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...

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...

Hard work and dedication showcased at youth livestock exhibition
Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as 4-H members in Henderson County showcased their animals at this year's Henderson County Fair. These events provide an opportunity for youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they showed the "best of the best" during the annual...

Henderson County youth turn projects into valuable learning experiences
4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display at the Henderson County Fair 4-H Project Show on July 26. In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interest them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and talents on a new path to career...

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...

Hard work and dedication showcased at youth livestock exhibition in Warren County
Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as 4-H members in Warren County showcased their animals at this year's Warren County Fair. These events provide an opportunity for youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they showed the "best of the best" during the annual...

Hard work and dedication showcased at youth livestock exhibition in Knox County
Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as 4-H members in Knox County showcased their animals at this year's Knox County Fair. These events provide an opportunity for youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they showed the "best of the best" during the annual livestock...

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...

Knox County youth turn projects into valuable learning experiences
4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display at the Knox County Fair 4-H Project Show on July 16. In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interest them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and talents on a new path to career development...

Warren County youth turn projects into valuable learning experiences
4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display at the Warren County Fair 4-H Project Show on June 25. In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interest them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and talents on a new path to career...

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...

Local 4-H youth ready to exhibit their knowledge, skills at Henderson County Fair
Local 4-H participants “learn by doing,” and the fair is their opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their time in 4-H as they display their projects. 4-H youth who raise beef, swine, sheep, goats, dairy, and poultry for their annual projects can...

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 before,...

Local 4-H youth ready to exhibit their knowledge, skills at Warren County Fair
Local 4-H participants “learn by doing,” and the fair is their opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their time in 4-H as they display their projects. 4-H youth who raise beef, swine, sheep, goats, dairy, and poultry for their annual projects can...

Hard work and dedication showcased at youth livestock exhibition in McDonough County
Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as 4-H members in McDonough County showcased their animals at this year's McDonough County Fair. These events provide an opportunity for youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they showed the "best of the best" during the annual...

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 can be...

McDonough County youth turn projects into valuable learning experiences
4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display at the McDonough County Fair 4-H Mini Fair on June 24, and the General Project Show on July 6. In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interest them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and...

Head to Orr Agricultural Center July 20 for an agronomy-focused field day
As summer 2022 rolls on, so do the events of this year’s University of Illinois Agronomy Days. Farmers in the know are keeping a close watch on the summer-long calendar of events providing practical, research-based information...

Develop a disaster plan: Be prepared when disaster strikes
  URBANA, Ill. – Floods, fire, tornadoes, and storms can put lives at risk, damage property, and shut down power. Building a household emergency plan is an important step to help individuals and families safely cope during emergencies, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming and...