweet, peppers are easily grown in the Iowa home garden.

From the tiny masked shrew to the iconic white-tailed deer, mammals of all different sizes call this state home. The 57 species of wild mammals routinely found in Iowa is the focus of a new ISU Extension and Outreach publication titled “Mammals of Iowa.”

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer tips on suitable locations, good varieties and proper planting of tomatoes.

Asparagus plantings will produce good crops for 15 to 20 years if planted in a favorable location and good cultural practices are followed. Learn how to start an asparagus patch.

Most soils in Iowa are well suited for vegetables, flowers and turf; a few may have special problems needing correction before planting.

Just in time for spring, the Siouxland Garden Show is April 6-7 at the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux City Riverfront. The show will feature educational sessions, a Winter Farmers Market, garden vendors, wineries and much more.

Whether planted for the root crop or the tender greens, this fast-growing vegetable adds color and nutrients to the dinner plate. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer tips on getting the most out of planting beets.