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...
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,...