Gardening

Events

Growing Great Vegetables In-Person Classes

February 24, 2025 - April 21, 2025

County

Rock Island

Prescribed Fire

February 26, 2025

County

Williamson

Franklin

Jackson

Perry

Randolph

Seed and House Plant Expo!

March 1, 2025

Spring into Gardening Conference 2025

March 1, 2025

County

Coles

More Events

Blog Posts

How does cold weather affect garden plants?

January 24, 2025

As cold weather sets in, we often find ourselves retreating indoors where it is warm. However, our landscape plants can't do this, and during...

A woodblock calendar displaying December 21 with candles in the background

Solstice Celebrations: Why gardeners embrace the shortest day of the year

December 20, 2024

Welcome to astronomical winter! Our calendars mark the beginning of winter as December 21 (sometimes the 22) because of where Earth is in its orbit...

Gardening inside with houseplants

December 13, 2024

The weather has turned cold, and your gardens have gone to sleep. But your hands still long to touch the dirt and crave a little green in your...

parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme leaves on brown, burlap fabric

Creating a Thanksgiving herb garden: How to grow herbs for your holiday meals

November 22, 2024

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us start planning our holiday meals. While...

More Blogs

News Releases

February 28, 2025

Celebrate spring with the return of the Rain Garden Rumble native plant playoff
URBANA, Ill. — What’s a little friendly competition between plants? The annual Rain Garden Rumble returns this spring, giving nature and gardening enthusiasts a chance to root for their favorite native plants...

Rainboots surrounded by flowers and gardening tools

February 18, 2025

Dig into learning at a day in the garden patch
PONTIAC, Ill. – Gardening can be a great way to connect with nature, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of accomplishment in your own backyard. There’s something uniquely fulfilling about watching plants grow, whether it’s for the beautification of a space, growing your own food, or simply...

February 7, 2025

Spring into gardening with tools and tips at upcoming gardening programs
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is near, and your green thumb is ripe for gardening. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just getting started, growing nutrient-rich vegetables, fresh fruits, and aromatic herbs is more than just a way to fill your plate; it is like a badge of honor. Gardening...

A wooden background painted teal with a word overlay reading Growing Great Vegetables.

January 21, 2025

Strengthen spring planting with tips from Growing Great Vegetables webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — As gardening continues to gain popularity, it is important to keep the learning growing. Whether it is skills needed for a large backyard garden or a few windowsill and porch pots, sharing the knowledge and how much fun gardening activities with others can be very fulfilling....

More News

Videos

The Buzz About Bees

What's all the Buzz about Bees? Illinois Extension is here with information

Join University of Illinois Extension and Extension Educator Sreelakshmi Suresh in this info-packed Wilderness Wednesday webinar sponsored by...

Starting a Garden: Seed Starting Basics

Are you new to starting your own vegetable garden seeds? Doing it yourself can save you money and get you involved with the food you eat from seed to harvest. In this video, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth demonstrates seed starting while at home during the...