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

Richard JauronExtension Horticulturist515-294-3108rjauron@iastate.edu Onions are a staple in the kitchen. If properly harvested, cured and stored, homegrown onions can be enjoyed through much of fall and winter. For more information on onions or to ask other gardening questions, contact Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulture experts at hortline@iastate.edu. When should onions be harvested? Storage onions should . . . read more

Ruth LitchfieldFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-9484litch@iastate.edu Sarah FrancisFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-1456slfranci@iastate.edu Cynthia HaynesAssociate Professor in Horticulture515-294-4006chaynes@iastate.edu It is that time of the year when there is an abundance of summer squash in the garden. Check your garden each day, as summer squash varieties grow quickly. The squash should be harvested while still immature, and . . . read more

 Have you heard the buzz? Bees have taken up residence in Cyclone-colored hives at Iowa State University’s Horticulture Research Station north of Ames, where they will soon provide learning opportunities for students, faculty and Extension and Outreach program participants. Twenty beehives were set up and populated with bees earlier this spring. Randall Cass, bee extension specialist, said . . . read more

The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC), a national organization committed to strengthening farmers markets, announces the launch of its nationwide campaign for the 21st annual National Farmers Market Week on August 2nd – 8th, 2020. National Farmers Market Week is a celebration started by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that highlights the essential role farmers . . . read more

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering the second of a two-part online workshop on Aug. 4 for anyone interested in learning more about identifying and foraging local mushrooms. The Aug. 4 workshop will be held from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom video conferencing. The deadline to register is Aug. 3at noon and registration should be . . . read more

Ruth LitchfieldFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-9484litch@iastate.edu Sarah FrancisFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-1456slfranci@iastate.edu Cynthia HaynesAssociate Professor in Horticulture515-294-4006chaynes@iastate.edu Cool off from the July heat with juicy raspberries and blackberries. Blackberries and raspberries are favorite perennial fruits. When selecting a blackberry, consider the newer primocane cultivars, which are hardier in Iowa weather. There are several types of . . . read more

Richard JauronExtension Horticulturist515-294-3108rjauron@iastate.edu Vegetables in the garden occasionally do things that surprise some gardeners. While unexpected, they’re actually rather common or normal. If you have questions about your own garden, contact horticulture experts by emailing hortline@iastate.edu. Several of my onions are forming flower heads. Why?  Onions can be grown from seeds, sets or transplants. Flowering is . . . read more

About the Authors:  Angela Laury ShawFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-0868angelaml@iastate.edu Shannon M. ColemanFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-9011scoleman@iastate.edu Joe HannanExtension Commercial Horticulture Specialist515-993-4281jmhannan@iastate.edu Anirudh NaigApparel, Events and Hospitality Management515-294-9740anaig@iastate.edu Gov. Kim Reynolds has modified the state’s Public Health Emergency Declaration as it pertains to farmers markets. The governor’s June 10, 2020, proclamation allows farmers markets to continue operating, . . . read more

Ruth LitchfieldFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-9484litch@iastate.edu Sarah FrancisFood Science and Human Nutrition515-294-1456slfranci@iastate.edu Cynthia HaynesAssociate Professor in Horticulture515-294-4006chaynes@iastate.edu As Iowans celebrate National Pollinator Week they can also celebrate the many diverse products made possible by bees, butterflies and other pollinators. One of the most recognized products of honey bees is honey. Honey is commonly referred to . . . read more