Composting

Blog Posts

Leaves piled up near a compost bin and a faded white fence
Love the color and benefits of fallen leaves
Stepping outside on a cool fall day, I can recall the childhood joy of fall leaves and singing, “leaves are falling, leaves are falling...” as we...
More Seasonal FAQs from the Master Gardener Help Desks
Gardeners have left the warm comfort of the house, and the impacts of winter are very evident as we do that “walk about” the yard and begin to...
Don't forget about these late fall yard chores
November gardening in the home landscape is always a mixed bag of tasks (and weather). Some jobs are timely and appropriate, and others we may just...
How to use all those fall leaves
Fall foliage colors have not been...
rotted pumpkin
Dealing with pumpkins after Halloween: Debunking social media advice
As the calendar turns from October to November, toothy Jack-o’-lanterns start to look like deflated basketballs. This means millions of Americans...
Fall is a good time to start composting
As autumn progresses, gardeners begin wondering what to do with all the plant parts that need to be pruned off, and later, all the leaves that will...
Gardening chores don't know summer is over
Some of our late summer and early fall garden tasks can take more time than others. Making a “to do” list can help us get them done in a timely...
Be wise when watering
Water is a critical component of a successful garden, but are we...

News Releases

Rotting jack o' lantern
Don’t dump Halloween pumpkins, donate or compost them
URBANA, Ill. – Every year, come November billions of jack-o’-lanterns whose wilting faces are now past their prime need to find a new home. Tossing pumpkins in the trash bin is the simplest solution, but is not the best for the environment says...
4 seasons gardening winter webinars
Get the dirt on growing healthy plants
URBANA, Ill. – Become a better gardener and find success nurturing plants indoors and out. Learn best practices for home gardening from University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators in the Four Seasons Gardening webinar series that begins...
Composting for the Homeowner
Join University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Jay Solomon for this program. The program will take place on Thursday, September 8 at 1:30 p.m. The program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There...

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