Trim trees, shrubs in the dormant season for stronger, healthier plants
URBANA, Ill. – Throughout the growing season, gardeners and arborists talk about the benefits of pruning woody ornamentals while they are dormant, and that time is almost here.
“Pruning can seem like a daunting task, but it is an important cultural practice for the health and vigor...
4-H Foundation awards $45,000 in scholarships
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $45,000 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.
The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated standard...
Get ready for spring with 20th annual Home, Lawn and Garden Day
URBANA, Ill. – Be inspired to grow cut flowers, learn how to properly care for your trees, or get a handle on the basics of everyday gardening at the 20th annual Home, Lawn and Garden Day.
Enjoy live workshops, a Q&A with gardening experts and a keynote speech on sustainable...
Garden catalog season gives gardeners chance to explore, shop for next year's seeds
URBANA, Ill. – January begins the annual flight of vegetable, flower, and fruit tree catalogs to your mailbox or inbox. Depending on your level of gardening, the catalogs are starting to arrive frequently and en mass.
“It used to be you would get either a vegetable catalog or a fruit...
Illinois Extension celebrates outstanding programs, staff
URBANA, Ill. – Across the state, local University of Illinois Extension staff members help families, businesses, and communities identify local issues and potential solutions to those issues. Extension professionals use research-based knowledge and translate that knowledge into actions and...
Improve your forest one tree at a time
URBANA, Ill. – Buying and maintaining forested land can be daunting if landowners don’t know how to manage it. Fortunately, a new University of Illinois outreach program is here to help.
“We’re giving landowners tools to understand the science behind forest management. So, if they do...
Plant cover crops at home for healthier soils
URBANA, Ill. – Healthy soil is essential for healthy plants. Using cover crops in the home garden is one way to promote soil health.
Cover crops are non-harvested crops that add organic matter to the soil, transfer nitrogen to plants, and break up heavy clay or compacted soil. They...
What will federal policy changes mean for local governments?
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois county governments are responsible for the administration of public policies and funds that impact their communities’ infrastructure, disaster relief measures, environmental health, transportation access, social services, child welfare, workforce and economic development...
Plant seeds for success with beginner vegetable gardening workshop
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you have a multi-row backyard vegetable plot or a patio with room for a few containers, now is the time to start planning for a successful gardening season. Over the past several years, there has been a surge of gardeners taking up the trowel for the first time to try...
Create your way to National LEGO® Day
Kids can turn just about anything into a toy. Think back to when you were a child, and you made a fort out of blankets or a grocery store from big boxes. The best toys are unrestricted with no rules.
Sometimes we take a simple toy for granted. Illinois Extension wants to share a week...