Gardener's Corner

Bromeliads

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

If you are looking for a unique houseplant that offers colorful foliage, try Bromeliads.

Understanding Pesticides

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

There can be a lot of confusion with all the different types of pesticide products on the market. Extension Horticulturist Richard Hentschel explains the differences between products and their uses.

Cacti and Succulents - Resilient and Beautiful

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Cacti and succulents are a wide and varied group of plants. Learn about the difference them and why they are so successful in a household setting.

Fertilizer 101

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Labeling on fertilizers can sometimes be confusing. Learn about different types of fertilizers and how to know which is right for you.

Understanding Pot Sizes

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Sometimes labels on plants in the garden center can be confusing. Extension Horticulturist Greg Stack explains how to understand the terminology of plant size.

Self Watering Plants

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Extension Horticulturist Richard Hentschel explains some foolproof methods for watering small plants.

Rabbit and Deer Protection

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Deer and rabbits can become a hassle as they try to feast on your home landscape. Find out how to protect your landscape against these animals dining on your yard.

Selecting Ferns

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Great for purifying air, ferns are a great way to bring life to any room in your home.

Pruning Shrub Roses for Winter?

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Find out why you may want to cut back your shrub roses before winter, in addition to pruning in the spring.

Houseplants: Clean Air Machines

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Many things inside your house can degrade the quality of your air, but houseplants are here to help. So get some plants, give them some light, and take in a deep breath of fresh air.

Taking Care of Holiday Bulbs

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Bulbs are a great holiday gift. Watch and learn how to take care of them for maximum effect.

After Dinner Gardening for Kids

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Planting seeds from everyday fruits can be a great activity to get your kids involved in gardening, especially during the winter.

Kid Fun: Growing Tropical Fruit

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Looking for a way to teach kids about gardening? Try growing plants from the seeds of tropical fruits.

To Clean or Not to Clean

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Trying to decide what you should or shouldn't clean up in your landscape? Extension horticulturist Richard Hentschel makes the case for pruning some plants, while leaving others standing for winter interest.

Happy Houseplants During the Winter

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulturist Greg Stack demonstrates some of the ways to keep your houseplants happy and extend their life in your home.

Handling Cut Flowers

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Learn ways to properly cut your store bought bouquets and techniques for extending vase life.

Double Potting Houseplants

Sat, 3 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Having problems with unattractive pots? Learn how to successfully keep your plants in a decorative container.

Late Season Watering

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Before you put that hose in the garden shed for winter, learn some reasons why it is important to perform late-season watering.

Saving Flower Seed

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Do you have a favorite flower seed that you want to save? Find out how to save flower seeds for years to come.

Choosing a Soil Mix

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

Learn about the type of soil mix you may want to use to keep your houseplants healthy.

The Wonderful World of Pots

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

There are many different types of pots on the market, all with different uses and purposes. Let Extension horticulturist Greg Stack introduce you to "The Wonderful World of Pots."

Using Hot Colors in a Garden

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

To make your garden stand out, consider using 'hot' colors like reds and yellows. Learn about some bold plants with great color.

Visit Public Gardens for New Ideas

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

Public gardens can be a great inspiration if you are trying to find new ideas for your garden. If you come to the Champaign County Master Gardener Idea Garden, you can look at hundreds of different plants to get inspired.

Choose Passion Vine

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

Passion Vine is a great plant for your garden. If you want a unique perennial vine with a tropical flair, choose Passion Vine.

Using a Monochrome Color Scheme

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

If you are having trouble deciding on colors for your garden, consider sticking with one color. Deciding on a monochrome scheme can really make your garden stand out.

Consider Pollen and Allergies When Selecting Plants

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

If you are a gardener with allergy problems, this video is a must-see. Find out what types of plants are more likely to make you sneeze.

Sweet Autumn Clematis - A Vine for Your Garden

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

Do you want a strong vine in your garden? Think about adding Sweet Autumn Clematis.

