Cass County IA Master Gardeners

09/01/2026

Lots to do in the yard and garden still this fall, but don't be tempted to add pruning trees to that list! Find out why, and what you can do instead, from our friends at Iowa State Extension Yard and Garden

While it may seem tempting, do not prune woody trees and shrubs in the fall.

Pruning encourages new growth, and when done in the fall, the new growth that develops will not be well hardened off for winter, leading to more potential for winter damage. The best time of year to prune is later winter and early spring (February through March in Iowa).

Instead, use the fall season to prepare trees for winter by protecting trunks from rabbits, deer, and other wildlife with tree wraps, guards, or fencing.

Protecting Trees and Shrubs from Animal Damage Over Winter: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-protect-trees-and-shrubs-animal-damage-over-winter

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

08/20/2026

It's tomato season! 🍅 Cracks, spots and bruises got you down? Check out these tips from our Iowa State Extension Yard and Garden and ISU Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic for all your questions on tomatoes!

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.

08/13/2026

Is a new lawn in your fall plans? Check out these tips and tricks for best results!

Mid-August to mid-September is the best time to establish a new lawn or renovate a thin lawn.

This is because the cool-season grasses typically used in Iowa will germinate quickly in the warm soil of late summer, and the warm fall days and cool nights promote rapid turf growth. Also, fewer w**d species germinate in the fall, so there is little w**d competition.

Use the following resources based on whether you're seeding a new lawn or renovating your current one:

Seeding New Lawn: https://go.iastate.edu/TYLEQ7
Renovating Lawn: https://go.iastate.edu/4JBPPN

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

08/07/2026

One week left to sign up for our fall Master Gardener training! Sign up online today, or give the office a call if you have questions about the training!

07/07/2026

Fun Fact Tuesday- learn the difference between dish soap and insecticidal soap from our friends at Iowa State Extension Yard and Garden! 🪳🧼

"Can I use dish soap instead of insecticidal soap to treat for insect pests?"

While they are both called "soaps," dish soap (like Dawn or Palmolive) is not a replacement for insecticidal soap.

Dish soap is actually more accurately classified as a detergent, not a soap. Soap is a molecule composed of salts (such as potassium or sodium) and fatty acids. Detergents are derived from petrochemicals and are a different type of molecule.

While dish soaps (detergents) can cause issues for insects, their effect on pests is limited and highly variable. Dish soap is also much more likely to cause damage to the plant, such as phytotoxicity. Insecticidal soap is a true soap (usually potassium salts of fatty acids) created specifically to target pests. They work on contact by damaging the insect's cell membranes. The cell contents are able to leak from the damaged cells, and the insect dies. They have no residual action and easily wash away. This is what makes insecticidal soaps a safer pesticide option compared to traditional pesticides. This also means, however, that insecticidal soaps have to be applied frequently to control insect populations as they only affect the insects they come in contact with. Any hiding insects or those that emerge after the application would be unaffected and would require a second (or third, etc.) application to kill them.

Extension and Outreach - Agriculture and Natural Resources Iowa Master Gardeners

06/30/2026

Plants feeling the heat? 🌞 Here's some tips to help them out during our heat wave!!

We'll be experiencing some extreme heat for a bit, so be sure to protect yourself and your plants! Here are some ways to do so:

-Check soil moisture every day (sometimes twice a day; especially containers). Stick your finger in the soil, and if it’s dry an inch or two down, it’s time to water.

-Water in the morning so you lose less water to evaporation and so that plants can be fully hydrated before the heat of the day. Avoid using sprinklers and water at the base of your plants. And don’t just assume plants need water- always check before.

-Add mulch and/or provide shade for your plants. Mulch will help hold water in the soil and shade the soil a little bit. Move container plants to the shade, and if you can’t move plants, get creative and add cloth or another covering.

-Don’t fertilize! Fertilizer promotes growth that your plants just can’t keep up with in the heat.

-Always take care of yourself! Consider getting into the garden during the cooler hours of the early morning and drinking plenty of water. Take as many breaks as you need!

Stay cool, everyone!

06/30/2026

Spruce up those gardens throughout the summer by deadheading! Check out recommended guidelines from Iowa State Extension Yard and Garden

Deadheading, removing spent flowers, is a simple step that makes a big impact in the garden. By pinching or cutting faded blooms, you can:

- Extend bloom time
- Encourage rebloom on some plants
- Improve plant vigor and growth
- Prevent unwanted self-seeding
- Keep your garden looking tidy

A little deadheading goes a long way toward helping plants use their energy for stronger growth and more beautiful blooms.

To learn more, check out the Yard and Garden website: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/deadheading-herbaceous-ornamentals-and-roses

06/18/2026

Tune in tomorrow for all your hydrangea and tree info! 🌺🌳

05/07/2026

Griswold FFA chapter has a few sale dates remaining this spring! Don't forget to swing in and check them out!

05/07/2026

We're excited to have Atlantic FFA joining us with their beautiful annual flowers and vegetables at our plant sale on Saturday!