Yard and Garden News

Starting seedlings indoors can be a fun, rewarding hobby. Horticulture specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offer tips and techniques for home gardeners.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer workshops on March 21 and April 4 for anyone interested in being certified to sell morel and oyster mushrooms within Iowa.

Get a head start on your flower and vegetable seedlings by following some basic steps.

This new video series explains the principles of pruning and gives step-by-step instructions.

Pruning increases fruit size, promotes better color development, increases sugar content and decreases insect and disease problems.

Pruning landscape trees in late winter has many benefits. Learn more in this month's edition of the Acreage Living Newsletter.

Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Audubon and Guthrie counties for the first time. EAB larvae were collected from infested trees in rural Exira (Audubon County) and Casey (Guthrie County). The invasive, tree-killing pest has been found in 71 Iowa counties since 2010.

Scale and mealybugs are two common insect pests on houseplants. Horticulture specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach share information on these pests and how to control their spread.

The 2020 edition of Iowa State University’s Shade Tree Short Course promises another event of professional presentations, demonstrations, certifications and networking.

Horticulture specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offer directions for caring for several short term flowering houseplants.

Beginning in February, the Master Gardener program will provide a winter webcast series in county extension offices across the state. Webcast topics include climate change, native plants, and tips for designing gardens that encourage children to spend time outdoors.

Iowa has five official symbols, as designated by the Iowa Legislature, including the state tree (oak) and flower (wild rose).

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.