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!
More than 90 color photos showing 43 cultivars to match the correct tree to your specific site and personal needs. Choose from the cultivars to enjoy an avalanche of colorful, fragrant flowers each spring and a handsome, healthy tree throughout the year.
Take this booklet, which includes the current recommendations of the Iowa Urban and Community Forest Council and Iowa State University, along as you plan, plant, and care for trees that will become tomorrow's community forest.
More than 110 photos plus descriptions of 75 deciduous shrubs (organized by height) will simplify your hunt for the right shrub for your landscape. A comparison chart identifies those with the most ornamental value. Recommendations also are given for specific planting needs, such as dry or wet soils, shaded sites, and food for birds and other wildlife.
Pesticides are toxic to target pests, but can also cause potential harm to the applicator or the environment. This publication discusses how to understand a pesticide label, its toxicity and whether it could be toxic to bees. It also contains table that provide information on commonly used insecticides, herbicides and fungicides.
Due to the high demand for athletic fields, renovation intervals of fields have become shorter over the last decade. Facilities are being pushed for quick turnaround to make game fields ready, from less than one year of establishment to as short as 3-4 months. This publication provides athletic turf managers with alternative seeding rates and irrigation options for reviving current grass or complete renovation of field turf.
"Cole crops" is the general term used to describe broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, and kohlrabi. Learn about cole crop cultivars, planting, yields, care during the growing season, potential problems, and harvest and storage.
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.
Includes information regarding: container construction, size, and capacity; crop selection and planting density; summer care (location, watering, fertilization, tomato tips). Lists suggestions for 12 container garden vegetables (more than 40 cultivars) including: carrots, cucumber, pepper, spinach, and tomatoes.
Asparagus, one of the most popular spring vegetables, is a hardy perennial that produces edible spears earlier than any other garden vegetable. Learn about site selection, soil preparation, cultivars, weed control, planting, insect pests, harvesting, and after harvest care.
Strip-tillage is when a crop is planted into narrow, tilled strips and the non-tilled area between the strips might contain residue from the previous season's main crop or a living or dead cover crop.
Combining strip-tillage and cover crops offers various benefits including minimal soil erosion, maintains soil moisture and weed suppression. This publication provides basic information on using a strip-tillage system with rolled cover crops as a conservation best management practice in vegetable production systems such broccoli, peppers, pumpkins, squash and tomatoes.
Vegetable production systems require inputs and if not managed properly could have detrimental effects on soil and the environment. Cover crops are gaining importance and growers can used them as a best practice tool in preserving environmental sustainability of vegetable cropping systems without compromising farm productivity and profitability.
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.
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.
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.
Potatoes are the world's most important vegetable crop and have been grown in the United States since the early 1700s. This publication discusses the many different types of potato and their characteristics, recommended planting practices and fertilization. It also talks about pests and diseases that can harm the potato and what can be done to combat them.
Cilantro or coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is member of the carrot family, native to the Mediterranean region, and the world’s most widely used herb. The seed of this plant is the spice coriander, and the leaf is the herb cilantro. The plant, in flower, can reach 3 feet high. Available in English and Spanish.
El cilantro o cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) es miembro de la familia de las zanahorias, originario de la región mediterránea y la hierba más utilizada en el mundo. La semilla de esta planta es la especia cilantro, y la hoja es la hierba cilantro.
Aprenda sobre los diferentes cultivares de pimiento, la siembra, los problemas potenciales, la cosecha y el almacenamiento, y el picor del pimiento en el jardín de su casa. Spanish version of Peppers.
Esta publicación describe recomendaciones y técnicas para cultivar vegetales de calidad en un espacio limitado, incluida la planificación, la selección del sitio, el cuidado durante el verano y las técnicas para ahorrar espacio. Enumera sugerencias para 16 hortalizas de jardín (más de 50 variedades) que incluyen: pepino, judías verdes, pimientos, habichuelas, espinacas, tomates, calabazas de verano e invierno, y otras. Spanish version of Small Plot Vegetable Gardening.
Las cebollas son fáciles de cultivar y, a menudo, rinden bien. Conozca detalles sobre cultivares, plantación, mantenimiento, cosecha y almacenamiento. Spanish version of Onions.
Cultiva ajo en el jardín de tu casa. Aprenda sobre los cultivares de ajo, la siembra, la fertilización, el mantenimiento, los posibles problemas y la cosecha y el almacenamiento. Spanish version of Garlic.
La cantidad de luz solar, el tipo de suelo y otros factores son consideraciones principales al seleccionar un sitio para el jardín. Obtenga los detalles sobre la planificación de su jardín. Spanish version of Where to Put Your Vegetable Garden.
Esta guía puede ayudar a los productores de vegetales del norte, sur y centro de Iowa a programar la siembra de jardines para que el espacio se pueda usar de manera eficiente. Incluye un cuadro escalonado de siembra y cosecha para cultivos de abril a octubre. Se dan instrucciones detalladas de plantación para más de 25 cultivos de jardín comunes, como rábanos, lechugas, cebollas, guisantes, tomates, col rizada, pimientos, calabazas, melones y pepinos. Spanish version of Planting and Harvesting Times for Garden Vegetables
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.
Edible flowers are a popular way to add color, texture, scent, and flavor to foods. Included is a list of some edible flowers, their culture, and suggested uses.
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.
Color photos and descriptions of 20 drought tolerant annuals and perennials.
Learn more about delphiniums with this brochure on delphinium traits, care, plant sources, problems, staking, and commonly available varieties.
Several perennials that bloom in early spring are often forgotten about among flowers like crocuses and daffodils. Learn how pig squeak, heartleaf brunnera, Lenten rose, candytuft, crested iris, Virginia bluebells, moss phlox, lungwort or Bethlehem sage, pasque flower, and bloodroot could enhance your garden.
Daylilies are easy to grow, relatively pest free, and many varieties multiple quickly. Learn more about daylily characteristics, propagation, growth needs, types, and landscape uses.
This gardener's guide to annual flowers includes 106 plant descriptions plus 186 color photos. A comparison chart makes it easy to choose plants by height or flower color. Recommendations also are given for specific uses, such as drought tolerance, fragrance, and cut-flower bouquets.
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.
Dahlias are available in 15 different official colors and 18 types. Learn about dahlia history, planting and growing tips, fall care, and classification.
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.
Learn how to grow roses that you'll be proud of. Information on planting, watering, fertilizing, deadheading, weed and pest control, winter preparations, and pruning for roses in Iowa gardens.
Annual vines grow quickly and bloom profusely in one summer. They can camouflage fences or walls, accent architecture, or soften structural linesâand at the same time add color, texture, and height; screen for privacy or against the elements; or welcome birds, bees, and butterflies. Learn about their care and suggested varieties.
Clematis are often referred to as the queen of the flowering vines. Learn about the varying types of clematis, growing tips, how to support the plant, pests, use in vases, and species that work best in Iowa.
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.