University of Illinois Extension

Events (31)

Planning Your Fruit Garden (Taylorville)

2 - 3 PM

Thu, 02/03/2022 - 12:00

Christian County Extension Office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville, IL 62568 OR Online

cjmmplanningyourfruitgarden

Kokedama String Gardening | Gardening in the Air

11:30 AM CDT

Sat, 02/05/2022 - 12:00

Online

kokedama string gardening

Tree Pruning Tips | Gardening in the Air

10:15 AM CDT

Sat, 02/05/2022 - 12:00

Online

tree pruning tips

Trees that pop in the Spring! | Gardening in the Air

9 AM CDT

Sat, 02/05/2022 - 12:00

Online

trees that pop in the spring

2022 Cool Kid in the Garden | Gardening in the Air

11:30 AM CDT

Sat, 02/05/2022 - 12:00

Online

cool kid in garden

Pruning Apples and More (Carlinville)

2 - 3 PM

Thu, 02/10/2022 - 12:00

Macoupin County Extension Office, #60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville IL, 62626 OR Online

cjmmpruningapplesandmore

Saturdays with a Master Gardener | Whiteside County Workshop Series

10:00 AM - NOON

Sat, 02/12/2022 - 12:00 - Sat, 11/12/2022 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Gardener planting in pots.

Saturdays with a Master Gardener | Whiteside County February Workshop Series

10:00 AM- NOON

Sat, 02/12/2022 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Gardener planting in pots.

Organic Gardening | Four Seasons Gardening Winter Series

1:30 PM CST

Tue, 02/15/2022 - 12:00

Online

man and woman picking organic vegetables

Houseplant Care and Selection (Taylorville)

2 - 3 PM

Thu, 02/17/2022 - 12:00

Christian County Extension Office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville, IL 62568 OR Online

cjmm-HouseplantCareandSelection

Joys of Gardening

9 a.m. to Noon

Sat, 02/19/2022 - 12:00

Highland Community College, Student Conference Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL, Building H, Parking Lot A

Success With Seedlings (Carlinville)

2 - 3 PM

Thu, 02/24/2022 - 12:00

Macoupin County Extension Office, #60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville OR Online

cjmmsuccesswithseedlings

Macon County Gardening Insights 2022

8 AM - 3 PM

Sat, 02/26/2022 - 12:00

Shilling Center, Richland Community College, 1 College Park, Decatur, IL

flower garden

Nature is Local: Enrich Your Life with Native Plants webinar

Noon-1 PM

Thu, 03/03/2022 - 12:00

Online

Nature is Local Webinar Series

Gardeners' BIG Day 2022

9 AM to Noon

Fri, 03/04/2022 - 12:00

Online

arched garden gate

Home, Lawn, and Garden Day 2022 - 20 Years!

8:30 AM - 12:45 PM

Sat, 03/05/2022 - 12:00

Bloomington, IL

Home Lawn Garden Day 2021

Nature is Local: Prairie Establishment & Maintenance Techniques webinar

Noon-1 PM

Thu, 03/10/2022 - 12:00

Online

Nature is Local Webinar Series

Gardener's Day

Sat, 03/12/2022 - 12:00

Macomb

Saturdays with a Master Gardener | Whiteside County March Workshop Series

10:00 AM- NOON

Sat, 03/12/2022 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Gardener planting in pots.

Nature is Local: Bi-State Resources & Funding webinar

Noon-1 PM

Thu, 03/17/2022 - 12:00

Online

Nature is Local: Bi-State Resources & Funding

Ready...Set...Grow... Gardening Workshop | Dixon

8:30 AM- Noon

Sat, 03/19/2022 - 12:00

Loveland Community Building | Dixon

Perry County 4-H Horticulture Workshop

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Sat, 03/19/2022 - 12:00

Pinckneyville Community Center, 203 North Walnut, Suite A, Pinckneyville, IL 62274

fairy garden in cup with text about horticulture workshop on March 19 from 9:30 a.m. to noon

Wildflower Photography

6:00 PM

Wed, 03/23/2022 - 12:00

Shannon Bayou, 3301 S. Waldron Road, Aroma Park, Illinois

woman with brown hair taking photograph in nature with camera

Saturdays with a Master Gardener | Whiteside County April Workshop Series

10:00 AM - NOON

Sat, 04/09/2022 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Gardener planting in pots.

