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 ...
Poinsettias add a rainbow of color options to holiday décor
URBANA, Ill. – With their bright red blooms, Poinsettia’s are a holiday tradition, but buyers don’t have to limit their selection to one color. This winter, celebrate and decorate with a rainbow of Poinsettias.
University of...
Make a big difference on small farms with winter workshops
URBANA, Ill. – Every small farm is different. Direct market farmers sending produce to local restaurants have different needs than homesteaders getting started with livestock for the first time. But small farmers, hobby operations, and backyard growers alike can always trust University of...
Jane Jones joins Illinois Extension as SNAP-Education Community Worker
Jane Jones recently joined Illinois Extension as their new SNAP-Education Community Worker. Jane joins the Extension family with many years of field experience working with youth and families in various capacities. Her agricultural connections and appreciation for the foods we consume provides a...
