Yard and Garden Information

Local News

buriedlines

Make ONE CALL Before you Dig
(Posted on 5/13/2008)
Iowa law requires that any person, whether a homeowner or professional contractor, planning to engage in any form of excavation within the state of Iowa, must notify the “Iowa One Call” notification system.This includes projects such as: installing a fence, planting trees or shrubs, putting in a new driveway, building a patio, deck, garage, outdoor shed or any structure that requires any form of digging, installing a septic system or water drainage system, terracing or landscaping.

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Squinnies, Grinnies and Gophers—Oh, My!
(Posted on 5/13/2008)
If they are small, brown, furry and crawl on the ground, most people tend to lump these mammal species under “gopher” or some other all-encompassing name. Different species have different requirements for food and shelter. Understanding those differences can help you manage their populations.

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The Master Gardener Minute
(Posted on 5/9/2008)
Take a minute to check out this site for weekly Master Gardener updates and announcements.

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Open Class Fairbook Now Available On-Line!
(Posted on 5/9/2008)
Welcome to the on-line version of the 2008 Ida County Open Class Fair Book! Whether you have a flair for vegetables, flowers, needlework, or crafts the Ida County Fair has just the class for you to display your talents.

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Frequently Requested Publications
(Posted on 5/5/2008)
Land Value Surveys, Cash Rental Rates, Custom Farm Rates, Herbicide Guides, Consumer Information, Gardening & Horticulture Tips are just a few of the frequently requested resources from the Ida County Extension Office. Check out this link to quickly access these publications and many more!

hortnews

Insects, Weeds, Plant Disease ... Oh My!
(Posted on 5/5/2008)
If you have questions about insects, plant disease, plant identification, weed management and/or wildlife management let ISU Extension offer you the latest research based information for these horticultural topics and more.

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Take a Hike - Woodland Wildflowers are Emerging!
(Posted on 4/29/2008)
Woodland wildflowers are emerging in local woodlands and should be in bloom for the next several weeks.

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Extension Tip of the Week
(Posted on 4/28/2008)
Extension Tip of the Week (TOW) is a feature that can be sent to you directly by e-mail. These tips, sent weekly, will be brief and timely, cover a variety of topics.

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ISU Extension Book Receives Arbor Day Foundation Award
(Posted on 4/22/2008)
“The Forest Where Ashley Lives,” a children’s book published by Iowa State University Extension, has received an Education Award from the Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit education and conservation organization.

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ISU Offers Master Gardener Summer Session
(Posted on 4/18/2008)
If you want to know more about trees, gardening, plant diseases, insect diagnosis, vegetables, turfgrass, fruits and the latest in horticultural research ISU has just the program for you!

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Yard & Garden Publications Available
(Posted on 4/4/2008)
As the time arrives to think about your yard and garden, let ISU Extension help you with publications on these topics.

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It's Time for Spring Yard & Garden Chores
(Posted on 4/4/2008)
After a long (seemingly endless) winter, spring has finally arrived. While spring is an enjoyable time, there are a number of outdoor chores that need to be done to enhance our yards and gardens. These chores include applying preemergence herbicides to lawns, dividing perennials, removing mulch from strawberries, pruning roses and many others.

treedamage

Will Insurance Protect You From Storm Damage?
(Posted on 4/4/2008)
A tree fell on the roof, strong winds blew out the car windows, the sewer backed up into the basement. Storm damage comes in many forms. Will insurance cover the damage?

insecthelp

Need Help With Bugs, Bugging You?
(Posted on 3/10/2008)
When it comes to delivering information to people who need it, the Department of Entomology is at the forefront. Our extension personnel bring timely programs to locations throughout Iowa, and our science-based recommendations to Iowa's growers are conveniently available online. Whether it is pests around your home, garden or field...Let ISU Extension offer you help.

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Develop Markets for Fruits and Vegetables
(Posted on 3/10/2008)
Producers interested in learning how to market local fruits and vegetables to foodservice and retail distributors are invited to attend one of a series of meetings sponsored by ISU Extension.

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Need Information Quickly?
(Posted on 1/29/2008)
When you need expert answers in a hurry, rely on Iowa State University Extension Hotlines. Select this easy button or the blue text for links to these Hotlines.

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Have You Heard, Extension is in the News?
(Posted on 1/23/2008)
Check out these links to Extension news releases for the latest happenings with ISU Extension. Whether you are into grape vines, p-index levels, finances, or childcare...this site has it all.

