USDA Releases New Plant Hardiness Zone Map
(Posted on 2/2/2012)
The USDA recently released a new Plant Hardiness Zone Map for the Unites States. This is the first time it has been updated since 1990. Most of north central Iowa has been reclassified from zone 4b to zone 5a. Even though your location may now be considered zone 5, I would not recommend replacing all the plants around your home with less hardy trees, shrubs, and perennials. Read more...

Women Land & Legacy Meeting
(Posted on 1/24/2012)
The next Women, Land and Legacy Meeting is scheduled for February 23, 2012, 5:30-6:00 pm meal, 6:00-8:00 pm, program on Trusts by Paul Petersburg, Financial Updates by Marc Young, and Economic Updates by Mark Hewitt, all of Clear Lake Bank and Trust. Women of all ages are invited. For information contact Cerro Gordo County Extension at 641-423-0844.

Cerro Gordo County Extension Quarterly Newsletter!
(Posted on 1/20/2012)
Our Quarterly Newsletter contains information on Agriculture, Communities, Families, Horticulture, and 4-H & Youth programs!

Meetings Grow Local Food Capacity in North Iowa
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
Meetings Grow Local Food Capacity in North Iowa - Upcoming local food producer meetings are being planned in North Central Iowa to help encourage planning for the expanding local food opportunities in this region.

Connecting Families to the Environment
(Posted on 11/30/2011)
The intent of the Connecting Families and the Environment program is to help us make attitude and behavior changes that will ultimately improve our environmental and human health.

Fall 2012 Master Gardener Classes Offered by Cerro Gordo County Extension
(Posted on 10/20/2011)
Master Gardener Classes will be scheduled for next fall 2012! Plan to attend! Anyone interested in gardening is encouraged to attend! Master Gardeners are individuals who have an interest in horticulture, have taken the master Gardener training offered by the ISU Extension Service, and share their time and expertise with other gardeners.

ISU Extension 2012 Garden Wall Calendar
(Posted on 10/10/2011)
The ISU Extension 2012 Garden Calendar is now available at the Cerro Gordo County Extension office. This year's theme is "Public Gardens of Iowa!"

Mennonite Greenhouse Map & Brochure
(Posted on 7/6/2011)
Explore the Mennonite Greenhouses in Chickasaw, Floyd, Howard and Mitchell counties. Contact information is available for 12 greenhouses.

Master Gardener Information and Events
(Posted on 1/17/2011)
Information about the Cerro Gordo Master Gardener Program and Projects

Emerald Ash Borer
(Posted on 8/24/2010)
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic insect that is destructive to ash trees (Fraxinus species). The adult stage causes minor feeding damage to ash foliage. The larval stage feeds beneath the bark and disrupts water and nutrient flow within the tree, which leads to tree death.

Garden Clippings
(Posted on 8/24/2010)
This issue of the Master Gardener Newsletter, "Garden Clippings" is jam packed with all kinds of information for Master Gardeners. Take a look! Also, check out the video on the emerald ash borer.

Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network
(Posted on 6/16/2009)
What's the Weather in Your Backyard? When you hear the rainfall amount from the official gage, have you ever said, "That's not what I got!"

Monthly Tasks for Houseplants & Indoor Gardening
(Posted on 4/1/2009)
Here are some monthly tasks you should consider for your houseplants.

North Iowa Landscape Weeds
(Posted on 2/20/2009)
Weeds are Everywhere! Even in North Iowa. Use this reference to find out what weeds you may have in your landscape.