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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

pink roses in flower arrangement

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 person creating a floral arrangement.

How to Create a Floral Arrangement

This time of year, flowers are on our minds. Creating your own floral arrangements is a great way to save a little money and flex your creativity – not to mention it’s a thoughtful and personal gift for your Valentine. Learn the basics of floral design to use now or this summer with flowers from your own garden.

A flowering houseplant with waxy leaves.

All About Hoyas

Whether you call them wax plant, wax flower, porcelain flower, or simply hoya, these flowering houseplants are tough and easy to grow. Learn about different types, care, propagation, and what to do if the sweetly fragrant flowers on your hoya are just not showing up.

An insect on a yellow flower.

Day of Insects 2026: A Must-Attend for the Insect-Curious

The 18th Annual Day of Insects (DOI) is a day filled with presentations from professionals, academics, advocates, and enthusiasts covering a range of insect-related topics. From beginners to seasoned veterans, DOI has something for anyone interested in or involved with insects. Registration is now open.

A pruning saw being used to prune a tree branch.

Your Complete Guide to Pruning Trees and Shrubs

Right now, and for the rest of the dormant season, is the best time to prune nearly all of your trees and shrubs. Learn all the details from tools to tips to making the best pruning cut.

A person using a shovel to dig compost.

Managing Garden Soil

Creating and maintaining good soil is essential to successful plant growth. Whether you are growing vegetables or flowers, now is a great time to get your plan in place to improve your soil (and your garden!). Learn about organic matter, fertilizers, tilling, soil pH, and more.

Early Spring Blooming Perennials

Featured Publication

Early Spring Blooming Perennials

Several perennials that bloom in early spring are often forgotten about among flowers like crocuses and daffodils. Learn how pig squeak, heartleaf brunnera, Lenten rose, candytuft, crested iris, Virginia bluebells, moss phlox, lungwort or Bethlehem sage, pasque flower, and bloodroot could enhance your garden.

Yard and Garden Press Releases

Updated Worker Protection Standard Resources Now Available

The Iowa State University Pesticide Safety Education Program has updated its EPA-approved narrated video and PowerPoint to train agricultural workers and pesticide handlers in accordance with the 2015 Worker Protection Standard and the 2024 Application Exclusion Zone Rule.

Getting a Head Start: How to Successfully Start Seeds Indoors

Starting seeds indoors gives gardeners greater control over growing conditions, resulting in healthier, more resilient transplants. To be successful, gardeners must provide the right conditions for seedlings to thrive and develop into stocky, resilient plants.

Broccoli Production Resource Highlights Relevant Research for Midwest Growers

Home gardeners and commercial broccoli growers preparing for spring planting are encouraged to review practical insights from a new Iowa State University Extension and Outreach resource. “Broccoli Production in the Midwest” is available for download at no cost from the ISU Extension Store.
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.