Embrace the possibilities. We'll help you grow.

Body

Find everyday inspiration.

Put research-based knowledge to work for you at home, at work, and in your community. Get inspired, build confidence, and trust Extension’s reliable and relatable information to help you navigate health and resilience in all areas of life.

Block Reference

Find local progams

View Map

Title
Plan your garden.

Body

Growing your own food brings many rewards. Start planning your garden now to maximize both your garden space and the growing season. Find expert tips on planning, planting, growing, and managing a great garden, and look over resources to help you know when to plant vegetables in each Illinois plant hardiness zone.

 

 

Connect. Learn. Grow.

close-up view of perodical cicada head

Explore Illinois Cicadas

2024 is a big year for periodical cicadas in Illinois! Discover how periodical broods differ from Illinois' annual, or dog-day, cicadas.
cupcakes on a counrt

Grow Your Food Business

Learn about the laws, certifications, processes, and practices required to run a home-based cottage food operation safely and legally in Illinois.
New bright green plants emerging from the soil in springtime

Springtime Brings Growth

Kick off the spring season by learning about cicadas, replacements for invasive trees, and steps to take to prepare for days spent outdoors.
Recent News
pressure canner tested

Get your pressure canner tested for free by Illinois Extension

URBANA, Ill. — Spring is a great time to take inventory of your canning equipment to prepare for the summer canning season. If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, make it a habit to get it tested by Illinois Extension every year.

Various foods can be canned at home with a boiling…

spotted lanternfly

Get tools to manage non-native plants and insects at Illinois Invasive Species Symposium

URBANA, Ill. — Spotted lanternflies were found in Illinois for the first time in 2023. Quagga and zebra mussels clog water intake pipes on Lake Michigan, and every spring, invasive Bradford Callery pear trees and amur bush honeysuckle bloom across Illinois communities instead of native…

A person having an on online appointment

Unlock better hearing and discover teleaudiology solutions with Illinois Extension

URBANA, Ill. — Hearing is not merely a sense but serves as a gateway to communication and connection with the world. However, many individuals face challenges with hearing loss, significantly impacting their daily lives. Recognizing this, individuals must educate themselves and understand the…

Upcoming Events
Latest Podcast

Voice of the Wild

Voice of the Wild is brought to you by the University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy program.

Subscribe to the...
Voice of the Wild Podcast image

Share with us

Body
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Illinois Extension (@ilextension) • Instagram photos and videos