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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 blooms of cyclamen

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.

ZZ houseplant.

Easy Low-Maintenance Houseplants

Looking to buy a houseplant? Try starting with some of these easy-to-care-for, low-maintenance indoor plants.

Various vegetable seed packets.

Tips for Purchasing Seeds

Growing plants from seed is rewarding and economical. Order high-quality seeds early, from reliable companies. Check seed age and viability, and avoid excess. Use in-store options when necessary for best results.

A garden rake incorporating soil amendments.

How to Change Your Soil's pH

Iowa soils are very diverse and so are the chemical characteristics that make up these soils. Soil pH is one property that can vary widely across the state both naturally and due to how we manage the field or garden. It is also one of the most cost-effective and easy-to-manage soil properties that can be modified to improve plant health and crop production.

2025 Master Gardener volunteer orientation schedule by county.

Applications Open for Spring 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Training

If you are interested in gardening and horticulture, curious and love to learn, and can make a commitment to volunteering, we want you to join the Iowa Master Gardener program! We welcome participants with all levels of gardening experience.

Iowa Master Gardener logo.

Registration is Open for the 2025 Home Gardening Webinar Series

Join the Iowa Master Gardener Program every Thursday at 6 p.m. central time, from January 9 through March 16. This free weekly webinar series highlights a variety of topics for home gardeners. 

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: Caring for Sansevieria

Sansevieria is known for its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists answer questions on these highly adaptable indoor plants.

Monarch and Pollinator Habitat Workshop Series to Be Held in February and March

Iowa Learning Farms will host a series of monarch and pollinator habitat workshops in February and March. Farmers, landowners and urban residents are welcome to attend these free workshops that include a complimentary meal.

Siouxland Garden Symposium Set for March 22

The Siouxland Garden Symposium will take place on March 22 at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City. This year's symposium will feature a lineup of expert speakers covering a range of topics of interest to the gardening community.

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.