Horticulture

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Illinois Extension has a vast collection of resources addressing horticultural interests. We recognize that home and commercial horticulturalists each have unique needs, so we've cultivated a set of resources designed to address their top concerns. Check them out below.

Master Gardener Help Desk

Happy Spring! Our Master Gardener Help Desks are back open for the 2022 growing season.

  • DuPage County:
    • Monday - Wednesday - Friday | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • uiemg-dupage@illinois.edu | 630-955-1123 | 1100 E. Warrenville Road, Suite 170, Naperville 60563
  • Kane County: 
    • Monday through Friday | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • uiemg-kane@illinois.edu | 630-584-6166 | 535 S. Randall Road, St. Charles 60174
  • Kendall County: 
    • Monday - Wednesday - Friday | 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    • uiemg-kendall@illinois.edu | 630-553-5823 | 7775B IL Route 47, Yorkville 60560

Find a location or learn more about visiting our offices.

General Help Desk Email Submission Tips:

  • In addition to your question, please include as much additional information as possible:
    • This could include planting date, age of plant, chemicals used, number of plants affected, where found, patterns, when symptoms were first noticed, etc.
  • Please check your photos before submitting them. Are they clear and in-focus?
  • When possible, please include a size reference in your photos (such as a pen, ruler, or a coin).
  • For plant identifications, please include photos of the whole plant AND close-ups of plant parts.
    • Parts may include leaves, flowers, roots, fruit, seeds, etc.
  • Send a maximum of 10 images per sample/question.

Learn More about Master Programs

Local and State Resources

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Gardener's Corner - latest issue

Gardener's Corner is a quarterly newsletter from the Illinois Extension team of horticulture experts. Each issue highlights best practices that will make your houseplants, landscape, or garden shine in any season.
garden fence with plants

Over the Garden Fence Blog

Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel tackles timely topics in this weekly blog covering gardening, lawns, trees, and more.
blurred greenery with Four Seasons Gardening

Four Seasons Gardening Series

The Four Seasons Gardening Webinar Series is one of the most popular horticulture programs offered by the Illinois Extension Horticulture Team. Each season, the team hosts three live webinars.
smartphone earbuds and coffee cup

Podcast: Green Side Up

Host Richard Hentschel explores timely topics in horticulture with this Illinois Extension podcast.
Tomatoes on the vine

Illinois Vegetable Garden Guide

Tips for growing some of Illinois' most popular fruits and vegetables

Email: uiemg-kane@illinois.edu

during this time, please see e-Help Desk info above

April through September, Mon - Fri, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

October, M W F, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Phone: 630-584-6166

Address: 535 S. Randall Road, St. Charles IL 60174

Email: uiemg-kendall@illinois.edu

during this time, please see e-Help Desk info above

April through September, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

October, M W F, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Phone: 630-553-5823

Address: 7775B IL Route 47, Yorkville IL 60560

Email: uiemg-dupage@illinois.edu

during this time, please see e-Help Desk info above

April and May: Weekdays - 9 a.m. to noon

June through October - TBD

Phone: 630-955-1123

Address: 1100 E. Warrenville Road, Naperville IL 60563