Horticulture

When should I sow seeds for my vegetable garden?

With spring right around the corner and seed catalogs pouring in, many gardeners are anxious to get their hands in the soil, myself included. It may currently be a little early and damp to put shovel to ground, but it’s never too early to plan what vegetables and herbs you might grow. Gather your...
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Factors to consider when choosing tree species

Trees and shrubs are valuable elements in both public and private landscapes, and the wise investment of time and careful selection will only increase their value. Though there are several non-native species that do well in our fertile Illinois soils, we encourage the use of native species to...
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Preventing storm damage to trees

With frequent summer thunderstorms, we should be diligent in scouting for tree issues that could become a larger problem. Proper preventative care can greatly increase a tree’s longevity. Important first steps  Preparing a tree for weather-related disasters happens before the tree ever goes in...
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Take control of your weed woes

Judging by the weed pressure in my garden, the growing season is in full force! Staying vigilant about weed control in the garden is necessary as weeds will compete with desirable species for moisture and nutrients. There are several ways to approach weed management, and an integrated approach is...
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Everything is coming up roses

Roses have a long and vibrant history and have even been recognized as a status symbol. Because roses come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, they allow gardeners a great deal of variety from which to choose. New rose gardeners may be tempted to jump headfirst into growing hybrid tea or floribunda...
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Blooming callery pear tree

The harsh reality of the Bradford Pear

These few weeks in April bring an onslaught of spectacular spring colors from blooming tree and shrub species. As many forsythia, quince, and magnolia blooms fade and leaves appear, some redbuds, dogwoods, and crabapples are just beginning their performance. A very common spring flowering tree...
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Large Crabgrass

Are you ready for lawn care season

If you're like me, while performing spring clean-up around the yard, you may realize some lawn care is also needed! Here are some helpful tips for the season: As grass begins to grow, make sure your mower is serviced and blades are sharpened. Set the deck at a height of 2 to 2...
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Tomato and Basil plants growing in a homemade container. Be sure to allow for drainage from any container.

The New Victory Garden

Spring has sprung, the weather is gorgeous, and everyone wants to get outside. However, social distancing measures prevent many of us from being in public spaces. We can’t gather with others, but we still care about our families and our community. What a perfect time to revisit the victory garden ...
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Wicker basket filled with live grass, flowers, and dyed eggs

Dye Spring Colorful with Plant-Based Egg Dyes

Food science is so fun! Like overmixing batter to see "tunnels" develop because of gluten. Or turning cream into butter or ice cream. And especially dyeing with food and plant pigments. Pigments are the compounds that make up the colors in food and plants. Egg dyeing with food and plants is an...
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Green herbs growing out of plastic tub in home hydroponic system

Homegrown: DIY Hydroponics for All Gardeners

Hydroponics continues to be a popular topic in the horticulture industry, but usually it is on a very large greenhouse scale.   Why is it so popular? Well, it's because your plants can grow 30% to 40% faster. And it is just pretty darn cool. Did you know that you can build a hydroponic ...
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