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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...
Green PawPaw fruit on tree
Read article: Pawpaw fruit ripening
Pawpaw fruit ripening
North America’s largest native tree fruit is ripening in forest understories and home landscapes across central Illinois this week. Pawpaws (...
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...
person reaching for a red blushed 'Honeycrisp' apple in a tree
Read article: From St. Louis Metro East: Harvest crossing over from peaches to apples
From St. Louis Metro East: Harvest crossing over from peaches to apples
As kids go back to school, operations have started the shift from summer crops over to fall crops, which includes the transition from peaches to...

News Releases

Apples on trees
Growing Great Apples
Join University of Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty for this program focused on apple production. “Growing Great Apples” will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 4 at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth...
Growing figs on a plant stem
Go figure, figs are a great addition to home gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Sometimes growers just want to try something new in their garden. How about an ancient fruit with edible leaves? How about figs? For many years, growing figs was relegated to warmer regions, but with the combination of the warming climate and the development of cold-hardy fig...
Fruit and Vegetable School
Fruit and Vegetable School connects local growers with industry experts
MT. VERNON, Ill. – Commercial fruit and vegetable growers face a lot of uncertainties. One thing is certain: University of Illinois Extension has the practical, current research to help you make those important production decisions. Get practical research-based information to make your specialty...