Apples and pears are popular trees to grow for people interested in growing their own fruit. However, they aren't without any problems. A variety of...
Use terminal bud scars to gage growth rate of trees
Watching how plants grow is just fascinating. Like when a terminal bud begins growing in the spring after being dormant, it leaves behind a bud scale...
Manage brown rot of peaches and other stone fruit in the garden
Have you ever gone out to pick a peach only to find they have a large brown, mushy spot? Or perhaps you've brought some peaches home from the farmers...
News Releases
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...
Fruit trees need an annual trim to bear best fruit
URBANA, Ill. – Most deciduous trees are best pruned while they are in full dormancy. This happens to be February or March for this part of the country.
While many of our landscape trees don’t necessarily need yearly pruning, the same can’t be said for fruit trees, especially if you want...
Build confidence in fruit tree pruning with free educational workshop
CLINTON, Ill. – Want to make an apple or peach pie, but your fruit tree isn’t bearing enough fruit? Pruning may be the answer. Pruning can improve tree vigor, encourage flower and fruit production, and attain the desired shape. Learn about this and more in a hands-on workshop hosted by...
Southern Illinois growers rely on Extension's sound production advice
URBANA, Ill. – When downstate peach growers need a new cold-hardy variety, or when pumpkin fields are threatened by pests, growers rely on the experts at University of Illinois Extension.
Extension educators have hosted in-person specialty crop schools in Southern Illinois for decades,...