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 browse our Frequently Asked Questions!
Soil health or soil quality refers to the ability of soil to function and sustain productivity, enhance and maintain water and air quality, and support plant health. Soils provide many essential functions, such as regulating water, sustaining plant and animal life, reducing potential pollutants, cycling nutrients, and physical stability. Soil health involves physical, chemical, and biological processes and properties.
A two-page handout on the chili thrips that includes color photos, host plants, description of the thrips and plant damage, and monitoring methods.
A two-page handout on Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 that includes color photos, host range, symptoms, transmission and diagnosis.
A two-page handout on the lobate lac scale that includes color pictures, host plants, description, symptoms and management recommendations.
A two-page handout on the cycad aulacaspis scale that includes color photos, host plants, description of the scale, life cycle, plant symptoms, and management recommendations.
A two-page handout on sudden oak death that includes color pictures, information on the origins and host range, and how to monitor for this disease.
A two-page handout on the western bean cutworm that includes color photos, origin, description, life cycle, damage, monitoring an control methods.
Previously known as EDC 370.
A two-page handout on zika virus that includes color photos, information on virus transmission, mosquito bite prevention methods, and the symptoms of zika virus.
A two-page handout on the bagrada bug that includes color photos, host range, potential impact and spread, life cycle, and management information.
A two-page handout on thousand cankers disease that includes color photos, transmission, biology, host plants, symptoms and management methods.
A two-page handout on blueberry shock virus that includes origin, symptoms, biology, and management methods.
A two-page handout on the Asian longhorned beetles that includes color photos, description, damage, environmental impact and how to report a suspect.
The official textbook of the Iowa Master Gardener training, this 314-page book provides detailed information on all aspects of gardening. Each chapter is written by an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialist, providing information and answers to questions about growing and tending plants. Its companion, "Workbook for Iowa Master Gardeners" is also available.
Aronia berries are a super-fruit that are becoming more intriguing to consumers, farmers and researchers. This publication discusses research conducted by Iowa State University into aronia berry production in Iowa.
Production budgets help to allocate land, labor, and capital. The most appropriate use is defined by the person in control of the resources and may be used to maximize profits or minimize soil loss or any other goal.
Sample budgets included in this publication are divided into five sections: total receipts, costs of planting and growing the product, pre-harvest and harvest expenses, ownership costs, and summary of returns.
The estimated costs illustrated in this publication are based on Extension professionals experience with a variety of growers in Iowa.
Flood-stressed trees show a variety of symptoms and also become candidates for insect and disease damage. Research has found some trees are more tolerant than others.
Tips on how to identify, prevent, or reduce the stress-causing factors that lead to tree decline.
This guide provides weed identification and control information that turfgrass professionals can use to develop effective weed control programs for golf courses, athletic fields, sod farms, lawns, and other turfgrass systems. The recommendations apply to the majority of the United States, with input from experts in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Since topping trees is harmful, read about alternatives to solve site problems.
This colorful, interactive infographic provides a look into the life of a honey bee. Beekeeper Ben guides readers through information on beehives, types of honey bees, bee jobs, planting flowers for bees and harvesting honey.
Created through a partnership between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Honey Producers Association.
This publication provides a timetable for pest emergence in Iowa and what pesticides can be used in Iowa's vineyards. Designed to be printed and carried with you in the field, this publication is oriented to be folded in half to fit easily into a glove box, folder or pocket.
This reference guide helps distinguish the brown marmorated stink bug from other bugs of the Midwest. Stink bugs are common insects found in lawns, landscapes and field crops.
Are you interested in having more bees in your garden? Are wasps buzzing around your pop can? Learn about their life cycles, what they feed on, and where they nest. The behavior and biology of the most commonly encountered wasps and bees in Iowa are described in this resource available from our partners at University of Minnesota Extension.
This resource was a joint project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the University of Wisconsin Extension, and University of Minnesota Extension.
If you suspect your house is infested with termites or if other property in your neighborhood has termites, consult this publication for information on how to make a decision for a termite service contract. Termite prevention is also discussed.
Discover the art and science of pruning with informative photos and detailed guidelines.