SPRING SERIES OF HOME HORTICULTURE

6 - 8 PM

Mon, 04/11/2022 - 12:00

Holiday Inn, 226 17th St, Rock Island, IL 61201

SPRING SERIES OF HOME HORTICULTURE

6 - 8 PM

Mon, 04/18/2022 - 12:00

Holiday Inn, 226 17th St, Rock Island, IL 61201

SPRING SERIES OF HOME HORTICULTURE

6 - 8 PM

Mon, 04/25/2022 - 12:00

Holiday Inn, 226 17th St, Rock Island, IL 61201

Saturdays with a Master Gardener | Whiteside County July Workshop Series

10:00 AM - NOON

Sat, 07/16/2022 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Gardener planting in pots.

Saturdays with a Master Gardener | Whiteside County September Workshop Series

10:00 AM - NOON

Sat, 09/17/2022 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Gardener planting in pots.

Saturdays with a Master Gardener | Whiteside County October Workshop Series

10:00 AM - NOON

Sat, 10/15/2022 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Gardener planting in pots.

Saturdays with a Master Gardener | Whiteside County November Workshop Series

10:00 AM - NOON

Sat, 11/12/2022 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Gardener planting in pots.

Blog Posts (180)

Favorite Houseplants of a Horticulturist

Chinese Evergreen

2022 gardening trends and emotional resilience

pollinator on oregano flower

Make your tree fruit and small fruit pruning plans now; reach out to Extension for resources

Nick Frillman teaching pruning workshop at Refuge Food Forest

Houseplant pests and how to manage them

Houseplant pests and how to manage them. Grouping of green houseplants in pots in a home

Inspiring hope, building experience, making a difference in 2022

Winter scene

Add some color to your winter landscape by growing holly

Add some color to your winter landscape by growing holly. Red holly berries and green holly leaves.

Sugar and spice make everything nice

plate of Christmas cookies

The origin of frankincense and myrrh add to their special meaning

bowl of myrrh resin

Order your seed catalogs now; plan better for next year

bush bean seeds in hand

A plant’s growth habit provides function and beauty

Japanese gravel garden with mounded plant forms

How to take care of amaryllis and get them to rebloom

How to take care of amaryllis and get them to rebloom! Amaryllis flower with red on outer part of petals and white center

New Poinsettia options are a modern twist for an iconic holiday decoration

Hazelnuts: A native plant is a new crop for Illinois

developing hazelnuts

How to get fruit plants ready for winter: Start preparing for a successful harvest

How to get fruit plants ready for winter: Start preparing for a successful harvest. Unharvested apples and apple mummies in an apple tree.

Partnership boosts local horticulture education at ICC

People talking at an information table

What makes plants bloom at different times of the year?

flowerhead in the sunset

Choose local foods this Thanksgiving

Stacked pumpkins in front of a hay bale

Fall garden clean up with pollinators and other wildlife in mind

Fall garden clean up with pollinators and other wildlife in mind. Gold finch feeding on purple coneflower seeds

What you should know about Burning Bush

Make fall garden clean-up fun for the kids!

Create a bird-friendly yard

bird at a bird bath with flowing water

How to plant flower bulbs for a colorful spring display

How to plant flower bulbs for a colorful spring display. Different types of spring-blooming bulbs

Save wetlands, use soilless potting mixtures

composte bins in yard

Celebrate the colors of fall with autumn flowers

Put your garden to bed with fall/winter cover crops!

Why do my mums always die? How to grow and care for fall mums in your garden

Why do my mums always die? How to grow and care for fall mums in your garden. Yellow, white, orange and pink mum flowers.

Give your front porch containers a fall makeover

Fall garden with pumpkins

Extension Master Gardeners create native landscaping demonstration at Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon

four people standing in front of building and new landscaping

New horticulture Facebook group leverages state-wide expertise to reach thousands

Person gardening

Elderberry: the pollinator-friendly, nutrient-dense privacy screen!

How to divide and plant bearded iris

How to divide and plant bearded iris. person digging a bearded iris clump

What's wrong with my lilac? Summer foliar diseases on lilac

diseased lilac leaves

Preventing storm damage to trees

More than monarchs - What are those bugs on my milkweed?

More than monarchs - What are those bugs on my milkweed? milkweed bugs on seed pod of butterfly milkweed.

