Message from Rhonda J. Ferree, Extension Educator in Horticulture ...

Horticulture Educator Rhonda Ferree shows Extension Director Dr. Czapar, Master Gardener Louise Bassett, and State Program Leader Anne Silvis plants in the Wildlife Prairie Park Kim St John Butterfly Habitat. Dean Kidwell talks to County Director Earl Allen in the background. College of ACES Dean Kim Kidwell, Dr. Czapar, and State Program Leader Anne Silvis toured our unit in April. They learned from staff, volunteers, and partners about the positive local impacts we are having through our work.

Message from Rhonda J. Ferree, Extension Educator in Horticulture University of Illinois Extension horticulture programs inspire citizens in local communities to grow their own food and improve their home landscapes. High quality, impactful programs teach homeowners how to create energy-efficient landscapes using sustainable practices that increase property values and help the environment. In 2017, my programs worked to better reach those in underserved audiences, including younger generations, those living with a disability, and African Americans & Hispanics in Peoria. By using various delivery methods, we impacted the residents of Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell Counties as follows.  50,000 were made more aware of us and our educational messages using media, blogs, and social media.  24,000 had an interest to dig deeper into various topics through websites, brochures, and factsheets.  2,800 consider us an important source of quality information, opting to receive more through newsletters and eBlasts.  1,100 were directly engaged to meet their educational needs using programs, events, webinars, and more.  170 Master Gardener volunteer leaders “Helped Others Learn to Grow” as they conducted programs, served on planning and advisory committees, and were recognized for their exemplary service to local communities. Learn more about my ILRiverHort garden blog; find links to my Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest pages; and visit our many other gardening sites at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/fmpt. While there sign up to receive email notices or direct mailings that announce upcoming programs in your selected subject matters.

Extension Educator in Horticulture

January Garden Tips GENERAL  Add garden recordkeeping to your list of New Year's resolutions. Note how plants perform in your garden. Sketch your garden plans on paper, including what to grow, spacing, arrangement and number of plants needed.  Feed & water the birds regularly.  Seed catalogs are available. Order plants early for best selection. Consider using improved insect and/or disease resistant and native plants. HOME (Indoor plants and activities) Fulton & Mason County Master Gardeners tour  Check spring flowering bulbs you set aside for forcing. Margaret Kelly’s iris gardens. After 12 to 15 weeks move them out of the cold into a growing environment for bloom in 2 to 4 weeks.  Check stored produce and tender flower bulbs and roots for rot, shriveling or excess moisture. Remove and discard damaged material.  Keep holiday poinsettias and other holiday plants near a bright window and water as needed.  Gather starting trays, lights and starting mix, and other supplies you will need next month for seed starting.  Sow pansy seeds indoors for late April planting outdoors.  Increase humidity around houseplants by grouping plants together, placing them on a pebble-water tray or running a humidifier. Repot houseplants as needed.  Plant an indoor edible garden. With sufficient light, herbs and greens grow well indoors. LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers)  Keep road and sidewalk salt away from plants. Consider using sand or sawdust instead.  Avoid heavy traffic on the dormant lawn. Dry grass is easily broken and the crown of the plant may be severely damaged or killed.  Brush snow from evergreens as soon as possible after a storm, but let ice melt on its own.  Check young trees for rodent injury on lower trunks and protect with hardware cloth or protective collars, but be sure to remove it in early spring to prevent other damage.  Early spring-flowering trees and shrubs, such as forsythia, crabapple, flowering quince, and flowering dogwood, can be forced for early indoor blooms by placing cut branches in water in a warm location. GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits and herbs)  Wood ashes from the fireplace can be spread in the garden, but don't overdo it. Wood ashes increase soil pH, and excess application can make some nutrients unavailable for plant uptake. Have soil tested to be certain of the pH before and after adding wood ash.  Check stored fruits and vegetables such as potatoes and apples for bad spots which may lead to decay.

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February Garden Tips GENERAL  Repair and paint lawn and garden tools, window boxes, lawn furniture, tools and other items in preparation for outdoor gardening and recreational use.  Continue planning for the summer landscape of your dreams.  Participate in the Great Backyard Bird County February 16 to 19 and report results online at gbbc.birdcount.org HOME (Indoor plants and activities)  Continue harvesting indoor edible plants.  Test the viability of last year’s leftover seeds and discard Master Gardeners provide gardening information at those with low germination percentage. the Spring Home Show held in Peoria.  The indoor seed-starting season traditionally begins on Valentine’s Day, February 14 and runs to St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.  Check stored produce and flower bulbs for rot, shriveling or excess moisture. Discard damaged material.  Force branches of forsythia and pussy willow to flower indoors by placing them in water.  Check houseplant soil for dryness before watering. Move to brighter windows, if needed.  Give your loved one a flower with meaning by consulting The Meaning of Flowers brochure at web.extension.illinois.edu/fmpt/hort LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers)  Check protective mulches, rodent shields, salt/wind screens and other winter plant protection to make sure they are still in place. Don't remove protective mulch from perennials too early.  Prune landscape plants, except early spring bloomers, which should be pruned after flowers fade. Remove dead, dying or unsightly plant parts, sprouts growing at or near the base of a tree trunk, and crossed tree branches. Birches, maples, dogwoods, and other heavy sap bleeders can be pruned in early summer to avoid the sap flow, although bleeding is not harmful to the tree. GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits and herbs)  This year plan to grow at least one new vegetable that you've never grown before. If space is limited, consider new dwarf varieties and container gardens.  Fertilize fruit trees as soon as possible after the ground thaws but before blossom time.  Prune fruit trees and grapes in late February or early March after the worst of the winter cold is over but before spring growth begins.  Get your cold frame ready and plant a row of leaf lettuce for some early garden fresh greens.

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MG booth at Spring Home Show, Peoria

March Garden Tips GENERAL  Continue planting seeds of warm-season annuals indoors. Gradually harden off transplants by setting them outdoors during the daytime for about a week before planting. Transplant to the garden after danger of frost.  Don't plow your garden when the soil is wet. It will form clods which are difficult to break up and interfere with cultivation during the summer.  Turn the compost pile.  Follow last fall's soil test recommendations for fertilizer and pH adjustment. It's not too late to test soil if you missed last year. Master Gardeners taught 4-H and girl scout groups how to plant in the Tazewell County’s Wildlife Federation Mayor’s Butterfly Habitat, which won a state team award in 2017.

HOME (Indoor plants and activities)  Check stored bulbs and produce for decay; discard damaged items.  Rotate, prune, repot and clean houseplants as needed. Fertilize as new growth appears.  Propagate houseplants such as geraniums, coleus, impatiens, etc. to be used as bedding and containers plants outdoors.

LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers)  Once the ground has thawed enough, transplant clumps of ornamental grasses to give them an early start on the new season’s growth.  Watch for blooms of early spring bulbs, such as daffodils, squill, crocus, dwarf iris and snowdrops.  Continue pruning trees and shrubs, except those that bloom early in spring, while plants are still dormant.  Plant new trees and shrubs as soon as soil dries enough to be worked. Plant bare-root plants before they leaf out. 0  Fertilize woody plants before new growth begins, but after soil temperatures have reached 40 F.  Remove tree rodent covers and adjust tree supports to make room for this year’s growth.  Remove winter coverings from roses as soon as new growth begins. Prune and fertilize as needed. GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits, and herbs)  As the ground has dried enough to work, plant cool-season vegetables. Plant or transplant asparagus, rhubarb and small fruit plants.  Remove winter mulch from strawberry beds as soon as new growth begins, but keep the mulch nearby to protect against frost and freezes.  Remove weak, diseased or damaged canes from raspberry plants before new growth begins.  Prune grapevines.

