Blog Posts

hand pump sprayer and groundivy
Read article: Do you still need training and testing to apply pesticides?
Do you still need training and testing to apply pesticides?
The growing season is upon us finally! With the new green growth will also come pests unfortunately. Do you have what you need to deal with them? Do...
man spreading fertilizer with manual broadcast spreader
Read article: Corn Gluten Meal: Can it naturally prevent weeds and feed your lawn?
Corn Gluten Meal: Can it naturally prevent weeds and feed your lawn?
A natural/organic alternative to spring weed'n'feedsIf you have looked for an alternative to synthetic preemergent lawn herbicides that prevent...
Tractor sprayer
Read article: Training and testing options for the remainder of the pesticide application season
Training and testing options for the remainder of the pesticide application season
Do you still need to obtain your Illinois pesticide applicator or operator license? Now that the in-person pesticide safety education clinics have...
hand scattering egg shells by tomato seedling
Read article: Garden MythBusters: The dos and don’ts of natural remedies
Garden MythBusters: The dos and don’ts of natural remedies
From homemade pesticide applications to adding eggshells to the soil, gardeners are always looking for natural alternatives to current gardening...

News Releases

close up of Asian Copperleaf weed
Novel Illinois weed species identified in Stephenson County
Corn and soybean farmers should be scouting for a new weed this upcoming growing season. Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) was identified in a field in Stephenson County following corn harvest this fall. This is the first confirmed Asian copperleaf population in Illinois....
diverse group of young people gardening
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...
old style telephone on tan backdrop
Helpline answers Home Gardening Questions
Have a gardening question?  The Master Gardener Helpline at the University of Illinois Extension is open for the season. Designed to help the home gardener with their questions, the helpline is staffed with Master Gardener volunteers who will provide a research-based...

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