Do not plant seeds of unknown origins
URBANA, Ill. – Mystery packages with unidentified seeds have shown up in mailboxes across the U.S. over the past week. University of Illinois Extension horticulture experts urge people to never plant unidentified seeds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is...

Get latest crop updates at virtual Northwestern Illinois research farm field days
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Extension answers common food preservation questions throughout August
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Big nutritional value from tiny plants; learn to grow microgreens
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Garden vegetables need water to survive extreme weather
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Consistent watering needed during hot-weather gardening
URBANA, Ill. – Every day matters when extremely high temperatures beat down on flowers, vegetables, and lawns. University of Illinois Extension Horticulture...

Keep summer recreational equipment out of sun
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Choose perennials that love sun for summer glory
URBANA, Ill. – Planning a perennial garden can be challenging when faced with weather extremes. The Midwest can often be hot and dry throughout August. Drought-proven perennials can provide relief to a stressed summer flower garden.  Silver foliage plants that thrive in full sun...

Find beauty during 'dog days' of August
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Rescue plants from extreme heat
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Prevent oak wilt from damaging your trees
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Don't forget safety as you head to parks and camps
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Camping remains one of the best ways to get away from daily routines while practicing social distancing. Portable generators offer some comforts of home, whether your camping adventure includes tents or recreational vehicles. ...

Stay hydrated in summer heat
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Lawn rust and why your shoes are turning orange
URBANA, Ill. – The first hint of lawn rust often comes from the bottom of shoes, says Chris Enroth, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. Homeowners may...

Turn kitchen scraps into food for your garden
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Corn fields add to muggy, humid Midwestern temps
URBANA, Ill. – It’s not just the heat; it’s the humidity and corn sweat that makes muggy Midwestern summers feel even hotter.In agricultural states, such as Illinois, large-scale fields of corn releasing water through their leaves boost humidity levels,...

Learn what motivates public service employees
URBANA, Ill. – Understanding what motivates public service employees may influence how community leaders recruit, train, retain, and inspire staff to elevate performance, retention, and morale while reducing human resource costs. ...

For showy blooms, pruning hydrangeas is all about the timing
URBANA, Ill. - Hydrangeas are popular shrubs grown for their impressive blooms. Their foliage can also be attractive, particularly oakleaf hydrangeas. "Pruning hydrangeas can be confusing because each species should be pruned at a different time of the year," says...

Local governments have until July 17 to apply for COVID funds
Since March, communities across Illinois have been devastated by the impact of COVID-19. A May 2020 report by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability estimates that local government revenues are down by $1.3 billion over last year. The Pritzker administration has worked over...

Don't get bugged; eliminate mosquito breeding habitats
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