Yard and Garden
Yard and Garden

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Yard and Garden

Find current home gardening information about plant care, plant recommendations, growing & harvesting, pest management, and household pests written by Iowa State University Extension specialists in the Departments of Horticulture and Plant Pathology, Entomology & Microbiology. 

Timely Topics

pink and white moth orchid blooms

Trending Topics

Keep up-to-date on gardening topics. 

Learn more about what is blooming around Iowa, what are some common gardening questions, frequent pests for the week, and timely tasks for the garden and landscape.

deicing salts on garden patio

Using Deicing Salts in the Home Landscape

In the winter deicing compounds are frequently used to make roads, sidewalks, and pathways safer.  However, they can damage concrete surfaces and landscape plants. Learn about the important considerations to take when using deicing materials in your landscape.

Various vegetable seed packets.

Tips for Purchasing Seeds

Growing plants from seed is rewarding and economical. Order high-quality seeds early, from reliable companies. Check seed age and viability, and avoid excess. Use in-store options when necessary for best results.

zz plant

Easy Low-Maintenance Houseplants

Looking to buy a houseplant? Try starting with some of these easy-to-care-for, low-maintenance indoor plants.

2025 Master Gardener volunteer orientation schedule by county.

Applications Open for Spring 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Training

If you are interested in gardening and horticulture, curious and love to learn, and can make a commitment to volunteering, we want you to join the Iowa Master Gardener program! We welcome participants with all levels of gardening experience.

Iowa Master Gardener logo.

Registration is Open for the 2025 Home Gardening Webinar Series

Join the Iowa Master Gardener Program every Thursday at 6 p.m. central time, from January 9 through March 16. This free weekly webinar series highlights a variety of topics for home gardeners. 

Resources

Growing Amaryllis

Featured Publication

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.

Download the Publication

Yard and Garden News

Wild-harvested Mushroom Certification Class Set for Spring

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Wild-harvested Mushroom Certification Class will return this spring. The class is particularly relevant for those hoping to sell wild-harvested mushrooms, as sellers are legally required to complete a certification workshop to sell eight different varieties of wild-harvested mushrooms.

Yard and Garden: Caring for Sansevieria

Sansevieria is known for its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists answer questions on these highly adaptable indoor plants.

Monarch and Pollinator Habitat Workshop Series to Be Held in February and March

Iowa Learning Farms will host a series of monarch and pollinator habitat workshops in February and March. Farmers, landowners and urban residents are welcome to attend these free workshops that include a complimentary meal.
More from Extension News

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Iowa Gardening News provides timely information and reminders all year from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Garden Variety Podcast

Garden Variety Podcast

Whether you're a master gardener, just getting started or somewhere in between — there's always something new to learn in your garden.

Explore latest episodes