Revive your compost pile after winter
URBANA, Ill. – If you haven’t touched your compost bin or pile all winter, don’t worry, you are not alone! ...
Start your spring landscape clean up
URBANA, Ill. – After the 2019 growing season, there is likely leftover landscape clean up needed besides the usual spring yard work....
Pollinator support tips for gardeners and homeowners
URBANA, Ill. – Pollinators have been in the news a lot the last few years due to their population declines. About 75% of all plant species are pollinated by animals and 90% of flowering plants, so pollinators are important parts of our ecosystems, says Ken Johnson, University of Illinois...
Start herb seeds indoors
URBANA, Ill. – Herbs are a favorite in most gardens, but transplants can be expensive. As an economical alternative, consider starting seeds indoors in early spring as warmer weather approaches.
Herbs can be started in March and be ready for transplanting into the garden in May,...
Extension continues transition to online webinars, 4-H shows, events
URBANA, Ill. – As Illinois residents contemplate the impact of the coronavirus health pandemic on summer plans, University of Illinois Extension has released updated guidelines for Extension sponsored events and activities. The new guidelines continue to focus on the safety of event participants...
Farmers needed for paid cover crop trial
URBANA, Ill. - Illinois farmers willing to participate in a paid cover crop demonstration trial are needed beginning in fall 2020. Participation is now open.
The Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program partners with university researchers and...
Keep your garden producing all season
HILLSBORO, Ill. - Learn to keep your garden healthy and productive throughout the growing season. Four free online webinars will give practical tips about gardening, including tips on landscape safety, mulching, container gardens, and beneficial garden bugs.
The hour-long Good...
Online Master Gardener Training Available
The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program will offer summer online training sessions. The online training includes topics such as botany, soils, flowers, trees, turf, fruits, vegetables, and much more. The training costs $350. Applicants receive a copy of the...
University of Illinois Extension Celebrates Madison County 4-H Volunteers April 19 - 25
April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week, and University of Illinois Extension wants to thank the 4-H volunteers who guide and support the nearly 200,000 4-H participants in Illinois.
National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative...
University of Illinois Extension Celebrates St. Clair County 4-H Volunteers April 19 - 25
April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week, and University of Illinois Extension wants to thank the 4-H volunteers who guide and support the nearly 200,000 4-H participants in Illinois.
National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative...
Changes to Pesticide Testing and Licensing for 2020
The impact of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to create uncertainty and concern both globally and here in our community. Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the University of Illinois has implemented social-distancing protocols that impact all university...
Illinois Extension presses forward with planning for summer 4-H shows
URBANA, Ill. – As public health and government officials consider the next phase of managing the Coronavirus pandemic in Illinois, organizers of traditional summer events and activities are considering options. University of Illinois Extension, the...
Creative cooking with fewer ingredients
Making fewer trips to the grocery store does not have to mean boring meals or the same meal every night. Cooking with five ingredients or less is a money saver, takes less time to prepare the meal, and uses less equipment resulting in fewer dishes. “Cooking with fewer ingredients can be...
Online Leaning with 4-H
Join us on Facebook at 2:30 p.m. on the dates below for hands-on, virtually guided 4-H Activities! Videos will be live each day at 2:30 p.m. and then be posted to the University of Illinois Madison-Monroe-St. Clair Unit page for further viewing at...
What To Do With $1200
Stop! Before you go too far planning your spending of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act payment, let’s take a look at the big picture. Unfortunately, the current economic downturn will be a reality for many months. Now is the time to strategize how best to manage...
Starting a New Vegetable Garden
With an increased amount of time at home these days, there is an increased interest in gardening. It is such a great way to get outdoors and get some exercise while growing some neat and interesting plants.
For many, the start of a new gardening experience can be stressful....
Advantages of Early Gardening
The past couple of springs, we have not had the kind of weather for good early season vegetable gardening. This spring has been a lot better with enough drying time to actually get out there and get potato seed pieces in the ground, sow those early rows of spinach and lettuce, and put out...
Learn tips for keeping your brain fit
URBANA, Ill. – Staying fit doesn’t only mean exercising and eating healthy foods. With age, it’s important to do activities which keep our brains fit and healthy, as well as our bodies. Beginning May 7, University of Illinois Extension will...