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April Garden Tips GENERAL  Average last frost date for central Illinois is mid-April. Wait until after May 10 before planting tender plants such as impatiens, basil, tomatoes, and tropicals.  Measure the rainfall with a rain gauge posted near the garden so you can tell when to water. The garden needs about one inch of rain per week from April to September.  Add compost to garden. If needed, till garden when soil permits. Do not work when soil is too wet.  Continue spring lawn and garden clean up. HOME (Indoor plants and activities) - Trim, repot, and fertilize houseplants and overwintering tropicals.

Fulton & Mason Counties invited Master Gardeners from Peoria and Tazewell Counties to join them for a four-county meeting featuring miniature gardens.

LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers)  The last Friday in April is National Arbor Day. Plant a tree, or support an organization that does.  Lawn: Consider replacing some lawn areas with groundcovers. Mow lawn to 2-3 inches removing no more than 1/3 of leaf blade at any one mowing. Establish or renovate turf with seed or sod, if needed. If appropriate, apply pre-emergence herbicide to control crabgrass when forsythia begin to bloom. Read and follow all label directions. See Rhonda’s Top Ten Turf Tips at go.illinois.edu/toptenturftips  Flowers: Scatter annual poppy seeds in flower borders without covering for early summer flowers. To extend the blooming period of gladiolus, plant early, middle and late season selections each week until the middle of June. Plant pansies and hardy annuals. Begin planting and dividing most perennials except bearded iris and peony. Cut down ornamental and native grasses to the ground before growth starts. Finish pulling back protective winter mulch from around perennials and roses.  Woodies: Examine trees and shrubs for winter injury and prune as needed. Prune spring flowering shrubs such as forsythia soon after bloom. For multi-stem plants, use renewal pruning by removing oldest stems at soil level. Prune summer and fall blooming clematis. Fertilize trees if not done in fall and if soil test or reduced growth indicates need. Continue planting trees and shrubs, and consider using native plants. GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits and herbs)  Plant bare root plants before they leaf out, soak plants in warm water for 2 hours before planting.  Plant seeds of frost tolerant plants such as spinach, lettuce, carrot, beet, chard, parsnip and radish.  Continue planting or dividing rhubarb and asparagus.  Continue planting fruit trees, grapes, and brambles such as raspberry and blackberry  Plant strawberries. Pinch off first year flowers to encourage strong root systems.

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May Garden Tips GENERAL  Use good garden sanitation by removing and destroying diseased leaves and stems.  Begin scouting for scale and other spring insects.  Plant annual seeds and transplants outside after danger of frost.  Mulch to reduce weeds and conserve soil moisture. Try organic mulches such as wood chips and shredded leaves. Grass clippings can be used over newspapers or alone if free of herbicide residue and allowed to dry well.  Put tools away at the end of the day. Clean them and hang them up so they are ready to use and easy to find when you need them.

Peoria County Master Gardener President Chuck Crider, teaches all about annuals at a monthly meeting.

LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers)  Try annual vines for vertical interest. o  Plant tropical water lilies when water temperature is over 55 F.  Flowers: Pinch new mum growth. Let spring flowering bulb foliage turn yellow before removing. Set flower supports early and let plants grow through them.  Plant Easter lilies outdoors in the ground for fall blooming.  Plant shade ground covers under trees that do not allow enough sunlight to grow grass.  Lawns: Mow at the correct height to reduce disease and weed infestation (2-3 inches for most cool season grasses). Finish any lawn seeding. Fertilize your lawn on Mother’s Day with one pound actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Remove or spray broadleaf weeds such as dandelion, if needed.  Prune spring flowering shrubs after blooming.  Pinch azalea and rhododendron blossoms as they fade. Fertilize after bloom with acid-loving fertilizer.  Mulch around newly planted trees and shrubs. This practice reduces weeds, controls fluctuations in soil temperature, retains moisture, prevents damage from lawn mowers and looks attractive.  Remove winter-killed stems on roses and water with soaker hoses or drip irrigation to reduce leaf moisture. This will reduce the spread of black spot disease. GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits and herbs)  Protect newly transplanted vegetable plants from cutworms with cardboard collars or other barriers.  Pick strawberries, removing rotten fruit to reduce picnic beetle populations.  In mid-May plant sweet corn, squash, tomatoes, eggplant, sweet potato and other warm loving crops.  Thin carrots and beets to allow root development.  Continue to harvest asparagus and rhubarb. Watch for Peoria Master Gardener Plant Sale—usually 1st Saturday in May at Metro Center farmer's market

