FREEPORT, Ill – We are pleased to announce the return of Autumn Joys of Gardening. This program will take on a different look, being offered as a series of evening programs, participants can pick and choose the classes they want to attend. Autumn Joys of Gardening is co-sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and Freeport Public Library. All classes will be held at the main floor meeting rooms of the Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas Street, Freeport, and will be held from 6 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, August 18, 6-7 p.m. Cool Season Vegetables. University of Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty will present Cool Season Vegetables. Grant will discuss cool season vegetables and how to get the most out of your garden heading into the cooler months of fall. Topics that will be addressed during this educational program include planting, varieties, season extension, pest management, and harvest of cool season vegetables.

Wednesday, September 7, 6-7 p.m. Composting for the Homeowner. University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment Educator Jay Solomon will present Composting for the Homeowner. Jay will discuss how to make different types of composting systems and which ones may best fit what you are looking for. He will also show participants pictures of the composting system he set up at the local Extension offices. 

Wednesday, September 28, 6-7 p.m. Wrapping up the Vegetable Garden. University of Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty will present Wrapping up the Vegetable Garden. Grant will discuss the things you can do this fall to help prepare your garden better for next spring. 

Registration is required and can be completed on-line at go.illinois.edu/jsw or by calling the University of Illinois Extension at (815) 235-4125.