Extension is here to help

Prevent, protect zinnias from powdery mildew
URBANA, Ill. — The summer is always a little brighter in the garden when brightly colored zinnias are among the various plants. Zinnias are heat and drought-tolerant plants that attract a variety of summer pollinators. This flower thrives early in the season, but as summer temperatures rise and...

Managing pests in the garden
URBANA, Ill. — Warm weather has arrived, and plants are starting to green up and bloom. That also means weeds, insects, and diseases are starting to become active too. As the saying goes, the only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes, and for gardeners, pests are also included in the...

Night Pollinator Walk invites community to discover Busey Woods after dark
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension invites the public to explore the natural world at night during a special Night Pollinator Walk at Busey Woods on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Part of National Pollinator Week...

Extension Educator to Present on the Vital Relationship Between Plants and Pollinators
DANVILLE, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Ryan Pankau will present a free program exploring the essential connection between plants and pollinators on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. at the Danville Public Library, located at 319 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832...

Go figure, figs are a great addition to home gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Sometimes growers just want to try something new in their garden. How about an ancient fruit with edible leaves? How about figs? For many years, growing figs was relegated to warmer regions, but with the combination of the warming climate and the development of cold-hardy fig...