September 10, 2021
Growing Herbs in the Home Garden
Herbs are annuals, biennials and perennials that die back to the ground each year and are used for their flavor, fragrance and medicinal properties. These easy-to-grow plants not only provide new and different flavors and aromas to food but can be beautiful additions to the landscape. Learn how to grow, harvest, and dry common herbs in the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard and Garden news release from August 17, 2021.
Fall Armyworms - The Surprise of 2021
Fall armyworm moths blew into Iowa in late August and caused an unprecedented situation of egg masses on structures, vehicles, and trees. Monitor turgrass for damage like happened in the eastern one-third of the U.S. earlier this summer.
Fall Garden Clean-up
Several things can be done to prepare the garden for winter and the following growing season when fall arrives.
Bring Houseplants Back Indoors Before Winter
Houseplants that enjoyed a “summer vacation” spending the warm summer months outside need to be moved back indoors before temperatures get cold.
Mushrooms In the Landscape
Mushrooms associated with trees, lawn, mulch, and even house plants, are macroscopic fruiting bodies of certain fungi. Fungi develop a microscopic network of structures underground (Hyphae, Mycelia), associated with trees and other plants, and often embedded in the substrate (soil, living or dead wood, etc.) and extracting nutrients from it. Mushrooms and fungi, in general, are one of the many nature's recyclers.
Soil Testing Resources for Home Gardeners
A new resource page has been developed to provide guidance to county Extension offices and clients on where and how to submit a soil test for home garden situations.
Late Summer Lawn Care
Turfgrass lawns of Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season grasses benefit from proper mowing, overseeding, aeration, weed control and fertilization during late summer and early fall. Learn how to care for your lawn in late summer in the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard and Garden news release from August 27, 2021.
Pilcher Is New Pesticide Safety Education Manager
Dr. Carol Pilcher was named manager of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program. Carol will oversee the statewide training administered to private and commercial pesticide applicator training across Iowa.
Fall Forestry Field Days to be Held Across Iowa
Woodland owners and those with an interest in forestry can network and improve their knowledge during a half-dozen Forestry Field Days to be held in September and October across the state.
Online Food Safety Training for Home-based Food Businesses in Iowa
Harvest season means that small farms will begin producing and selling home-prepared foods. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers online training in food safety, food preparation and Iowa regulations designed specifically for cottage food producers.