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.

Let the Harvest Begin!
For many of us, our vegetable gardens are now starting to really produce. Green beans, sweet corn, zucchini, and carrots are just a few of the edible crops often ready in July. Regular harvest at the right stage of maturity is important. Here are tips for harvesting some of the crops that may be ready in your garden.

Turfgrass Diseases Prominent in 2025
The weather this spring and early summer has created the perfect conditions for disease issues in the lawn. Gardeners across Iowa are facing challenges with leaf spot, melting out, brown patch, powdery mildew, and more. Learn how to manage these lawn diseases.

Annual Salvias or Sages
Annual salvias are colorful, fragrant, easy-to-grow flowers that attract pollinators. They are ideal for sunny beds and containers. Learn about the many different types and how to grow them.

Introducing Garden Academy
The Iowa Master Gardener Program is excited to announce the renaming of their core offering from Iowa Master Gardener Training to Garden Academy and to clarify the options available for participation. See what's new in this article!

Mid-Summer Container Plant Nutrition
As we progress in the summer, it is a good time to assess the fertility of many of our garden plants, especially containerized plants such as those in pots and hanging baskets. Learn why, what to look for, and what to do in this article.

Iowa Gardening Newsletter
Featured Publication
Rain Gardens: Filtering and Recycling Rain Water
Rain gardens collect and filter rainwater to improve stormwater management. They can also provide an attractive habitat for birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Learn how to add a rain garden to your landscape
Yard and Garden Press Releases
Stay Informed with Iowa State University’s New Agriculture and Natural Resources Newsletter
ISU Extension and Outreach Launches Garden Academy in September
Two Webinars Will Examine Impact of Excessive Farm Heat on People and Produce

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.