Recent News

Growing Raspberries and Blackberries in the Backyard

Fruit Tree Varieties for the Backyard

Tiny Fungus Gnat "Outbreak" in Iowa

Callers the past week have described swarms of millions to billions of small black gnats on the side of the house, crawling on the compost pile or wood chip mulch or hanging around the landscape.&n

Petunias and Marigolds for the Home Garden

Commercial Pesticide Applicator Test Help Session

Will Mild Winter Mean More Insects Next Summer?

Iowa has set a new record for the latest winter day reached without hitting a temperature below zero and we have not had much snow in some parts of the state. While many of us are enjoying not

New USDA Hardiness Zone Map

The U.S.

Grow Plants from Fruit

Beginning Beekeeping Courses to Be Held Across the State

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) in partnership with the Iowa Honey Producers Association (IHPA) and several other groups will host twelve beginning beekeeping

2011 Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic Annual Report

The ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic (PIDC) has released their annual report for 2011. Please take a moment to

African Violet and Houseplant Care

African violets are relatively easy to grow. However, they do require consistent care and attention to light, temperature, watering and fertilization.   See the I

Horticultural Programs in Iowa

Winterizing Perennial Roots: Soil Moisture and Temperature Tips

Holiday Plants: Holly, Mistletoe and Poinsettia

Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias of many colors are favorites for holiday decorating.

Disease Control For Next Year: Start Now!

Weed Identification Guide

Though primarily intended for farm crop producers and consultants, the ISU Extension Weed Identification Field Guide, CSI 0003, should also be useful to horticulturists, Master Gardeners and h

Larger Yellow Ants

Larger yellow ants are one of my favorite insects.  They have a pleasant lemon or citronella odor when crushed (of course the crushing is not pleasant to them!).  Larger yellow ants are h

Recent Bed Bug Resources of Note

An avalanche of information is coming at us about bed bugs. For those interested in some recent developments and/or resources, here are links of possible interest. Enjoy.

2012 Garden Calendar Now Available

For the past 34 years ISU Extension and the Department of Horticulture have published a garden calendar that gives timely tips and suggestions for your garden. The 2012 Garden Calendar goes on

Grass-Carrier Wasps

If during fall cleaning you find a handful of dried grass blades tucked between your window screen and window it is a sign that you were lucky enough to host a family of grass-carrier wasps for the