Recent News

Central Iowa 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.

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. 

Brace for impact - here comes lilac Pseudocercospora leaf spot (again)

The weather this year has been highly conducive to the foliar fungal disease of lilac called Pseudocercospora leaf spot. Learn what you can do if you think you're seeing this disease on your lilacs in the article.

Discovering All-America Selections at Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens helps evaluate and showcase All-America Selections winners, highlighting plants that excel in beauty, productivity, and garden performance. Meet three award-winning plants that deserve a place in your landscape or container garden.

Lightningbugs: A Sign of Summer in Iowa

Lightningbugs are a familiar and welcome sign of summer evenings in Iowa. Discover what makes these familiar insects so remarkable, from their flashing patterns to the chemistry behind their light.

Why is My Hackberry Dropping Yellow Leaves?

Hackberry trees across the state are losing yellow leaves.  However, this is a normal response to changing weather, and the long-term health of the tree is not in danger.

Insects Are Making Global News Every Day. Are You Following It?

The Six-Legged Narrative is a 10‑minute podcast from Reiman Gardens that shares six stories per episode on the latest insect and invertebrate research, discoveries, and conservation news from around the world that most people never hear about.

What are You Excited to Plant This Spring?

Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialists and faculty share the plants they are most excited to plant this spring.

Proactive Fruit Pest Management: Plum Curculio

Plum curculio is a damaging early-season pest of many Iowa fruit trees. Learn how to recognize damage, understand its life cycle, and apply timely, proactive control after petal fall to protect fruit while safeguarding pollinators.

Will My Peach or Cherry Trees Bloom This Year? Understanding Flower Bud Loss in Marginally Hardy Stone Fruits

Peaches and sweet cherries are popular choices for their high‑quality, home‑grown fruit, but they are only marginally hardy in Iowa. To check your potential crop in advance, examine the dormant buds to see if winter temperatures caused any damage.

Spring 2026: A weather rollercoaster for apple flower buds

As spring unfolds, apple tree lovers are watching a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable set of weather patterns unfold that could significantly influence apple fruit development and bloom timing, leading to the risk of freeze damage. Learn more about trends and what to look for in your trees.

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

The 18th Annual Day of Insects 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.

Frost Cracks and Exploding Trees

"Exploding trees" has been a popular news topic recently. A more appropriate term is frost cracks.  During extreme low temperature events in the winter, some trees will develop longitudinal splits in the trunk. These splits often occur suddenly and are often accompanied by a rather jarring crack. 

Upcoming Learning Opportunities

Can I start my seeds indoors yet?

This time of year, we all get a little anxious for some green in our lives. But now is not quite the right time for most annuals and vegetables.  Learn more about what you can do right now and the best time to start seeds for the most success.

Attend the 70th Annual Shade Tree Short Course!

The 70th Annual Iowa State University Shade Tree Short Course (STSC) will take place at the Scheman Building on Iowa State University’s campus February 18-19, 2026. Learn more and register!

Save the Date for 2026 Garden Academy!

Ready to grow your skills? Garden Academy offers two paths: the Master Gardener Volunteer and the Iowa Home Gardener Track. Learn more about each path and see key dates.

Save the Date: The 2026 Home Gardening Webinar Series Returns in January

The award-winning Home Gardening Webinar Series returns January 8, 2026.

Join us every Thursday at 6 p.m. central time, from January 8 through March 12. This weekly webinar series highlights a variety of topics for home gardeners.

Award-Winning Squash for Next Year's Garden

Discover three All-America Selections-winning squash varieties that are small, flavorful, and ideal for personal portions. Try one (or all) in your garden next season!

Introducing the Iowa Donation Garden Network!

ISU Extension and Outreach is excited to announce the Iowa Donation Garden Network (IDGN), a new initiative that connects and supports donation gardens across the state.