Many Different Tropicals for Your Garden

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

There are many different tropical plants that work great in any garden. Consider plants like Elephant Ears and Canna for your garden.

Two Goldenrod Varieties with Great Flowers

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

These two cultivars of Goldenrod offer great late-summer bloom. With a stunning, bright yellow bloom, Goldenrod can add beautiful color to your garden.

Bringing Color to Your Garden

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

Thinking about what colors to add to your garden? Most often color choice is based on personal preference, but if you are having trouble getting started consider the color wheel.

Choosing Background Trees for Your Garden

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

Trees such as Catalpa can be cut back once a year to create a nice background that is in scale with your garden.

Two Great Background Plants

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

To add a dramatic background to your garden, consider either Hibiscus 'Mahogany Splendor' or Cyperus 'King Tut' in full sun locations.

Using Ornamental Grasses in the Landscape

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CST

Ornamental grasses add great height, texture and drama to your garden. Consider mixing annual grasses, such as Pennisetum, in with your other garden annuals and perennials.

Summer Care for Container Gardens

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

With container gardens, keep in mind that planting the container is only the first step to success. To keep them looking good, make sure to water, fertilize and deadhead properly.

Use Cannas for Extra Drama in the Garden

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

Canna offer large, dramatic tropical-looking foliage and interesting flowers in the garden. These plants can be easily dug up, overwintered and saved for next growing season.

Will the REAL Crabgrass Please Stand Up?

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

Crabgrass is a warm-season, annual grass. Find out how it differs from some other lawn weeds commonly mistaken for crabgrass. Learn how to deal with all of them in your lawn.

Try 'Summer Jewel Red' Salvia

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

'Summer Jewel Red' Salvia is a new All-America Selection that provides season-long color in full sun areas.

Try Portulaca in Containers or the Garden

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

New varieties of Portulaca such as 'Happy Hour' offer gardeners tough garden plants that have heat and drought tolerance and a spectacular flowering habit.

Grow 'Big' Wax Begonias

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

The 'Big' and 'Whopper' series of wax begonias offers a much larger plant and flower than standard wax begonias.

A Great Container Combination

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

Canna and begonia can make great partners in a container. Try Begonia 'Bonfire' and Canna 'Pink Sunburst'.

Selecting Hydrangea

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

There are many types of Hydrangea for the garden. Here, Sandy Mason discusses the difference between oakleaf hydrangea and Hydrangea arborescens.

Creating a Unique Shade Garden

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

Here's an interesting technique to create a shade garden, even if you don't have natural shade from trees.

Try Brugmansia in the Garden

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

Brugmansia is a dramatic, tropical plant for the garden that can be overwintered indoors in colder climates.

Growing a Kitchen Garden

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

Learn some ideas for growing fruits and vegetables in a small space.

Plan Seating in Your Garden

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

When deciding where to locate seating in your garden, think about where people want to sit while visiting your garden, what the view will be from the seating area, and how the seating will fit visually with the rest of your landscape.

Planting Vegetables in Your Flower Garden

Sat, 9 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

There are many varieties of vegetables and herbs that look beautiful as companions in flower gardens.

Bottlebrush Buckeye Shrub

Fri, 8 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

The Bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) is a good, large shrub for a shady, back-of-the-border spot in your garden.

Creating an Interesting Border

Thu, 7 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

Learn some tips and tricks for creating an interesting mixed landscape border.

What's Wrong with My Boxwood?

Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

What are some of the choices the gardener has when a boxwood shrub starts to decline?

Selecting a Crabapple Tree

Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Crabapples make wonderful spring-blooming trees in the home landscape. When selecting a crabapple, consider not only flower color, but also foliage and fruit color, size, and disease resistance.

Managing Sucker Growth on Contorted Filbert

Sun, 29 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Often trees and shrubs that are grafted will produce suckers from the root stock that are different than the variety you planted. You must remove these suckers to retain the original variety.

