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Give your front porch containers a fall makeover

September 10, 2021

Are you ready to toss in the towel on your overgrown, drab-looking container gardens for the year? Unfortunately, our gorgeous summer containers are now fading due to the stress of the summer heat, possible insects or diseases, and the changing temperatures and sunlight in fall. Don’t give up! Now...

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Armyworms move farther north and cause issues with lawns in Central Illinois

September 8, 2021

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

The larvae of a moth may be wreaking havoc on your lawns right now and could be exacerbated by the lack of rain leaving behind lots of dead grass in its wake. Recent sightings of large fall armyworm infestations of turf have been reported in Bloomington Normal this week. Fall armyworm (Spodoptera...

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How to garden in rainy weather

July 16, 2021

Rainy weather is leaving gardeners confused. Traditionally, Illinoisans would be gearing up for a very hot and very dry late summer and I would be encouraging consistent watering as the key to good harvest. However, with the deluge of irrigation from the sky, there are some other landscaping tasks...

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Edible flowers can add unique color and spice to your dish

July 9, 2021

Growing up, a summer meal at grandma and grandpa’s house wasn’t complete without a giant, juicy tomato and fried squash blossoms. Squash blossoms are one example of edible flowers that are already growing in our gardens and just waiting for us to enjoy. Edible flowers can be added as the main...

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Celebrate National Pollinator Week!

June 16, 2021

Thank a pollinator for that warm cup of coffee in your hands, or for that chocolate sundae you indulged in the other day. National Pollinator Week is June 21-27; celebrate pollinators and support their health this year. Did you know that that...

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Herb of the Year: Parsley

May 21, 2021

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

A recent study tracking butterfly abundance in Ohio over the last 20 years has discovered a 33% decline. We can only assume that in Illinois we have similar patterns in decline in our butterfly populations. Scientists...

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Pruning tomatoes and peppers for healthier plants and a stronger harvest

May 17, 2021

It’s that time of year again… time to plant your tomatoes and peppers and get your summer garden going! Most gardeners have grown these before, but with a few tips and tricks, you can decrease disease prevalence, increase plant health and get a better harvest. One tip: prune them both! It is...

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Perennial plant of the year: Calamint

May 14, 2021

Sun-loving, season-long blooming, low maintenance, dependable and pollinator-friendly. Sound like a perfect perennial to add to your garden? Calamint (Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta), selected as the Perennial Plant Association’s 2021...

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Spring cover crops help start the season weed-free

April 23, 2021

Do you struggle with weed control in the spring before planting your summer garden? Does your garden lose topsoil after a heavy rain due to slope? Would you like to improve soil structure and add organic matter to your garden? Backyard cover cropping is for you! At the time of...

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terrarium with roman soldier - photo by Brittnay Haag

Garden fun for families on Spring Break

March 12, 2021

You may not be able to travel for the kids’ spring break this year, but make it a memorable one and spend time in your own backyard, or at a local nature space. The weather is finally starting to warm up, and your garden and yard will be coming back to life soon. Get...

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