Cynthia HaynesAssociate Professor in Horticulture515-294-4006chaynes@iastate.edu As they do with quite a few other fruits and veggies, gardeners must prepare strawberry plants for winter to enable a successful harvest next spring. In this installment of Yard and Garden, Cynthia Haynes, associate professor and extension specialist in horticulture at Iowa State University, answers questions about that topic. . . . read more

Kathleen DelateDepartments of Agronomy and Horticulture515-294-7069kdelate@iastate.edu The annual Iowa Organic Conference will be held virtually this year on Monday, Nov. 23, in keeping with COVID-19 regulations. A half-day of presentations and interactions with industry experts will take the place of the normal meeting. The conference, now in its 20th year, is a joint activity between the Iowa . . . read more

Ajay NairExtension Commercial Horticulture Specialist515-294-7080nairajay@iastate.edu As you enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of your labor after your summer harvest, keep in mind that there are still plenty of chores to be done this fall to get ready for next year’s vegetable garden. This week’s Yard and Garden entry offers tips from Ajay Nair, associate professor . . . read more

Richard JauronExtension Horticulturist515-294-3108rjauron@iastate.edu Summer vegetables can still be harvested late in the season, but it is important to know when to harvest. The following are some tips that can help. How do I harvest and store sweet potatoes?  Harvest sweet potatoes immediately before or after a vine killing frost. When harvesting sweet potatoes, dig carefully . . . read more

Shannon M. ColemanFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-9011scoleman@iastate.edu Iowa State University is offering a three-session, online short course for emerging food entrepreneurs interested in developing processed foods in Iowa. The course meets 12-4 p.m. CDT on Nov. 30, Dec. 2 and Dec. 4. Shannon Coleman, assistant professor in food science and human nutrition and a human . . . read more

Shannon M. ColemanFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-9011scoleman@iastate.edu After the farmers market season ends, many home-based food operators in Iowa are still able to prepare and sell foods from their home if they follow state regulations and food safety practices. To help them, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has created the Home-based Food Operators: Regulations and . . . read more

Sarah FrancisFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-1456slfranci@iastate.edu More Iowans than ever are exploring how to home preserve their garden bounty to enjoy that fresh taste of summer all year long. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering two new online workshops to help Iowans safely “Preserve the Taste of Summer.” “Due to the pandemic, our . . . read more

Richard JauronExtension Horticulturist515-294-3108rjauron@iastate.edu Winter squash can be enjoyed for months when the fruit are properly harvested, cured and stored. Horticulture experts with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach provide answers to frequent questions on all aspects of horticulture, including questions on winter crops. When should I harvest winter squash?  Harvest winter squash when the fruit . . . read more

Ruth LitchfieldFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-9484litch@iastate.edu Cynthia HaynesAssociate Professor in Horticulture515-294-4006chaynes@iastate.edu Sarah FrancisFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-1456slfranci@iastate.edu The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” isn’t far from the truth. Apples are a popular fruit due to their taste and nutritional benefits. Apples are a good source of fiber and rich in antioxidants, . . . read more

Kaley HohenshellProgram Coordinator515-745-2401kaleyh@iastate.edu Strong and healthy local food systems are more important than ever for communities during the ongoing pandemic. The Community Food Systems team at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers timely support, now offering its Local Food Leader and Community Food Systems trainings and certifications in a virtual format. Each certification includes cohort workshops . . . read more