Yard and Garden
Yard and Garden

Publications

The Iowa State Extension Store offers a number of publications as a free downloadable PDF or for purchase.

All publications related to home gardening can be found below. Find more information at the Extension Store.

Extension Publications

  • Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)

    Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)

    Black medic (Medicago lupulina) is a summer-annual broadleaf weed commonly found in Iowa. Due to its similar appearance to members of the clover family (Trifolium ssp.), and yellow woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta), this weed can be easily misidentified. In Iowa, black medic is known to be problematic on both high- and low-maintenance turf and is tolerant of a wide range of mowing heights.

  • Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)

    Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)

    Crabgrass, sometimes called watergrass, is a warm-season annual grassy weed that is prevalent in Iowa. Crabgrass germinates in the spring once soil temperatures hit 55°F for four straight days and nights, and will die with the cooler weather and frost in the fall. Iowa has both Digitaria ischaemum (smooth crabgrass, smooth hairless stems with hairs where the stem and leaf meet) as well as Digitaria sanguinalis (large crabgrass, the stems and leaves contain hairs).

  • Establishing a Lawn from Seed

    Establishing a Lawn from Seed

    Following proper procedures and planting high quality seed are the keys to successfully establishing a lawn. More details here.

  • Fall Tips to Ensure a Healthy Green Yard in the Spring

    Fall Tips to Ensure a Healthy Green Yard in the Spring

    In the fall, is the perfect time for maintaining your lawn. It's time to focus on turfgrass practices such as mowing, aeration, fertilization and seeding. The work you do in the fall helps your lawn recover from summer stresses and prepares it for another Iowa winter. This publication offers best practices to ensure a healthy lawn through the fall months and to start next spring with the necessary steps.

  • Garden Tips Guidelines to Seasonal Chores

    Garden Tips Guidelines to Seasonal Chores

    Learn to properly maintain your garden all year round. Includes information on what steps to take with your lawn, fruits, trees and shrubs, flowers, herbs, houseplants, and/or vegetables in the early and late part of each season.

  • Got Plant or Insect Problems?

    Got Plant or Insect Problems?

    The ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic helps Iowans diagnose and manage plant diseases, weeds, and insects in fields and around your home. Here's an introduction to the clinic.