12923 Lawrence Road Sterling IL 61081
Bruce J. Black is the University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties. He provides horticulture-related educational opportunities for community members, schools, Master Gardener volunteers, non-profit organizations, and businesses.
Black’s primary focus is addressing the different generational horticulture educational needs and inspiring the next generation of gardeners. His primary areas of expertise are in fruit and vegetable production, plant propagation, and community and youth garden education.
Black is a 2014 graduate of Iowa State University, receiving a Master’s of Agriculture in Professional Agriculture, and a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, with an emphasis in fruit and vegetable production (2013). As part of his master’s project, Black researched the effects of Master Gardeners teaching youth in a community garden. Black assisted in teaching three courses: plant propagation, hands-on horticulture, and herbaceous perennials.
Memberships:
- Illinois Extension Agricultural Association
- American Society for Horticultural Science
- Epsilon Sigma Phi - The National Extension Professionals' Organization
- Pi Alpha Xi - The National Academic Honor Society for Horticulture
- National Association of County Agricultural Agents
- International Society for Horticultural Science
Publications:
Journal of Extension, October 2016, Master Gardener–Led Lessons Increase Knowledge in Gardening and Environmental Science for Iowa Summer Camp Youth
Raise, Grow, Harvest, Eat, Repeat Blog
Awards:
Achievement Award, National Winner, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2025
Search For Excellence in 4-H Programming, State Winner, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2025
Published Photo, State Winner, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2025
Publication, State Winner, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2025
Excellence in Evaluation Award, University of Illinois Extension, 2021
Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture, State Winner, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2021
Excellence in 4-H, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2019
Action Award, Illinois Extension Agricultural Association, 2018
Interdisciplinary State Team Excellence Award, University of Illinois Extension, 2018
Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture, State Winner, Illinois Extension Agricultural Association, 2016
Interdisciplinary State Team Excellence Award, University of Illinois Extension, 2016
Communications Award, National Finalist - Team Newsletter Division, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2016
Guest Appearances:
Halloween Apple Folklore, Pumpkin Pie History & The Great Pumpkin Smash! Part 2, Along the Rock, 2026
Pumpkins, Jack-o’-Lanterns & Halloween Horticulture! Part 1, Along the Rock, 2026
7,500 Varieties of Apples?! The Surprising World of Apples , Along the Rock, 2026
Tomato Troubles! Common Tomato Problems, Pests & Diseases Explained , Along the Rock, 2026
Fall Gardening Tips: How to Grow Sweeter Vegetables & Protect Your Harvest, Along the Rock, 2026
How to Plant a Pizza Garden at Home | Tomatoes, Basil, Peppers & Gardening Tips, Along the Rock, 2026
How to Plant a Succulent Container Garden | Gardening Tips, Along the Rock, 2026
How Much Water is Too Much Water? | Gardening Tips, Along the Rock, 2026
Dig Into the Master Gardeners Program, Along the Rock, 2025
Ep. 209 Vegetable gardening in small spaces, Good Growing Podcast, 2025
Ep. 34 Storing Vegetables Over Winter, Good Growing Podcast, 2020
Ep. 21 Micro Propagation and Community Gardens, Good Growing Podcast, 2020
Research Interests:
- Plant propagation
- Fruit and vegetable production
- Youth horticulture education