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Hibiscus in bloom 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

red and gold dahlia flower

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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.

Lily of the valley flowers.

Aggressive Plants in the Landscape

Before you plant that favorite garden perennial, make sure it will not take over your landscape. Learn which commonly grown plants some gardeners regret planting and get practical tips to keep them in check so your garden stays beautiful and manageable.

Iowa Master Gardener graphic.

Become an Iowa Master Gardener this Fall!

We invite people interested in gardening, community service, and lifelong learning to become Iowa Master Gardener volunteers this fall through our volunteer orientation process. Volunteer orientation includes Garden Academy and in-person volunteer orientation through a county ISU Extension and Outreach office. Applications close August 14.

Harvesting an apple off the tree.

Harvesting and Storing Tree Fruit

Apple and pear harvest season is just around the corner. Find out how to tell when tree fruits are at their peak for picking and learn simple storage tips that will help you enjoy the freshest flavor from your harvest.

Blue Veronica flowers.

All About Veronicas or Speedwells

Looking for a reliable perennial that delivers months of color? Discover why veronicas, or speedwells, are garden favorites, with vibrant blooms, pollinator appeal, and easy-care habits that make them a standout in sunny landscapes.

White potted zinnia flowers.

Garden Gallivant Favorites from the AAS Trials at Reiman Gardens

From long-blooming zinnias to dramatic dark-foliaged dahlias, these All-America Selections winners are among the most popular plants in the Reiman Gardens trials this season.

Resources

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Iowa Gardening Newsletter

Planting and Harvesting Times for Garden Vegetables

Featured Publication

Planting and Harvesting Times for Garden Vegetables

This guide helps Iowa vegetable growers schedule garden plantings so space can be used efficiently. Includes a staggered planting and harvest chart for crops grown April through October.

Detailed planting and harvesting timelines are given for more than 25 common garden crops, including radishes, lettuces, onions, peas, tomatoes, kale, peppers, squash, melons, and cucumbers.

Download the Publication

Yard and Garden Press Releases

Harvest Time in the Home Vegetable Garden

As August progresses and gardens across Iowa reach their peak, home gardeners face an important task: harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity, says Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Fall 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Orientation Applications Accepted Through Aug. 14

Applications are open for the fall 2026 Garden Academy cohort, a required training for anyone who would like to become an Iowa Master Gardener with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

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.
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