Publications

Homeowners and commercial pesticide applicators will find control measures to consider in preventing and treating the infestation of ash trees by the emerald ash borer. Includes product recommendations and evaluation of insecticide effectiveness.

Although needed in very small amounts, micronutrients have an important role to play in plant growth and development. Most of them are involved in enzymatic reactions that are essential for plant survival such as photosynthesis and respiration. This publication highlights the major roles, deficiencies, and toxicity symptoms of micronutrients in plants and provides an understanding of the interactions between micronutrients in the soil.

Asparagus is a hardy perennial of the lily family. The plant originated in the coastal regions of Europe and Asia but is now grown throughout the world. It is one of the first vegetable crops to be available in the early spring, along with leafy greens. Once established, a well-cared for asparagus field can remain productive for 15 to 20 years.

Pak choi is a cool-season vegetable that belongs to the cabbage and cauliflower family. It is also known as bok choi, or pak choy. It originated in China and has been cultivated for thousands of years. Pak choi has rapidly been gaining popularity in the Midwest due to its mild flavor, suitability as a stir fry vegetable, and wide acceptance among consumers. Many farmers markets, community supported agriculture vendors, and local grocery stores feature pak choi in produce boxes.

There has been interest in growing grapes in the upper Midwest and other cold climate regions of North America. One of the problems growers face in these regions is selecting cultivars (cultivated varieties) that will withstand severe winters, mature in short growing seasons, and be productive. As grape acreage increases in cold climate regions, too often cultivar selections are being made based upon testimonial or anecdotal information. With the high costs of vineyard establishment there is an increasing need for a standard reference to assist growers in selecting best adapted cultivars.

As hop production returns to Iowa, growers are wanting more information on producing healthy and abundant harvests. This publication discusses the best practices for selecting a site to grow hops and how to plant the crop.

Use this 8-page publication filled with guidelines for examining unhealthy trees and finding expert help.

Throughout the year we celebrate holidays and special events with family gatherings and traditional foods. Plants are another important feature in many celebrations. From poinsettias at Christmas, to roses on Valentine's Day, to Jack o'lanterns on Halloween, horticulture is an integral part of many celebrations. This monthly calendar features a striking holiday-inspired horticulture image and the story behind the tradition. The large calendar grid offers space to create a gardening journal to record the progress of your own garden.

Download and use this form when submitting a plant problem (plant disease or insects/mites on plants), an insect for identification, a plant for identification, or a mushroom for identification. This form consolidates and replaces: PIDC 0031 PIDC 0033 PIDC 0042 PIDC 0043

Many gardeners produce excess vegetables during the growing season. Some preserve their surplus vegetables for later use, while others give friends and neighbors the extras. Another option for using this excess produce could be a local food pantry. This publication discusses 13 vegetables that can be donated to food pantries and tips for growing and harvesting those vegetables.

Easily identify common diseases and pests and how to manage them effectively.

Tips on using mulches to maximize benefits and avoid pitfalls.

A problem since the mid-1990s, find out about management strategies for crown rot.

The ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic helps Iowans diagnose and manage plant diseases, weeds, and insects in fields and around your home. Here's an introduction to the clinic.

Help with identification and control of the most common juniper diseases. Color photos and tables.

Anthracnose is one of the most common foliage diseases of shade trees in Iowa. Find out about symptoms and management. Color photos.

Prairie plants and other native plants are returning to the Iowa landscape. This publication offers a list of resources that will help those planning to create any size prairie plantings.

Find out more about native plants and their uses in a garden or large planting. Includes more than 20 color photos, plus a detailed chart of prairie plant characteristics.

Encourage children to explore the Reiman Gardens to find plants that are native to other countries. Then they can check off each plant that they find on the included map and draw a line to its native country.

Learn how to keep an insect investigator journal and see how many of the world's one million different types of insects you can find.

Learn about the best viburnum species and cultivars for mid-Iowa (hardiness zones 4 and 5); also site selection and care and maintenance.

Many gardeners are concerned about unusual gray-green growths on tree trunks and branches. Learn more lichens, where they are found, and their different types and uses.

Learn more about Iowa'€™s official state tree and the twelve different species native to Iowa.

Rain gardens collect and filter rain water to improve storm water management. They also can provide an attractive habitat for birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects.