Good Growing 2025

a thermometer resting against an apple branch with blossoms

Growing Degree Days: A Tool for Smarter Gardening

This past week, right around mid-June, I received my first question about Japanese beetles. Throughout a growing season, plants, insects, diseases, and many other natural processes emerge, develop, and complete their life cycles. How do we know when to expect Japanese beetles to emerge? Or squash...
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A hand placing mulch at the base of a plant

Are you falling for these gardening myths?

During my time as an Illinois Extension educator, I have run across many garden myths. Too many to keep track of. But some myths keep on coming up in teaching and talking with Illinoisians. Some myths are more localized, while others are widespread and often touted as garden “hacks” online. ...
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