Brian TappFarm, Food and Enterprise Development515-294-4417btapp@iastate.edu The most recent “Back to Business Iowa” podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach features Cherie Edilson, co-founder and CEO of Shop Where I Live. This Marion, Iowa based company works with chambers of commerce and economic development groups statewide to create online “storefronts” where all of the . . . read more

Richard JauronExtension Horticulturist515-294-3108rjauron@iastate.edu  Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable in the home garden. They are easy to grow and produce excellent yields. For more information on growing tomatoes, contact Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulture specialists at hortline@iastate.edu. Determinate vs. indeterminate Determinate and indeterminate refer to the tomato plant’s growth habit. Determinate tomatoes are small, compact . . . read more

Courtney LongFarm, Food and Enterprise Development515-294-2213court7@iastate.edu As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, businesses across the state are trying new and innovative strategies to remain open and continue to serve Iowans. Farms and food businesses are also stepping up to meet the demand for local food products. Many farmers markets are moving to online sales and virtual . . . read more

Joe HannanExtension Commercial Horticulture Specialist515-993-4281jmhannan@iastate.edu Gov. Kim Reynolds has extended the state’s Public Health Emergency Declaration as it pertains to farmers markets. The governor’s latest proclamation allows farmers markets to continue operating, but only to sell food and farm products. An earlier proclamation allowed farmers markets to open as of April 24, under the same restrictions. The . . . read more

Businesses across Iowa are moving their sales online in response to COVID-19 marketing limitations. Learn more about using the popular Square e-commerce platform on a free 90-minute webinar Tuesday, May 19, at 2 p.m. CDT: “How to Take Your Business Online.” Featured speaker is Martin Guerrero, e-commerce specialist with Square. Register here. You’ll receive connection instructions in your . . . read more

Richard JauronExtension Horticulturist515-294-3108rjauron@iastate.edu Gardening in containers is a great option for individuals living in apartments and homeowners who don’t have a suitable site for a traditional garden, according to horticulture specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Plants grown in containers require a well-drained growing medium. Garden soil is not a good growing medium. . . . read more

Joe HannanExtension Commercial Horticulture Specialist515-993-4281jmhannan@iastate.edu Local foods producers and consumers who rely on Iowa’s farmers markets for food are able to conduct business as of April 24, according to a decision by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. The governor’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency allows farmers markets to operate, but only to sell food and farm products. The markets . . . read more

Joe HannanExtension Commercial Horticulture Specialist515-993-4281jmhannan@iastate.edu Zach ClemensCommunications Specialist, Integrated Pest Management515-294-2020zclemens@iastate.edu The horticulture team at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is debuting a new video series with detailed information on vegetable production and management in Iowa. This video series covers a range of topics, including: Scouting, identifying and managing vegetables diseases. Identifying and managing . . . read more

Lina Rodriguez SalamancaPlant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic515-294-0581pidc@iastate.edu Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer a two-part online workshop in the spring and fall of 2020 for anyone interested in learning more about identifying and foraging local mushrooms. The first spring workshop will be held on May 5 from 6-7 p.m. The workshops will be . . . read more