Learn how to make your landscape attractive to pollinators
CLINTON, Ill. – Imagine a world with no coffee or chocolate. Those are just two of the crops that rely on pollinators. Pollinators are a critical part of our ecosystem and they are in decline. Home gardeners can help by being strategic in the flowers, shrubs, and trees they plant.
...
Learn about heirloom gardening and native plants at free garden tour
DECATUR, Ill. – Did you know Rock Springs is home to multiple gardens? These gardens are cooperative efforts of Macon County Conservation District, Master Gardeners, and Master Naturalists. Enjoy a lovely evening stroll to...
Learn how to grow great tomatoes and tour community garden
MONTICELLO, Ill. – We have all been there, wanting to make fresh salsa, a BLT, or simply having a juicy red tomato to slice for burgers. You head to the store and the selection or quality is not near what you hoped. You settle for what is available and the flavor suffers. Settle no more....
Free event to tour Crossing Garden and learn about composting
DECATUR, Ill. – Have you been struggling with soil quality, plant diseases, or pests? Composting may be the answer you are looking for. Explore the expansive Crossing Healthcare Garden that is bursting with produce. See the different techniques implemented at the garden, including the...
Cicada killer wasps in search of cicadas, not humans
URBANA, Ill. — The annual cicadas have begun to sing their song, and along with them comes the emergence of their natural predator, the cicada killer wasp. Despite their large size, these pollinating giants are not as threatening as they first seem. Annual cicadas, also...
Master gardeners to answer questions in-person at the farmer's market
MONTICELLO, Ill. – There is so much information available at our fingertips. How do you know which advice to follow? University of Illinois Extension is here to alleviate uncertainty by providing research-based answers to your questions.
“Our skilled and knowledgeable Piatt County...
Take the electric pressure cooker out of the box, help is here
DECATUR, Ill.— Busy families looking to save time and stress are purchasing electric pressure cookers, a safer alternative to the traditional stovetop pressure cooker. But while electric pressure cookers might be safer, learning how to use them is often a daunting task.
Illinois...
Is your teen looking for an outlet to discuss social justice issues?
DECATUR, Ill.— Does your teen have a passion for social justice issues around the world? Are they looking for an outlet to discuss their views, while learning from those with differing frames of reference? The Global Social Justice Book Club provides teens a safe space to deeply engage with...
Keep an eye out for invasive jumping worms in the garden
URBANA, Ill. – After a long winter, Illinois gardeners are eager for the new growing season. While doing the usual preparations and tasks, home gardeners should be aware of an invasive species wriggling across the Midwest – the jumping worm.
Jumping worms are non-native earthworms that...
DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Extension are excited to welcome the public to the 4-H shows
CLINTON, Ill.— From cupcakes to cattle, dogs to drones, 4-H does it all. The culmination of these projects and programs are the 4-H shows. The Horse Show, Livestock Show, and General Project Show support the talents of hundreds of area youth.
After having a virtual show in 2020...
Learn how to grow fresh herbs and the ways to use them
CLINTON, Ill. – Sight, smell, taste, and touch. Growing and using herbs awaken nearly all our senses. Explore the culinary, aromatic, and ornamental value that herbs offer with a free in-person workshop.
...
Tour beautiful gardens during the Master Gardener Over the Gate Garden Walk
MONTICELLO, Ill. — Explore five Monticello gardens with the Piatt County Master Gardener Over the Gate Garden Walk. Stroll through vegetable gardens, creative designs, and native landscaping up close. You can also get gardening information you can trust from the Master Gardeners....
Will you save a life? Register to support farm mental health efforts
URBANA, Ill. – America's farm families are paying a heavy mental toll as they deal with unpredictable weather, variable input costs, long work hours, and unpredictable commodity prices. A gap exists between farm families and the resources they need to keep them safe....
Add interest by creating a moonlight garden
URBANA, Ill. – Gardeners who look forward to enjoying their landscapes during warm summer nights should consider creating a moonlight garden that extends the experience late into the evening.
...
Can foods safely this season with free test from Illinois Extension
DECATUR, Ill. — A variety of foods can be canned at home through boiling water bath canning and pressure canning. Pressure canning is important when canning low-acid foods, particularly meats and vegetables.
Along with providing...
