Timely Topics

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.

Addressing Issues with Starting Seeds Indoors
Growing transplants at home requires good seed, proper temperature, moisture, light, and care. When things don't go right, follow best practices to avoid poor germination, spindly growth, and other issues.

Growing Clivia Indoors
The Natal lily (Clivia miniata) is an underutilized, easy-to-grow houseplant that brightens indoor spaces with eye-catching flowers when little else is blooming indoors or outdoors.

Preparing Garden Soil
It’s time to think about planting gardens, but before that happens, proper care must be taken to ensure the soil is ready for growth.

How to Select Quality Plant Containers
Selecting quality plant containers allows for long-lasting pots that support healthy plants. Learn the things to look for when selecting a container.

Your Photo Could be Featured on the 2026 Garden Calendar
Submissions are being accepted for photos of Iowa Public Gardens to feature in the 2026 Garden Calendar! The deadline for submissions is April 1st. If you have high-quality digital images taken at one (or many) of these gardens, please submit them for consideration.
Featured Publication
Planting and Harvesting Times for Garden Vegetables
This guide can help Iowa vegetable growers schedule the planting of gardens so space may be used efficiently. Includes a staggered planting and harvest chart for crops grown all season - from sowing the first seeds indoors to harvesting the last crop after frost.
Yard and Garden News
March 20 Webinar: Integrated Pest Management for Urban Farms
Johnson County Receives Master Gardener Search for Excellence Award
Growing Together Iowa Mini Grants Awarded to 27 Projects
Iowa Gardening Newsletter
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Iowa Gardening News provides timely information and reminders all year from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

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.