Growing a vegetable garden is hard work, but sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to start.

Dig in with confidence this spring, with the Growing Great Vegetables five-week webinar series that explores how to grow a vegetable garden from seed to harvest. Log on for a weekly online workshop covering a new topic, engage with Illinois Extension horticulture experts, and receive emails with even more research-based tips and factsheets.

Build a garden using whatever space you have. Learn about traditional garden plots, raised beds, salad tables, container gardening, growing vertically, and more.

Sessions are recorded and made available to registered participants if they are unable
to attend live.

Additional Series Sessions 

Each class covers a different topic. Registered participants can attend all five sessions and a bonus Q&A session on April 23. 

• March 5, Seed and Plant Choices, Soils and Fertilizers: Planning, design, and layout are key elements to successful gardening. Learn about hardiness zones, frost and freeze dates, how to order plants or seeds from a garden catalog or locally, reading and selecting seed packets, and starting plants from seed. We'll also cover soil testing and amendments, fertilizer, manures, mulch, watering, and weeding.
• March 12, Cool-Season Vegetables: Cool-season crops can be grown in spring or fall, each with its own characteristics and potential issues. Learn about growing and harvesting cool-season vegetables including how to manage common insect pests.
• March 19, Warm-Season Vegetables: Warm season crops grow during the hottest part of the year. This session will cover how to make vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, squash, and more flourish while keeping pests at bay.
• March 26, Insects and Diseases: New and experienced growers alike are challenged by pests, diseases, and disorders of vegetable plants. Learn about insects, diseases, and wildlife pests and how to prevent and handle them.