News & Media

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Illinois Extension strives to provide relevant, science-based information that serves residents and businesses in our area and across the state. From blogs featuring the best seasonal tips and techniques to news stories highlighting upcoming learning opportunities, we offer you impactful insights backed by the research and public engagement resources of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.

News Releases
Homeowner’s guide to watering summer lawns
URBANA, Ill. – “To water or not to water the lawn” is a perennial discussion for homeowners says Richard Hentschel, University of Illinois Extension horticulture...
Have a garden question? The answer is only a click away
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you’re ankle-deep in water in your yard or are trying to introduce children to gardening, you can trust University of Illinois Extension horticulture experts for the answer. In addition to dozens of blogs and workshops, one can now watch live webinars and join a new...
Local Volunteers Plan Spring Fling Garden Day
University of Illinois Master Gardeners and Naturalists will be hosting an Annual Spring Fling/Garden Day on Saturday, March 21, 2020 from 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. at Kaskaskia College Lifelong Learning Center 27210 College Road, Centralia, IL. If you are new to gardening or have a lifetime...
All Levels of Gardening Experience Encouraged to Attend Gardeners’ BIG Day
One might think that after 20 years of coordinating a program that we would run out of new and exciting topics, but the opposite is true for Gardeners’ BIG Day 2020. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have a spectacular line up of presenters for the 20th event anniversary set for...
All About Berries Series in Christian County
Taylorville, Ill. – To help the public learn more about growing berries in their own backyards, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Andrew Holsinger will host two-part series designed to give the basics of berry crop production. This two-part series will be held at...
Seed Workshop
Starting Seeds Indoors Workshop - Christian County
Taylorville Ill. - It’s time to get a head start on the upcoming garden season by starting seedlings indoors. Growing quality seedlings indoors requires proper planning for adequate conditions to start seedling off right. University of Illinois Extension will host a...
Reserve Your Spot at the 2020 Ready Set Grow Gardening Workshop
  DIXON, Ill- University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce that there are still registration spots available for the 2020 Ready…Set…Grow… Gardening Workshop! Ready…Set…Grow… will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2020 from 8:00 am – 2:15 pm at Sauk Valley Community College...
All Gardener’s Day – 2020 registration is open
LITCHFIELD, Ill. – Join University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and garden enthusiasts for the All Gardener’s Day on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 8 a.m. to noon at Holy Family Catholic Church – Parish Center, 211 E Columbia in Litchfield. This half-day event will be...
February Master Gardener Column
Have you ever found yourself at the nursery or big box store standing before shelves of bagged potting soil wondering what to buy? There are so many choices. It all depends on what you are using it for. Bagged garden soil and topsoil belong outside, in the ground. They are too...
Master Gardener Training Offered Spring 2020
Do you have an interest in gardening?  Would you like to learn more? Let University of Illinois Extension teach you all about horticulture and the ways you can help others learn to grow.  University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener training is being offered in the spring....
Communities Join in Master Gardeners' Annual Seed Swap
YORKVILLE, Ill. – More than 70 community members joined the Kendall County Master Gardener volunteer team for its annual free Community Seed Swap event on Jan. 25. The event features free seeds including vegetables, flowers, herbs and native plants. In addition, some community members brought...
Starting Seeds Indoors Workshop - Macoupin County
It’s time to get a head start on the upcoming garden season by starting seedlings indoors. Growing quality seedlings indoors requires proper planning for adequate conditions to start seedling off right. University of Illinois Extension will host a Starting Seeds Indoors Workshop held at...
All About Berries Series in Macoupin County
Carlinville, Ill. – To help the public learn more about growing berries in their own backyards, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Andrew Holsinger will host two-part series designed to give the basics of berry crop production. This two-part series...
Vegetables grown at the Idea Garden fed nearly 400 people at The Courage Connection in 2019.
Champaign County Master Gardener Donation Gardens advocate for food access
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. – Champaign County Master Gardeners maintain three donation gardens. All produce is donated to local non-profit organizations.  The gardens at the Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center provides didactic and hands-on interactive lessons on gardening,...
Master Gardener Elaine Weil works with children on planting plants
Illinois Master Gardener program celebrates 40th anniversary
For the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program, the last four decades can be measured by the millions of volunteer hours given to help bring horticultural help to communities across the state. This past year marked the 40th anniversary of the Illinois Master Gardener...