Know what to look for when checking pesticide labels for insecticides that can harm pollinators, especially bees. Find out about the insecticides that are most toxic to honey bees, bumble bees, and native solitary bees. Also find 10 ways that individuals can help protect bees. Includes several online sources of information.
Bug bugs are embarrassing and annoying.
This fact sheet answers common questions related to preventing, detecting and controlling bed bugs in the home.
Oak wilt, the most damaging disease of oak trees in lowa, has killed many forest and landscape oaks in the eastern and central United States. Oak wilt has not devastated its host species, however, mainly because its spread from diseased to healthy trees has been relatively slow and sporadic. Nevertheless, local outbreaks of oak wilt can kill or injure many trees. The management practices described in this publication can help minimize the risk of losing oaks to this disease.
Here are pruning tips for do-it-yourselfers or hiring hints if you bring in a professional.
Opening the flour container to find beetles crawling around the top is never a pleasant experience, but there is no need to panic. The most common pests we find in our kitchen and pantries and what we can do to manage them if they infest our food are described.
This resource was a joint project between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the University of Wisconsin Extension, and University of Minnesota Extension.
To access this resource visit the University of Minnesota Extension website.
Galls are distinctive swellings or abnormal growths of plant tissue caused by an attack of a living organism. This publication discusses tree and shrub galls caused by insects and mites. It talks about the damage galls create and how they can be controlled. It also provides a detailed list of common galls and gallmarkers that includes color photos.
Previously known as IC 0417.
There are three species of lice that can at times infest humans—the head louse, the body louse, and the crab or pubic louse. Human lice infestations can be controlled and prevented easily and effectively.
Cultural management techniques can help reduce the risk of canker diseases.
Many ash tree problems can be mistaken for emerald ash borer infestation. Before removal or needlessly treating with pesticides, use this diagnostic guide to distinguish emerald ash borer injury from other common problems of ash.
Learn about the five cockroach species in Iowa and the management and chemical treatment possibilities.
Dueños de propiedades y los aplicadores de pesticidas comerciales encontrarán medidas de control a considerar para prevenir y tratar la infestación de fresnos por el barrenador verde esmeralda. Incluye recomendaciones de productos y evaluación de eficacia de los insecticidas.
Spanish version of Emerald Ash Borer Management Options.
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.
As hop production returns to Iowa, growers are wanting more information on producing healthy and abundant harvests. This publication discusses the best practices for designing and constructing a hops yard.
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.
Organic production and consumption has increased to a $39.5 billion industry in the United States with over 22,000 organic farmers. Over 5.4 million acres are in organic production in the U.S., including 164,403 acres of organic vegetables, valued at $1.3 billion. The majority of organic vegetable growers incorporate crop rotations, composting, and cover crops in their operations. The following information offers a guide for including these practices to meet certified organic rules and increase the long-term sustainability of an organic farm.
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.
The melon family is comprised of muskmelon, watermelon, and honeydew melons, with all belonging to the cucurbitaceae family.
This publication discusses commercial site selection, planting, cultivars, pollination, fertilization, irrigation, weed management and harvesting of melons.
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.
Ticks can be found across the state of Iowa and are active from March through November. This publication discusses the three most common type of ticks in the state while also providing information on preventing Lyme disease and removing attached ticks.
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.
This self-directed, online course covers all aspects of constructing, owning and operating a high tunnel. Throughout the course, you will learn how to properly select a site location, test your soils, determine what crops to grow in your high tunnel, expected costs and potential returns from your high tunnel and resources to help in the process.
Each section of the course includes a worksheet for feedback from the course coordinators specific to your own operation.
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.
Scale insects are tiny insects that can cause large problems for landscape plants. Despite their small size they can weaken and even kill ornamental plants. This publication provides information on identifying these insects and steps that can be taken to remove them from plants through biological, mechanical and chemical means.
Previously known as IC 0415
Use this 8-page publication filled with guidelines for examining unhealthy trees and finding expert help.
This publication provides information on tasks that must be completed to produce a healthy hop crop. Broken down month-by-month, it provides reminders and tips for growing hops. It also includes additional resources that can be helpful to hop growers.