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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

red flowering cultivar of purple coneflower

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 lawn sprinkler in use with a red circle with a line through it.

It's Summer and I Can't Water My Lawn! Now What?

Recently, many homeowners in Central Iowa came under a lawn watering ban. Even without irrigation, there is hope for our lawns, and whether you live in an area with a watering ban or not, many are interested in knowing what they can do to reduce their irrigation needs over summer.

A lamb's ear with silver foliage.

Perennials with Silver Foliage

Silver foliage plants add sparkle, texture, and heat tolerance to sunny gardens and brighten shade spots with year-round contrast and interest. Learn about the silver foliage perennials you can grow in your Iowa landscape.

Strawberry leaves with small black spots.

What Home Gardeners and Hobby Farmers Should Know About Microbial Resistance

Microbial resistance happens when bacteria or fungi that cause diseases become less sensitive, or completely resistant, to the products used to manage them, making them harder to control over time. This article explains microbial resistance and how to help prevent it.

A person hand weeding carrots in the garden.

Weed Control in the Vegetable Garden

With rain and warm temperatures come weeds. Chances are you are starting to see quite a few in your vegetable garden now. Here are some strategies to get and keep those pesky weeds under control.

Bright red Dahlia flowers with black foliage.

Red, White and Blue AAS Winners to Celebrate the Upcoming Holiday

The Fourth of July is the perfect time to think about All-America Selections winners! Flowers are hitting their stride and the long weekend will be the stage for many cook-outs. With a nod to the red, white, and blue, here are some winners to celebrate.

Growing Garden Lilies

Featured Publication

Growing Garden Lilies

Learn more about several different varieties of true lilies. Also, in addition to being outstanding garden performers, lilies make excellent cut flowers with a long vase life.

Yard and Garden News

Agrivoltaics in Action: Open Houses at the Alliant Energy Solar Farm at Iowa State University

Iowa State University is holding a series of open house events at the Alliant Energy Solar Farm near Ames. Participants will have the opportunity to tour the farm and learn about agrivoltaics — the integration of solar energy and agriculture.

Improve Vegetable System Weed Management with Tarping

A new resource from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach outlines how to use tarps for weed management in vegetable growing.

New Urban Agriculture Field Days Connect Farms to Communities

The Urban Agriculture team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering four Urban Agriculture Field Days in 2025, partnering with area urban farms. Local community members and those interested in urban agriculture are invited to attend.

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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.