Master Gardeners
Extension has a vast collection of resources addressing horticultural interests across Illinois. We recognize that home and commercial horticulturalists have unique needs, so we've cultivated resources designed to address their top concerns. These collections represent the topic areas where we usually get the most questions, but our expertise covers everything from trees to tomatoes to tulips.
Don't take a risk with your plants.
Info Sheets
Deciduous Disease of Illinois
You depend on reliable, unbiased information. Stay current with the latest research from University of Illinois. Download this fact sheet about Deciduous Disease of Illinois.
Prevent Blossom End Rot
What is blossom end rot? Blossom end rot is the scourge of many gardeners. While commonly found on tomatoes, it can also affect peppers, eggplant, squash, and watermelons. Prevention is the only way to treat blossom end
rot. Once a fruit has blossom end rot, it is best to remove the fruit and discard it. More info here.
Gardening in the Air | Virtual Gardening Symposium | Oct. 18
Join horticulture educators and experts from Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension for a free, interactive online gardening event featuring expert-led sessions on timely topics. Sign up by Oct 15! Brought to you by Illinois Extension serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Stark Counties.
Have yard and gardening questions? Let us help.
The Master Gardener Horticulture Help Desk is a community service that Master Gardener programs provide nationwide. Help Desks in our counties open in the spring and close in the fall. Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by University of Illinois Extension educators. They may be present at their county Help Desks for you to come in and ask your questions and share your samples one-on-one. Or they are available to call with your questions. Master Gardener volunteers provide research-based answers to your home horticulture questions, such as:
- Vegetable Gardening
- Insect ID and Control
- Trees & Small Fruits
- Integrated Pest Management
- Turfgrass Care
- Flower Gardening
- Plant Diseases
- Tree & Shrub Care
- Soils & Fertility
- Plant Identification
- and more!
Boone County Help Desk Info 2025
In-person hours: April 1 - September 30 | Monday - Thursday | Call the office (hours vary)
- Call: 815-544-3710
- Visit: 205 Cadillac Ct, Suite 3, Belvidere, IL 61008
- Email: uiemg-boone@mx.uillinois.edu
DeKalb County Help Desk Info 2025
In-person hours: April 14 - October 17 | Monday-Wednesday-Friday | 10 am - 12 pm
- Call: 815-758-8194
- Visit: 1350 W Prairie Drive, Sycamore, IL 60178
- Email: uiemg-dekalb@mx.uillinois.edu
Ogle County Help Desk Info 2025
In-person hours: April-October | Call the office
- Call: 815-732-2191
- Visit: 421 W Pines Rd, Oregon, IL 61061
- Email: uiemg-ogle@mx.uillinois.edu
Good Growing podcast episodes
Gardening Blogs
Companion planting: Combining plants for a healthy, well-balanced garden | Good Growing
As we creep toward spring, many gardeners begin to get the urge to get out in the garden. Seed starting and garden planning activities are well underway. One gardening technique that many gardeners incorporate into their gardens is companion planting. Read more here.
Houseplants that Bloom | Flowers, Fruit, and Frass
While beautiful foliage is a common feature of many houseplants, we often reserve the vibrant blooms for outdoor gardens or patio containers. However, this isn't always necessary. With proper care, a variety of flowering plants can thrive indoors and even rebloom multiple times, adding a burst of color to your home or office. Read more here.
Rotating crops for a more a resilient garden | Good Growing
As the growing season approaches, final plans are being made for home gardens. What to plant and where to plant are big questions that require multiple levels of consideration. What to plant requires an analysis of the intended use, what the growing space can support, and how the climate will impact production. Read more here.
