Current Issue: January 14, 2025
Featured Content
Featured Publication: Home Landscape Planning Worksheet: 12 Steps to a Functional Design
Bloom of the Week: Cyclamen
Pest of the Week: Mealybugs
Yard & Garden: 2025 Garden Calendar Features Perennials
FAQ of the Week: What should I do with my amaryllis after it blooms?
Task of the Week: Prune Oak Trees
Garden Variety Podcast: Ex-seed your expectations this year

Easy Low-Maintenance Houseplants

Looking to buy a houseplant? Try starting with some of these easy-to-care-for, low-maintenance indoor plants.

Garden Trivia


What popular garden accessory was originally used in the 1800s to help carry plants on ships back to Europe from plant expeditions?


Read on to see the answer!

Tips for Purchasing Seeds

Growing plants from seed is rewarding and economical. Order high-quality seeds early, from reliable companies. Check seed age and viability, and avoid excess. Use in-store options when necessary for best results.

How to Change Your Soil's pH

Iowa soils are very diverse and so are the chemical characteristics that make up these soils. Soil pH is one property that can vary widely across the state both naturally and due to how we manage the field or garden. It is also one of the most cost-effective and easy-to-manage soil properties that can be modified to improve plant health and crop production.

Applications Open for Spring 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Training

If you are interested in gardening and horticulture, curious and love to learn, and can make a commitment to volunteering, we want you to join the Iowa Master Gardener program! We welcome participants with all levels of gardening experience.

Registration is Open for the 2025 Home Gardening Webinar Series

Join the Iowa Master Gardener Program every Thursday at 6 p.m. central time, from January 9 through March 16. This free weekly webinar series highlights a variety of topics for home gardeners. 

Three New All-America Selections Plants to Grow This Year


Explore new award-winning plants for your vegetable and annual garden this year, including pattypan squash, sweet pepper, and snapdragon.

Other Items of Interest

Garden Trivia Answer


Terrariums. These enclosed glass structures known as Wardian cases helped provide a humid and protected environment for “new” plants coming to Europe from tropical locations all around the globe. Learn more about building and caring for your own terrarium in this article: How to Create and Care for a Terrarium.


See past issues here.

Yard and Garden Website

Master Gardener Program

Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic

Iowa State Extension and Outreach

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