Factors to consider when choosing tree species

Invasive jumping worm confirmed in west-central Illinois

Jumping worm

Edible flowers can add unique color and spice to your dish

Chive flowers

The disadvantages of landscape fabric

landscape fabric fail

Garden tasks to help get your landscape through the summer

Garden tasks to help get your landscape through the summer. vegetable and flower garden with mulch path in-between.

Monarch butterflies facing a crisis

Monarch Caterpillar and Butterfly

Take control of your weed woes

Help stressed trees by watering during heat of summer

Leaves and frost damage

Think local for eco-friendly and beautiful wedding flowers

wedding bouquet using local blooms

Herb of the Year: Parsley

Everything is coming up roses

The impact of emerald ash borer

The impact of emerald ash borer. Dying ash trees with thinning canopies.

Three planting tips to increase your tree’s life

bareroot tree planting

The harsh reality of the Bradford Pear

Best Practices for Sharing Plants to Stop the Spread of Invasive Species

Stop the spread of jumping worms and other invasive species

Invasive Jumping Worms Confirmed in Peoria County

Spring brings spring beauties to the landscape

Spring brings spring beauties to the landscape - a clump of blooming spring beauty plants in turf

Heirloom flowers provide fragrance, beauty, pollinator support

field of pink cosmos

Are you ready for lawn care season

Large Crabgrass

Tara Heath joins Extension horticulture team

Dealing with storm damaged trees and preparing for the next disaster

Storm Damaged Tree

How do you bring an office plant back to life?

Use row cover to protect plants from more than just frost

Row cover protecting some lettuce

How does winter help the garden?

winter loaded screen

What’s the best thing to feed the birds?

chickadee at a feeder

How to prune fruit trees for healthier trees and better harvests

Person holding pruners getting ready to prune branch off a fruit tree

Positive Change Can Make a Difference in Your Community

sunlight through ice covered trees

Popular houseplants: Is it philodendron or pothos?

pothos

History of Poinsettia

Holiday Cacti

Kissing under the mistletoe – A holiday favorite with a dark side

European mistletoe with green leaves and white berries on a wooden table

Mushroom workshop reaches thousands via live presentation and recording

Picture of a mushroom in a wooded area

Fall evokes the five basic senses - November, 2020

Evergreen leaves live longer lives - October, 2020

Bringing Container Plants in for the Winter - September, 2020

Hairy Crabweed is one bad weed! - August, 2020

Editing Aggressive Plants in the Garden - June 2020

How to winterize outdoor plumbing - irrigation, hoses, spigots

frozen over fountain

DIY dried flowers for Thanksgiving

Dried flowers in vase

What I Do and Why It Matters - Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle

Dealing with plant pandemics

Tobacco mosaic virus on petunia

More spooky and scary plants

dark purple spathe of Dragon arum

Dealing with Fall Drought: Get your plants ready for winter

dry soil in the fall

Handling pumpkins, mums and other fall decorations

pumpkins and mums

Evergreens losing needles: Fall needle drop

pine with fall displaying fall needle drop, older needles are turning yellow while newer needles remain green

University of Illinois College of Medicine - Peoria Partnership

Local schools and organizations trained to start school gardens

Children working on a school garden

Fall Flavors: Pumpkin vs. Apple

apple versus pumpkin image

Facebook Live with the Horticulturalists

Should we paint tree wounds?

wound sealer painted on a tree wound

It's big, but it's not a murder hornet: How to identify large wasps

picture of a European hornet on a leaf, a cicada killer on a leaf, and a baldfaced hornet on flowers

Divide and Conquer in Fall

brilliant red-orange oriental poppy pixabay

At-Home Science for Kids: Raising butterflies and more!

monarch butterfly resting on a finger

Growing and Using Peppers

Growing and Harvesting Okra

The okra plant produces cream colored flowers. Once pollinated, these will produce the okra pods to harvest and cook.

We Need Your Input!

Feedback on chalk board

Seed Packets

Recommended Reading for Gardeners During a Pandemic

Summer Reading for Gardeners

Harvesting garden vegetables

close up of a person holding freshly harvested onions

The Gardening Helpline: An Extension tradition going strong

gardening helpline info graphic

Handling your fresh-picked produce

Freshly harvested cucumbers, eggplant, beans, potatoes, pumpkins, squash, beets, & turnips.

