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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

Blooming African violet

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 salt nad sand on a patio in the winter.

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 key considerations to keep in mind when using deicing materials in your landscape.

Home Gardening Webinar Series promotional graphic.

Save the Date: The 2026 Home Gardening Webinar Series Returns in January

The award-winning Home Gardening Webinar Series returns January 8, 2026. Join us every Thursday at 6 p.m. central time, from January 8 through March 12. This weekly webinar series highlights a variety of topics for home gardeners.

A large shade tree in the landscape with the sun shining through the canopy.

Attend the 70th Annual Shade Tree Short Course

The 70th Annual Iowa State University Shade Tree Short Course (STSC) will take place at the Scheman Building on Iowa State University’s campus February 18-19, 2026. Learn more and register!

A shrub in the winter with bright red fruit.

Trees and Shrubs with Colorful Fruit in Fall and Winter

Brighten up the drab winter landscape with colorful fruit from plants like holly, crabapple, and winterberry. This fruit has the added benefit of providing food for wildlife during the colder months. Explore top picks for Iowa gardens.

Garden Academy graphic.

Save the Date for 2026 Garden Academy!

Ready to grow your skills? Garden Academy offers two paths: the Master Gardener Volunteer and the Iowa Home Gardener Track. Learn more about each path and see key dates.

Resources

Winter Newsletter Banner

Iowa Gardening Newsletter

2026 Garden Calendar - A Bounty of Bulbs

Featured Publication

2026 Garden Calendar - A Bounty of Bulbs

Bulbs are nature’s hidden gems, quietly waiting beneath the soil for the perfect moment to burst into color. Celebrate these garden favorites each month in 2026. In addition to beautiful photos, the calendar features information about bulbs, monthly garden tips, and pages to help with garden journaling.  Order yours today!

Purchase the Publication

Yard and Garden Press Releases

African Violets Bring Winter Color Indoors with Proper Care

African violets (Saintpaulia) have long been favorites among indoor gardeners for their velvety leaves and vivid blooms while many outdoor landscapes are dormant. When properly cared for, these plants can bring vibrant color to homes during the winter months.

Produce Safety Training Available for Fruit and Vegetable Growers

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Safe Produce program will host a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training at various dates and locations. This U.S. Food and Drug Administration-recognized food safety education program is designed for farmers who grow and harvest fruits and vegetables for human consumption and intend to enter the commercial market or public distribution.

Garden Academy to Be Offered Spring and Fall 2026

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener Program will provide its statewide horticulture training in the spring and fall of 2026. Garden Academy, previously known as Iowa Master Gardener training, offers a comprehensive approach to consumer horticulture education. Interested participants can choose the Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer track or Iowa Home Gardener track.
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