Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Earth Day falls every year on April 22. I find that Earth Day is a great time to reflect on our world around us.
You might even try to look at a small piece of our world from a completely different viewpoint. Take dandelions, for...
URBANA, Ill. – Grape vines are a beautiful feature for your landscape that provide both aesthetic and edible benefits, says a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. "Fresh-picked-from-the-vine grapes are delicious," says Bruce J. Black. "The work you put into growing your grapes...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Spring has sprung, and it is time to get out in the garden. The average last frost date for central Illinois is mid-April. Therefore I wait until about Mother's Day before planting tender plants such as impatiens, basil, tomatoes,...
There is a good amount of planning that needs to go into creating a successful community garden. To help people and organizations build and maintain productive community gardens University of Illinois Extension created the Community Garden Webinar Series. This series takes users through a variety...
URBANA, Ill. – Recipes for homemade weed killers abound on the internet. University of Illinois Extension specialist Michelle Wiesbrook explains why homemade is not always better.
"It's important to keep in mind that anyone can post anything and make it look believable," Wiesbrook says. "All the...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
It's that time of year when trees and shrubs begin popping up at retail sales areas throughout Illinois. Here are some tips to consider as you plan your new woody plant purchases.
The most important choice is what type of plant to...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
The Spring series of University of Illinois Extension's Four Seasons Gardening program, which focuses on environmental stewardship, home gardening, and backyard food production, gets underway this month.
The first session of the...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Last week I planted peas and lettuce in my garden. I love peas and can't wait to have some for dinner. Peas and lettuce are both very hardy vegetables, thus the cold and snow last weekend did not impact their growth.
How early you...
Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
I grew several different types of salad greens indoors this winter. We ate them in salads, on sandwiches, in tacos, and more. With spring just around the corner, now is the time to plant salad greens outdoors in the garden.
There...
AAS winner, ornamental pepper onyx red URBANA, Ill. – Cold, blustery temperatures have been moving across Illinois lately and gardeners are starting to put the landscape to...
