Timely Topics
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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.
Late Leaf Emergence on Fruit and Ornamental Trees and Shrubs
If you’re staring at a bare tree while everything else is leafing out, don’t panic; it may be perfectly normal. Some species naturally leaf out later. Other times, weather or stressful growing conditions can delay leaf out. Before you assume the worst, learn what to look for and when to take action.
Growing Peaches in Iowa
Peaches are not the easiest to grow in Iowa, but many dream of sweet, juicy peaches in their own backyard. Learn how to choose the right varieties, protect trees from winter injury, and successfully grow peaches in your landscape.
Growing Lavender in Iowa
Lavender is a favorite among gardeners, but they don’t always overwinter well in Iowa. Learn the keys to success, from choosing hardy varieties to providing the right soil and winter protection, to help you enjoy fragrant blooms year after year in your landscape.
Using Growing Degree Days to Manage the Home Garden
Want to take the guesswork out of gardening? Growing degree days help you track plant and pest development based on temperature, so you can time tasks more effectively. Learn how to use growing degree days to make smarter decisions in your home garden.
Understanding Herbicide Active Ingredients for Home Garden Weed Management
Spring weeds seem to appear overnight, and choosing the right herbicide can get confusing quickly. This article explains what active ingredients are on herbicide labels and how they affect weeds. If you are tackling weeds this spring, understanding what the product contains can help you manage them more effectively and avoid common mistakes.
Iowa Gardening Newsletter
Featured Publication
Growing Garden Peonies
Learn how to plant, grow, and care for garden peonies, including guidance on site selection, planting depth, division, fertilizing, watering, and seasonal maintenance. Additionally, information on different peony types, expectations for flowering timelines, and common reasons peonies fail to bloom is available.
Yard and Garden Press Releases
Bring a Tropical Touch to Iowa Gardens with Tender Perennials
A Sure Sign of Spring: Growing and Caring for Daffodils in Iowa
Join Monthly Garden Q&A Live This Spring 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.