Master Gardener Program Monroe County

08/24/2026

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/cracks-spots-and-slow-ripening-diagnosing-common-tomato-issues

AMES, Iowa – Home gardeners across Iowa are reporting a wide range of tomato issues this summer. While many gardeners first suspect disease, several of the most common problems are physiological disorders triggered by fluctuating weather, uneven moisture and environmental stress.

07/08/2026

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/iowa-state-university-fruit-and-vegetable-field-day-july-29

AMES, Iowa – The horticulture team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will hold the 2026 Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on Wednesday, July 29, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the ISU Horticulture Research Station in Ames.

07/01/2026

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/iowa-state-university-extension-and-outreach-offers-advice-helping-gardens-survive-summer-heat

AMES, Iowa – Periods of high temperatures can be challenging for both plants and gardeners. Understanding how heat affects plant growth and taking a few practical steps can help maintain a healthy landscape during stressful hot summer conditions. Plants respond to rising temperatures in ways that ...

05/13/2026

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/bring-tropical-touch-iowa-gardens-tender-perennials

AMES, Iowa – Iowa gardeners looking to add bright foliage, bold flowers and a tropical feel can turn to tender perennials for fast-growing seasonal impact. Tender perennials live for multiple years in warm climates but are not reliably winter hardy in Iowa, meaning they must be overwintered indoor...

05/11/2026

04/29/2026

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/sure-sign-spring-growing-and-caring-daffodils-iowa

AMES, Iowa – Few plants announce the arrival of spring in Iowa as reliably as daffodils. These hardy bulbs in the genus Narcissus light up landscapes with cheerful blooms and return year after year with little maintenance, making them a favorite among home gardeners.

04/24/2026

04/24/2026

Thank you-especially to the Monroe County Master Gardeners!

Thank you, Iowa Master Gardener volunteers!

It is National Volunteer Week and we are celebrating the incredible Iowa Master Gardener volunteers who show up, dig in, and make a difference every day. Your commitment to sharing research-based knowledge helps communities grow food, steward natural resources, and create resilient, beautiful spaces. You are the heart of this work, and the reason it thrives.

Thank you for your passion, your expertise, and your impact.

04/11/2026

It's potato-planting time!

Potatoes should be planted in late March or early April in southern Iowa, early to mid-April in central Iowa, and mid to late April in northern portions of the state.

Since potatoes are susceptible to several diseases, buy certified, disease-free potatoes at garden centers or mail-order nurseries. Avoid using home-grown potatoes from the previous year's crop since they may carry undetectable diseases. Set seed pieces, cut side down, and small whole potatoes about 1 foot apart in a furrow 4 inches deep. Rows should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart.

Learn more about growing potatoes here: https://go.iastate.edu/OZFXHH

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach ISU Extension and Outreach - Agriculture and Natural Resources

04/07/2026

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/join-monthly-garden-qa-live-spring-iowa-state-university-extension-and-outreach

As lawns green up and gardens come to life across Iowa, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach invites gardeners to take advantage of Garden Q&A Live, a monthly interactive program designed to provide timely help throughout the growing season.