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Growing Forsythias in the Home Landscape

After a long, drab winter, most gardeners anxiously await the arrival of spring. One sure sign that spring has truly arrived is the bright yellow flowers of the forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia). Named after William Forsyth, an 18th-century Scottish horticulturist, the forsythia is a deciduous shrub that is native to China, Korea, and Europe.

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New Gardening Special Premiers on Iowa PBS

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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.

Propagation of Trees, Shrubs, and Vines from Hardwood Cuttings

Hardwood cuttings is a propagation method done while the plant is dormant from the shoots that developed during the previous growing season.  Learn more about this type of vegetative propagation if you want to propagate any trees, shrubs, or vines in the home landscape.

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Winter Garden Tasks

While winter is often considered a slow time in the garden, there are still several things that can be done from December through February to prepare for spring and keep yourself active in the garden even when there is snow on the ground!  Below is a list of tasks to do for perennials, annuals, trees & shrubs, vegetables, lawns, and houseplants.

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68th Annual Iowa State University Shade Tree Short Course

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From its humble beginnings in the mid-1950’s to its current status as one of the most popular and well-attended tree care conferences of its kind in the country, the ISU Shade Tree Short Course (Ames, IA) is the place to be February 21-22, 2024.

New Plant Hardiness Zone Map Released from the USDA

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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.

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