Yard and Garden Information

Local News

Chautauqua 2012
(Posted on 2/9/2012)
The Northeast Iowa Horticulture Chautauqua will be held on Saturday, March 3 from 9 am to 3 pm at the New Hampton Middle School. March is the month that most gardeners come out of hibernation. Pruning, raking, tilling and clean-up will start in earnest. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach can help you ease into the bustle and have some fun by coming to the 9th Annual Horticulture Chautauqua in New Hampton. The Chautauqua was popular 100 years ago when people attended lectures for current information. Today, everything is on the internet, but it is still hard to beat a real person who can answer your questions!

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.

Staff

Lesley Mehmen - County Executive Director
Phone: 641-228-1453
Fax: 641-257-1194
Email: lmehmen@iastate.edu