University of Illinois Extension

Events (1)

Soils 101 for Homeowners

Wed, 08/10/2022 - 12:00

Macoupin County Extension

An older gentleman holding soil in his hand and letting it fall through his hands to a patch of soil underneath.

Blog Posts (23)

The should’s and should not’s of landscaping

arrows pointing every which way in the lawn

More Seasonal FAQs from the Master Gardener Help Desks

Save wetlands, use soilless potting mixtures

composte bins in yard

Jumping Worms Invade Illinois

Non-native, invasive jumping worms can be identified by a cloudy white band that completely encircles the worm’s body

Preserve soil health with microorganisms

Spring weather affecting crops, markets

Young corn plants in the field

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

How does winter help the garden?

winter loaded screen

Fruit trees have a place, even in a small yard

How winter salt can damage landscape plants

The frosty accumulation of ice crystals on these spruce needles resulted from the wafting spray of an adjacent (untreated) roadway and serves to illustrate how salt spray can accumulate on plant parts.

Frequent fall topics: soil, compost and bulbs

Fall Soil Testing

Cover Crops

Cover Crops for Home Gardening

This bumble bee dangles from a flower of crimson clover, which is an attractive and valuable soil-building cover crop that can be easily hand-seeded into vegetable garden beds.

Tomato Care

Tomatoes are one of the most planted garden crops in the US, with several common problems here in central Illinois that can be managed through fairly simple cultural practices.

New Vegetable Garden Maintenance – Weed and Watering

New Vegetable Garden Maintenance

Starting a Garden: Irrigation

Sprinkler head

Analyzing Soils for New Vegetable Gardens

Raised garden beds are a great solution to a variety of common soil issues.

Starting a Garden: Soil Management

Spade in garden soil

Landscape Drainage for Homeowners

A puddle

University conducting focus group on conservation practices in the Flint/Henderson watershed- looking for participants

red tractor pulling tillage implement behind, tilling a field

News Releases (18)

Map reveals widespread lead pollution in Chicago backyards, parkways

Local Master Gardener inteviewed by WTWO TV

Keep worms warm for winter vermicomposting

Economics of Soil Health

Bioreactor Installation field day set for September 14th near Hillsdale, IL

Don't rake fall leaves, recycle them

Proper maintenance extends lifespan, saves money on garden tools

Healthy gardens start with sensible soil testing

Some trees weather wet soils, floods better than others

Invasive jumping worms confirmed in Peoria County

Refreshing raised bed soil generates exceptional results

Tips for starting your spring garden off strong

Conference connects the dots between cover crops, soil health, people

Annual Conservation Cropping Seminars now available online

Become a U of I Extension Master Gardener

Save wetlands, use soilless potting mixtures

Save wetlands, use soilless potting mixtures

ACES NEWS: Illinois Study Shows Universally Positive Effects of Cover Crops on Soil Microbiome

Staff (4)

staff photo of Earl Allen

Earl Allen

County Director

Christopher Enroth

Christopher Enroth

Horticulture Educator

Zachary Grant

Zachary Grant

Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator

Richard Hentschel

Richard Hentschel

Horticulture Educator