Featured Content

A sycamore tree leafing out late.

Late Leaf Emergence on Fruit and Ornamental Trees and Shrubs

If you’re staring at a bare tree while everything else is leafing out, don’t panic; it may be perfectly normal. Some species naturally leaf out later. Other times, weather or stressful growing conditions can delay leaf out. Before you assume the worst, learn what to look for and when to take action.

Garden Trivia


When should you stop harvesting rhubarb and asparagus in spring?



Read on to see the answer!

Growing Peaches in Iowa

Peaches are not the easiest to grow in Iowa, but many dream of sweet, juicy peaches in their own backyard. Learn how to choose the right varieties, protect trees from winter injury, and successfully grow peaches in your landscape.

Peaches on the tree.
Lavender in bloom in the garden.

Growing Lavender in Iowa

Lavender is a favorite among gardeners, but they don’t always overwinter well in Iowa. Learn the keys to success, from choosing hardy varieties to providing the right soil and winter protection, to help you enjoy fragrant blooms year after year in your landscape.

Using Growing Degree Days to Manage the Home Garden

Want to take the guesswork out of gardening? Growing degree days help you track plant and pest development based on temperature, so you can time tasks more effectively. Learn how to use growing degree days to make smarter decisions in your home garden.

Seedlings at different growth stages growing in the soil.
Roundup products on store shelf.

Understanding Herbicide Active Ingredients for Home Garden Weed Management

Spring weeds seem to appear overnight, and choosing the right herbicide can get confusing quickly. This article explains what active ingredients are on herbicide labels and how they affect weeds. If you are tackling weeds this spring, understanding what the product contains can help you manage them more effectively and avoid common mistakes.

Other Items of Interest

Garden Trivia Answer


Rhubarb harvest should stop by mid-June. Asparagus should not be harvested past early to mid June. While the plants don’t become toxic in summer (as is sometimes erroneously said about rhubarb), when harvested over a longer period, these plants are weakened and less productive the following year.

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Yard and Garden Website

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Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic

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