Christmas Tree Hitchhikers
If you have ever purchased or harvested a living or cut Christmas tree, you may have inadvertently brought in some overwintering pests.
Luckily, any concerns about these pests are unwarranted. “Yes, it is true that Christmas trees can harbor dormant pests that become active after being...
Winter Seed Sowing
Winter-sowing is a cost-effective and low-maintenance way of starting plants for the garden. Creator of the winter-sowing method, Trudi Davidoff puts it in simple terms: starting plants outdoors, in winter.
“Winter-sowing works with nature to prepare seeds for growth by providing...
Preventing Uninvited Guests - AKA: Pantry Pests
Fast-forward past the holidays to springtime. You notice moths flying around the kitchen and pantry. Maybe you see them hovering around the light over the kitchen table or at a window. That is solid proof that you have Indian meal moth lurking in some leftover flour products, likely from all the...
Four Seasons Winter Gardening Series - Colorful Conifers - Feb. 25
University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening Series focuses on environmental stewardship, home gardening and backyard food production. These statewide programs are offered at your local Extension offices in Collinsville and Waterloo.
On February 25, 1:30 p.m. join...
2019 Illinois Farm Economics Summit Dates scheduled for December
Speakers from University of Illinois Extension and the farmdoc team from the U of I Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics will explore topics such as the 2020 outlook for crop and livestock prices, the next farm bill, farm profitability and management topics, and the impacts of trade...
The Truth about Woolly Bear Caterpillars
Woolly bear caterpillars are hurriedly crossing the roads this time of year. I have always been fond of the woolly bear caterpillar. As a child, the name woolly bear reminded me of the Muppet Fozzie bear. I imagined the woolly bear caterpillar has the same loveable optimism as Fozzie despite...
Master Gardener Training Registration Opens
Are you looking for the perfect winter activity to keep you focused on spring and summer outdoor pleasures? The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program trains adult volunteers who assist on many local projects. Master Gardeners grow produce for area food pantries, maintain...
Winter Dormancy in the Landscape
By mid-November, the last of the leaves float down to the ground and the landscape appears stark. All is quiet and nothing is growing as our gardens have been put to bed. Or are they? As I walk outside in the frigid cold, it is obvious my body has yet to adapt to colder temperatures, yet the...
Arne' Burns Receives Rookie of the Year Award
Arne' Burns Receives Rookie of the Year Award
On October 9 in Champaign, IL, Arné Burns received the Rookie of the Year award at University of Illinois Extension’s Illinois Nutrition Education...
Forest Management Workshop - Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Do you have wooded property and wonder how best to manage your land? Then attend the Forest Management Workshop on Monday, November 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the University of Illinois Extension office, 1 Regency Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL sponsored by University of Illinois...
Fall House Guests
As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, we often start seeing uninvited insect guests in our homes, according to University of Illinois Extension educator Ken Johnson.
Boxelder bugs are commonly found trying to enter houses, especially if there’s a boxelder tree nearby....
Breaking the Fall Garden Clean Up Habit
Are you ready to change the way you clean up your perennial garden in the fall? Kelly Allsup, a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, says changing just a few garden habits can make a huge difference to butterflies, moths, bees, and other beneficial insects that overwinter in...
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. –...
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...
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...
