By Andi Anderson
The 2025 Seeds for Thought Garden Symposium, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will take place on March 29 at the DMACC campus in Newton. This educational event is open to all gardening enthusiasts and will feature expert-led sessions on various gardening topics.
Attendees can participate in breakout sessions covering topics such as annual flowers, lawn care, composting, native gardens, vegetable gardening, and pest management. These sessions cater to both beginner and experienced gardeners, helping them refine their skills and expand their knowledge.
Randall Vos, a commercial horticulture specialist with Iowa State University, will deliver the keynote presentation on “Extending the Flowering Annual Season.” Following the keynote, attendees will choose three breakout sessions from a lineup of expert speakers, including:
- Adam Thoms: Lawncare management and field preparation
- Lydia Dingeman: Vermicomposting for home gardens
- Myriam Lafreniere-Landry: Creating a native garden
- Suzette Striegel: The value of garden journaling
- Adam Janke: Conservation techniques for gardening
- Megan Bollhoefer: Planning a vegetable garden and soil health
- Cathy Benscoter: Soil blocking for healthier seedlings
The registration fee is $45, covering the keynote session, breakout sessions, and lunch. The registration deadline is March 21, with a late fee of $15 for those registering after this date.
For more information, visit ISU Extension and Outreach county offices or contact the Jasper County office at 641-792-6433. The event is sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach in Jasper, Mahaska, Marion, and Poweshiek counties.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Sustainable Agriculture