Tree troubles usually start at the base of the trunk

Tree troubles usually start at the base of the trunk

Bee Lazy for Pollinators

the feet of someone laying in a hammock

Milkweed

Summer is prime time for growing sweet strawberries

Ripe and Unripe Strawberry Closeup. Photo Credit: Enoch Lau, Wikicommons

Blueberries

Garlic: So easy even I can grow it!

Growing Garlic

The cicadas are coming (or already here)

Ladybug, Ladybug

a pink spotted lady beetle on a strawberry flower

Growing irises: How to plant, grow and care for iris

Anthracnose

Home Horticultural Remedies

Home Horticultural Remedies

Try pineberry: A delicious pineapple-flavored strawberry

Everbearing pineberrries are unique white berries with red seeds. Photo source: Emmbean, Wikimedia Commons.

How to Grow Popular Herbs

How to grow popular herbs

How to Grow Peppers

green, yellow, and red habanero peppers

The New Victory Garden

Tomato and Basil plants growing in a homemade container. Be sure to allow for drainage from any container.

Beware of spring freeze coming

Trouble(s) with Cucurbits

squash bug nymphs feeding on pumpkin vines

Welcome to My Jungle - May, 2020

The Many Different Types of Cucurbits

The Many Different Types of Cucurbits

Extension Master Gardener trainees revamp Peoria Zoo pollinator garden

group photo of Master Gardeners

Trouble(s) with Tomatoes

a green tobacco hornworm on a tomato stem

How to Grow Tomatoes

How to Grow Tomatoes

How to Grow Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato harvest

How to Grow Carrots

orange, white, purple, red, and orange circles arranged in a circle. Carrots still have leaves attached.

Starting a Garden: Irrigation

Sprinkler head

ZZ Plant is a Tropical that Thrives Indoors

zz plant thrives indoors

Starting a Garden: Fertilization

corn seedlings with fertilizer

Starting a Garden: Pest Management

squash vine borer larva inside of the stem of a zucchini plant

Starting a Garden: Supporting Plants

cucumber plants growing up a trellis

Flowers-Kimmerle teaches webinar session on winter sowing of seeds

Starting a Garden: Season Extension

Cold frame with vegetables growing inside in the fall.

Sick plants? No problem! UIUC Plant Clinic still open!

a dead soybean plant

Starting a Garden: Weed Management

Weed free tomatoes

Starting a Garden: Types of Gardens

lettuce and potatoes in an in-ground garden, vegetables in a raised bed, and herbs in pots

Starting a Garden: Warm Season Vegetables

basket with tomatoes, peppers and summer squash

Starting a Garden: Cool-Season Vegetables | And my top 5 cool-season crops to grow

Kale

Starting a Garden: Supplemental Lighting for Indoor Seed Starting

Lighting

Remember the Feeling of Spring

Image of spring

Dye Spring Colorful with Plant-Based Egg Dyes

Wicker basket filled with live grass, flowers, and dyed eggs

Kick off spring in Pontiac with Livingston County Master Gardeners

The Reality of Growing Plants for a Living

The Reality of Growing Plants for a Living

Creating an Edible Landscape

Scarlet runner beans growing on a fence

Landscape Drainage for Homeowners

A puddle

The 2020 Perennial Plant of the Year with Martha Smith

Aralia cordata 'Sun King' Photo credit Janet Draper

Illinois Vegetable Planting - Dates, Spacing, and Seeds

Bringing Spring Indoors - Forcing Branches

branches from cherry tree blooming indoors

Bald Eagles: Noble bird or thieving scavenger?

Bald Eagle

Homegrown: DIY Hydroponics for All Gardeners

Green herbs growing out of plastic tub in home hydroponic system

What’s Not-So-New in the Home Orchard

harvested apples filling a crate with trees blurred in background

Norfolk Island Pines

large Norfolk Island pines in a landscape and potted Norfolk Island pine

New Garden Plants for 2020

pictures of the 2020 AAS Winners Cucumber Green Light F1, Pumpkin Blue Prince F1, Tomato Apple Yellow F1, Tomato Celano F1, Tomato Early Resilience F1 Watermelon Mambo F1, Coleus Main Street Beale Street, Echinacea Sombrero® Baja Burgundy, and Rudbeckia x American Gold Rush

New Year, New Yard: Making plans for your landscape in 2020

New Year New Yard

Christmas Trees After the Holidays

Christmas trees leaning against wooden pallets in a snow covered field

What are Those Bugs in My Flour? – Pantry Pests

A bowl of white flour in a glass bowl on a wooden counter

Gift Ideas for Gardeners this Holiday Season

Gifts

What's the Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams?

