Gardeners Corner Winter 2023-24

Bloom in the winter with gift of amaryllis bulb kit

December 4, 2023

URBANA, Ill. — The gift of gardening is an experience anyone can appreciate this holiday season. Take the stress out of shopping this holiday season and give a blooming amaryllis kit that brings the beauty of nature indoors. Poinsettias are beautiful, popular holiday plants, but the gift of an amaryllis bulb kit is one to enjoy year after year by following a few steps. An amaryllis kit includes...

News releases

An orange cat walks near potted house plants at ground level

November 13, 2023

Protect your pets: Keep paws off overwintering indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — As winter settles in, many plants and houseplants that were growing outdoors have returned inside. Before bringing in your plants, consider animal companions, such as dogs and cats, because some plants can make them sick if ingested. Knowing what plants you have and how they...

A hand saw cutting into a branch to prune it at the proper location

February 19, 2024

Cutting back branches leaves trees with healthier outlook
URBANA, Ill. — To stay healthy, sometimes trees need a little help in the form of a trim. Pruning is an essential maintenance activity to promote tree health, safety, and aesthetics. Since trees are large, long-living plants in our landscape, pruning throughout the life of a tree can have a...

Several different succulent plants in a small planter

January 8, 2024

Did you forget to water your plants? Try low-maintenance succulents
URBANA, Ill. — Liven up your home this winter by introducing carefree and cheery succulents. Succulents offer interesting shapes and colors with their unique fleshy, plump leaves. The best part is they are relatively simple to care for if you can provide ample light. A few easy-care...

Gloved hands over soil holding pulled out plants

January 22, 2024

Use weed clues to dig up environmental issues like fertility, soil compaction, moisture issues
Winter is a good time to make garden plans, and one constant issue gardeners face every growing season is weeds. While weeds can be frustrating, they can also be saying more about a yard than you think. Weeds can be found in a wide range of locations. Some weedy plants are more likely to...

Gardeners Corner is a quarterly newsletter from gardening experts around the state. Each issue highlights best practices that will make houseplants, landscapes, or gardens shine in any season. Have a gardening question? Find an Extension expert near you at go.illinois.edu/ExtensionOffice.

Illinois Extension

Gardeners Corner Winter 2023-24

Bloom in the winter with gift of amaryllis bulb kit

Ep. 126 Last-minute gifts for gardeners | #GoodGrowing