Slow stormwater, prevent floods with rain friendly landscaping
URBANA, Ill. – Life does not exist without water. Gardens don’t grow without water. But what happens when there is too much of a good thing? Or when that good thing is mismanaged and becomes a misfortune. Or when there are prolonged periods of drought?
“The tale of stormwater is more...
IDOA continues emergency rule to protect poultry from highly pathogenic avian influenza
SPRINGFIELD, Ill - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced today that it will continue to enforce emergency rules prohibiting the sale or exhibiting of poultry and poultry products at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets, and auction markets in Illinois to prevent the...
Study: Proposed nitrogen fertilizer policies could protect farmer profits, environment
URBANA, Ill. – Nitrogen fertilizer has major implications for crop yields and environmental health, specifically water quality in the Gulf of Mexico. Federal and state governments have shied away from regulating nitrogen fertilizer use, but voluntary and incentives-based programs have not been...
Share rural roads safely during spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. – After a cold, wet spring Illinois farmers are racing to get their crops in the field. As large farm equipment moves along country roads, both farmers and those driving a vehicle should adopt a "safety first" attitude.
The 2022 spring planting season is...
Magnolia blooms, beetles are nature’s spring flower odd couple
URBANA, Ill. – Every spring, magnolia trees across the Midwestern landscape offer some of the most spectacular flowering displays of any woody plant. These beautiful ornamental trees, native to Asia, are some of the first landscape plants in our area to deliver such a showy display; truly one of...
Flavor your meals with low-maintenance homegrown herbs
URBANA, Ill. – Culinary herbs are a favorite of many gardeners. They are easy to grow as they require little care, have few insect and disease problems, and generally prefer moderate fertility levels. In addition, they add fragrance and beauty to the garden. Many herbs such as lavender, sage,...
Get growing with indoor kitchen garden
URBANA, Ill. – Growing food is not limited to outdoors in the summer. With some planning, you can grow food indoors throughout the year.
University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle says that before starting an indoor kitchen garden, it is essential to...
Take heed of tornado warnings
URBANA, Ill. – As prime tornado season approaches, know what a tornado warning means and what to do.
The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning under two conditions, says Duane Friend, University...
Stay safe during electrical storms
URBANA, Ill. – Exceeded only by floods, lightning is the second largest killer associated with storms. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, over 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes...
Test private wells to ensure safe drinking water
URBANA, Ill. – A properly constructed and maintained water well can provide many years of trouble-free service, but over time, wells can deteriorate or become damaged, allowing surface contaminants to enter the water in the well. In addition, groundwater can become contaminated.
...
Trim trees, shrubs in the dormant season for stronger, healthier plants
URBANA, Ill. – Throughout the growing season, gardeners and arborists talk about the benefits of pruning woody ornamentals while they are dormant, and that time is almost here.
“Pruning can seem like a daunting task, but it is an important cultural practice for the health and vigor...
Get ready for spring with 20th annual Home, Lawn and Garden Day
URBANA, Ill. – Be inspired to grow cut flowers, learn how to properly care for your trees, or get a handle on the basics of everyday gardening at the 20th annual Home, Lawn and Garden Day.
Enjoy live workshops, a Q&A with gardening experts and a keynote speech on sustainable...
Improve your forest one tree at a time
URBANA, Ill. – Buying and maintaining forested land can be daunting if landowners don’t know how to manage it. Fortunately, a new University of Illinois outreach program is here to help.
“We’re giving landowners tools to understand the science behind forest management. So, if they do...
Uncover dimensions of wellness that enhance health, wealth, happiness
URBANA, Ill. – Personal wellness is more than just diet and exercise. Wellness is multi-dimensional, encompassing eight dimensions: physical, financial, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, vocational, and intellectual.
"These eight dimensions work in harmony to help you achieve...
New horticulture expert grows Southern Illinois community outreach
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you’re tending a few well-loved houseplants, responsible for your home or business’ landscape, or growing backyard fruits and vegetables, gardening is challenging. The University of Illinois Extension ...