Viburnum carlesii - Koreanspice Viburnum

Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Koreanspice Viburnum is a great shrub for the home landscape. It has fragrant flowers, deep-textured foliage, and good fall color.

Lavender 101

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Lavender takes a long time to come out of dormancy in the spring, so wait a while before pruning and you'll be rewarded with a much fuller plant.

Mulching

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

The home landscape should be re-mulched every two to three years to serve as an effective weed barrier. Make sure not to put the mulch up against the trunks of trees and shrubs.

Pruning Rhododendron and Azaleas

Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

The time to prune Rhododendron and Azaleas is immediately after flowering so you don't remove any flower buds for next year. When you prune, be sure to prune back to a growing point to maintain a healthy shrub.

Taking a Soil Sample

Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

One of the best things a first-time gardener can do is have a soil sample taken. Learn how to properly take a soil sample.

Well-managed Shrub Roses

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Most rose pruning should be done early in the season, but it can also be done later in the season to keep a well-managed shrub rose.

Spring Cleanup of Perennials

Sun, 22 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Spring is the time to cleanup those perennials you left standing in the garden over the winter.

Pruning Ornamental Grasses

Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Ornamental grasses need to be pruned back in the spring. Here are some tips for efficiently removing the old growth.

Dividing Hostas

Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Perennials such as Hosta should be divided every few years, especially when the center of the plant starts to thin.

Henbit - A Prolific Winter Annual

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Henbit is a winter annual that has a tenacious habit in the garden. Learn how to deal with this prolific weed.

Pruning Last Year's Hydrangea Flowers

Sun, 15 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Knowing the type of hydrangea you have in your garden determines how you prune and deadhead these shrubs.

Care of Bulbs After Blooming

Sat, 14 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

To ensure good bloom on your spring bulbs year after year, it's important to allow them to recharge their energy by removing seed heads and leaving the foliage standing for at least 6-8 weeks after flowering.

Pruning Stonecrop Sedum

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Old seedheads should be removed from stonecrop sedum each spring to ensure a nice clean plant in the garden.

Pruning Spring Blooming Shrubs

Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Spring-blooming shrubs should be pruned and shaped within a couple of weeks after blooming to ensure a good flower show next year.

Growing Seed Dahlias

Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Seed-grown dahlias offer a compact plant that will produce flowers over the entire summer. Try them in your garden or containers in a full sun, well-watered spot.

Begonia Tips and Techniques

Mon, 9 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Make sure you point your tuberous begonias in the right direction for the greatest garden enjoyment.

Calibrachoa, Angelonia and Alyssum

Sun, 8 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulturist Greg Stack discusses three great new garden performers - Calibrachoa, Angelonia and Alyssum 'Snow Princess'.

Growing Hellebore

Sun, 8 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Hellebores now come in a wide variety of colors and forms, and are among the earliest-blooming perennials in the garden.

Kung Tut Cyperus

Sat, 7 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Consider 'King Tut' Cyperus if you're looking for a "wow" plant in your garden. This papyrus likes full sun and wet soils.

Mandevilla

Fri, 6 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Mandevilla is a tropical vine for a sun/part-sun location with large, petunia-like flowers. Keep it watered and fertilized for best performance.

Pinching and Transplanting Annuals from Cell Packs

Mon, 2 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Learn how to pinch and transplant annuals you purchase in cell packs from the garden center.

Try New Guinea Sunpatiens

Sun, 1 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Sunpatiens will tolerate quite a bit of sun in the garden, with attractive foliage and large colorful flowers.

Selecting Annuals for Your Growing Conditions

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

You'll be more successful growing annuals in your garden if you pay attention to matching plants to your growing conditions.

Growing Seedlings

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

Direct sowing in cell packs can be a less-frustrating way to grow annuals from seed.

Single Species Containers Create Impact

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

When you are creating your container gardens, consider single species pots for visual impact.

