Local Volunteers Plan Spring Fling Garden Day
University of Illinois Master Gardeners and Naturalists will be hosting an Annual Spring Fling/Garden Day on Saturday, March 21, 2020 from 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. at Kaskaskia College Lifelong Learning Center 27210 College Road, Centralia, IL.
If you are new to gardening or have a lifetime...
Shutting Down the Energy ‘Thieves’ in your Home
On the hunt for another $100.00 (per year) to stretch your budget? One study found a surprising number of “Always On” electrical devices in our homes:
Coffee makers and other small appliances with built-in clocks
Cable/satellite, game and other TV...
Gateway Green Industry Conference in Collinsville, Ill. March 4
Collinsville, Ill. - The Gateway Green Industry Conference is now taking registrations for the 2020 conference being held on Wednesday, March 4 at the Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville.
The educational program has a track for sports turf, landscape, arborist, plantscape,...
Training the Next Generation of Shooting Sports Enthusiasts
MARION, Ill.— Illinois 4-H is seeking adult volunteers to train local youth interested in learning about shooting sports. More than 3,600 4-H members participate in one of the five 4-H shooting sports disciplines, and projects teach the responsible and safe handling of firearms. ...
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
Do you have concerns about safety in your produce operation? Are you concerned about compliance with FSMA? Do you want to know more about the difference between FSMA and GAPs? Then the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training might be for you!
On February 26, 2020, from 8 a.m. to...
February Meal Tip
February is Heart Health Month and what better way to make your heart happy than with a bowl of fresh, colorful berries? Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are loaded with Vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Not only do berries taste great and are full of these vitamins and...
FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food Certification Training
Are you a business, or are you associated with a business that needs to ensure safe preparation of food products for human consumption? Are you looking to become a qualified individual who has successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventative...
January Meal Tip
Many people see January as a time to start new resolutions and a popular one is to become healthier. Instead of trying several ideas at the same time, try choosing one resolution that will be easy to stick to. It can be as simple as aiming to drink more water during the day, trying a new...
December Monthly Meal Tip
Saving money during the holidays might seem impossible, but there are many ways to be frugal when it comes to holiday meals. Of course, create a food budget and never go shopping without a list in hand. For large family gatherings, consider making the dinner a potluck, where everyone brings a...
Illinois Extension Develops Industrial Hemp Resources
Illinois producers did you grow hemp in 2019? Are you interested in giving it a shot in 2020? With the end of the growing season here, there are many hemp growers who will be looking to find processors and end buyers for their product. As this is an emerging industry without a developed supply...
2020 All-America Selection Winners
URBANA, Ill. – After the polar vortex of last winter, many are wondering if those cold blustery temperatures will return this season to affect our plants in Illinois. According to winter predictions, and University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Bruce J. Black, this winter should be...
Christmas tree hitchhikers
URBANA, Ill. – If you have ever purchased or harvested a living or cut Christmas tree, you may have inadvertently brought in some overwintering pests.
Luckily, any concerns about these pests are unwarranted. “Yes, it is true that Christmas trees can harbor dormant pests that become...
Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’ 2020 Perennial Plant of the Year
URBANA, Ill. – The Perennial Plant Association has announced the 2020 Perennial Plant of the Year®. Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’ is a fabulous high-impact perennial that brings a bold pop of glowing color and texture to the shade or part shade garden.
“Aralia ‘Sun King’ had been nominated...
Winter seed sowing
URBANA, Ill. – Winter-sowing is a cost-effective and low-maintenance way of starting plants for the garden. Creator of the winter-sowing method, Trudi Davidoff puts it in simple terms: starting plants outdoors, in winter.
“Winter-sowing works with nature to prepare seeds for growth...
Explore and assess your seeds this winter
URBANA, Ill. – While there may still be snow on the ground outside, it is never too early to start planning your garden for the spring. Begin by digging through your old seed packet stashes to find those still viable to plant.
Seeds are considered viable when they are capable of...
Growing holly
URBANA, Ill. – Evergreens such as holly, with its bright green leaves and sparkling red berries, add excitement to an otherwise dull winter landscape. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Jennifer Fishburn provides insights on growing the winter favorite. ...
Overwintering tropical plants
URBANA, Ill. – Tropical plants have gained a lot of popularity in recent years as an easy way to add an attractive look to back patios, decks, and containers. Plants such as mandevilla, alocasia (elephant ear), and hibiscus are sold at garden centers in containers and, while they offer great...
Winter protection of woody ornamentals
URBANA, Ill. – As winter arrives, we all wonder at the temperatures we will have to endure throughout the season. Fortunately, ornamental plants begin preparing for winter early through a process called cold acclimation. The process is signaled by cooling temperatures and shorter day lengths....