picture of sweet potatoes in a bucket and yams in metal bowls

Parsnips – An Underrated Vegetable

Parsnips

Cranberries

picture of cranberry plants and ripe cranberry fruit

Extension Master Gardeners receive Keep Peoria Beautiful Award for project and education at St. Jude Church and School

group of people standing in front of brick building

Winter Dormancy in the Landscape

Winter Dormancy

Spooky and Scary Plants

Spooky and Scary plants with doll's eyes plant berries

Ornamental Fall Berries Provide Year-Round Awe

brandywine viburnum

Not All Trees Are Good Trees

Bronze leaves of Tree of Heaven

The Truth about Woolly Bear Caterpillars

The Truth about Woolly Bear Caterpillars

Experienced composters advance their skills at local Extension workshop

lady working in her compost pile with pitch fork

Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle joins Extension team as horticulture educator

Nicole Flowers staff photo

College of ACES dean and extension director connect with staff and stakeholders

Dr. Shelly Nickols-Richardson shaking hands with a 4-H teen

Winter weather does not slow down Master Gardener activity

five Master Gardeners in winter coats holding shovels

Growing Garlic

Garlic cloves

Time to Divide Iris

Cyclamen

Fall is for More than Tree Planting

The Seedy Side of Gardening

Rooting Hydrangea Cuttings in Five Easy Steps

Yellow Leaves Can Indicate Plant Problems

Planting a Fall Vegetable Garden

broccoli plants in a mulched garden

Galls Abound All Around

Sugar-n-Spice and Everything Nice

Scouting in the Garden

It's Peony Time!

Propagating Houseplants

Living with Japanese Beetles

japanese beetle

Beat summer heat with low-water xeriscape gardens

Xeriscape style garden

A Primer to Supplemental Lighting for Indoor Seed Starting

News Releases (247)

Illinois Extension celebrates outstanding programs, staff

Get creative and make your own plant terrarium at hands-on workshop

Webinar series encourages gardeners to start thinking about spring

Horticulture day-long program helps gardeners plan for the season

Horticulture Hotline Continues to Provide Valuable Information to Homeowners

New horticulture expert grows Southern Illinois community outreach

Extension Master Gardeners team up with 4-H youth to grow a creative garden at Wildlife Prairie Park

Master Gardener Program offers new training options

Partnership boosts local horticulture education at ICC

Master Gardeners Host Make-and-Take Holiday Event

Local Master Gardeners honored at state level

Discover what you need to know before choosing Evergreens for your landscape

Take the Local Thanksgiving Challenge

Legends and Traditions of Holiday Plants

Geometric shapes in landscapes add interest

Winter brings new opportunities for plant care

University of Illinois Extension Offers Online & Hybrid Classroom Master Gardener Training

Restore wildlife, prepare for spring with winter Gardening in the Air series

Trim trees, shrubs in the dormant season for stronger, healthier plants

Garden catalog season gives gardeners chance to explore, shop for next year's seeds

Plant cover crops at home for healthier soils

Give houseplants new life with DIY kokedama moss balls

Give Christmas trees a second life after the holidays

Poinsettias add a rainbow of color options to holiday décor

Low-maintenance, winter blooming holiday cacti are gift that keep on giving

DIY bottle terrariums make great holiday gifts

Watering trees, shrubs in the fall and winter is a balancing act

Keep worms warm for winter vermicomposting

Macon County Master Gardeners receive state awards

Invasive jumping worms confirmed in Morgan County

Free learning experience offered in a take home kit

Piatt County Master Gardeners receive state awards

McLean County Master Gardeners Receive State Awards

Livingston County Master Gardeners Receive State Awards

Extension Master Gardeners create native landscaping demonstration at Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon

Remove invasive honeysuckle from Fairview Park at volunteer event

Keep plants, pollinators happy with fall Gardening in the Air series

Feed the bees next spring with bulbs from this year’s Fall Gardeners’ Gathering

Woodford County Master Gardeners offer gardening help desk at Eureka Library

Improve your tree identification skills with free tree walk

Extension adds horticulture staff in northwest Illinois

Spruce and Callery pear can be problematic for your midwestern landscape

University of Illinois Extension announces Emily Swihart as horticulture educator serving the Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark Counties unit

Free hands-on monarch butterfly event is fun for all ages

Explore your creative side at this free terrarium workshop

Become a Master Gardener and help others grow

Extension offers best gardening tips for fall season

Free hands-on event to spread education on monarch butterflies

Wondering how to rid your landscape of parasitic plants?

