OGLESBY, Ill. – Looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to add native plants to your home garden? Join Illinois Master Gardeners for our Winter Sowing Natives Workshop on January 31, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Nell’s Woodland (2000 Alexis Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350) and learn how to start seeds outdoors during the winter using everyday containers like milk jugs.
This hands-on program will guide participants through the winter sowing process, explain the benefits of native plants for pollinators and ecosystems, and share tips for caring for seeds until spring planting. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this workshop offers practical techniques to help you grow resilient, beautiful plants that support local wildlife.
All supplies will be provided. To register visit go.illinois.edu/WinterSowingNells.
If you need an accommodation to participate, please contact Emily Hansen at emhansen@illinois.edu or 815-224-0896. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.