Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
My 2018 Garden Calendar is now available. It provides garden tips, a calendar of events, and a picture each month spotlighting University of Illinois Extension volunteers and programs.
New this year are hyperlinks to information on various topics in the monthly tips. Just click on the underlined-blue links while viewing the electronic copy and it will take you to the connecting ILRiverHort blog, Pinterest pin, or YouTube video.
January displays Master Gardeners (MGs) from Fulton & Mason Counties learning more about irises at MG Margaret Kelly's iris garden. A tip and corresponding hyperlink explain how to plant an indoor edible garden.
February features the Peoria MGs providing gardening information at the Spring Home Show held at the Peoria Civic Center. Next year's show is February 23-25. Learn how to test the viability of last year's leftover seed in a Pinterest link.
April's photo reveals Fulton County MGs hosing a miniature garden program. A linked chart shows planting times for garden vegetables. April is the time for frost tolerant plants, such as spinach, lettuce, and radishes.
June shows Tazewell County MGs having fun while they teach about gardening during their annual Plant Bingo Event. Next year's event is June 7 at a new venue in E. Peoria. Instagram users can link to a video on proper mowing heights for healthier lawns.
July pictures Mason County Junior Master Gardeners harvesting potatoes grown in straw bales. All fair dates are listed, as well as a link on how to reduce mosquitos in your yard.
October illustrates Horticulture Educator Kari Houle teaching tree identification to this fall's Master Gardener trainees. Our 2018 MG training will begin in April or May. Fall is the time to plant garlic.
November has a picture of Master Gardener trainees with Master Naturalists during one of their combined classes this fall. Master Naturalist training will be in June next year. Tips and links discuss spring flowering bulbs and tool care.
My entire garden calendar is available as a free pdf-format download at HERE.
MEET THE AUTHOR
As horticulture educator, Rhonda Ferree inspired citizens in local communities to grow their own food and improve their home landscapes. She focused on high quality, impactful programs that taught homeowners how to create energy-efficient landscapes using sustainable practices that increase property values and help the environment.
After 30 years with University of Illinois Extension, Rhonda retired in 2018. She continues to share her passion for horticulture related topics as “Retro Rhonda” on social media.
ABOUT THE BLOG
ILRiverHort is a blog that helps people connect to nature and grow.