Dixon Springs research takes center stage at upcoming forums

2021 Summer Twilight Series - Bauman Family Farm

Enrich your knowledge and your soil at free composting event

Go back in time with free historical cottage garden tour

Free learning experience offered in a take home kit

Learn how to grow great tomatoes and tour community garden

Retiring July 1st, Martha Smith, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, spent her 30 year career helping others “learn to grow”

Free event to tour Crossing Garden and learn about composting

Extension Master Gardeners team up with Tazewell County Health Department to grow food for local families

Weeds or wildflowers? It's a matter of perspective

Master gardeners to answer questions in-person at the farmer's market

Four Seasons Gardening Program Offers Free Summer Series Webinars

Native plant education aids natural habitat preservation

Master Naturalists train 15 new environmental steward volunteers

Tour beautiful gardens during the Master Gardener Over the Gate Garden Walk

Extension Master Gardeners Educate the community about native plants at Morton Public Library

Tomato Production

Hybrid rainscaping program offers a closer look at stormwater management

2021 Southern Illinois Summer Twilight Series

Invasive jumping worms confirmed in Peoria County

Tara Heath joins Extension horticulture team

Take home kits offer learning experiences for children

Whiteside County Master Gardeners Presenting Container Workshop on May 22

Lee County Master Gardeners Host Seed Starting Workshop

Whiteside County Master Gardeners Presenting Mums The Word Workshop April 17

Lee County Master Gardeners Host Junior Garden Tour

Whiteside County Master Gardeners Host Demonstration Shade Garden Tour

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Extension to Offer Growing Horticulture in Northwest Illinois Series

Learn how to prune your shrubs with 'cutting hedge' technology

The gardening methods you need to tell goodbye

Log on to the McHenry County Virtual Gardenfest on April 10

Illinois Extension to Offer Get Growing Webinar Series

Grow your green thumb this spring with free online gardening classes

Planning, designing a native garden

Refreshing raised bed soil generates exceptional results

Spruce, Callery pear have no home in Illinois landscapes

The time is right to plant cool season vegetables

Birds, bees need growers' help to keep pollinating

Vermilion County Master Gardeners present 2021 Garden Day Workshop

Illinois Extension leads efforts to address food insecurity in DeWitt and Piatt Counties

Protect plants from winter salt damage

LaSalle Public Library to Host University of Illinois Extension Live Virtual Program “Growing Plants from Seeds”.

2021 is the year of the gardener; get ready with Home, Lawn, Garden Day

Learn how to start a community garden on January 20

2021 Fruit & Vegetable VIRTUAL Conference

Bi-State Garden Conference

Four Seasons Gardening webinars return in 2021

Winter take home learning kits now available through Illinois Extension

Get ready for spring with Gardening in the Air

Master Gardener program offers two online training options

Learn to identify trees in winter with bark, twigs, buds

Keep houseplants happy with simple solutions

Winter pruning boosts blackberry and raspberry harvests

Preventing fruit tree diseases starts in the dormant season

Use winter to plan for a fruit garden

Perennial plant of the year, calamint, a perfect pick for pollinators

Keep Poinsettias plentiful long after the holidays

Apply for Online Master Gardener Training for Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties

Partnering up for a pollinator garden in Normal

Grow a living Christmas tree with Norfolk Island Pine

Master Gardener Program offers new training options

A Very Berry Christmas Webinar: Winter Garden Landscaping With Various Berry Shrubs

Now is the time to become a Master Gardener

Pining for Evergreens: A Pruning Guide on December 3

Illinois Extension staff honored for life-changing programs

Add a pop of color to gray winter months with indoor plants

LaSalle Public Library to Host University of Illinois Extension Live Virtual Demonstration “Making a Holiday Centerpiece”.

Four Seasons Gardening Program Offers Final Program of Free Fall Webinar Series

Take home learning kits for children now available

Extend the life of urban forests with Urban Tree Conference

Learn from home with Good Growing Winter Webinars

Youth can learn to design creative mini gardens during virtual workshop

Master Gardener creator remembered for volunteer program

Save wetlands, use soilless potting mixtures

New educators and specialists join Illinois Extension team

LaSalle Public Library to Host University of Illinois Extension Live Virtual Presentation “Gardening with Bulbs for Beginners”.

