July 24, 2015

How Coins Help with Digital Diagnosis


One of the common recommendations when sending digital images for diagnosis of insects, plants or diseases is to include a "size reference" in the photo.

Dobsonflies: Big, Beautiful and Harmless


This is the time of year when people notice one of the largest insects in Iowa, the dobsonfly (Corydalus spp., Megaloptera: Corydalidae).  These large prehistoric-looking creatures

Diminishing Hunger: International Master Gardener Conference


The biennial International Master Gardener Conference will be held at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Sept. 22–25.  The conference theme “Horticultural Horizons in the Heartland” will include a keynote presentation focused on accessing fresh produce and diminishing hunger through food gardening and programs such as the AmpleHarvest Campaign.

Harvesting and Storing Onions


Onions should be harvested when most of the tops have fallen over and begun to dry.  Carefully pull or dig the bulbs with the tops attached.   

Powdery Mildew Management in the Home Garden


Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease found in a wide range of plants, that causes cosmetic damage but would not result in plant death.