Taking time to select plants for difficult growing conditions helps long-term success
URBANA, Ill – Difficult growing conditions leave gardeners stumped when selecting plants. These planting areas may include alkaline soils, dry shade, over a septic tank, a large local deer population, and more. Always consider the existing site conditions when selecting new plants for...

New Watershed Outreach Associate aims for clear waters through community engagement
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you’re managing a large farm or running a lawn care company, how to manage nutrient and water resources effectively and sustainably isn’t always clear. The University of Illinois Extension team of water specialist...

Vern, Leona Shaffer family's 4-H legacy honored by 4-H Foundation
URBANA, Ill. – As a 50-year active Ursa Indian Grave Home Extension club member in Adams County, the late Leona Shaffer sparked a lasting love for Extension and 4-H. Over five generations, 42 Shaffer family members have contributed a combined 346 years of 4-H club membership. Their legacy is...

Agronomy Field Day continues tradition of linking local growers with agricultural professionals
EWING, Ill. – Since its establishment in 1910, the Ewing Demonstration Center has served as a place where area farmers and agricultural professionals could work with University researchers to develop and implement research that would be most beneficial to the local farming community. The...

New leadership announced for Illinois Extension regions
URBANA, Ill. – As the outreach arm of the state’s land-grant university, University of Illinois Extension translates research and knowledge into practical applications for Illinois residents to help them create solutions to local challenges. Extension has a local presence in every...

Harlan's leadership expands to 48 counties
  URBANA, Ill. – Doug Harlan's leadership has guided University of Illinois Extension staff in central Illinois for more than 20 years. Now, Harlan will oversee Extension programs in the state’s lower 48 central and southern counties, serving as Extension assistant director for the...

Leaves of three? Keep poison ivy out of the home landscape
URBANA, Ill. — Experienced gardeners know where poison ivy is likely to be in the home landscape and newer gardeners will likely learn fast. Without knowing poison ivy is in the yard, it is all too easy to get the oils on your hands and clothing while clearing beds of otherwise harmless weeds...

Avoid injury, fines, power outages by calling 811 before digging
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — National Safe Digging Day, or 811 Day, is upon us. Easy to remember because of its 8/11 date, the day is a good reminder to get underground utilities marked prior to breaking ground. Having utilities marked is free and easy to do; simply call 811 two to three business days...

Gardening advice now available 'in the air'
URBANA, Ill. – Gardening in the Air filled a void during the early pandemic days. With the increase of home gardening, the Extension programs of Illinois and Iowa transitioned in-person workshops into online opportunities and introduced gardening to a new generation. To reflect the online nature...

More than 80 pumpkin varieties to be featured at Field Day
URBANA, Ill. – Commercial pumpkin growers can enhance production practices at the upcoming University of Illinois Extension Pumpkin Field Day. The event begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 1 at Eckert’s Orchard near Belleville. Register by Aug. 29...

Franklin County 4-H youth place in 2022 shows
BENTON, Ill. – Creativity and skills were on full display as Franklin County members shared their annual projects at various 4-H shows including the general show, crops show, clothing show, foods show, horticulture and floriculture show. Members were judged in areas such as...

Franklin County 4-H youth place in 2022 livestock and animal shows
BENTON, Ill. – Local youth were excited to gather in the Franklin County Fairgrounds to exhibit beef, swine, sheep, and goats, and more during the annual 4-H fair. All livestock events allowed youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they showed the "best of the...

Overwhelmed by garden produce? Pickle it!
URBANA, Ill. – Sour, sweet, bread and butter, Kosher dills, spears, chips, or slices on a sandwich, or as a snack or side dish – pickles are everywhere. For home gardeners with an abundance of cucumbers and other produce, pickling is a great way to preserve your bounty. While cucumbers...

Give monarch butterflies something to munch on, plant native milkweeds
URBANA, Ill. – Imagine eating only one type of food your entire life. Your survival depends entirely on being able to find this food. This is the challenge monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, face every day as landscapes change nationwide and fewer native plants are available. But home...

Find financial freedom, reach your money goals with guidance from Extension experts
 URBANA, Ill. - During the COVID-19 pandemic, budgets were stretched tight, and every dollar counted. That's why Illinois Extension consumer economic educators make financial discussions easy to understand so you can explore your options and make informed decisions. Around the...

Dixon Springs Beef Field Day focuses on costs, water, herd health
DIXON SPRINGS, Ill. – Cattle producers can learn the latest practices for controlling costs, managing water, and improving herd health at the Beef Field Day at University of Illinois' Dixon Springs Agricultural Center.  The field day begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug 2 at the...

Create backyard paradise with tropical plant garden
URBANA, Ill. – Summer may be the season for vacations, but if you can’t get away create your own backyard paradise with a tropical plant garden. Tropical plants can be planted in the ground or in containers and overwintered inside. Treat tropical plants as annuals in the Illinois...

Be prepared when disaster strikes
URBANA, Ill. – Disasters don't operate on a schedule, but pre-planning can help families and communities prepare for unexpected emergencies. A series of five workshops by University of Illinois Extension will outline proactive steps to take...

The Flock Farm to host twilight meeting on pasture-raised livestock
Anna, Ill. – The Flock Farm is teaming up with University of Illinois Extension to host the final of four twilight meetings at their farm on Monday, August 15, 2022, starting at 6 p.m. University of Illinois Extension...

Tips to harvest garden vegetables at peak quality, flavor
URBANA, Ill. –  Whether you started your first garden this year or are a veteran grower, we’re coming up on the heart of harvest season. One of the advantages of homegrown vegetables is that you can harvest produce at its peak quality and flavor. But knowing when to harvest a crop...