Virtual book study group keeps Master Volunteers connected and learning

Mushrooms of Illinois Webinar

Master Gardener Program Accepting Applicants for Fall Online Training

Conservation virtual workshop provides best practices for landowners and managers

Fall garden cleanup lays groundwork for a successful spring

Exfoliating bark trees add great appeal

Put fall leaves to work as compost

Fall is a great time for planting trees

How to pick the perfect pumpkin

Learn in Your Lawn Chair at the University of Illinois Extension

6th Annual Monarch Migration Festival to be held online

Do not plant seeds of unknown origins

Consistent watering needed during hot-weather gardening

Garden vegetables need water to survive extreme weather

Big nutritional value from tiny plants; learn to grow microgreens

Rescue plants from extreme heat

Find beauty during 'dog days' of August

Choose perennials that love sun for summer glory

The Gardening Helpline: an Extension tradition going strong

Protect your plants from Japanese beetles

July Master Gardener Column

Ask the Master Gardener - Horticulture Helpline Open

Garden tour video explores local gardens

Discover summer plants of Illinois during Walk and Talk Webinar

Learn to manage pests and diseases in the home landscape

Green infrastructure systems provide environmental and economic benefits

Have a garden question? The answer is only a click away

Ready to start your gardening adventure with Illinois Extension Master Gardeners?

Extension Master Gardener Trainees Revamp Peoria Zoo Pollinator Garden

Extension Master Gardeners Offer Free Gardening Helpline

University of Illinois Extension offers Horticulture Webinars

Beginning Vegetable Gardening Webinar - May 15

Worm digestion helps feed soil

Start herb seeds indoors

Start your spring landscape clean up

Revive your compost pile after winter

Increase life span of urban trees

Use native prairie plants in the home landscape

Flowers-Kimmerle Teaches Webinar Session on Winter Sowing of Seeds

Familiar tale: Victims of emerald ash borer and other exotic pests

Master Gardener program offers online training

Strategies for minimizing land and water invasive species

Keep your garden producing all season

Thermal composting speeds process

Changes to Pesticide Testing and Licensing for 2020

Wildlife-Friendly Gardens Add More Enjoyment and Interest

Free Webinar on Natural Lawn Care - April 18 - 10:00 AM

U of I Extension Offers Additional Horticulture Webinars - Participate from Home

Improve your gardens: Four Seasons webinar offers tips

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners Seeking Plant Donations for Local Food Pantries

Extension to offer Growing Horticulture in Northwest Illinois series

U of I Extension Horticulture Webinar Starts April 14

Illinois Extension Looking for Rainfall Network Volunteers in Kendall County

Program cancellations and postponements

Extension Helps Local Residents Create Landscape Designs

March Master Gardener Column

CANCELLED - Russel Allen Garden Day on March 28 (Lincoln)

All Levels of Gardening Experience Encouraged to Attend Gardeners’ BIG Day

Local Volunteers Plan Spring Fling Garden Day

All About Berries Series in Christian County

Starting Seeds Indoors Workshop - Christian County

All Gardener’s Day – 2020 registration is open

McHenry County Gardenfest 2020

Master Gardener Training Offered Spring 2020

Leap into Learning at the 23rd Annual Nursery School: Lessons in Gardening Feb 29 in East Moline, IL

Home Landscape Design Series Offered in Late February

Hands on Floral Workshops Happening at Whiteside Extension Office in February

Raspberry: The Herb of the Year Homeowners Learn All About Growing Raspberries at Information-Packed Workshop

Four Seasons Gardening Winter Webinar Series Underway

Starting Seeds Indoors Workshop - Macoupin County

Ready Set Grow Gardening Workshop Hosted By Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties Master Gardeners

Pruning Apples and More Workshop - Macoupin County

Pruning Apples and More Workshop - Montgomery County

All About Berries Series in Macoupin County

University of Illinois Extension announces Four Seasons of Gardening Winter Webinar Series Dates and Topics

Gardening webinars offer inspiration for warmer weather

Winter protection of woody ornamentals

Overwintering tropical plants

Growing holly

Explore and assess your seeds this winter

Winter seed sowing

Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’ 2020 Perennial Plant of the Year

Christmas tree hitchhikers

2020 All-America Selection Winners

Starting Seeds Indoors Workshop

December 2019 Master Gardener Column

Starting a School Garden Workshop Series Open to All Types of School Staff and Volunteers