Flower Carpet Rose

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

Flower Carpet Rose is a virtually carefree rose that has a vigorous low-growing reblooming habit.

Add Lavender to the Garden

Tue, 5 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

Lavender is enjoyable in the garden for its flower and foliage color and fragrance. Lavender isn't difficult to grow if you remember a couple of important points: full sun and well-drained soil.

Butterfly Gardening - Plants That Are Butterfly Magnets

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

Plants such as zinnia, Brazilian verbena and milkweed are excellent for attracting butterflies to your garden.

Two New, One Old - A Few Plants for the Garden

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CST

Learn about three great plants for your garden - 'Elegant Snow' Lavender, 'Angel Mist Spreading Purple' Angelonia, and 'All Around Purple' Gomphrena.

Cool Plants for Hot Spots

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CST

If you have a warm, sunny spot in your garden, try petunias, zinnias and vinca.

Phlox - An Old Favorite

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 CST

Phlox is an old garden favorite that has been improved to resist diseases like powdery mildew, but still require a good amount of fertilizer to perform well.

Elephant Ears Add Drama

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 CST

Elephant Ear is a plant that can add drama to the garden. The variety 'Coffee Cups' adds a new dimension with smaller cupped leaves.

Joseph's Coat - Add Vibrant Color to the Garden

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 CST

Joseph's Coat is an interesting plant with vivid, colorful foliage that lasts all summer long.

Hanging Baskets - Container Gardens in the Air

Tue, 8 Feb 2011 00:00:00 CST

Hanging baskets are similar to any other container garden, but require more care than containers on the ground.

Bed Preparation - From Sod to Bed

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 CST

When creating a planting bed from an area of sod, it is important that all the grass and weeds are killed before creating the bed.

Selecting Plants in Seed Catalogs

Tue, 4 Jan 2011 00:00:00 CST

Understanding the terminology in seed catalogs is important to selecting the right plants to order.

Caring for Christmas Cactus

Tue, 7 Dec 2010 00:00:00 CST

Christmas Cactus can be a very long-lived houseplant if given the proper care and growing conditions.

Azaleas - A Popular Holiday Plant

Sun, 5 Dec 2010 00:00:00 CST

Azaleas are a holiday gift plant that shows up in garden centers at Christmas and Easter. They hold up better in a cool section of the house.

Caring for Cyclamen

Sat, 4 Dec 2010 00:00:00 CST

Cyclamen are cool-season plants that are often given as holiday gifts. Take care of them by giving them even moisture and cool evening temperatures.

Growing Amarlyllis for the Holidays

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 00:00:00 CST

Learn how to grow a holiday Amaryllis bulb.

Growing Kalanchoe for the Holidays

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 00:00:00 CST

Kalanchoe is a succulent plant that makes a good non-traditional holiday gift. It's a short-day plant like poinsettia that can be rebloomed if given the proper conditions.

Using Conifers in the Garden

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Conifers can be used for more than windbreaks and foundation plantings. Used correctly, they can be also serve as specimen plants or visual backdrops for other plants.

Taking in Houseplants

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Many gardeners grow their houseplants outdoors for the summer. When temperatures drop to around the 50F range, it's time to transition them back indoors.

Powdery Mildew

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many landscape plants. Learn what to do in the fall to prevent it from returning in next year's garden.

Overwintering Geraniums

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulturist Greg Stack demonstrates how you can overwinter your geraniums - either as cuttings or bareroot -- for use in next year's garden.

Astilbe: A Favorite Perennial

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Astilbe is a good choice for a slightly-shaded area in your garden. It blooms around June and has attractive fern-like foliage that is attractive all season.

Try Blue-eyed Grass in the Garden

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Blue-eyed grass is an attention-grabbing plant for your garden.

Overwintering Elephant Ears

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Learn how to overwinter your elephant ears for use in next year's garden.

Overwintering Cannas

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Learn how to prepare cannas for winter storage and use in next year's garden.

