Search

Creating Raised Bed Planters

Raised beds have become popular features in the home landscape. They are both functional and attractive and can be used to grow flowers, vegetables, and small fruits.

Learn how to build your own raised beds for use in vegetable gardens and other areas in the landscape.

New Gardening Special Premiers on Iowa PBS

News Article

A new season of Gardening with Steil premiers on Iowa PBS February 24, 2024 at 4 p.m.  This season features many new landscapes, how-tos, and gardening inspiration from across Iowa.  Be sure to tune in on air and online.

AAS Winners are Great for 2024 Gardens

News Article

 All-America Selections has been trialing edible and ornamental plants for over 90 years, presenting awards to entries that will impress home gardeners with their performance regionally or nationally. There have been plenty of exciting new winners that merit a place in your garden that will be highlighted in this series.

 

New Plant Hardiness Zone Map Released from the USDA

News Article

In November 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an updated version of its popular Plant Hardiness Zone Map. 
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a standard guide to a plant’s cold tolerance.  Overall, much of Iowa is now in Hardiness Zone 5.  Learn more about the new map and how to best use it below.

Second Round of 2023 AAS Winners Announced

News Article

There are three more National Award Winners to announce from the 2023 trials! Circle in your catalogs, and add to your garden plans for 2024! See the exciting new winners in this article.

Composting FAQs

Composting is the best way to dispose of your yard and garden wastes. Below are resources and frequently asked questions on composting.  

Authors: 

Vermicomposting Frequently Asked Questions

Vermicomposting is composting with earthworms. It is becoming a popular alternative or addition to composting and has several benefits for home gardeners. Because the earthworms actually eat vegetable and fruit scraps, the scraps are degraded faster than in typical composting systems. Vermicomposting can also be done indoors throughout the winter, whereas typical composting slows or stops during the winter months. 

Authors: 

How to Create and Use Vermicompost

Worm composting, or vermicomposting is often used for composting kitchen scraps. It is an appropriate option for a basement or other semi-heated indoor space.

Authors: 

First Round of AAS 2023 Winners Announced

News Article

All-America Selections has named its first round of winners from the 2023 trials! These winners were all grown and trialed at Reiman Gardens this summer. See the exciting new winners here.

Pages