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fall color in front of Iowa State University's Campanile

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

picture of "pumpkin on a stick" which is actually an eggplant

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.

A garden in the fall.

Fall Garden Tasks

Fall is a great season and the perfect time of year to work on many projects in the garden. Use the link to help create your fall to-do list and get your garden ready for winter.

Glass gem ornamental corn.

Growing and Harvesting Ornamental Corn

Ornamental corn, or "Indian corn," is popular for fall decor and can be bought at markets or grown in the home garden. Learn more about types, planting, and harvesting this autumn favorite.

Hedge apples.

All About Hedge Apples

Hedge apples, from the Osage-orange tree, are yellow-green fruits popular for decoration. They are often touted as being an effective pest deterrent but in reality this myth doesn't hold up well.

Giant pumpkin.

Growing Giant Pumpkins

Giant pumpkins can weigh over 1,000 pounds and grow to over 10 feet in circumference. While attaining a half-ton jack-o-lantern may not be your goal, growing them is fun and rewarding for many gardeners.

Basil 'Dolce Fresca.'

Cool-season Greens Great for Containers

Award-winning kale, basil, and lettuce are great options for cool-season container gardening. Learn about these three All-America Selections winners and see if they'd be a good fit for your garden!

2025 Garden Calendar - Perennial Beauty

Featured Publication

2025 Garden Calendar - Perennial Beauty

Herbaceous perennials are some of the most colorful and beautiful additions to the landscape. They thrive in various conditions—from sunny spots to shaded areas and moist to dry soil. With a diverse range of forms, colors, and blooms, there’s a perennial for every garden.

Care for perennials, including natives, is easy. Learn more about growing and maintaining perennials in the Midwest landscape with the monthly tips featured in this beautiful calendar.

Yard and Garden News

Yard and Garden: Fall Color FAQ

Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach answer questions about how fall color forms and provide recommendations on trees and shrubs with colorful fall foliage.

Record 4-H Horticulture Exhibitors at the Iowa State Fair

Iowa 4-H celebrated record-breaking participation of over 600 entries in the 4-H Horticulture Show, held Aug. 10 at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Habitat Safety Series to Be Featured on the Habitat University Podcast

Learn safety best practices and get advice from a wildlife specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. A five-part podcast series will cover safety tips that can save limbs and lives.

Iowa Gardening Newsletter

Get the most current home gardening information right to your inbox!  

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.