Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

Latest Posts

Plan for Summer's Tomato Harvest Now

May 15, 2020

Tomato plants are warm-season vegetables that should be planted after the danger of frost. For our area that means early to mid-May. Hopefully no one planted theirs before last weekend’s cold snap! Here are some steps to remember when growing your newly planted crop. 1. The first question you...

Finish this story

Growing Basil in Your Backyard

May 13, 2020

Nothing says summer like enjoying the freshly harvested vegetables and herbs from your garden. “One of the easiest, most prolific, and flavorful herbs to grow is basil (Ocimum basilicum),” states Brittnay Haag, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator. While there are many cultivars...

Finish this story

black swallowtail caterpillar ascending parsley

Herbs Offering Culinary and Habitat Enhancement

May 12, 2020

Herbs have been touted by gardeners as some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow in the garden. Did you know that some herbs grow best in the cooler season of spring? Cilantro and parsley can be planted by seed or transplants now. Cilantro and Parsley should be planted in rich but well...

Finish this story

monarch butterfly on mexican hat sunflower

Monarchs Next on the Endangered Species List?

May 8, 2020

Each year, the month of May is Monarch Month in Illinois to honor our official State Insect. Despite our efforts to honor our butterfly friend, the annual count of Monarchs recently saw a 53% decline in a one-year period, and the Monarch will be considered for inclusion on the Endangered Species...

Finish this story

Straw Bale Gardening

May 7, 2020

Originally published by Kelly Allsup on May 7, 2020. Straw bale gardening has transformed the way I grow vegetables. With a minimal amount of preparation, a delivery of straw bales, and an understanding of how straw bale gardens work, I have had some of the most productive vegetable...

Finish this story

Master Gardeners Help the Community's Garden Woes from Home

May 5, 2020

You have questions. We have answers! Master Gardeners are available to help you with your gardening questions. Problems with your yard or garden? Are you starting a new garden project and need some advice? Are pests or weeds concerning you? Master Gardeners can assist in identifying problems...

Finish this story

LEGO art in the garden. Photo by Kelly Allsup.

Even Gardeners Have Their First Days

April 24, 2020

Looking back, we may realize this was the year we had a surge in cultivating new gardeners and nature enthusiasts. While most of my readers already garden and are looking for new tips and interesting information, we likely have brand new gardeners who can do without technical jargon and nuanced...

Finish this story

Welcome Dandelion and Violets into Your Lawn

April 17, 2020

How can happy and cheery yellow hues and lively and rich purple hues cause people to gleefully countdown towards a weed apocalypse? Dandelions and Violets should be a welcome addition, especially for the eco-friendly gardener, sending up their early spring blooms sporadically throughout your lawn...

Finish this story

ZZ Plant is a Tropical that Thrives Indoors

April 16, 2020

Originally published by Kelly Allsup on April 16, 2020. Most homes have insufficient light, inconsistent temperatures and tap water containing fluoride — all of which make it nearly impossible have lush foliage during the winter months. However, most tropical houseplants can be sustained...

Finish this story

Starting Seeds in Spring

April 10, 2020

In the last article, we talked about starting seeds indoor with limited resources. A lot of seed can be started outdoors during the month of April. Carrots can be planted by seed starting April 10. Carrot seed is so small that inevitably you must thin your seedlings, which can be quite a tedious...

Finish this story