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June Garden Tips GENERAL  Check for slugs when wet. Hand pick or bait to control.  Control weeds. They're easier to pull when young.  During the hot summer months, mulch to help conserve water. Supplement rainfall to provide one inch of water per week for lawns and gardens. Baskets and containers may need daily watering.  Identify garden pests before you attempt to control them. Protect pollinators. Always read and follow chemical label directions.  Add bat houses in your yard to eat insects.  Store leftover seeds in a cool, dry place for future use. Tazewell Master Gardeners host their annual Plant  Continue recordkeeping in gardening notebook, noting Bingo event each year in June. plants that withstand drought conditions.  Use less chemicals on your lawn, garden, and flowers to maintain beneficial insects. LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers)  Mow grass higher by raising the lawn mower deck height at least one notch for healthier grass.  Use bark mulch around young trees to protect them from lawn mower damage.  Continue pruning spring-flowering shrubs after blooms fade.  Watch for bagworms, especially on junipers and arborvitae.  Apply balanced rose fertilizer after first bloom is past. Cut spent rose blooms just above the first five-leaflet leaf for fastest bloom. Watch for and control blackspot and powdery mildew on rose foliage.  Deadhead flowers. Pinch chrysanthemums, sedums, impatiens, petunias, and coleus for bushier growth. GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits and herbs)  Remove cool-season plants, such as radish, spinach and lettuce, before they bolt and go to seed.  Continue planting warm season vegetable crops, such as carrots, beans, sweet corn, squash and cucumbers. Plant pumpkin seeds early in the month to be ready for Halloween.  Start indoor seedlings of broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower for fall harvest.  Inspect squash vines for squash vine borer.  In most cases, blossom-end rot on tomatoes, peppers, squash and watermelons can be prevented by maintaining uniform soil moisture with mulch, proper watering, planting in well-drained soil, not using high nitrogen fertilizers and not cultivating deeper than one inch within one foot of the plant.  Continue harvest of spring plantings of broccoli, cabbage and peas. The best time to harvest most herbs is just before flowering, when the leaves contain the maximum essential oils.  Thin apples so fruits are seven to nine inches apart.  Protect ripening raspberries and blackberries from birds by covering with netting.

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July Garden Tips GENERAL  For less weeds next year, control before going to seed.  Water plants if not receiving at least one inch of water per week. Early morning is the best time to water. Water deeply and thoroughly. Avoid light sprinkling.  Add organic mulches such as wood chips in bare areas.  Monitor for insects and diseases to catch early.  Remove any stagnant water to avoid mosquito problems. Consider flowerpots, gutters, birdbaths, and rain barrels.  Store chemicals in a safe place in their original containers, away from children and pets. Mason County Junior Master Gardeners harvest

LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers) potatoes grown in straw bales.  Lawns: Mow lawns high (> 3”) when temperatures are above 85F. Monitor grubs and consider treating only if at threshold levels (> 10 per sq. ft.). To avoid brown casts, keep mower blades sharp to cut cleanly instead of tearing.  Water trees and shrubs if rainfall is not sufficient, especially those planted within the last 5 years.  Scout for and control pests, including fall webworm near ends of branches and bagworms on evergreens. Control spider mites in hot, dry weather with forceful water sprays or labeled insecticidal soap.  Fertilize container plants every two weeks.  Flowers: Continue deadheading. If petunias look leggy, trim back to 6-8 inches, water and fertilize for renewed growth. Cut back and fertilize snapdragons, delphinium, and phlox to encourage a second flowering. Divide and transplant bearded iris using the vigorous ends of the rhizomes, discarding the old center portion. Stake tall flowers to prevent wind damage. MID-SUMMER GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits and herbs)  Keep beans, cucumbers and other crops harvested so plants remain productive. Plant more beans, beets, and carrots for continuous harvest until fall.  For fall harvest of lettuce, radish, carrots, beets, turnips, kale and spinach, sow seeds in late July to early August.  Pull up garlic bulbs when the tops start to yellow and dry.  Scout for tomato hornworm on tomatoes and peppers.  Fulton County 4-H General Show, July 7  Keep food safe! Read and follow all harvest intervals on labels and wash  Fulton County Fair/4-H Livestock Shows, July 23 - 28  Mason County 4-H Show and Jr. Fair, July 23 - 26 all produce thoroughly before use.  Heart of Illinois Fair in Peoria, July 17 - 21  Prune out and destroy old fruiting  Peoria County 4-H Show, August 1 - 3 canes of raspberries after harvest.  Tazewell County 4-H Show and Jr. Fair, July 30 - August 1

