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Fruits

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

We are officially into the dog days of summer; with daylight noticeably shorter than around the June solstice, berry season is sadly coming to an end. However, there is one local berry that is putting on a show right now. Besides its fruit, elderberry has many other contributions to the landscape...
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CSA: What is it, and why should I care?

We have enjoyed some pleasant weather recently, and it makes me think on the coming growing season, and the abundant locally produced fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, cut flowers and everything else available at farmers markets. However, there is another way to get some of these goodies for you...
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Black currant: growing favor for a blast of flavor.

With the end of winter near, it’s time to start planning for the garden season. At the outbreak of COVID-19 last year, many people attempted to grow some of their own food, re-popularizing the concept of WWII “victory gardens.” Increase your victory garden growing capacity by planting some black...
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Do you know when to plant in Illinois?

Believe it or not, it's never too early to start making plans for this year's garden. Knowing when to plant for your area and getting your plants started right will help you maximize the growing season. When to grow? Planting dates are determined two things: the first and last frost dates where...
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Growing strawberries and blueberries

The 2021 Garden Trends Report by Garden Media Group says, “Victory garden was spurred by the increase in home cooking in 2020. GMG says 31 percent of people would like to grow fruits in their backyard and berries are at the top of the list.” Strawberries and blueberries can both be grown in...
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Winter pruning boosts blackberry and raspberry harvests

One of the simple joys of summer is picking berries straight from the bush and enjoying a sweet treat. Pruning blackberry and raspberry bushes now ensures a bumper harvest in the summer. “As a child, my grandparents would send my sisters and I to the unmanaged portions of their property to pick...
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Controlling Spotted-Wing Drosophila

Females can start laying eggs as soon as you see adults. Once the adult flies are discovered, management decisions should be made. Adult flies are tan with red eyes and a tiny 2-3mm-long (up to a one-eighth of an inch). Males have characteristic dark spots on their wings that can easily be seen...
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Spring Sweetness: Strawberrries

Strawberries can be greatly rewarding and only require a few simple, timed garden tasks. Plant strawberry plants this spring for next year's harvest of plump juicy berries. Add Compost Before planting bare-root bundles, amend the soil with organic matter. Organic matter consisting of plant and...
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