The next installment of my tri-county farmer interview series brought me to Panter Ridge Farms, owned and operated by Ashley and Nathan Hodel. Their farm, in El Paso, IL, spans 23 acres and is surrounded by the rolling hills and valleys of the Mackinaw River watershed. Ashley and...
Embrace Self-Sufficiency: Kickstart Your Modern Homesteading AdventureHave you ever wanted to learn how to do any of the following?Make sourdough breadFerment vegetablesKeep bees or chickensCompost kitchen and yard wasteGrow better vegetablesStart a small family orchardParticipate...
Growing up, my family raised Holstein cattle, which my siblings and I have grown to love. Although this is a well-known dairy breed, my family did not raise Holsteins for milk; instead, my father raised bull calves from a few days old up to slaughter weight for beef production. Most of the...
The soothing floral fragrance of lavender is easily recognized in any garden. Its silvery, serrated foliage and bluish-purple flowers both contain scented oil glands, making it uniquely fragrant. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to the floral scent and prominent levels of nectar in the...
The stream water quality monitoring season may be ending, but it remains important to understand how we monitor our streams. From May 1 to the end of June, River Watch volunteers from across the state wade into planned water sites to collect data on the stream’s appearance, turbidity,...
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The next stop in my tri-county farmer interview series brought me to Garden Gate Farm in Fairbury, Illinois, to talk to the Rinkenberger family. On the way up the driveway, I smelled freshly blooming lilacs, saw a handful of pigs in their pen, witnessed many vegetable...
Succulents are among the easiest plants to grow, having adapted to hot, dry conditions by having the ability to store and conserve water in their fleshy stems and leaves. Whether you are looking to brighten up your home with a few potted succulents or create a stunning outdoor succulent garden,...
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Eliminating honeysuckle from Hedge Apple Woods has been a persistent challenge. However, this invasive shrub is not the only species causing issues as wintercreeper has also invaded certain areas in Hedge Apple Woods. Jack Muirhead, Master Naturalist and project liaison for the...
Shiitake mushrooms are a world-renowned delicacy that are beloved by food enthusiasts. Their rich, earthy, umami flavor and meaty texture make them a sought-after ingredient in countless dishes. But did you know that you can easily cultivate these gourmet mushrooms in your...
Vines add height and color to a garden by elegantly climbing an arbor or trellis, creating a lush green backdrop to the space. If you would like to add height to your garden quickly, along with interesting and colorful flowers, consider planting annual flowering vines. All these vines are easily...