Air Layering Houseplants

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

A process called air layering can be used to reduce the size of an overgrown houseplant and successfully divide the houseplant into two or more plants.

Storing Caladiums Over Winter

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Learn how to save Caladiums over the winter for use in your garden next year.

Overwintering Banana Plants

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

In northern climates, you can overwinter your banana plant indoors for use in next year's garden.

Ornamental Grasses - How to Choose Them

Fri, 8 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Fall is a great time to plant ornamental grasses. Learn how to choose between all the varieties available at your local garden center.

What to Do with Overgrown Plants in a Water Garden

Tue, 5 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Learn how to clean up the overgrown plants in your water garden.

Apple Scab on Crabapples

Fri, 1 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CST

Crabapples can be a beautiful, useful tree in the landscape, but can have problems such as apple scab.

Suckers and Watersprouts

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CST

Do you know the difference between a sucker and a watersprout on a tree? Both are troublesome growths on trees. Learn why they form and how to prune them.

Pruning Low Limbs on a Tree

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CST

Pruning low limbs on shade trees will make landscape maintenance easier and allow grass more light to grow beneath the tree.

Right Plant, Right Place

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CST

When you are choosing plants for your landscape, be sure that their mature size is compatible with the location.

Rudbeckia - Annual or Perennial

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CST

Rudbeckia comes in both annual and perennial forms -- and you can tell the difference by paying attention to their botanical names.

Controlling Weeds in the Landscape

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CST

Learn how do deal with annual and perennials weeds in your landscape.

Pressing Plants - A Simple Way to Dry Flowers

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CST

There are several ways to dry plants and flowers to preserve them for dried flower arrangements and other presentations. This video discusses using the pressing method to dry plant material.

Utilizing Your Dried Plant Material

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CST

There are several ways to dry plants and flowers to preserve them for dried flower arrangements and other presentations. This video discusses how to utilize your dried materials after drying.

Simply Hanging Plants Out to Dry

Tue, 7 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CST

There are several ways to dry plants and flowers to preserve them for dried flower arrangements and other presentations. This video discusses using the hang drying method.

Pressing Plants - A Simple Way to Dry Flowers

Tue, 7 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CST

There are several ways to dry plants and flowers to preserve them for dried flower arrangements and other presentations. This video discusses using the pressing method to dry plant material.

2010 All America Selections - Pepper Cajun Belle

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CST

'Cajun Belle' is a new variety of bell pepper with the zing of a hot pepper.

Deadheading Perennials

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 CST

When your perennial blooms start to fade, deadheading can help clean up your garden.

Quickly Freshen Up the Garden

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 CST

U of I Extension horticulturist Greg Stack gives some tips for sprucing up the garden at the end of the summer.

Watering and Caring for Container Gardens

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 CST

Container gardens have the capability of looking wonderful until frost with the proper watering, fertilizer and care.

When Is Your Watermelon Ready to Be Picked?

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 CST

How do you know when your watermelon is ready to be picked? U of I Extension horticulturist Greg Stack explains some of the common methods.

Welcome to the 2010 Annual Trial Garden

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 CST

The Annuals Evaluation Garden at the Midwest Golf House is a place to showcase some of the newest introductions to the world of annuals as well as highlight some of the tried and true standards of the industry. Learn more at http://urbanext.illinois.edu/trialgarden

Controlling Cabbage Worms

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 CST

Cabbage worms can affect a number of common crops in the vegetable garden: cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Learn how to control them.

Maintain Broccoli for Late Season Harvests

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 CST

After you have harvested the main head of broccoli, you can still maintain the plant to harvest smaller heads as the season progresses.

What's Wrong with My Sweet Corn?

Fri, 6 Aug 2010 00:00:00 CST

Growing sweet corn in the home garden can be a challenge. You need to grow enough corn to ensure good pollination as well as deal with pests like corn rootworm beetle.

