Horticulture

Illinois Extension has a vast collection of resources addressing horticultural interests across Illinois. We recognize that home and commercial horticulturalists each have unique needs, so we've cultivated a set of resources designed to address their top concerns. These collections represent the topic areas where we usually get the most questions, but our expertise covers everything from trees to tomatoes to tulips. Contact one of our educators with your questions!

Seed Library

McHenry County Master Gardener Seed Library

Now open! The library is organized by vegetables and flowers, both annual and perennial. The system is organized by alphabet and there is a list of the seeds that the library has available.
A group of herbs on top of a laptop

Have you seen me?

Gardening in the Air! will offer three different topics per hour for you to choose from. Virtual programs begin at 9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. CENTRAL TIME. Click to register!!
Raccon on a pole trying to get at a bird feeder

Living With Wildlife of Illinois

Problems with local wildlife? Need help identifying or controlling the wildlife in your backyard. Check out the new Wildlife Illinois website!
Gardener planting at sunset

Hort Answers

Answers to your top questions about gardening in Illinois
Lawn, with trees in the background

Lawn Talk

Need help selecting grass for your lawn? Have weeds or other problems with your lawn? Check out the Lawn Talk website for your answers.
Field of wildflowers

Wildflowers

Learn how to add some wild beauty to your garden or landscape
A person holding a bunch of carrots and beets

Growing Vegetables

Whether it’s your first-year gardening or you’ve been growing for decades, a gardener is always learning. Illinois Extension has done the research for you and presents these easy-to-understand steps for planting, harvesting, cooking, and preserving.

Testing for Plant and Soil Health

soil with chemical names on it

Fall is a Great Time to Test Your Soil

Soils need attention to remain productive, but how often have you taken a quantitative measure of soil fertility and other soil attributes? A soil test is an excellent way to gauge current soil productivity, discover soil issues, and plan for maintenance of soil health through the addition of appropriate soil amendments. These tests are relatively inexpensive and provide valuable knowledge and insight into our soils.

yellow spotted tree leaves

Plant Disease and Injury Can be Costly

Plant disease and injury can be costly. The Plant Clinic provides solutions to what's attacking the health of your plants. We provide plant and insect identification; nematode assays; diagnosis of injury from disease, insects, weeds, and chemicals; and help with nutrient-related issues.