Horticulture

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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!

A close-up of a hand gently placing young seedlings into a planting tray.

Hort answers

Answers to your top questions about gardening in Illinois.

A person wearing gardening gloves plants flowering and green ornamental plants in a garden bed.

Gardener's corner newsletter

Quarterly newsletter highlighting seasonal tips and tricks for gardeners.

A bush covered with clusters of pale pink roses in full bloom among dense green leaves.

Our rose garden

Check out our best practices for growing this garden showstopper.

A wildflower meadow with red poppies, blue cornflowers, and other colorful blooms.

Wildflowers

Check out our best practices for growing this garden showstopper.
Four young green seedlings emerging from dark soil, arranged from smallest to tallest.

Watch your garden grow

Learn about how to care for your garden throughout the growing season.

Tomatoes on a vine.

Illinois vegetable garden guide

Check out these tips for growing some of Illinois' most popular fruits and vegetables.

Community Gardens

There is a good amount of planning that needs to go into creating a successful community garden. University of Illinois Extension's Community Garden Webinar series takes users through a variety of modules discussing the different steps that can be taken to develop a successful community garden. Watch the Community Garden videos.

Soil Testing

Do you need to test your soil? Here are certified soil labs. We have helpful videos about you: How to Take a #Soil Sample in Your Lawn, Garden, or Landscape and How to Understand #Soil Test Results.

Horticulture Helpline

Worried about what’s happening with your tree or vegetables? Wonder what plants to plan for pollinators? Contact an Extension Master Gardener to get advice on your gardening questions. Master Gardeners will research your questions and provide recommendations. Call 618-344-4230 or email Sarah Ruth at ruth1@illinois.edu

Speakers Bureau

Check back soon for a list of programs we have available to communities groups. 

Alexis Barnes

Alexis Barnes

Horticulture Extension Educator
Keywords
Local Foods and Small Farms
Commercial Vegetable Production
Cover Crops
Specialty Crops
Food Access
Flowers
Community Garden
Food Safety
Flowers
Integrated Pest Management
Urban Agriculture
Weeds
Vegetable Gardening
Fruits
Beekeeping
Diversity Equity Inclusion Access
Small Farms
Horticulture
(618) 939-3434