Yard and Garden Information

Local News

Beginning Gardening Classes Offered for the Family
(Posted on 1/24/2012)
The Buchanan County ISU Extension and Outreach will be offering a series of four gardening classes in the spring of 2012. The program titled, “Beginning Gardening 101”, will be gardening programs for the entire family. These family-friendly gardening classes are focused on being “simple and hands-on”.

Public Gardening Symposium Announced
(Posted on 1/6/2012)
The Buchanan County Master Gardeners have set the date for the 6th Annual Public Day-Long Gardening Symposium! The Symposium will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Independence on Saturday, Feb. 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fencl's Honored
(Posted on 11/11/2011)
Four individuals, a radio station and a TV station were honored as 2011 Friends of Extension by the Iowa Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP), a national honorary extension fraternity. Cathann Kress, vice president for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, presented the awards Thursday, Nov. 3, during the organization’s annual conference in Ames.

New Procedure for Organizations Concerning Master Gardener Volunteerism
(Posted on 9/22/2011)
Any patron interested in utilizing the Buchanan County Master Gardeners and their education/volunteerism will now have a new application procedure to follow.

Horticulture & Home Pest News
(Posted on 7/12/2011)
This newsletter is filled with articles on current horticulture, plant care, pest management, and common household pests, written by Iowa State University Extension specialists in the Departments of Entomology, Horticulture, and Plant Pathology.

Buchanan County Master Gardener Newsletter
(Posted on 6/16/2011)
View the latest Buchanan County Master Gardener Newsletter "Off Shoots" every month.

DIAGNOSING PLANT AND INSECT SAMPLES IN BUCHANAN COUNTY
(Posted on 8/25/2010)
Home Visit Guidelines: Due to budget restrictions I am unable to visit everyone’s home/location to make an in-person assessment. A small fee of $20, payable to the Buchanan County ISU Extension upon arrival at your location, is charged when diagnosis at this level is requested.

Myth Guy

Myths of Lawn and Garden Care
(Posted on 2/24/2009)
The Myths of Lawn and Garden Care presentations are available to view on the web through Adobe Flash Player. Click on the link to "Yard and Garden", then click on the "Myths of Lawn and Garden Care" title and view your presentation of choice by clicking on the appropriate link.

News from Iowa State University Extension
Morel Mushroom Certification Workshops Scheduled for March and April
(Posted on 2/9/2012)
Individuals who would like to be able to sell morel mushrooms legally within the state of Iowa can take a three-hour certification workshop in March or April. Workshops are being offered at several locations across the state.
Yard and Garden: Starting Seedlings
(Posted on 2/9/2012)
ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturists share information about starting flower and vegetable seedlings indoors. Learn how to avoid spindly, collapsed or yellow-green seedlings and minimize mold on peat pots.
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.

Events


Horticulture (lawn, garden, trees, turf)
More Horticulture (lawn, garden, trees, turf) events

View the complete ISU Extension events Calendar

Staff

Ashley Sherrets - Consumer Horticulturist
Phone: 319-334-7161
Fax: 319-334-6641
Email: sherrets@iastate.edu

Resources from ISU Extension