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Ag & Natural Resources News and Newsletters
(Posted on 1/20/2008)
Check out this link to current news and newsletters on agriculture and natural resource topics from the experts at Iowa State University.

News from Iowa State University Extension

ISU Extension Audio: Interviews for the Week of May 12
(Posted on 5/12/2008)
Listen to interviews about corn planting progress, high grain costs and livestock producers, Iowa’s racial and ethnic makeup, and more.
Squinnies, Grinnies and Gophers—Oh, My!
(Posted on 5/12/2008)
ISU Extension Wildlife Specialist Jim Pease always has scientific observations and helpful suggestions. Ground squirrels, chipmunks and ground hogs are interesting but can be a nuisance in some locations.
Make ONE CALL Before you Dig
(Posted on 5/12/2008)
Flags marking buried utility linesThis phone call may be the easiest, least expensive and most important part of your planting or home improvement project
ISU Extension Audio: Interviews for the Week of May 5
(Posted on 5/8/2008)
Listen to interviews about patience during planting season, La niña and corn and soybean yield, farm sector prosperity and the rural economy, and more.
Ask the ISU Extension Gardening Experts
(Posted on 5/7/2008)
This week the experts answer questions about caring garden geraniums, when to harvest newly planted blueberries and which groundcovers to plant under a large shade trees.
Looking Ahead to White Grubs in the Lawn
(Posted on 5/5/2008)
No method predicts if and where white grubs will occur in the lawn or how severe the damage will be, so put the insecticide down and step away from the sprayer. Learn about your options for white grub management.
NatureMapping Program Offered in Johnson County
(Posted on 5/1/2008)
The NatureMapping program provides hands-on environmental education to help volunteers inventory the state’s plants and wildlife.
Ask the ISU Extension Gardening Experts
(Posted on 5/1/2008)
This week the experts offer information on when to move amaryllis plants outdoors, what to do with daffodils that no longer bloom and why crabapple trees bloom heavily every other year.
Iowa’s Green Industry Is Growing -- the Economy
(Posted on 4/30/2008)
iowa's green industry -- ornamental horticulture-- is the fastest growing segment of the state’s agriculture industry, according to an ISU Extension survey.
ISU Extension Audio: Interviews for the Week of April 28
(Posted on 4/30/2008)
Listen to interviews about getting into wet fields at the start of the 2008 growing season, La Niña and potential yields for corn and soybeans, mitigating air emissions and more.
NatureMapping Workshop Offered in Scott County
(Posted on 4/29/2008)
The NatureMapping Program provides hands-on environmental education that helps keep common wildlife common.
Take a Hike in the Woods
(Posted on 4/28/2008)
Woodland wildflowers are emerging in local woodlands and should be in bloom for the next several weeks.
New Trapping Procedure for Emerald Ash Borer Announced
(Posted on 4/28/2008)
Emerald ash borer researchers have developed a new purple trap that will be used in Iowa and in 45 other states throughout the country.
ISU Extension Audio: Interviews for the Week of April 21
(Posted on 4/23/2008)
Listen to interviews about weather conditions during planting, land values, the health of manufacturing, Iowa States’ sesquicentennial and more.
Ask the ISU Extension Gardening Experts
(Posted on 4/23/2008)
This week the experts discuss the chances of importing insects when adding soil around a home and how to stop the spread of variegated bishop's weed.
Dr. Grow-It-All Provides Tips for a Great Lawn
(Posted on 4/21/2008)
Proper mowing and frequency are important aspects of lawn maintenance. In fact, many turfgrass problems can be traced back to improper mowing.
Ask the ISU Extension Gardening Experts
(Posted on 4/16/2008)
This week the experts offer advice on using zoysiagrass as a lawn, choosing strawberry varieties and when to plant cucumbers.
ISU Extension Audio: Interviews for the Week of April 14
(Posted on 4/16/2008)
Listen to an interview with a NASA specialist about living your dreams, as well as interviews about farmers’ corn planting intentions, the Clay County Fair, options for gardeners and more.
Pink in the Garden
(Posted on 4/14/2008)
There are number of plant choices in the pink palette including trees, shrubs and perennials.

Staff

Eldon Everhart-Commercial Horticulture Specialist
Phone: 712-755-3104
Fax: 712-755-7112
Email: everhart@iastate.edu

Ida Extension Family-County and State Staff Serving Ida County
Phone: 712-364-3003
Fax: 712-364-3529
Email: xida@iastate.edu

Resources from ISU Extension