Yard and Garden
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Hydrangeas blooming 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

Daylilies in bloom

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.

Harvesting raspberries.

Harvesting and Storing Small Fruit

Make the most of berry season with this helpful guide to harvesting and storing small fruits so they stay fresh longer. Whether you're harvesting from your backyard or local patch, these timely tips will help protect quality, reduce waste, and enjoy every bite.

Lightningbug on a leaf.

Lightningbugs: A Sign of Summer in Iowa

Lightningbugs are a familiar and welcome sign of summer evenings in Iowa. Discover what makes these familiar insects so remarkable, from their flashing patterns to the chemistry behind their light.

Locally grown cut flowers in a vase.

Garden Plants That Make Good Cut Flowers

Looking for a way to enjoy all those blooms looking beautiful in your garden right now? This guide highlights top-performing garden blooms for vases and bouquets so you can showcase your garden inside too.

Weeding by hand.

Organic Methods for Weed Control

Looking to manage weeds without relying on traditional herbicides? This resource shares practical, research-based organic methods you can use to manage weeds in any part of your garden, lawn, or landscape.

Blue Veronica plant in the garden.

All About Veronicas or Speedwell

Add long-lasting color and versatility to your landscape with veronicas, also known as speedwells. Learn what to plant and how to care for them now to keep your garden performing strong through the growing season.

Resources

Summer Newsletter Banner

Iowa Gardening Newsletter

Identifying Tree Problems

Featured Publication

Identifying Tree Problems

When a tree in the landscape is unhealthy, determining the cause of the problem is sometimes difficult. Use this publication, which provides guidelines for examining unhealthy trees and finding expert help to identify the next steps needed to help your tree.

Download the Publication

Yard and Garden Press Releases

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Offers Advice on Helping Gardens Survive Summer Heat

Periods of high temperatures can be challenging for both plants and gardeners. Understanding how heat affects plant growth and taking a few practical steps can help maintain a healthy landscape during stressful hot summer conditions.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Offers Lawn Care Guidance Amid Central Iowa Watering Restrictions

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is sharing guidance with Central Iowa community members on how to maintain their lawns as the Central Iowa Water Works enforces summer irrigation restrictions.

Growing Clematis in the Home Garden

Clematis, often called the “queen of vines,” is a reliable choice for trellises, fences and perennial borders across the Midwest.
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