Low-Growing Plants for Stepping Stones

Tue, 3 Aug 2010 00:00:00 CST

Low-growing plants that can handle light foot traffic are well-suited for planting in between stepping stones in your landscape and even in containers.

Fall Vegetable Gardening

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CST

Late summer is a good time to prepare for your fall vegetable garden.

Mulch Rings Around Trees

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CST

If used properly, mulch rings can be a great benefit to the long term health of the trees in your landscape.

Read Labels at the Garden Center

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CST

Pay attention to signs and labels in the garden center to ensure your new plants the greatest chance for success in your garden.

Grouping Containers

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CST

Extension educator Greg Stack demonstrates how different plant types can be used in container garden groupings.

Corn Rootworm Beetles

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CST

Extension educator Jeff Rugg demonstrates how to deal with corn rootworm beetles on your vining vegetable crops.

Poison Ivy: A Plant to Avoid

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulturist Greg Stack talks about avoiding poison ivy when you are out in wooded or natural areas.

Hostas That Resist Slug Damage

Fri, 9 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulturist Sandy Mason and home gardener Deb Guardia discuss the characteristics of hosta that help resist slug damage.

Broadway Lights: A Dependable Shasta Daisy

Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CST

'Broadway Lights' is a vigorous and floriferous Shasta Daisy for the garden.

Controlling Creeping Charlie

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CST

Homeowners spend more time trying to control Creeping Charlie than perhaps any other lawn weed. U of I Extension horticulturist Greg Stack discusses methods of controlling this weed.

Confessions of a Hostaholic

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulturist Sandy Mason talks with home gardener Deb Guardia about what drew her to growing Hosta and what she'd put at the top of her list of Hosta favorites.

Selecting Plants at the Garden Center

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulture educator Sandy Mason discusses selecting plants at the garden center with home gardener Deb Guardia.

Growing Bush Zucchini

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulturist Jeff Rugg discusses bush zucchini -- a good vegetable for small space gardens.

Water Garden Filtration

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 CST

Two different kinds of water garden filtration -- mechanical and biological -- are demonstrated and described in this video.

Gazania - Great for Hot, Sunny Gardens

Tue, 8 Jun 2010 00:00:00 CST

Gazania is a great choice for hot, dry and sunny spots in the garden.

Try Melampodium in the Garden

Fri, 4 Jun 2010 00:00:00 CST

Melampodium is a great annual for full open sun spots in the garden.

Hakone Grass for Shady Spots

Tue, 1 Jun 2010 00:00:00 CST

Most ornamental grasses for the garden prefer full sun, but Hakone Grass is an excellent choice for shade.

Coleus - Many Varieties for Full Sun

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 CST

Traditionally a shade plant, there are now many varieties of Coleus that perform well in full sun.

Use Calibrachoa for Color

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 CST

Calibrachoa, or Million Bells, can be used as a colorful groundcover or container plant in full sun areas of your garden.

Ligularia "The Rocket" - Big and Bold

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 CST

Ligularia grows to a height of about four feet and offers late-blooming color in light shade, moist garden conditions.

Support for Twining Vines

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 CST

Vines in containers need support to grow well and look good. This video shows how to create a sturdy support for a twining vine.

Attracting Birds to a Water Garden

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 CST

Learn how to create a bird bath in your water garden.

Snapdragons for Continuous Color

Tue, 4 May 2010 00:00:00 CST

Snapdragons have been a traditional garden favorite in spring and fall, but new varieties will perform well during the heat of summer as well.

Angelonia - A Dependable Annual

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 CST

Once unknown in the summer garden, Angelonia is now a good, dependable annual for summer-long flowering.

Using Weed Barrier Cloth in a Vegetable Garden

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 CST

Using a weed barrier cloth in the vegetable garden allows water and air through, but blocks weed growth.

Select White Plants for a Container

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 CST

White can be a good color choice for container gardens if you use different shapes and textures.

