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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tree work should be performed only by a properly trained and equipped arborist. Considerations in choosing an arborist include certification, insurance, references, contracts, etc.
Hiring a landscaper can be a daunting task. This publication provides information on professional certification and other requirements in Iowa, and topics to discuss with potential contractors.
Publication discusses what pollination is, common pollinators in Iowa, and how to attract pollinators to your garden.
Learn more about a fascinating insect behavior viewed in the home gardenânectar feeding by large, dark moths (sphinx moths) that look like hummingbirds.
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.
Botanical insecticides are naturally occurring insect toxins extracted from plants. Several have been formulated for insect management in the home garden. Learn more about the pluses and minuses.
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.
Proper storage of pesticides is important for many reasons, especially protecting human health, preserving the environment, and maintaining chemical effectiveness. Four steps to storing pesticides safely.
Detailed descriptions of all parts of pesticide labels provided. The label is the law. As a buyer, you assume responsibility for the consequences if the product is used in any way different from the label directions.
Identifying and encouraging naturally occurring predators and parasites is a useful gardening skill. This fact sheet describes 10 beneficial insects and also offers other tips for preventing insect and disease problems.
Identifying and encouraging naturally occurring predators and parasites is a useful gardening skill. This fact sheet describes 10 beneficial insects and also offers other tips for preventing insect and disease problems.
Raised beds and planters make gardening accessible for gardeners of all abilities. Use this information to decide where to put your bed or planter, the materials that will be needed, and the types of plants to consider.
Resource list for making gardening easier and more accessible, including books, organizations, web sites, and selected educational programs.
Therapeutic gardens for healthcare facilities benefit residents, staff, and visitors. Find out details of how to plan and maintain these features.
When choosing a healthcare facility, consider the outdoor environment. Well-designed landscapes provide therapeutic benefits to physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are nine features to look for.
Here are descriptions of several simple ideas and inexpensive tools that can help people continue gardening as they grow older.
Learn to properly maintain your garden all year round. Includes information on what steps to take with your lawn, fruits, trees and shrubs, flowers, herbs, houseplants, and/or vegetables in the early and late part of each season.
A useful guide to finding certified pesticide applicators who can treat for tree and shrub pests, including the emerald ash borer.
Make high tunnels more profitable for crop production by installing a system to catch, store, and reuse the rainwater from periodic rain events. The authors describe system components, give approximate costs, and detail year-round maintenance procedures. Also described is a drip irrigation system.
Water gardens are appealing to many, but the climate in the Midwest presents some specific challenges. This book examines the many considerations to building a water garden in the Midwest and includes basic guidelines for construction, maintenance, and selecting plants.
Organic production and consumption has increased over the past 20 years. Learn how to raise organic vegetables - including strategies for composting, pest management, and disease management.
New and experienced organic apple growers will find recommendations in this guide for managing insect pests, diseases, and weeds. Tips about marketing opportunities also are included.
Highlights some of the best August-flowering plants for zones 4 and 5. All listed plants have been proven performers in Iowa and Nebraska gardens.
Sustainable landscapes require less time, money and other resources.
This book provides information on creating an environmentally friendly, economically feasible, and beautiful landscape by placing the right plant at the right place.
This enterprise budgeting tool can help vegetable growers estimate the costs and revenue associated with producing a product. Growers with multiple enterprises can use total sales as the basis for estimating the cost of planting, growing, harvesting, and handling key crops with a series of worksheets.Specific crops include: Asparagus, basil, green beans, carrots, eggplant, garlic, salad greens, snow peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, raspberries, strawberries, cherry and heirloom tomatoes.
A 2-part questionnaire helping you analyze your landscaping site and to assess your family's needs and wants for the project.
Whether you want to do-it-yourself or are working with a professional, this guide offers a step-by-step approach to understanding the design process. Color photos and diagrams show how to use basic design elements to create a pleasing and functional space. Included worksheets can assist you in analyzing your site. An additional resource list and convenient index are also found inside.
An easy-to-carry guide (5"; x 8 1/2") for home gardeners and visitors to public gardens in the Midwest. Color photos and basic information about growing 300 annual and perennial flowers, Buck roses, ornamental grasses, herbs, vines, and even water plants. Symbols help to identify sun/shade requirements and indicate special uses (containers, butterfly gardens, etc).
Understand how plants grow, why pruning is necessary, and which tools to use to remove the mystery surrounding this routine horticulture practice.
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.
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.
Several rose diseases caused by fungus, virus, or bacterium are discussed. Disease-resistant varieties also are mentioned.
Color photos and descriptions of 20 drought tolerant annuals and perennials.
Includes photos and detailed information about dahlia types, plus tips on planting, growing, and preparing for flower shows.
Hundreds of perennials prefer the bright light and accompanying heat that define sunny sites. This full color publication gives growing characteristics for more than 100 perennials that thrive in the sun in zones 3 to 5. Special features include 140 color photos, plant descriptions, specialty plant lists, and other tips.
If you think hostas are your only choice for shady gardens, think again. This full color publication gives growing characteristics, plant descriptions, and other tips for more than 70 perennials for shade gardens in zones 3 to 5. Special features include 130 color photos, bloom time comparisons, and specialty plant lists.
“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.
"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.
Tomatillos are a traditional part of Mexican cooking. Discover information on tomatillo cultivars, planting, fertilization, care, potential problems, and harvest and storage.
Tomatillos are a traditional part of Mexican cooking. Discover information on tomatillo cultivars, planting, fertilization, care, potential problems, and harvest and storage.
Grow garlic in your home garden. Learn about garlic cultivars, planting, fertilizing, maintenance, potential problems, and harvest and storage.
Grow garlic in your home garden. Learn about garlic cultivars, planting, fertilizing, maintenance, potential problems, and harvest and storage.
Cilantro or coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a
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.
Find more information here about watermelon, muskmelon, and honeydew melons. Read about melon cultivars, planting, fertilizing, yield, irrigation, pollination, potential problems, and harvest and storage.