Skip to main content

Gardening

Gardening

Blog Posts

daffodils
Read article: Spring Gardening: When is the best time to get started
Spring Gardening: When is the best time to get started
By Ella Maxwell, Extension Master Gardener serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties The temperatures this spring have been up...
Homegrown bouquets: three species for your garden bunches of colorful flowers on display at a market
Read article: Homegrown bouquets: three species for your garden
Homegrown bouquets: three species for your garden
We live in a fast-paced world. From food to information to travel, what took our grandparents hours, days, or weeks to obtain, we can have in seconds...
silvery checkerspot butterfly on a red and yellow flower
Read article: 6 ways to support native pollinators in Illinois and beyond
6 ways to support native pollinators in Illinois and beyond
Pollinators are an important part of healthy ecosystems. There are a few easy steps you can take to help support pollinators in your landscape...
Eliana' Garden memorial rock in her garden
Read article: Gardening can help you heal while grieving
Gardening can help you heal while grieving
In August of 2020, I received a call with the news that is every mother’s nightmare. There had been an accident and my six-year-old daughter did not...

News Releases

Kim at school speaking in front of crowd outside
Plant positivity, learn how to grow a school or community garden
A school garden, plant with some knowledge: enroll in our online course URBANA, Ill. — When green spaces fill schoolyards and neighborhoods with flowers and fresh produce, children and communities thrive. But the journey from the idea of starting a community or school-based garden to...
Person outside in the hot sun gardening while wiping forehead of sweat.
Recognizing heat-related warning signs for gardeners and landscapers
URBANA, Ill. — Landscaping and gardening are great physical exercises, and studies show they are good for emotional well-being. But those working outside must remain aware of the dangers associated with heat stress on their bodies. “When I was working as a landscaper, we had to sod a...
A person holding out a large group of varied flowers and herbs
Add a dash of herbs to spice up floral bouquets
URBANA, Ill. — Cultivating a cut flower garden filled with favorites can be a fun family project that can become budget-friendly gifts for everyone. Adding herbs to a garden and bouquets will create a unique, personal touch to designs. Fresh herbs look and smell amazing and will be long-lasting...
Overhead view of compost filled bin during winter.
Spring into composting by reviving a compost pile after winter
URBANA, Ill. — If you haven’t touched your compost bin or pile all winter, don’t worry, you are not alone. It could be filled with kitchen scraps to the top or left untouched since the fall. Getting a compost pile going again after the long, cold winter can be intimidating, but it is possible...

Videos

Starting a Garden: Seed Starting Basics

 

Are you new to starting your own vegetable garden seeds? Doing it yourself can save you money and get you involved with the food you eat from seed to harvest. In this video, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth demonstrates seed starting while at home during the...

Themed Gardens: Design with Kids in Mind

 

Foster the love of gardening with the youth in your life by creating theme gardens. Join Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Brittnay Haag as she shares ideas and tips for creating a special place for your young, hands-on learner to grow, explore, and be creative. Whether it’s at...