Gardening

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When should I clean up my garden? Picture of a garden with brown native bunch grasses and brown fallen tree leaves.
When should I start cleaning up my garden?
As the days get longer and the temperatures start to warm, we often get the itch to start gardening. On the first warm day of the year, I often find...
A cluster of golden flowers with black centers
'Plants of the Year' offer beauty and dependability
Every gardener has a favorite plant—or plants. These prized possessions may offer unmatched multi-season beauty, survive tough conditions, or be a...
Vegetable Garden Planning
It’s that time of year again – time to start planning for the vegetable gardening season.  The explosion of enticing seed catalogs hitting my mailbox...
When should I start my seeds? packet of seeds on a table with small brown seeds coming out of the package next to orange plant labels.
When should I start my seeds?
Seed starting is a great way to scratch the gardening itch we often get during late winter. In addition to getting a head start on the growing season...
Tree removal is easier when trees are dormant
Sometimes a tree becomes a hazard This is the time of year I prefer to take down any trees that have died or become a hazard in the garden. I say...
Are my seeds still good? Testing seed germination. White paper towel with small green seedlings emerging from black seeds
Are my seeds still good? Testing seed germination
Have you ever found a packet of seeds lying around and wondered if you could grow them? Every year when I get ready to start seeds, I inevitably find...
Flat green mottled leaves of snake plant against a brown background
Discover new ways to garden with ease at the 21st Annual Home, Lawn, and Garden Day
As dormant plants slowly extend bright green limbs from under a blanket of soil, garden enthusiasts thumb plant catalogs in eager anticipation of...
Expect a higher price with a "new" label
Nothing in a nursery catalog catches my attention more than the word “new.” This term is usually applied to a plant that is new to the U.S. market,...

News Releases

computer screen with plants and flowers on the desk and outside the window. Master Gardener logo.
Kendall County Master Gardener Help Desk opens for 2023
YORKVILLE, Ill. – Spring marks the annual reopening of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Help Desk in Kendall County. Each growing season, trained volunteers field questions on trees, shrubs, lawns, flowers, vegetables, and other plant-related topics from residents and...
flowers growing from the rain off of a rain gutter.
Utilizing Rainwater in the Home Landscape
There are many environmental benefits to reducing stormwater runoff, and it can be done in ways that enhance landscapes and natural areas. Illinois Extension will be hosting a two-part Rainscape Workshop on March 30, and April 6 from 9 am - 3 pm at the Rock...
Watering plants
Get Inspiration for your gardens at Spring Series of Home Horticulture
(ROCK ISLAND, Ill.) As spring arrives, gardeners turn their thoughts to their home gardens. University of Illinois Extension is here to help with its annual Spring Series of Home Horticulture offerings on Mondays, April 10, 17 and 24 from 6 to 8 pm at the Holiday Inn, Rock Island, IL. Each night...
Four horticulture educators with award plaques with Dr. Nickols-Richardson
Evaluate and adjust: Four Seasons Gardening wins state evaluation award
URBANA, Ill. – A popular Extension gardening program was honored by University of Illinois Extension for its dedication to constant evaluation and adaptation of educational programming. The Four Seasons Gardening series addresses home and community garden issues that encourage residents to...

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