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

  • Garden Soil Management

    Garden Soil Management

    Manage your garden soil more effectively. Learn about tillage, integrating organic matter, soil testing and pH, fertilizer application and more.

  • 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.

  • Gardening for Butterflies and Pollinators

    Gardening for Butterflies and Pollinators

    A butterfly garden can be created as simply as planting a bunch of butterfly-favorite plants in a sunny corner of your yard. Learn about effective butterfly garden characteristics and which host and nectar plants are best for different butterflies.

  • Gardening in Iowa Zones

    Gardening in Iowa Zones

    Zone maps are a gardener's best tool for selecting plants that will do well in local gardens.  This publication includes information about and how to use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and the AHS Plant Heat Zone Map.

  • Garlic

    Garlic

    Grow garlic in your home garden. Learn about garlic cultivars, planting, fertilizing, maintenance, potential problems, and harvest and storage.  Disponible en Español.