U of I Extension Master Gardener Helpline Open Thursday Mornings through Fall
University of Illinois Extension's Master Gardener volunteers are available to answer your home horticulture questions about lawns, trees, shrubs, vegetable and flower gardens, pest management, houseplants and much more. They are available through fall on Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – noon by...
Plant Your Native Garden this Fall
If you missed the window for planting native plants in your garden this spring, don’t worry, you still have time to get them in the ground in the fall.
“Growing native plants is a great way to benefit the environment, wildlife, and bring some interesting and beautiful plants to your...
Revitalize Your Garden Program - November 1
Are you looking for ideas to revitalize your garden? Learn the steps to get started in developing a comprehensive, personalized design for your entire property or a single garden bed.
Join Terry Milne, St. Louis Master Gardener, on Friday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m. at the University of...
The Village Garden in Godfrey Receives Teamwork Master Gardener Award
The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program annually acknowledges projects for their impactful and innovative educational outreach with a Teamwork State Award. The Village Garden in Godfrey was one of 12 projects recognized at the State Master Gardener Conference on Friday,...
Common Tomato Diseases
Tomatoes are one of the most commonly grown vegetables in home gardens. While tomatoes are relatively easy to grow there are a few diseases you should keep your eye out for. Two of the most common diseases people encounter are early blight and Septoria leaf spot. Both of these diseases...
Is Gardening Still Important to Humans--Yes-Gardens Can Heal
To be human is to be stressed. For our ancient ancestors, stress may have been encountering a predator. Today, modern stress can come in many forms, from simple disappointment or to tragic events. Unfortunately, our brains evolved to deal with fighting for our lives or running from...
Living with Japanese Beetles
It's about that time of year, time for Japanese beetles...
Japanese beetles are one of the most destructive ornamental pests we have in Illinois. They were first discovered in the United States in 1916 in New Jersey and have been making their way across the U.S. since then. The adults...
Winter and Spring Weather Extremes Will Impact Yards, Gardens
Weather has dampened the plans of many gardeners and homeowners this growing season. In fact, this May was the wettest on record in the Chicago area since 1871, according to the National Weather Service. "Cool, wet weather promotes foliage diseases, such as leaf blights,...
Tips and Trellising for Tomato Success
Give a little time and attention to managing water, nutrition, and airflow, and you will have an ample harvest of garden tomatoes. One of the most common issues for home gardeners is blossom end rot, a black patch on the bottom (blossom-side) of your fruit, caused by a...
Quick Tips for Keeping the Kitchen Safe
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate every year 1 in 6 Americans becomes sick from food. Although the number of people getting sick from foodborne illness may be much higher. Lisa Peterson, Nutrition & Wellness Educator with University of Illinois Extension,...