Latest Posts

Extreme temperatures impact vegetable gardens

This summer season has been hot and dry with scattered rain events in Northen Illinois, which makes it difficult to regulate plant growth and quality of vegetables in the garden. When temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, vegetable crops may not perform as anticipated. Excessive heat can cause...
Finish this story
close up of ghost pipe plant, a white, translucent wilting plant

Rare sighting: Ghost plant

While Halloween might be a few months away, it’s already spooky season in the woods!  Today, I’ll be introducing you to Monotropa uniflora, also known as Ghost Pipe or Ghost Plant, a plant that is ...
Finish this story
open seed packet without label

Don’t plant mystery seeds

Sometimes a walk to the mailbox can yield pleasant surprises—a birthday card from Grandma, a letter from a faraway friend.  But sometimes there are not-so-nice surprises. Reports are starting again from area residents about mystery seeds they didn’t order showing up in their mailboxes....
Finish this story
Nasturtium flowers

Spice up the garden with edible flowers

May is finally here, when Spring has sprung and homeowners are rushing to get the garden ready. As gardeners start their season, consider something new this year: edible flowers. Integrating edible flowers into gardens and cuisines are growing in popularity amongst home gardeners and chefs and can...
Finish this story
chocolate lab dog in green yard with purple flowers

Paws-itively pet-friendly landscape tips

If you have pets, chances are they spend time with you outside.  If you have a yard for them to play in and explore, you’ve likely caught your pet chomping a plant, sniffing a flower, or chasing a critter.  But have you stopped to think about whether something in your yard could make your...
Finish this story
hand scattering egg shells by tomato seedling

Garden MythBusters: The dos and don’ts of natural remedies

From homemade pesticide applications to adding eggshells to the soil, gardeners are always looking for natural alternatives to current gardening practices. Over the past few years, there has been an influx of gardeners adding eggshells, coffee grounds, and dish soap to their gardens to improve soil...
Finish this story
native flowers growing by a typical house

Mix it up smart with wildflowers

This spring, you may be thinking about starting a new pollinator or wildflower garden or looking for a quick way to add a few more species to an existing garden.  As you browse the seed aisle, a colorful packet announcing a “wildflower mix” catches your eye.  This would be an easy way to...
Finish this story
different holiday plants like poinsettia

From gift to growth: Nurturing your holiday plants

The holiday season is that special time of year when family, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate the conclusion of a year in peace and fellowship. December, specifically, is a great month for holiday horticulture; an entire month dedicated to decorating your house with various plants...
Finish this story
collection on houseplants in an office

Gardening inside with houseplants

The weather has turned cold, and your gardens have gone to sleep.  But your hands still long to touch the dirt and crave a little green in your life. Consider adding some houseplants to your space!  With a bit of research and forethought, even the brownest thumb can keep their space...
Finish this story
Blog Authors
Keywords
Blog Archives
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014