Featured Content

Plants Native to Iowa

Many gardeners are interested in growing native plants. Even native plants need to be matched to their growing conditions. Find the right native plant for any place in your garden with these Iowa native plant lists.

Plants native to Iowa in a garden bed.

Garden Trivia


True or False: Rhubarb is not safe to eat after being exposed to below freezing temperatures.



Read on to see the answer!

Frost damage to Magnolia flower.

Cold and Freeze Damage to Garden Plants

Near- or below-freezing temperatures have hit recently. Learn about what to expect and what you can do to help plants that experience a freeze after breaking dormancy.

Managing Garden Soil

As we start planning and planting it’s important to start with the soil. Creating and maintaining good soil is essential to successful plant growth. Learn more about soil and how to improve it to better support plant growth, including information on organic matter, fertilizers, tilling, and soil pH.

A gardener shoveling compost.
A sprinkler system irrigating a lawn.

Home Lawn Watering Tips and Tricks

Responsible lawn watering is important. As the growing season approaches learn the tips and tricks that can be done to set your irrigation system up to water efficiently and appropriately.

Asparagus in the Home Garden

Asparagus is one of the most popular spring vegetables in the home vegetable garden. Learn about site selection, soil preparation, cultivars, weed control, planting, insect pests, harvesting, and after-harvest care.

A bunch of asparagus.

Other Items of Interest

Garden Trivia Answer


False. Rhubarb can tolerate temperatures as low as 26 to 28°F. Damage typically occurs when temperatures drop below ~25°F, and leaves and stalks should be removed if they shrivel, blacken, and become soft and mushy. Any new growth that emerges later in spring is safe to eat. Rhubarb plants showing no sign of damage are fine and can be harvested. Learn more in this article: Growing Rhubarb in Iowa.

See past issues.

Yard and Garden Website

Master Gardener Program

Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic

Iowa State Extension and Outreach

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