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August Garden Tips GENERAL  Order spring-flowering bulbs for fall planting.  Keep the garden well watered during dry weather.  Clean up fallen leaves that can harbor disease and insect pests over the winter.  Turn compost pile and keep it moist.  Plan landscaping projects now for fall planting. HOME (Indoor plants and activities)  Take cuttings from plants such as impatiens, coleus, geraniums and wax begonias to overwinter indoors.  Cut flowers from the garden to bring a little color indoors or to dry for use later.

Horticulture Educator Rhonda Ferree joined forces with the Peoria Health Department to increase awareness on the dangers of lead in garden soils.

LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers)  Don't fertilize and prune woody plants between midAugust and leaf fall. It stimulates late growth that will not have time to harden off properly before winter.  Keep faded flowers pinched off bedding plants to promote further flowering and improve plant appearance.  Cut strawflowers intended for dried flower arrangements when the blooms are only half open. Tie small bundles of the flowers together and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated place to dry.  Cut sunflowers and dry the heads for roasting or winter bird food.

GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits and herbs) o o  Temperatures above 90 F often lead to poor fruit set in vegetable crops; upper 90 s will stop fruit set in most crops.  Harvest onions and potatoes after the tops yellow and fall, then cure them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area.  Pick beans, tomatoes, peppers and squash often to encourage further production.  Harvest sweet corn and watermelon when ripe.  Remove old plants which have stopped producing to reduce insects and disease.  To prevent volunteer plants the following spring, remove flowers or harvest seed before it falls from herbs that self-sow such as dill, chamomile and fennel.  To reduce the number of pests on your fruit tree for the coming year, pick up and destroy all fallen fruit.  Prune out and destroy the raspberry and blackberry canes that bore fruits this year.

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September Garden Tips GENERAL  Control poison ivy before it goes dormant.  Start fall garden cleanup and compost plant debris.  Dig and store summer flowering bulbs for winter.  Fall is a good time for improving your garden soil. Add well aged manure, compost and leaves to increase the organic matter content. HOME (Indoor plants and activities)  Overwinter annual bedding plants such as begonias, coleus, geraniums and impatiens as bareroot plants or with cutting. Plants from cuttings can be overwintered in a sunny window and provide plants for next year's garden.  Pot up chives, parsley and other herbs to extend the growing season in the house.  Before moving houseplants indoors be sure to Inspect, clean and prune them first.

Ten Master Gardeners serving Fulton, Peoria, and Tazewell Counties were recognized for their exemplary volunteer service at the State Master Gardener Conference.

LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers)  Add fall color to the landscape with blooming mums, flowering kale, and pansies.  Lawns: Fertilize lawns on Labor Day. Reseed bare patches, renovate large areas, dethatch, and core-aerify lawns. If necessary, dig or spray perennial broadleaf weeds. Follow label directions.  Plant peonies. Divide daylilies, iris, peonies and other perennials.  Save seeds from favorite self-pollinating, non-hybrid flowers such as marigolds.  Pick bagworms from evergreen shrubs to eliminate spring hatch from over-wintered eggs.  Do not prune or fertilize trees or shrubs until after leaf fall to avoid new, winter-sensitive growth.  Begin to rake leaves. Grind with mulching mower or leaf collector to reuse as landscape mulch.  If needed, water trees and shrubs to provide sufficient moisture and prevent winter damage. GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits and herbs)  Harvest and dry herbs and hot peppers for winter use.  Plant fall lettuces and greens.  If fusarium and verticillium diseases have been problems on tomatoes, record varieties and try different, resistant varieties next year.  Pears should be picked at the hard ripe stage and allowed to finish ripening off the tree. The base color of yellow pears should change from green to yellow as the fruit approaches maturity.  Be sure to keep strawberry beds weed free to help make weeding much easier next spring.  Prune out raspberry canes that fruited this past year.

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October Garden Tips GENERAL  Remove plant debris from the garden and compost.  Have garden soil tested every 3 to 5 years.  If overwintering planted containers, either move to area that won’t freeze or mulch entire container. HOME (Indoor plants and activities)  Pot spring-flowering bulbs to force into bloom indoors.  Water indoor plants less frequently, and discontinue fertilizer as plant growth slows.  Prepare holiday cactus for blooming. Buds form at 5060oF and prefer at least 13 hours of darkness each night.  Keep poinsettia in total darkness for 15 hours each day for eight to 10 weeks until red bracts begin to show.

Horticulture Educator Kari Houle teaches tree identification to Master Gardener trainees.

LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers)  Fall is a good time to control certain broadleaf weeds in the lawn, such as dandelion and ground ivy.  Dig tender garden flower bulbs and tropical plants, such as elephant ear and banana for winter storage in a cool location free from frost.  Complete planting of spring-flowering bulbs.  Continue mowing lawn as needed.  Remove fallen leaves and compost or shred for use as mulch.  Keep watering perennials, trees, shrubs and especially evergreens until the ground freezes.  Fertilize trees and shrubs after leaves have fallen.  Protect tender evergreens with burlap screens or anti-desiccants.  Apply barriers to control rabbit and mouse damage, only if needed.  Apply rose protection after leaves drop and soil is near freezing.  Fall is an excellent time to plant trees. Consider using native plants and choose according to mature size.  New research finds that tree wraps do NOT protect trunks and may, in fact, increase pest problems. GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits and herbs)  Plant garlic and shallots. o  Apply winter mulch to strawberry plants when plants are dormant, before temperatures drop below 20 F.  Harvest remaining vegetables, pumpkins and squash before frost. Store in a cool location until used.  Harvest mature, green tomatoes before frost, and ripen indoors in the dark. o  Cure pumpkins, butternut and Hubbard squash at temperatures between 70-80 F for two or three weeks o immediately after harvest, then store in a dry place at 55-60 F.  Clean up the orchard and small fruit plantings, removing dried fruits or mummies that carry diseases.

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November Garden Tips GENERAL  Put up additional bird feeders, and add a heater to a bird bath to accommodate birds’ winter needs.  Take steps to prevent garden ponds from freezing.  Protect outdoor faucets and empty water lines.  Take care of tools. Clean power tools of all plant material and dirt. Replace worn spark plugs, oil all necessary parts, sharpen blades, and add fuel stabilizer. Clean and fix all hand tools. Sand and repaint worn handles. Sharpen and remove any rust.  Order seed catalogs now for January garden planning. Three of the ten Master Gardener and Master