Preventing Crabgrass

Tue, 6 Apr 2010 00:00:00 CST

Now is the time of year to think about preventing annual crabgrass in your lawn.

Use Chrysocephalum for a Ground Cover

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CST

Don't be afraid of plant names when looking for new plants in the garden. Try Chrysocephalum as a plant in a sunny location.

Wind Dancer - An Outstanding Ornamental Grass Choice

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CST

Wind Dancer is an outstanding annual ornamental grass for form, color and texture. It can be grown from seed and be used as a container or bedding plant.

2010 All-America Selections

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CST

Horticulturist Greg Stack discusses three of the 2010 All-America Selections -- Gaillardia 'Mesa Yellow', Zinnia 'Zahara Starlight Rose', and Antirrhinum 'Twinny Peach' -- that you may want to consider for the upcoming gardening season.

Growing Succulents in Containers

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CST

If you're looking for something to grow in sunny, hot, dry spots in your garden, you can try growing succulents in containers.

Using Garden Art and Bold Foliage as Garden Accents

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CST

As trees turn a sunny area into more of a shade garden, you can use garden art and plants with bold foliage to add fun and color into the garden.

Front Door Containers

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CST

Using container gardens at the front door can help soften the space and welcome guest as they approach your home.

Globe Thistle (Echinops)

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CST

U of I Extension Horticulturist Greg Stack discusses Globe Thistle, a unique plant for late summer interest in the full sun garden.

Alternanthera - A Groundcover for Shade

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CST

U of I Extension horticulturist Greg Stack discusses Alternanthera, a plant used in the garden for its foliage color and texture.

How To Grow Mints in the Garden

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CST

Mint, a common culinary herb, can be a troublesome plant in the garden. Greg Stack demonstrates ways to keep mint in check.

Growing a Mixed Border

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST

As you comb through plant and seed catalogs this winter, consider creating a mixed border made of annuals, perennials, and woody plants.

Heuchera - Excellent Accent Plants

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST

Heuchera can make excellent accent plants in the garden. As you're planning your 2010 garden, consider this versatile plant.

Reblooming Poinsettias

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST

Greg Stack discusses what you need to do to save your poinsettia for next holiday season.

Preparing Tools for Winter Storage

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulturist Richard Hentschel covers the basics of cleaning and preparing tools for winter storage.

Using Ornamental Vegetables for Late Season Color

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST

U of I Extension horticulturist Greg Stack discusses how you can use vegetables like bok choy and kale to add cool season color to your garden and containers.

Using Ornamental Cabbages for Late Season Color

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST

U of I Extension horticulturist Greg Stack talks about using ornamental cabbages for late season garden color, even into the early winter months.

Selecting and Caring for Poinsettias

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST

U of I Extension horticulturist Greg Stack talks about poinsettia features and varieties, and provides some tips on choosing and caring for this favorite holiday plant.

Planting Spring Bulbs

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulturist Richard Hentschel explains the basics of planting spring bulbs in the fall. He addresses planting depth and spacing, fertilization and ways to protect your bulbs from scavenging animals.

Baptisia - A Prairie Plant to Consider

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

U of I Extension Horticulturist Greg Stack talks about baptisia, a native prairie plant that can be used effectively in home landscapes.

Water Garden Landscaping

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

University of Illinois Extension horiticulturist Jeff Rugg discusses some of the basics of water garden landscaping.

Planning Flower Beds in Your Landscape

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulturist Richard Hentschel presents a simple idea for making the maintenance of your flower beds more manageable.

Grouping Containers to Liven a Garden Space

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

U of I Extension horticulturist Greg Stack talks about how grouping containers can liven an otherwise boring and uninspired garden space.

Consider a Sedge or Grass in Your Garden

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

U of I Extension horticulturist Greg Stack talks about two sedges and an ornamental grass that can add some texture to your garden.

