Yard and Garden Information

Local News

Dubuque Area Farmers' Market Vendor Conference
(Posted on 2/2/2012)
The Dubuque Area Farmers' Market Vendor Conference is putting on Marketing, Merchandising, & Food Safety For Farmers' Market Vendors! on Saturday, February 25, 2012 in Dubuque. It is free and open to the public.

2012 Come to the Table Summit
(Posted on 1/12/2012)
The 2012 Come to the Table Summit is scheduled for February 10, 2012 in Iowa City. Organizers hope to increase the amount of local food bought and sold in Iowa by bringing together state and national food buyers with local food producers.

2011 Annual Report - People Advancing People
(Posted on 1/11/2012)
Here in Iowa, people care about each other and their communities. That's why they have invested in Iowa State University - and Extension and Outreach.

2012 Winter Gardening Fair
(Posted on 1/5/2012)
Linn County Extension Master Gardeners will be presenting their 2012 Winter Gardening Fair on Saturday, February 18, 2012.

Spring 2012 Courses for Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicators
(Posted on 12/8/2011)
The dates for the upcoming Spring 2012 courses for Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicators are now available.

News from Iowa State University Extension

Yard and Garden: Tomatoes
(Posted on 2/2/2012)
Home gardeners can chose from a variety of sizes, shapes and colors when growing tomato plants. ISU Extension horticulturists share information about tomato varieties that growers can use in selecting tomatoes.

New Plant Hardiness Zone Map Has Iowa in Zone 5
(Posted on 1/27/2012)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the new version of the plant hardiness zone map this week — the first update since 1990. Much of Iowa now is considered Zone 5.

Yard and Garden: Vegetable Seeds
(Posted on 1/26/2012)
Selecting seeds is one of the first steps in planting a home garden – along with preparing the seedbed and deciding when to plant. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists share information that will guide gardeners as they select vegetable seeds.

Yard and Garden: Cherry Trees
(Posted on 1/19/2012)
Cherry trees can be grown in Iowa, though some are not reliably hardy in all parts of Iowa. The trees produce beautiful white flowers in early spring and are a popular choice for edible landscapes. ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturists tell how to select and plant cherry trees in Iowa.

Yard and Garden: Gooseberries, Currants and Jostaberries
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
Home gardeners who like a tart tasting berry or just want to grow a not-so-ordinary berry might consider planting gooseberries, currants or jostaberries. ISU Extension horticulturists tell how to select and plant these berries.

Conference to Cover Production and Marketing of Fruits and Vegetables
(Posted on 1/11/2012)
The Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Annual Conference will be held Jan. 27-28 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

Yard and Garden: Grow Plants from Fruit
(Posted on 1/5/2012)
Mothers often remind children not to play with their food, but kids and houseplant enthusiasts may find it interesting and fun to start plants from the seeds and leaves of fruit.

Research Looks at Strategies to Grow Late Season Vegetables
(Posted on 1/5/2012)
Research is evaluating a couple of strategies that may extend the growing season for vegetable growers.

Yard and Garden: Houseplant Care
(Posted on 12/14/2011)
Growing houseplants is a challenging and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by everyone and need not be difficult. Give plants what they need and they’ll do well.

Yard and Garden: Houseplant Pests
(Posted on 12/7/2011)
Just as there are different types of indoor plants – foliage, flowering, succulents and florist’s plants – there are different pests that can invade houseplants. ISU Extension horticulturists explain how to recognize and manage pests on houseplants.

Staff

Patrick O'Malley - Field Specialist, Commercial Horticulture
Phone: 319-337-2145
Fax: 319-337-7864
Email: omall@iastate.edu

Linda Fischer - Regional Extension Education Director
Phone: (319) 377-9839
Fax: (319) 377-0475
Email: lefisch@iastate.edu