The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Urban Agriculture program invites those interested in organic gardening to an upcoming webinar on Jan. 28 from 1 to 2 p.m. Kathleen Delate, extension organic specialist and professor of horticulture at Iowa State, will share best practices for organic fertilization, pest management and postharvest strategies.

Delate brings over 30 years of experience practicing organic gardening and farming — from Iowa to California to the tropics. She has successfully produced organic vegetables, apples and grapes in Iowa, relying on natural techniques like planting pest-tolerant varieties, composting and sowing insectary plants to increase beneficial insects.

“It’s easy to be organic in Iowa,” said Delate. “The harsh winters we hate are life-savers when it comes to pest reductions, and our soil quality, a cornerstone of organic gardening and farming, is envied by the rest of the world.”

The webinar will also provide information on alternatives to synthetic pesticides, including preventive practices such as mulching for weed control and soap-based products for pernicious pests that exceed economic threshold levels. Additional topics will include backyard composting, organic no-till and preserving produce for the highest quality.

Organic gardening educational resources and resources to join organic gardening groups will be shared during the webinar. A 10-minute Q&A session will begin immediately after the presentation. To attend the webinar, register online.

To learn more about urban and organic ag? Visit ISU Extension and Outreach Organic Ag and Urban Ag.

This event is supported by the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program.