Extension Master Gardeners receive Keep Peoria Beautiful Award for project and education at St. Jude Church and School

University of Illinois Extension recognize accomplishments of members

Establishing Perennials in the Early Fall

Harvesting Native and Indigenous Perennial Seeds

Kendall County Master Gardeners on Track for 2,000 Service Hours in 2019

Kane County Master Gardeners on Track for 4,000 Service Hours in 2019

Extension Accepting Applications for Master Gardener Training

University of Illinois Extension offers Invasive Plant Workshop

Experienced Composters Advance their Skills at Local Extension Workshop

Extension to Host Seed Collecting Workshop

October Master Gardener Column

Community Garden Raises Spirits at Good Samaritan House

Extension Presents Into to Rain Gardens Workshop

Extension Shares Information on Native Plants

Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle Joins Extension Team as Horticulture Educator

September Master Gardener Column

Illinois Milkweeds

Plant your native garden this fall

Learn how to identify trees correctly

Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists Share Information at Fair

Succulent Wreath Workshop in Macoupin County

Landscaping with Native Plants in Christian County

Southern Illinois Wine Trail Bus Trip

Succulent Wreath Workshop in Montgomery County

August Master Gardener Column

Extension to Host Native Plant Workshop

Illilnois Extension Presents Fall Harvest of Horticulture in Aledo, Ill on September 21

University of Illinois Extension’s Mercer County office relocates to Viola starting in September

University of Illinois Extension to Host Tree Selection and Care Workshop

Winter and Spring Weather Extremes Will Impact Yards, Gardens

Organic Pest Control

Hackberry Gall from a Psyllid's Perspective

Extension Welcomes Horticulture Educator

Extension to Host Weed and Pest Management Webinar

Educator Shares Information on Weed Management

Staff (29)

Kelly Allsup

Kelly Allsup

Extension Educator, Horticulture

Gemini Bhalsod

Gemini Bhalsod

Cook County Horticulture Educator

Bruce Black

Bruce Black

Horticulture Educator

Alex Burbach

Alex Burbach

Program Coordinator - Jo Daviess County

Travis Burke

Dr. Travis Burke

Assistant Dean, Agriculture/Agri-Business Program Leader

Margaret Burns Westmeyer

Margaret Burns Westmeyer

Cook County Horticulture Program Coordinator

Amanda Christenson

Amanda Christenson

Master Naturalist Program Coordinator

Brenda Dahlfors

Brenda Dahlfors

Program Coordinator, Horticulture-McHenry

Jesse Davis

Jesse Davis

Program Coordinator, Horticulture - Lake

Christopher Enroth

Christopher Enroth

Horticulture Extension Educator

Sarah Fellerer

Sarah Fellerer

Master Naturalist Program Coordinator and Kane, Kendall County Master Gardener Program Coordinator

Wendy Ferguson

Wendy Ferguson

Horticulture Program Coordinator

Mary Fisher picture

Mary Fischer

Extension Educator, Horticulture

staff photo of Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle

Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle

Agriculture and Natural Resources (Horticulture) Educator

Holly Froning

Holly Froning

Program Coordinator, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist-Kankakee County

staff photo of Tara Heath

Tara Heath

Horticulture Program Coordinator

Richard Hentschel

Richard Hentschel

Horticulture Educator

Judy Hodge

Judy Hodge

Program Coordinator

Andrew Holsinger

Andrew Holsinger

Horticulture Educator

Ken Johnson Staff Photo

Ken Johnson

Horticulture Educator

Valerie Kehoe

Valerie Kehoe

Program Coordinator, Horticulture

Nikki Keltner

Nikki Keltner

Program Coordinator - Stephenson County

Nancy Kreith

Nancy Kreith

Cook County Horticulture Educator

Nancy Kuhajda

Nancy Kuhajda

Program Coordinator, Master Gardener, Master Naturalist and Master Composter-Will County

Jenny Lee

Jenny Lee

Program Coordinator, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist

Beth Miglin

Beth Miglin

Horticulture Program Coordinator

Tracy Jo Mulliken

Tracy Jo Mulliken

Program Coordinator, Horticulture and Agriculture

Nejra Muminovic

Horticulture Program Coordinator

Sarah Vogel staff photo

Sarah Vogel

Horticulture and Natural Resources Educator