University of Illinois Extension
MILAN, Ill. — If you have noticed ragged, irregular holes in your hostas or other broad-leaf garden plants, you may be dealing with garden slugs. These soft-bodied pests can be found in shady, moist gardens, and although small, they can cause significant damage. Identifying Slugs Slugs are members of the mollusk family, closely related to…
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MACOMB, Ill. — As demand for water resources and concern for water conservation increase across the U.S, drip irrigation is becoming a popular method to reduce water bills and safeguard water resources. Drip irrigation is a method that enables water to gradually seep onto the soil surface or directly into the root zone through a…
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MENDON, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension and a coalition of local partners recently came together to host the Ride Right Rally, a hands-on safety event designed to equip sixth-grade students with the knowledge and skills to stay safe around ATVs, mowers and other equipment. Held at the Adams County Fairgrounds, the event brought together more than 340…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — As gardeners, we’re often on the lookout for low-maintenance plants with colorful flower displays. One such plant that fits that description, and is vastly underutilized in the landscape, is Baptisia. These easy-to-grow native perennials are primarily grown for their colorful floral displays, ranging from blue, purple, white, and yellow. They can also…
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MILAN, Ill. — Homeowners looking to enhance their landscape this year while managing stormwater have options available. Green infrastructure options include permeable pavement, rain barrels, large trees, green roofs, raingardens, bioswales and more. Each of these systems are designed to utilize technologies or replicate natural systems in urban areas that create habitat, reduce the heat…
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MACOMB, Ill. — 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. Some garden…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Columbines are popular garden plants. They can be found in various colors, ranging from red, pink, yellow, white, purple and blue, and they can help fill the gap between early spring blooming plants like tulips and daffodils and the summer blooming plants that dominate our landscapes. Columbine flowers are unique and instantly…
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MILAN, Il. — Trees are an essential element of a healthy, vibrant community. Trees, large and small, help clean our air, shade our landscapes, provide wildlife habitat and improve our mental and physical well-being. Planting trees throughout our community, in parks, along streets and trails, at civic buildings and in residential yards is ideal, but…
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MACOMB, Ill. — Lots of trees get planted in April, at least in Illinois. What follows is a “will they, won’t they …survive?” In multiple instances, I’ve come across a tree that gets planted and maybe watered once to a handful of times that year. What most people don’t realize is that it can take…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Canadian wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a perennial plant with attractive foliage and has become an increasingly popular ground cover for shaded areas of landscapes. It is native to the woodlands of eastern North America, including Illinois. Wild ginger prefers shady areas with moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.…
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MACOMB, Ill. — Are you daydreaming of future cobblers, crumbles, jams, jellies and pies? If you grow your own cane fruit/brambles in early spring, while the plants are still dormant, it is an important time for plant pruning and care. These tasks need to take place before plants leaf out, which means if you haven’t…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Forsythias are planted for their stunning floral display in early spring. Have you ever seen a forsythia bush and, for some reason, maybe there are only blooms at the very top and the sides are barren of flowers, or maybe wondered why it didn’t bloom at all? There are several different reasons…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — As we creep toward spring, many gardeners begin to get the urge to get out in the garden. Seed starting and garden planning activities are well underway. One gardening technique that many gardeners incorporate into their gardens is companion planting. What is companion planting? There isn’t an agreed-upon definition of what companion…
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MILAN, Ill. — Daffodils are among the most beloved spring flowers known for their bright blooms and easy cultivation. Beginner gardeners to experienced horticulturists alike have delighted in daffodils for centuries. As our spring advances, we take a closer look at the flower that has become an emblem of renewal and hope and a welcome…
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MACOMB, Ill. — To my fellow Illinois gardeners – I know these cold winter days can feel long and dreary. One way to combat the winter blues is by propagating your houseplants. After all, your houseplants are stuck inside with you, so why not have some fun with them? Plant propagation is essentially creating new…
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MILAN, Il. — As the growing season approaches, final plans are being made for home gardens. What to plant and where to plant are big questions that require multiple levels of consideration. What to plant requires an analysis of what the intended use is, what the growing space can support, and how the climate is…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Valentine’s Day is a time for expressing love and appreciation for others, which is often done by giving cut flowers and, increasingly, potted plants. Whether you’ve received a bouquet of flowers or a potted plant, here are tips that can help you care for them to keep them healthy and attractive as…
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MILAN, Ill. — Each year, a variety of establishments attempt to make news by predicting annual garden trends. I’m conflicted over these reports because, on the one hand, they are fun ways to see what types of new things are on the horizon. Yet on the other hand, many of the trends are elaborate and…
Read Full Article MACOMB, Ill. — It’s the end of January, and yet I can feel the excitement of the approaching growing season. As the weather teases us with thoughts of the warmth to come with temperatures creeping into the 50s, it is important to note we still have more winter ahead. Even though we still have time…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — As cold weather sets in, we often find ourselves retreating indoors where it is warm. However, our landscape plants can’t do this, and during times of extreme cold, like this recent cold snap, we may find ourselves wondering how our plants will fare. How do plants prepare for cold weather? As the…
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MILAN, Ill. — It is official, winter is upon us. The holiday season has come and gone, the calendar has turned over to a new year and much of the Midwest is blanketed in snow. On these long winter days, one of my favorite activities to do is to dream about warm summer days. I…
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MACOMB, Ill. — After a lovely winter break, I returned to the office with a stack of seed catalogs begging me to order more seeds. Despite having hundreds of seed packets, I find it hard to throw them away. Indeed, my seed collection is busting at the seams. Good thing they are relatively inexpensive. The…
Read Full Article SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), along with the University of Illinois Extension, is hosting certified livestock manager training (CLMT) workshops throughout the state. Two training options are being offered this year: seven in-person workshops and an online training, which will provide Illinois livestock producers the manure management training they need to…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Has this cold, dreary weather been making you wish you could get outside and play in the ‘dirt’? Or perhaps you’re looking for ways to improve your garden soil during the winter. Worm composting, or vermicomposting, is a good way to accomplish both. In addition to producing compost, it’s also a great…
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