Do you wonder why your tomato plants have so many yellow leaves or how to deal with those pesky bugs eating your roses? If so, University of Illinois Extension is here to help answer all your gardening questions. For almost 30 years, Master Gardeners have answered home garden questions through...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
It seems like yesterday that Judy Holloway walked into my office wanting to start a Canton garden club and annual garden walk. As a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener, she did just that, and much more. Since 1999, the...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Be sure to look for mosquito breeding sites in your yard. The first step to fighting mosquitoes MUST begin in YOUR backyard.
West Nile Virus is most frequently transmitted through the house mosquito. Since it can only fly about 1-½...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Mint! For some, the word brings to mind fresh breath, refreshing drinks, or a place where money is printed. As a plant nerd, to me, mint means square stems. Here's why.
All mint plants are in the Lamiaceae family. Although not...
Home, Yard, & Garden Newsletter Issue 3, May 15, 2017 Emerald ash borer adults are emerging in southern and central Illinois and will probably do so in northern Illinois in about two weeks. They will continue to emerge over...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Central Illinois continues to receive excessive spring rains, which have resulted in waterlogged soils and flooding. Rhonda Ferree, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, says "It is important to understand what is...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
I recently overheard a conversation while shopping for plants. The shoppers were discussing whether or not to prune their tomatoes. Pruning tomatoes can help some types produce more fruit. University of Illinois Extension educator...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
The garden season is in full force, and I'm excited to hear about all the food and community gardens happening in our area. As we begin growing food and other plants this summer, please consider some potential health hazards.
A...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Flowers are a great way to communicate your love and affection. Over the years, flowers have developed meaning and are known as a way to convey a special message.
Flowers can represent everything from friendship to true love....
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
This year I am planting a dwarf, determinate tomato in my herb garden. It will take less space and produce as much fruit as I need. And, this makes more room for herbs!
Tomatoes are divided into two different types based on their...
