Yard and Garden News
The following yard and garden news items are from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
- The Iowa State University Pesticide Safety Education Program has revised several applicator manuals and exams to reflect the updated pesticide applicator certification and training rules implemented by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship on Jan. 1.
- The Siouxland Garden Symposium will take place on Saturday, April 11, at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City. The annual event offers valuable, research-based information applicable to both home gardeners and small-scale growers.
- The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Urban Agriculture program invites those interested in organic gardening to an upcoming webinar on Jan. 28 from 1 to 2 p.m. Kathleen Delate, extension organic specialist and professor of horticulture at Iowa State, will share best practices for organic fertilization, pest management and postharvest strategies.
- African violets (Saintpaulia) have long been favorites among indoor gardeners for their velvety leaves and vivid blooms while many outdoor landscapes are dormant. When properly cared for, these plants can bring vibrant color to homes during the winter months.
- The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Safe Produce program will host a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training at various dates and locations. This U.S. Food and Drug Administration-recognized food safety education program is designed for farmers who grow and harvest fruits and vegetables for human consumption and intend to enter the commercial market or public distribution.
- The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener Program will provide its statewide horticulture training in the spring and fall of 2026. Garden Academy, previously known as Iowa Master Gardener training, offers a comprehensive approach to consumer horticulture education. Interested participants can choose the Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer track or Iowa Home Gardener track.
- The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener program will again host its annual Home Gardening Webinar Series, which will begin in January 2026 and end in March. Sessions will take place every Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. Central time, concluding on March 12.
- Holiday plants bring color and life to our homes during the winter months. From the scent of a fresh-cut Christmas tree to the bright bracts of poinsettias and the bold blooms of amaryllis, these plants are a big part of seasonal decor. Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist at Iowa State University, offers care tips to keep holiday plants healthy and appealing throughout the holidays and beyond.
- Gardeners are encouraged to compost leaves this fall to improve soil health. With plenty of leaves, grass clippings and garden debris available, residents can create compost piles that benefit the environment, recycle yard waste and nourish their gardens, according to Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in collaboration with Iowa Total Care, a provider of Medicaid healthcare coverage in Iowa and a Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) company, is launching a statewide initiative to support community gardens that donate fresh produce. The Iowa Donation Garden Network is designed to connect and empower garden organizers through expert-led education, shared resources and collaborative programming.
- The Iowa State University Commercial Horticulture program will hold the 2025 High Tunnel Short Course at the Iowa Arboretum in Madrid, Iowa, on Nov. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm. Commercial growers, as well as those interested in high tunnel production for fruit and vegetable crops, are invited to learn, connect and explore the arboretum.