Publications
The ISU Extension Store offers a number of publications for purchase or in a free downloadable PDF document. Publications related to flowers, lawn care, vegetables, trees and more can be found below to help you navigate to the information you need. The drop down menu will guide you to several categories containing publications, all relating to horticulture. If you have additional questions on a certain plant or problem call the Hortline at 515-294-3108 or browse our Frequently Asked Questions!
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
Download and use this form when submitting soil samples for nematode identification and counts.
This form is for soybean cyst nematode egg counts, nematodes on corn, turfgrass nematodes, nematodes found in vegetable or fruit crop fields, as well as home gardens. Also includes instructions on collecting and shipping plant and soil samples for nematode analysis at the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic.
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.
Learn about symptoms and management strategies for this fungal disease. This pub also provides a list of susceptible and resistant species.
Easily identify common diseases and pests and how to manage them effectively.
Description and management information, plus how to submit samples for diagnosis.
Tips on using mulches to maximize benefits and avoid pitfalls.
Find out how this disease is caused, how it spreads, and what can be done to manage it.
A problem since the mid-1990s, find out about management strategies for crown rot.
Find out about disease-resistant elms to combat Dutch Elm Disease.
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.
Beekeepers and commercial pesticide applicators play important roles in protecting Iowa's bees. This publication outlines actions both groups can take to reduce the risks to bees that benefit Iowa's agroecosystem.
Help with identification and control of the most common juniper diseases. Color photos and tables.
Prevention is the first step in controlling houseplant insects. This web-only guide provides descriptions and photos of nine common houseplant pests plus suggestions for treatment.
Anthracnose is one of the most common foliage diseases of shade trees in Iowa. Find out about symptoms and management. Color photos.
Learn about local morels and fungi. Includes many pictures to help you identify morels.
Also has info on safe use of fungi as food.
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.
This publication outlines a process and the resources needed to help establish prairie to be used as an outdoor classroom. Such a classroom can be used to educate elementary through high school aged students about science, math, language arts, social studies and the arts.
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.
Download and submit this form to the ISU Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory.
This publication contains contact information on self-identified organic agriculture experts from 42 states and several countries around the world.
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.
Discover the many plants that have been named after animals. Public gardens, such as Reiman Gardens, have several of the plants described here.
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.
Basil is a member of the mint family with an aroma like mint and tea. Learn about its history, uses, culture, harvesting, preparation, and the different basil varieties.
Learn about the best viburnum species and cultivars for mid-Iowa (hardiness zones 4 and 5); also site selection and care and maintenance.
To successfully grow in Iowa, select cold hardy varieties, choose suitable planting sites, and follow recommended planting procedures.
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.
Selecting a single tree for your yard or several hundred for your community will be more rewarding if you take time to critically evaluate the proposed planting site and the reasons for planting trees on that site.
Learn more about Iowa's official state tree and the twelve different species native to Iowa.
Starting and maintaining a water garden of any size inevitably brings questions. Find answers to the most commonly asked questions here.
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.
Find out about providing food and nectar sources in our landscapes and gardens to support and encourage butterfly habitat. Approximately 75 species of butterflies have been recorded in Iowa.
Learn how to start a water garden. Topics include plant selection, floating plants, submerged plants, shallow marginal plants, deep water plants, planting methods, and fertilizing plants.
Selecting and planting shade-tolerant perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs can turn a shady site into an attractively landscaped area. Publication discusses perennials that are good choices for partially to heavily shaded locations.
A butterfly garden can be created as simply as planting a bunch of butterfly-favorite plants in a sunny corner of your yard. Learn about effective butterfly garden characteristics and which host and nectar plants are best for different butterflies.
Blueberries can be grown successfully in Iowa when their special growing needs are met. Topics include site requirements, plant choice, planting tips, plant care, and possible plant sources.
Pruning grapes is easier when you understand the growth and fruiting characteristics of the grapevine. Learn the reasons for pruning, the common training systems, and how to prune.
To obtain maximum yields and to control diseases, raspberries must be pruned properly.
Describes and compares five grass species for use in special situations, including buffalograss, zoysiagrass, creeping bentgrass, rough bluegrass, and annual ryegrass.
One of the most overlooked aspects of growing plants indoors is lighting, resulting in poor plant health with thin, sparse foliage. Learn about proper lighting as well as lists of plants that thrive in low, medium, and high light.
An excellent way to brighten the winter landscape is to plant trees and shrubs with ornamental characteristics, such as colorful fruit or exfoliating bark.
Amaryllis are popular flowering bulbs grown indoors during the winter months. Learn how easy it is to plant an amaryllis bulb and how to care for it as it grows.
Three of the more than 800 species of impatiens are commonly grown in gardens: impatiens , New Guinea impatiens, and rose balsam. Learn more about where to plant, when to plant, watering, and fertilizing Impatiens.
Check out this list of more than 100 common flowers and their meanings. "Next time you give flowers to someone, consider selecting particular ones to express your sentiment."
Zinnias prompt memories of grandmothers' gardens and cheerful bouquets. They easily earn a good reputation with their dependability and array of flower colors and heights. Learn how to grow zinnias, the different types, about zinnia diseases and pests, and how to use them as cut or dried flowers.
Cannas are bold, exotic-looking plants grown for their attractive flowers and foliage. Find information on cannas culture, planting, starting from seed, storage, and flower varieties and sources.
While African violets are relatively easy to grow, they do require consistent care and attention to light, temperature, watering, and fertilization. Find out more, including how to propagate by leaf cutting.
Miniature roses are ideal for container culture, and are popular flowering gifts that can brighten indoor spaces. Make your roses bloom with information on indoor and outdoor care, pest control, and recommended cultivars.
Discover more about this popular flowering plant. This publication discusses geranium culture, overwintering, potting, cutting, bare root plants, and growing them from seed.