Taylorville, Ill. – To help the public learn more about growing berries in their own backyards, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Andrew Holsinger will host two-part series designed to give the basics of berry crop production.

This two-part series will be held at the Christian County Extension Office (1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville) on March 24 and 31 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Cost is $10. Advance registration is required by March 19 by visiting extension.illinois.edu/cjmm or calling 217.287.7246. Please contact Andrew Holsinger at 217.532.3941 or aholsing@illinois.edu for more information.

The two sessions will include:

March 24 – The Basics of Berries

This workshop will look at the cultural requirements required for establishing berries. Learn about site selection, cultivar selection, planting, and maintenance.

March 31 – Small Fruit Pest Management

This presentation will cover pests and diseases that are commonly encountered in berry plants and how to identify and manage them.

University of Illinois Extension provides practical education that helps people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. For more information visit the Unit 18 website at extension.illinois.edu/cjmm or contact your local Extension office.