HOME (Indoor plants and activities) Naturalist classes were combined, which brought  Continue dark treatment for poinsettias by keeping them trainees together to begin future project in complete darkness from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily until collaborations. early December or until red bracts begin to show.  Begin planting indoor edibles, such as herbs and greens, for use all winter long. LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers)  If needed, fertilize lawns around Thanksgiving after mowing has ceased.  Dig and store tender flowering bulbs and keep in a protected location.  Continue to plant spring-flowering bulbs until the ground is frozen.  After the ground has frozen, mulch or apply winter protection to roses and perennials, if needed.  After chrysanthemums have stopped blooming, cut stems back close to the ground.  Spray sensitive evergreens with anti-desiccant to protect against damage from dry winds.  If you are planning to order a "live" Christmas tree, prepare its planting hole before the soil freezes. Mulch the area heavily to prevent freezing, or dig the hole and put fill in a protected, nonfreezing area such as a garage or basement. GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits and herbs)  If frost hasn't taken your garden yet, continue harvesting.  Dig parsnips, Jerusalem artichokes and horseradish for the table and for cool storage.  Protect the trunks of young fruit trees to prevent rodent damage, but only if needed.  Be sure not to store apples or pears with vegetables. The fruits give off ethylene gas which speeds up the breakdown of vegetables and will cause them to develop off flavors.  After the ground freezes, mulch small fruit plants such as strawberries. One inch of straw or leaves is ideal for strawberries.

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December Garden Tips GENERAL  Enjoy a cup of herbal tea made with dried herbs from your garden.  Clean and store hoses and flower pots.  Clean and sharpen lawn and garden tools and store them in a dry storage area.  Store leftover garden chemicals according to label directions, out of the reach of children.  A home weather station that includes a minimum/ maximum thermometer, a rain gauge and a weather log is a good gift for a gardener.  Start reviewing and expanding your garden notes to help with next year's plans.

Master Gardener trainees learn all about butterflies during training at the Jubilee Butterfly Garden.

HOME (Indoor plants and activities)  When shopping for a Christmas tree, check for green, flexible, firmly held needles and a sticky trunk. Make a fresh cut, and keep the cut end under water at all times.  Leave holiday cactus in a cool location for as long as possible to promote bud set.  Keep poinsettias moist. If allowed to dry out, the bottom leaves will turn yellow and drop off.  Check fruits, vegetables, corms and tubers that you have in storage.  Increase humidity around houseplants by running a humidifier, grouping plants or using pebble trays.  House plants with large leaves and smooth foliage such as philodendrons, dracaena and rubber plant, benefit if their leaves are washed with a damp cloth to remove dust.  Start some herbs on your kitchen windowsill for use all winter long. LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers)  After Christmas, move your cut tree outside and redecorate for the birds using strings of popcorn, fruit and pine cones covered with peanut butter, then dipped in birdseed.  Do necessary pruning after trees and shrubs have become dormant. Now is the time to prune oaks, which can only be safely pruned in the winter.  Consider the impact of snow, cold, and ice on woody plants. Protect from extensive snow loads by tying woody stems together with twine. Carefully remove heavy snow loads with a broom to prevent limb breakage. Allow ice to melt from branches.  Minimize traffic on a frozen lawn to reduce winter damage. GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits and herbs)  Check fruit trees for mouse damage and respond with appropriate traps and/or poisons.  Check on fruit and vegetables in cool storage. Remove any that show signs of spoiling.

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2018 Calendar of Events February 21—Peoria Master Gardener meeting features Bill Johnson on drip irrigation February 23, 24, 25—Peoria Home Show March 14 – Chicago Flower Show bus trip with Vagabond tours April 4, 11, 18, 25—OLLI at Bradley University April 14—Gardeners’ BIG Day at Dickson Mounds Museum June 7—Plant Bingo at the Festival Building in East Peoria (NEW location) July 12-14—Midwest Regional Hosta Society 2018 Convention in E. Peoria. Sept 7—Illinois Master Gardener State Conference Watch for more details on 2018 Master Gardener training! Training will occur sometime between April and June. Go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/fmpt/ for program specifics and registration information. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in any programs, please contact the County Extension office.

Rhonda Ferree inspires citizens in local communities to grow their own food and improve their home landscapes. High quality, impactful programs teach homeowners how to create energyefficient landscapes using sustainable practices that increase property values and help the environment. Known as an early adopter of technology, Rhonda’s ILRiverHort Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and blog social media sites provide cutting edge, science-based information that educate and interact with local citizens where they live and work.

University of Illinois | United States Department of Agriculture | Local Extension Councils Cooperating University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in any programs, please contact the county Extension office. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture by the Director, Cooperative Extension Service, and University of Illinois.