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!

Using Mulches in Managed Landscapes
Tips on using mulches to maximize benefits and avoid pitfalls.
Pine Wilt: A Fatal Disease of Exotic Pines in the Midwest
Find out how this disease is caused, how it spreads, and what can be done to manage it.
Got Plant or Insect Problems?
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.
Protecting Bees in Iowa
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.
Juniper Diseases
Help with identification and control of the most common juniper diseases. Color photos and tables.
Houseplant Insect Control
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.
References and Resources for Prairies and Native Plantings
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.
Prairies and Native Plantings as Outdoor Classrooms
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.
Introduction to Iowa Native Prairie Plants
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.
National Directory Organic Agriculture Expertise
This publication contains contact information on self-identified organic agriculture experts from 42 states and several countries around the world.
Growing and Using Basil
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.
Viburnums: Ideal Shrubs for Iowa Landscapes
Learn about the best viburnum species and cultivars for mid-Iowa (hardiness zones 4 and 5); also site selection and care and maintenance.
Growing Rhododendrons and Azaleas in Iowa
To successfully grow in Iowa, select cold hardy varieties, choose suitable planting sites, and follow recommended planting procedures.
Lichens
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.
Guidelines for Selecting Trees
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.
Iowa's Oaks
Learn more about Iowa's official state tree and the twelve different species native to Iowa.
Water Gardens: FAQs
Starting and maintaining a water garden of any size inevitably brings questions. Find answers to the most commonly asked questions here.
Rain Gardens: Filtering and Recycling Rain Water
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.
Iowa Butterfly and Caterpillar Food Preferences
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.
Water Gardens: Aquatic Plants
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.
Perennials for Shady Areas
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.
Gardening for Butterflies and Pollinators
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.
Growing Blueberries in Iowa
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 Grapevines
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.
Pruning Raspberries
To obtain maximum yields and to control diseases, raspberries must be pruned properly.
Grasses for Special Uses
Describes and compares five grass species for use in special situations, including buffalograss, zoysiagrass, creeping bentgrass, rough bluegrass, and annual ryegrass.
Lighting & Houseplants
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.
Ornamental Grasses with Winter Interest
An excellent way to brighten the winter landscape is to plant ornamental grasses. Learn about those well-suited for Iowa.
Growing Amaryllis
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.
Growing Impatiens
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.
The Language of Flowers
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
Zinnias prompt memories of grandmother's 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.
Miniature Roses
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.
Growing and Over-wintering Garden Geraniums
Discover more about this popular flowering plant. This publication discusses geranium culture, overwintering, potting, cutting, bare root plants, and growing them from seed.
When to Divide Perennials
Herbaceous perennials are commonly divided for three reasons: to control size, to rejuvenate plants, and to propagate a prized perennial. The best time to divide perennials varies with the different plant species. Get the details here.
Poinsettia Care
The poinsettia is one of the most popular potted flowers in the United States. Learn how to select a healthy plant and the care involved keeping the plant and getting it to bloom again next season.
Growing Petunias
Petunias are easy to grow, bloom reliably all summer, and are available in a wide range of colors, flower forms, and growth habits. Learn about petunia types and how to grow and maintain them.
Growing Garden Lilies
Find out out several different varieties of true lilies. Also, in addition to being outstanding garden performers, lilies make excellent cut flowers with a long vase life.
Suggested Daffodil Cultivars for Iowa
Several thousand daffodil cultivars are available. One way to choose is by considering the physical characteristics of different types. Brochure briefly describes 48 cultivars that are known to do well in Iowa.
Growing and Over-wintering Tender Perennials
Tuberous begonias, gladioli, caladium, cannas, and dahlias provide welcome color until a killing frost. Check these tips for growing and storing these perennial favorites.
The Griffith Buck Roses
Griffith Buck developed more than 85 roses that are noted for their free-flowering habit, disease resistance, and winter hardiness. Several varieties are described here, along with where you can find them.
Growing Holiday Cacti
Discover more information about the three types of holiday cacti: Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, along with their culture and propagation.
Growing Chrysanthemums in the Garden
Chrysanthemums reach their peak when most annuals and perennials are winding down for the season. Mums also offer gardeners a wide range of colors and flower forms and only require moderate levels of maintenance.
Late Season Perennial Flowers -- Reiman Gardens
Mums, 'Autumn Joy' sedum, and rudbeckia are familiar perennials that bloom in late summer to fall. Adding any of these eighteen other less common, late season perennials discussed in this publication will also extend the color in your garden.
Growing Annuals in Containers
Container gardens are a great way to grow plants in limited spaces. Look here for tips on choosing containers and plants, as as tips on maintenance.
Gardening in Iowa Zones
Zone maps are a gardener's best tool for selecting plants that will do well in local gardens.  This publication includes information about and how to use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and the AHS Plant Heat Zone Map.
Pollinators in the Garden
Publication discusses what pollination is, common pollinators in Iowa, and how to attract pollinators to your garden.
Sphinx Moths
Learn more about a fascinating insect behavior viewed in the home garden - nectar feeding by large, dark moths (sphinx moths) that look like hummingbirds.
Organic Mulches
When choosing which organic mulch to use, consider availability, cost, appearance, function, and durability. Includes information on using bark, cocoa-bean hulls, corncobs, grass clippings, leaves, newspapers, pine needles, sawdust, straw, and wood chips.
Questions About Composting
If you are starting a compost pile in your yard or garden this year, this publication answers a few of the commonly asked questions about composting.

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