Yard and Garden: Petunias
(Posted on 2/22/2012)
Petunias are easy to grow, bloom reliably all summer and are available in a wide range of colors, flower forms and growth habits. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulture specialists answer questions about selecting and growing petunias.

Yard and Garden: Pruning Raspberries
(Posted on 2/16/2012)
To obtain maximum yields through increased berry size, raspberries must be pruned properly. Pruning procedures are based on the growth and fruiting characteristics of the plants, say ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturists.

Learn How to Have a Homegrown Lifestyle
(Posted on 2/13/2012)
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering a course, Homegrown Lifestyle, for folks who want to reconnect with the land, grow food for their own use and create a sustainable landscape. Homegrown Lifestyle will be offered at 12 Iowa locations beginning March 29.

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.