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

Overwhelmed by choices of tomato transplants at the garden center? The ISU Extension and Outreach Office of Dubuque County has released the results of their 2019 Garden Tomato Cultivar Trial sponsored by the Dubuque County Master Gardeners. Ray Kruse, Food System Program Coordinator at the Dubuque County Extension Office explains, since tomatoes are a cultivated . . . read more

Courtney LongFarm, Food and Enterprise Development515-294-2213court7@iastate.edu The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a far-reaching impact within the food supply and value chain system, affecting multiple sectors of the food economy. In an effort to help explain the many issues and options, the Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach . . . read more

Sandra OberbroecklingCommunity and Economic Development515-294-3721soberbr@iastate.edu Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and other organizations are joining ranks to uplift the small business community throughout the entire state by starting the Iowa Small Business Relief Fund. The other organizations in the alliance are The Director’s Council, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Immigrant . . . read more

Richard JauronExtension Horticulturist515-294-3108rjauron@iastate.edu The tart stalks of rhubarb are used in pies, tarts, sauces, jams, jellies, puddings and punch. Rhubarb is easy to grow and long-lived. For more information on growing rhubarb and other vegetables in your garden, contact horticulture specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. To have additional questions answered, contact the . . . read more

Christa HartsookFarm, Food and Enterprise Development, Small Farms Program515-294-4430hartc@iastate.edu The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are many, but one thing that hasn’t changed for Iowa’s small farmers is the need for timely, accurate information. One way Iowans can stay informed is by listening to the Small Farm Sustainability Podcasts, a project led by Christa Hartsook, . . . read more