Blogs

Blogs Written by Our Educators

Recent Blog Articles
Blog Articles
Honey Bee, Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
Read article: Protecting pollinators from pesticides
Protecting pollinators from pesticides
As spring continues to warm up and weeds and insects increase in abundance, demand for management of these populations will continue to grow. Along...
Potted plants await spring planting at the Missouri Botanical Garden nursery production area
Read article: Spring Tree Planting Considerations
Spring Tree Planting Considerations
Spring is a time of an awakening plant world full of blooms and endless possibilities for the coming growing season.  It’s a time that many of...
Corn field from above
Read article: New FIND Tool helps Illinois farmers access cost-share programs for conservation
New FIND Tool helps Illinois farmers access cost-share programs for conservation
Looking for financial help to adopt conservation practices on your farm?  A new online tool is making it easier than ever for Illinois growers...
person talking and holding a microphone
Read article: Frost and freeze risk across Illinois next week
Frost and freeze risk across Illinois next week
Illinois state climatologist, Trent Ford, shared this updated freeze risk alert for next week. After a warm March and first week of April,...
Tractor sprayer
Read article: Training and testing options for the remainder of the pesticide application season
Training and testing options for the remainder of the pesticide application season
Do you still need to obtain your Illinois pesticide applicator or operator license? Now that the in-person pesticide safety education clinics have...
field of german chamomile
Read article: “Plant of the Year” Picks for Your Garden
“Plant of the Year” Picks for Your Garden
Earning a title like "Plant of the Year" is a true honor for any garden specimen. Chosen by garden and plant associations to highlight exceptional...
A hand holding pruners cutting a thorny blackberry cane
Read article: Early Spring pruning guide for growing healthy raspberries and blackberries
Early Spring pruning guide for growing healthy raspberries and blackberries
Are you daydreaming of future cobblers, crumbles, jams, jellies, and pies? If you grow your own cane fruit/brambles in early spring, while the plants...
Rows of green planted crops with trees in the background
Read article: A look at USDA Prospective Plantings Report – March 31, 2025
A look at USDA Prospective Plantings Report – March 31, 2025
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released the estimated acres for corn and soybeans to be planted. The report indicates a...

Popular Blogs from across Illinois Extension

Agriculture

Acres of Knowledge

All issues concerning Small Farms, Agriculture, Local Food Systems, and Natural Resources.

Hill & Furrow

News from the Northwestern Illinois Agricultural R&D Center.

Community & Economic Development 

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

Strategies for strengthening local economies.

Community Health

Community Health: Education, Prevention & Inspiration

Empowering people to make healthy, respectful, and responsible choices.

Consumer Economics 

Be Centsible

Written by college students, for college students. Be Centsible features answers to personal finance questions.

Fearless Financial Future

Research-based financial information to help us develop and maintain thoughtful and effective financial behaviors.

Plan Well, Retire Well

Great retirements don't happen by accident. Tips for saving and investing your money.

Environment

All About Weather

Learn more about Illinois weather patterns.

Naturalist News

Share your passion for nature and learn ways to protect our natural world.

Naturalist's Notebook

Experience the natural world through reviews and journal entries with Master Naturalist's.

Grasses at a Glance

Dig deep into the types of grasses and their uses in our world.

Family 

Community Health: Education, Prevention and Inspiration

Empowering people to make healthy, respectful and responsible choices.

Family Files

Facts for all ages.

Refill Your Cup with Self-Care

Genuine, sustained self-care is an art.

Salud y Familia

Resources in Spanish.

Horticulture 

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

Local and statewide information on a variety of current topics for home gardeners and market growers.

The Garden Scoop

Featuring seasonal tips and tricks from the horticulture team at Illinois Extension.

Good Growing

Keeping you growing with good ideas from Christopher EnrothKen Johnson, and Emily Swihart.

Illinois River Hort

Helping new and experienced gardeners develop their skills and knowledge while encouraging everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

Know How, Know More

Connecting you with your food, farmers, and community.

Over the Garden Fence

Where gardeners come to find out what's happening out in the yard.

Raise, Grow, Harvest, Eat, Repeat

A blog for growers, consumers, and backyard gardeners to grow, eat, and connect in the local food system.

Nutrition and Wellness 

Be Smart, Eat Well, Get Healthy

Nutrition information you can use.

Healthy Eats and Repeat

Highlighting food, recipes, and ideas for a healthy lifestyle.

Live Well, Eat Well

Information by our Nutrition and Wellness Extension Educators from across Illinois.

Simply Nutritious, Quick and Delicious

Helpful tips to make meals easy, healthy, and tasty!

Turnip the Beet! Nutrition and Wellness

Timely news, information, and innovative ideas to promote health and influence change.

Youth Development

Connection Corner

Timely information, activities, and resources to help you stay connected to loved ones, the world around you, and yourself.

Our Illinois 4-H Story

Telling the amazing stories of Illinois 4-H members, volunteers, and alumni.