EUREKA, Ill. – Is there a problem with your yard or garden? Are pests and weeds concerning you? The University of Illinois Extension Woodford County Master Gardeners' Help Desk offers the community a unique opportunity to bring in your gardening questions and receive well-researched answers. The next walk-in help desk will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 11 at the Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main Street, Eureka.University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have already helped Woodford County gardeners in a variety of ways this year.

Here are some recent questions and answers:

How do I prevent squash bugs?Possible prevention methods include: early scouting for orange on underside of leaves (remove and destroy), spray insecticidal soap on young nymphs, use Blue Hubbard squash as a trap crop, and place board in the garden to lure them off the plants at night. Squash bugs will gather underneath the board and then can be disposed of in the morning.

How do I know if I have Emerald Ash Borer?We have Emerald Ash Borer information and recommendations we can share with you. Additionally, University of Illinois Extension has a website atweb.extension.illinois.edu/firewood/eab.cfmto help homeowners identify ash trees, identify the Emerald Ash borer damage and weigh the benefits of treatment.

Is this a disease on my apple tree?Let us refer you to Shirley, Class of 2016 Master Gardener intern that has operated an orchard in Woodford County for many years. If she can't help you, we can encourage you to send a tree sample to the University of Illinois Plant Clinic for a diagnostic report with treatment recommendations.If you are unable to attend the July 11 help desk at the Eureka Public Library, please call the Woodford County Extension Office at (309) 467-3789 with your questions.

Extension Horticulture Educator Kelly Allsup or a Woodford County Master Gardener will respond with a researched answer that will be sure to ease your garden woes.University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please call 309-467-3789.