Yard and Garden News
The following yard and garden news items are from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
- Gardeners don’t need to rake every leaf this fall. A more selective approach is often better for plants, wildlife, soil health and next spring’s growth, according to Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
- Asters' and chrysanthemums' colorful blooms bring vibrant shades of purple, pink, blue, white, yellow, orange and red to the autumn landscape.
- The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 2026 Seeds for Thought Garden Symposium will be held Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Grinnell College campus.
- The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener Program will now offer Garden Academy on-demand year-round for Iowa Home Gardener trainees.
- "Cover Crops for Home Vegetable Gardens” is available on the Iowa State University Extension Store at no cost.
- Many of the tomato problems gardeners are seeing are tied to growing conditions rather than diseases or insects.
- As August progresses and gardens across Iowa reach their peak, home gardeners face an important task: harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity, says Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
- Applications are open for the fall 2026 Garden Academy cohort, a required training for anyone who would like to become an Iowa Master Gardener with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
- Periods of high temperatures can be challenging for both plants and gardeners. Understanding how heat affects plant growth and taking a few practical steps can help maintain a healthy landscape during stressful hot summer conditions.