Recent News

Mid-Summer Container Plant Nutrition

As we progress in the summer, it is a good time to assess the fertility of many of our garden plants, especially containerized plants such as those in pots and hanging baskets. Learn why, what to look for, and what to do in this article.

Sponsor the 2026 Home Gardening Webinar Series!

Connect your brand with over 6,000 passionate gardening enthusiasts in the Iowa Master Gardener 10-week webinar series. Learn more today!

Introducing Garden Academy

We're excited to announce the renaming of our core offering from Iowa Master Gardener Training to Garden Academy and to clarify the options available for participation. See what's new in this article!

New AAS Winners with Sunny Colors and Tasty Flavors

All-America Selections has just announced three new winners and they are all going to make you smile! Sunny colors, tasty flavors, and rabbit and deer resistance; what more could you ask for?

Turfgrass Diseases Prominent in 2025

The weather this spring and early summer has created the perfect conditions for disease issues in the lawn.  Gardeners across Iowa are facing challenges with leaf spot, melting out, brown patch, powdery mildew ,and more.  Learn how to manage these lawn diseases.  

Let the Harvest Begin!

For many of us, our vegetable gardens are now starting to really produce.  Green beans, sweet corn, zucchini, and carrots are just a few of the edible crops often ready in July.  

Regular harvest at the right stage of maturity is important.  Below are tips for harvesting some of the crops that may be ready in your garden.

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.

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, like fungicides or antibiotics, making diseases harder to control over time. This article explains microbial resistance and how to help prevent it.

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

Iowa lawns can survive summer watering bans by going dormant. Mow high and reseed in fall if drought exceeds six weeks without rain or irrigation.

Entries for the Iowa State Fair are Due July 1st

Be sure to submit your entries for the Iowa State Fair before July 1st!

Deja vu? Prepare for plant diseases after plentiful spring rains.

Learn about some of the typical plant diseases in the garden and landscape we should keep an eye out for and how to manage them.

Oystershell Scale a Common Sight in 2025

Oystershell scale is an armored scale insect whose host range spans over 130 plant species. In Iowa, they are most frequently reported on dogwood and maple. In 2025, numerous reports have been submitted on both host plants. 

AAS Trials at Reiman Gardens Support the Grow and Give Program

See which AAS-winning vegetables Reiman Gardens is growing this year to donate produce to their Grow and Give program. 

How to be Made in the Shade

Got a shady area in your landscape?  Finding the right plants to grow there can feel difficult.  Find lists of the best perennials, annuals, groundcovers, trees, shrubs, and more for your shade garden.

Roundup: It's Not What it Used to Be!

Glyphosate, once synonymous with Roundup®, is now less available. New Roundup formulas differ in active ingredients and intended use, requiring careful label reading for safe and proper application.

Strong Winds and Tender Leaves... an Unfortunate Combination of Events

Strong winds are the most likely culprit of limp, desiccated tree leaves this year. The good news is that healthy trees will be fine in the long run. 

AAS Winners That Stand the Test of Time

From round carrots and cool-season spinach to vibrant petunias, these AAS winners have proven their staying power in gardens for decades.

Its a Mast Year for Maples

The spring of 2025 has seemed to be a big year for seed production in maples.  Good news is that it won't affect the long-term health of the tree.

The Cost of Mistaken Identity: Why an Accurate Plant Pest Diagnosis Saves You Money

Misdiagnosing a plant health problem can lead to the wrong plant protectant product being used, which can be both an unnecessary expense AND can result in a decline in plant health. Learn why accurate plant pest diagnosis saves you money.

Award-Winning Plants for Your 2025 Garden

A few All-America Selections winners that you can grow from seed in your garden this year include quick growing cabbage, bold-colored Zinnia, and spicy green mustard.