As temperatures drop plants and trees need special care to survive and thrive through Iowa winters.

The Marion County Extension Office in Knoxville offers all kinds of assistance to Iowans as they prepare plants and trees for winter and freezing temperatures. Extension Director Dale Miller says he and his staff are available to educate and inform on a range of agricultural and horticultural topics. The mission of Iowa Extension is to bring education, in an informal way, to all corners of the state. Miller says as the seasons change many people come to their office for information about pruning and protecting vulnerable plants as winter weather sets in.