Blog Posts

lots of red apples hanging on limbs of tree
Read article: From Northern Illinois (Rockford): Apple and pumpkin update
From Northern Illinois (Rockford): Apple and pumpkin update
As of this week, 9/22, we are about halfway into the apple season in Northern Illinois. I’ve had the opportunity to visit six orchards in the area...
many orange jack o lantern pumpkins stacked in bins in a field
Read article: From Southwestern Illinois (Waterloo): Pumpkin season is here!
From Southwestern Illinois (Waterloo): Pumpkin season is here!
Whether it feels like fall or not, fall is here, and pumpkin season has started.  We have been very dry and other than a few breaks have had...
A patch of melon vines turning brown surrounded by green plants with yellow flowers
Read article: Northern Illinois muskmelon research update: Cantaloupes harvested in September
Northern Illinois muskmelon research update: Cantaloupes harvested in September
After missing an update in September, a lot has occurred in the melon research plot. Melons were maturing nicely until disease pressure set in late...
cucumber fruit hanging on a vine in a high tunnel
Read article: From Northern Illinois (Rockford): High tunnel cucumbers yielding well
From Northern Illinois (Rockford): High tunnel cucumbers yielding well
Northern Illinois Orchards OpenApple season begins toward the end of August. Most orchards have announced their openings for the...

News Releases

Two split images with a person researching in a greenhouse on left and orange pumpkin on right.
Pumpkin disease not evolving, could make a difference for management
URBANA, Ill. — The pathogen that causes bacterial spot is very good at what it does. Forming small lesions on the rinds of pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, and other cucurbits, it mars the fruits’ appearance and ushers in secondary pathogens that lead to rot and severe yield loss. The bacterium,...
Alexis Barnes photo that says Welcome to the Team
New Illinois Extension educator returns home to support local food growers
ST. CHARLES, Ill. — From raising animals and bees to fruit and vegetable production, University of Illinois Extension strives to help small farms thrive. This summer, a new Extension educator joins the team to specifically support local food production in Kane, DuPage, and Kendall counties....
Ginger rhizome
How to grow tropical ginger for at-home spice
URBANA, Ill. — Growing fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs in the backyard can seem like a lot of work, but at the end of the season, the bountiful, tasty harvest is worth it. The International Herb Association named ginger (Zingiber...

Staff

Elizabeth Wahle

Elizabeth Wahle

Extension Specialist, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Commercial Agriculture)