Planning a Garden in Difficult Places

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

U of I Extension horticulturist Richard Hentschel discusses various ways gardens can be designed to deal with difficult spaces in the home and commercial landscape.

Prairie Dropseed - A Fragrant Ornamental Grass

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

Prairie Dropseed is a native prairie grass that makes a nice, fragrant addition to the perennial border.

Proper Drainage for Overwintering

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

Horticulture educator Nancy Pollard points out the need for proper drainage in container gardens, particularly in those containers you are using to overwinter plants.

Overwintering Plants in Containers

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

Horticulturist Nancy Pollard gives some tips for successfully overwintering perennials in containers.

How to Climatize Houseplants

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

Learn from U of I horticulturist Greg Stack how to successfully bring a houseplant home from a greenhouse or garden center and have it thrive in your home.

Daylilies Offer Weeks of Bloom

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

Daylilies, an old garden standby, now come in a rainbow of colors and a variety of sizes and textures. As always, they provide weeks of color for your perennial borders.

Add Drama to the Garden with Bold Perennials

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

You can add some drama to your garden by planting some big and bold perennials. Greg Stack discusses two Rudbeckia that can make a splash in your garden borders.

Selecting a Tree in a Garden Center

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

Horticulturist Greg Stack gives you a quick guide to selecting trees to plant this fall in your landscape.

Managing Fall Lawn Weeds

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

Extension specialist Richard Hentschel discusses common weed control measures. For more information about lawn care, please visit Lawn Talk at http://urbanext.illinois.edu/lawntalk/

Garden Cleanup

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

University of Illinois Extension horticulturist Jeff Rugg talks about the importance of cleaning up the vegetable garden.

How to Prune Roses

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulturist Greg Stack discusses the proper way to prune roses.

Identifying Thatch

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

Extension horticulturist Richard Hentschel discusses thatch in lawns -- what it is and what it isn't.

Summer Vacation for Houseplants

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

Now is the time to start preparing your houseplants that were given an outdoor "summer vacation" for their return to an indoor environment.

Sweet Peas Thrive in Cool Weather

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 CST

Cool, wet weather in the Midwest this year has allowed cool season plants like sweet pea to thrive all summer long.

What's Wrong with My Tomato Plant?

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 CST

Many tomato plants are showing stress and disease this time of year. Green industry specialist Richard Hentschel talks about some common late summer problems with tomato plants.

Using Tropical Vines in Containers

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 CST

Learn how to use tropical vines in a Midwestern garden.

Growing Herbs in Containers

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 CST

Growing herbs in containers can give you a fresh-scent near an entryway and provide fresh herbs for cooking all season long.

Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Containers

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 CST

Learn the basics of planting and growing vegetables and herbs in containers.

Space-Saving Ideas for Vegetables

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:00:00 CST

If you don't have a large area for growing vegetables, you may want to try these ideas for growing vegetables in limited spaces

Proper Plant Spacing in Containers

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 CST

Make sure to using proper plant spacing when planting containers.

Using Common Nursery Plants

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 00:00:00 CST

You don't need exotic plants to make good-looking container gardens. Common plants can make attractive and colorful containers.

Plant Perennials in the Fall

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 00:00:00 CST

If you follow a few simple guidelines, fall can be a good time to successfully plant perennials.

Opening Roots when Planting Perennials

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 00:00:00 CST

Make sure to open the roots when planting container grown perennials.

Try Coleus for a Blast of Color

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

Coleus have always provided a splash of color in your shade garden, and now there are varieties that can be planted in full sun. Greg Stack demonstrates three varieties of Sun Coleus.

Using Colors in Containers

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

Using monochromatic or complimentary color schemes in your containers to liven up your garden.

Watering Containers after Planting

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

Make sure you water the container thoroughly after planting.

Controlling Japanese Beetles

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

Japanese beetles feed on a wide variety of plant species in the garden. Greg Stack discusses the best ways of controlling this garden pest.