4-H'ers across the state can soak up facts directly from a scientist
MARSHALL, Ill - Learning directly from the source of knowledge is a great way to engage young learners. An even greater way to captivate their attention is to do it live and allow them to ask questions.
4-H’ers across the state of Illinois can sign up to participate in Soak it up...
4-H offers more activities to build family connections
PEKIN, Ill - Social distancing during the pandemic, though necessary, has caused social and emotional side effects that have been felt by all of us – perhaps especially by our young people. Programs from University of Illinois Extension and 4-H serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell...
Proper maintenance extends lifespan, saves money on garden tools
URBANA, Ill. – One of the pricier expenditures for home gardeners is quality hand tools. High quality tools will last longer, but this does mean the tools — whether shovels, rakes, pruners, or hand trowels — cost more.
“Buy the best you can afford. Take care of your tools, and they will...
Healthy gardens start with sensible soil testing
URBANA, Ill. – As the growing season wraps up and gardeners put vegetable beds to rest and clean and store tools for the winter, there is one task they may be forgetting. Testing the soil’s nutrients can provide a better understanding of a garden’s health and save money in the long run.
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Fall is for feathered friends, fireplaces
URBANA, Ill. – Birdseed and firewood are two common topics that show up every fall. Both take some planning to be successful.
“Feeding the birds means starting earlier than later,” says Richard Hentschel, University of...
During harvest: Know and teach electrical safety on the farm
From dump truck driver to teenager, everyone should be aware of potential electrical hazards
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Harvest means long hours, increased stress, and tight schedules. Because of that, ...
Some trees weather wet soils, floods better than others
URBANA, Ill. – The splendor of trees and shrubs comes from what is above ground, but don’t forget about what lies beneath. Poorly drained areas, easily identified after a downpour of rain, are not suitable for some trees or shrubs.
“Soil plays a vital role in the...
Armyworms march into Illinois' fields, lawns, gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Fall armyworm caterpillars are enjoying a bountiful meal at the expense of farmers and homeowners. Prevalent in the southern states, the adult moths move north to Illinois to mate and lay eggs.
This year’s appearance is earlier and in higher...
Fulton County gears up for new 4-H year
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Fulton County 4-H clubs will be organizing soon for the 2021-2022 4-H year. Most clubs have their first meeting of the new year in September or October. 4-H is the youth education outreach of University of Illinois Extension.
Kids who like having fun,...
Tips for planting balled-burlapped trees for long-term health, success
URBANA, Ill. – Fall is a great time to plant trees, many of which are originally grown at a nursery either in a plastic container or in the ground before they are balled and burlapped. How the tree is grown in its first years and then planted affects the long-term health of the tree.
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Small bees attracted to small flowers
URBANA, Ill. – While the bumblebee is likely the most well-known pollinator, pollinators come in a variety of shapes, species, and sizes.
“Many entomologists believe the tiny sweat bee nectaring on your flowering weed is just as important to a healthy ecosystem as the more well-known...