Flowers, Fruits, and Frass 2025

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, especially if you are near water where you might encounter members of the Odonata order. This group includes dragonflies and damselflies, which can often be seen resting on plants or rocks close to freshwater habitats.   Adult...

Most farmers’ market visitors are familiar with seeing tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumber, and other high-value horticultural crops on vendor tables throughout the season. This fall, a new and promising specialty crop will likely appear on farmers' market tables across Illinois - fresh, baby...

Have you enjoyed a sweet, juicy strawberry this spring? If so, it was likely grown in a warmer climate and shipped to your local grocery store. While store-bought strawberries are convenient, growing them in a home garden is both rewarding and surprisingly simple.   Strawberries...

Happy Arbor Day! This celebration began in 1872 as a day to plant and appreciate trees in the natural world around us. With over 150 years celebrating Arbor Day, various states and countries have helped plant new trees and educate various populations about why trees are so important in our...

Earning a title like "Plant of the Year" is a true honor for any garden specimen. Chosen by garden and plant associations to highlight exceptional plants that offer both beauty and reliability, these plants carry significant respect in the gardening community. If you're looking to add new plants to...

As the seasons change and warmer weather arrives, I always feel a little lighter and my smile becomes a bit brighter. With trees awakening and the sounds of more birds outside my window, I’m grateful for the extra moments of sunshine and I enjoy watching the furry friends in my neighborhood....

Benson, Illinois, isn’t where you’d expect a local food revolution, but that’s exactly what’s happening at Farm Family Foods. This small-town grocery and grower collaborative is leading the way for rural food access and farm-to-table distribution in Woodford County. Founded by sisters Lauren Reedy...

Many popular houseplants are known for their uniquely shaped or colored leaves, which bring natural beauty and texture to our indoor spaces. While beautiful foliage is a common feature of many houseplants, we often reserve the vibrant blooms for outdoor gardens or patio containers. However, this...

The Refuge Food Forest is quiet. The hum of summer insects among the fruit trees has disappeared, the leaves have all fallen, and their dormant branches stand bare against a cold blue sky. Now is the time for careful pruning with sharp shears...

“It wouldn't be too bad outside if it weren't for the wind...”  What a wonderful Midwest saying as we are gearing up for the best season for wind. March is the windiest month of the year in Bloomington, with an average hourly wind speed of 12.6 miles per hour. Wind speed varies at a...

When the weather turns cold, windy, and snowy, many of us prefer to stay indoors and keep warm at home. However, for those who venture outside, clear and safe roads are essential for traveling any distance. Using road salt lowers the freezing point of water, which prevents ice from forming. Salting...

“I just heard that Central Illinois Poultry Processing, the only processor in a four-hour radius of us, will no longer be offering ground chicken as a processing option. I’m worried about our ground turkey plans. Possible wrench in the 2025 farm business plan. AHH!”This was the note I received from...

During the holiday season, many hope for a white Christmas, and kids love to make snow angels while they are on school break. In Bloomington, Ill., where I'm located, January typically has the coldest average temperatures, with an average low of 19 degrees Fahrenheit and an average high of 33...