May is Lyme Disease Awareness month, so now is a great time to learn more about its host and how to protect your family from tick bites. What are ticks?Ticks have eight legs and belong to the arachnid family, related to spiders. Because their primary source of food is blood from animals...
Spring has officially sprung in northern Illinois, and with it comes the excitement and opportunity of a new gardening season. Before seeds and transplants make their way into the ground, taking time to properly prepare your garden bed can set the stage for healthier plants, higher yields, and...
Peppers are a staple for many summer gardens, yet high heat combined with humidity can challenge plant performance. While peppers are often considered heat‑loving crops, extreme or prolonged high temperatures can cause more problems than productivity. Recent growing experiences highlight how...
Much has been in the news lately about “exploding trees”, caused by the extreme cold temperatures. But is this something to be worried about? Can trees explode?The short answer is, yes, but it’s very rare. More likely is a loud popping noise caused when trees crack due to the...
Have you seen microgreens on the menu of a fancy restaurant and wondered what they were? Or maybe you saw them over the summer at a farmers’ market but passed them up because of the hefty price tag. It turns out, with the right setup, you can have this fresh, nutritious add-on all year...
From decorating and carving pumpkins to visiting a pumpkin patch, pumpkins bring excitement during the fall season for people of all ages. Carving jack-o’-lanterns is a common tradition amongst families for fall fun, but where should they go after they start to deteriorate? Pumpkins thrown into...
Once fall hits, I feel myself starting to lose interest in my garden. As I pull the last few tomatoes out and look at the squash with their dessicated, powdery mildewed leaves, I long for the fresh new promises of spring. But, like it or not, there are a few chores left before shutting down for the...
There are a number of animals that feel very exotic to me, here in Northern Illinois: platypuses, lions, capybara, and armadillos. At least one of those may not be so exotic for much longer.Nine-banded armadillos are mammals that are closely related to sloths and anteaters. The name “armadillo”...
This summer season has been hot and dry with scattered rain events in Northen Illinois, which makes it difficult to regulate plant growth and quality of vegetables in the garden. When temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, vegetable crops may not perform as anticipated. Excessive heat can cause...
