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Person outside in the hot sun gardening while wiping forehead of sweat.

Recognizing heat-related warning signs for gardeners and landscapers

URBANA, Ill. — Landscaping and gardening are great physical exercises, and studies show they are good for emotional well-being. But those working outside must remain aware of the dangers associated with heat stress on their bodies.

“When I was working as a landscaper, we had to sod a…

farmers inspecting lettuce harvest

USDA grants advance urban agriculture possibilities for Chicago farmers

URBANA, Ill. — The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency Outreach Office and Illinois FSA Office, in cooperation with University of Illinois Extension, announces an opportunity for urban farmers and producers, beginning farmers, historically underserved producers, and…

Tie dye yellow and green background with Four Seasons Gardening text.

Spend summer days growing, supporting gardens with webinar series

URBANA, Ill. — Get ready to spend summer days outdoors gardening, exploring, and enjoying the growing season by adding in Four Seasons Gardening webinars beginning June 11. 

University of Illinois Extension horticulture experts will share tips for supporting the ladybug…

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Plan your vegetable garden early
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE URBANA, Ill. – If you’re itching for homegrown tomatoes this year, now is the perfect time to plan your vegetable garden. “Growing your own vegetables is a great way to save money at the grocery store, get some exercise, and teach kids where their produce comes...
2019 All-America Selection winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE URBANA, Ill. – Fluctuating weather patterns over the past few months have brought snow and rain, warmth and dangerously cold temperatures, ice and now flooding in parts of the state. These weather patterns can have an impact on our mental states, giving us the...
Add beauty to the garden with cool season annuals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE URBANA, Ill. – Gardeners looking for high-performing cool-season annuals should consider alyssum, nasturtium, Swiss chard, snapdragon, pansies, and ornamental kale, according to Nancy Kreith, a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. “These...
Help your peonies shine this spring
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE URBANA, Ill. – Herbaceous peonies are a common sight in many gardens and are some of the most beautiful flowers you will find, says Ken Johnson, a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. Herbaceous or garden peonies belong to the genus...
Understanding and reversing winter damage to evergreens
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE URBANA, Ill. – Evergreen plants, which retain their leaves throughout the seasons, are some of the showstoppers of the winter garden, providing some much-needed color in otherwise bleak winter landscapes. Although evergreens do go into dormancy during winter,...
Early spring garden cleanup and fruit tree care
URBANA, Ill. – Weather permitting, early spring can provide the time to begin early garden and yard clean up, says Richard Hentschel, a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. "No matter how tidy the yard and garden looked last fall, Mother Nature always leaves behind some...
Add beauty to the garden with cool season annuals
URBANA, Ill. – Gardeners looking for high-performing cool-season annuals should consider alyssum, nasturtium, Swiss chard, snapdragon, pansies, and ornamental kale, according to Nancy Kreith, a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. "These annuals bring beauty to a spring...
Care of fresh-cut flowers
URBANA, Ill. – Flowers are a great way to celebrate a special occasion, such as a holiday, birthday, anniversary, or a new baby. "Of course, you don't need a special occasion to enjoy fresh-cut flowers or a flowering potted plant," says Jennifer Fishburn, a University of Illinois horticulture...
Help your peonies shine this spring
URBANA, Ill. – Herbaceous peonies are a common sight in many gardens and are some of the most beautiful flowers you will find, says Ken Johnson, a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. Herbaceous or garden peonies belong to the genus Paeonia, which is native to Asia,...
2019 All-America Selection winners
URBANA, Ill. – Fluctuating weather patterns over the past few months have brought snow and rain, warmth and dangerously cold temperatures, ice and now flooding in parts of the state. These weather patterns can have an impact on our mental states, giving us the winter blues. The joy of garden...
Understanding and reversing winter damage to evergreens
URBANA, Ill. – Evergreen plants, which retain their leaves throughout the seasons, are some of the showstoppers of the winter garden, providing some much-needed color in otherwise bleak winter landscapes. Although evergreens do go into dormancy during winter, their foliage is subject to extreme...
Plan your vegetable garden early
URBANA, Ill. – If you're itching for homegrown tomatoes this year, now is the perfect time to plan your vegetable garden. "Growing your own vegetables is a great way to save money at the grocery store, get some exercise, and teach kids where their produce comes from," says Gemini Bhalsod, a...
Fall Flowers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fall has arrived with it cooler temperatures. There is so much beauty to see in the outdoors this time of year.  Most of us think about fall beauty coming in the form of leaves turning. The bright explosion of color from trees changing colors is not the only...
Financial Coaching: A Nationwide Trend and a Local Story
“Where can I receive help with my money management?” is a question that I hear regularly. Many financial professionals, with different credentials and approaches, assist people with investing decisions but historically not many help with personal financial goals related to managing daily...
Four Quick Tips for Keeping the Kitchen Safe
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate every year 1 in 6 Americans becomes sick from food. Although the number of people getting sick from foodborne illness may be much higher. Lisa Peterson, Nutrition & Wellness Educator with University of...
On-Farm Readiness Reviews - Illinois
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR) is a voluntary assessment used to familiarize Illinois farmers with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.  This program provides an opportunity for farmers to discuss areas of...

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