Recent News

Horticulture News Releases from ISU Extension and Outreach

See the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard & Garden news release from May 20, 2015, for tips on harvesting rhubarb and why rhubarb plants flower or why they have spindly stalks.

White House Announces New Steps to Promote Pollinator Health

On Tuesday, May 19 the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released the "National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and other Pollinators."  Nearly a year in the making, the 58-page Strategy was developed by an interagency taskforce and contains three overarching goals:

A Quality Sample Is Very Important For Plant Problem Diagnosis!

An accurate diagnosis is the first and most important step of managing insects and diseases in greenhouses, fields and the home garden.

Control Weeds in Asparagus and Berries

Bothered by weeds among the asparagus, raspberries and strawberries?  Learn tips for weed control in the home garden in the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard & Garden news release from April 15, 2015.

Prepare for the Growing Season: Think Sanitation!

In preparation for this year growing season, remember that sanitation is critical to prevent plant diseases.

Growing Lungworts in the Home Garden

When selecting perennials for shady areas, hostas are the first choice of many gardeners.  Another excellent choice for the shade garden is the lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.).  Lungworts are easy to grow, low maintenance, long-lived perennials.

Welcome New Clinic Plant Pathologist

The ISU Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic is pleased to welcome our newest member, Dr. Lina Rodriguez Salamanca, as the head Plant Disease Diagnostician.

2014 Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic Annual Report

 The Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic released it's 2014 annual report.

Grow Your Own Asparagus

Asparagus is a spring delicacy favored by many.  Learn how to plant your own asparagus patch, what varieties to choose and other useful details in the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard & Garden news release from March 25, 2015.

Planting Milkweeds to Help Conserve Monarch Butterflies

New Consortium Launched to Conserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat in Iowa

The iconic monarch butterfly has faced a variety of challenges for the past two decades and populations have declined to the point where it is now being considered for "threatened status" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Caring for Valentine's Day Flowers

Flowers given or received on Valentine’s Day can be enjoyed longer with proper care.  See the

Storage Problems of Cabbage

We often think of diseases and pests on our vegetables during the growing season but problems can also arise after those veggies are harvested.

Regal Fritillary Proposed as Iowa’s State Butterfly

Did you know that Iowa is one of only four states that do not have an official state insect or butterfly? 

Annual Day of Insects at Reiman Gardens, March 28, 2015

The seventh annual Reiman Gardens “Day of Insects” will be held on Saturday, March 28th at Iowa State University’s Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames IA 50011.  

Add Butterfly Weed to Spring Landscape Plans

When temperatures are cold outside, it’s the perfect time to plan spring plantings.

Central Iowa Beginning Beekeeping Course

A study course for beginning beekeepers will be taught by State Apiarist Andrew Joseph in February and March, 2015

Horticulture Programs, 2015

2015 horticulture conferences/workshops of possible interest to HHPN readers are listed below.  Additional information on each program is available from the listed contacts.

Welcome New Clinic Diagnostician

The ISU Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic is pleased to welcome our newest staff member, Ed Zaworski.

Properly Planting Tulips in Fall

There is still time this fall to plant tulips and other spring-flowering bulbs.  See the