Nursery School offers lessons in gardening – AgriNews

MOLINE, Ill. — Nursery School: Lessons in Gardening Symposium will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 21 at Vibrant Arena, 1201 River Drive, Moline.

University of Illinois Extension educators, local experts, and master gardeners will present a full day of inspiration, practical workshops, and community connection. Participants will discover fresh ideas, practical tips, and expert strategies to enrich their gardening journey.

The day begins and ends with keynote presentations, with a choice of two sessions from six engaging topics in between. Enjoy morning rolls and coffee, a complimentary lunch buffet, time to explore garden vendors, and a prize drawing to close the day.

Session topics will include:

• Rebuilding Our Forests Amid Climate Challenges

• Soak it Up: Rain Gardens in the Home Landscape

• Harvesting Happiness: Growing Fruit Trees at Home

• Planting Herbs to Attract Pollinators

• Reclaiming Runaway Landscape

• Explore the Foods, Flavors, and Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

• Support Biodiversity by Landscaping with Native Midwestern Shrubs

• Plants of Concern: 25 Years of Rare Plant Monitoring

Cost is $60. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yjhmu43u.

Vegetable Growers Conference

ROCKFORD, Ill. — The 30th annual Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference will be 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Feb. 16 at NIU-Rockford, 8500 E. State St., Rockford.

The conference addresses common issues facing fruit and vegetable growers, providing the most up-to-date information to ensure a successful growing season and business.

The registration fee is $40 per person and includes the choice of five different breakout sessions, an opening session, and a boxed lunch from Mary’s Market.

Session topics will include:

• Herbicide Considerations for Apples

• Adding Hydroponics to Your Farm Operation

• Building a Successful Tree Orchard: Considerations for Rootstock and Training Systems

• International Fruit Study Tour of South Africa

• Recommendations for Managing Apple Diseases in Northern Illinois in 2026

• Beneficial Insects and Pests in Pumpkins

• Updates on Disease Management of Cucurbit and Solanaceous Crops in Northern Illinois

• Making the Cut: Pruning Apple Trees

• New Insights into Freeze Events and Winter Injury in Apple

• Turning Ideas into Income: Using the 4+P’s of Marketing to Plan Before You Plant

• Tried and True and Up and Coming Traps in Tree Fruit Production

• Managing Fertility and Irrigation in High Tunnel Tomatoes: Lessons from Multiyear Trials

• Effect of Heat Stress on Tomato and Bean Production Outdoors

• Tunnel or Field? Smart Choices for High-Value Cut Flowers

• Finding a Balance: Pollinators and Fruit Set

Pasture Lease Program

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The online Pasture Lease Program will be offered at 9 a.m. ET Feb. 16, and 7 p.m. Feb. 23.

This informative workshop is designed to help landowners and livestock producers navigate the complexities of pasture leasing. This session will cover:

• Understanding Lease Agreements: Essential components, legal considerations, and common pitfalls.

• Setting Fair Rental Rates: Factors influencing pasture value and tools for calculating rates.

• Roles and Responsibilities: Clarifying obligations for both landowners and tenants.

• Best Practices for Communication: Building strong, long-term leasing relationships.

Field and Friends

GOSHEN, Ind. — Field and Friends: Farmer Briefing Series will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. ET Feb. 17 at Elkhart County Extension, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen.

Featured will be Foster and Jesi Davenport, who operate a diverse farm operation. Learn from their experiences and join in discussion with others looking for farm and ag diversification.

To register for this free program, call Kathryn Jennings at 574-533-0554 or email jennin30@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n78yvy9.

Locally Led Conservation

MONTICELLO, Ill. — Locally Led Conservation with Piatt County SWCD, a Growing Community Program hosted by DeWitt and Piatt master gardeners, will be noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 17 at Piatt County Extension, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

Learn about the goals of PCSWCD and other conservation partners, project examples, and how to get involved in locally led conservation efforts.

Working with other county, state, and federal partners, PCSWCD offers technical and financial assistance to landowners and agricultural producers interested in conservation practices, educational outreach programs, native plant resources, recycling services, and other natural resource conservation-related services.

Tree Care Series

URBANA, Ill. — “After Planting” and “Tree Responses” will be the topics of the Community Tree Care Series webinar, 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 17:

• Rooted in Success: Tree Care After Planting — Planting a tree is just the beginning of a long-term investment in community health, environmental resilience, and landscape beauty. This program covers best practices for tree care following planting, ensuring that newly planted trees thrive and that clients are satisfied. Participants will gain an understanding of best practices during the critical establishment and learn how to recognize signs of stress or disease. The program also connects participants with trusted resources, such as Extension services, arborists, and tree care guides, to support long-term success.

• Branch Management: Tree Responses to Cultural Practices — Trees react to pruning, planting, and environmental stress in ways that aren’t always visible. Explore how common tree care practices influence growth, healing, and decline through internal processes, like hormone signaling. Attendees will learn how tree biology can lead to better decisions and healthier trees.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4xrf82j6.

Heart Healthy Cooking

PANA, Ill. — Heart Healthy Cooking: Protein will be 10:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 18 at Pana Community Hospital, 101 E. 9th St., Pana.

Discover the power of protein and how it impacts health. In this interactive class, participants will learn about different types of proteins, both animal-based and plant-based, and explore how they support the body’s needs.

A hands-on cooking experience will feature recipes featuring a variety of protein sources.

Food Safety

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Food Safety for Older Adults will be 10 a.m. to noon CT Feb. 19 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

As we age, our relationship with food becomes even more important. Not just what we eat, but how we handle, store, and prepare it can make all the difference. Food Safety for Older Adults is a program designed to help older adults stay confident in the kitchen and protected from preventable foodborne illnesses.

This free program will be presented by Linda Curley, Extension health and human sciences educator.

Farm Succession

MACOMB, Ill. — Legacy & Law: Navigating Farm Succession will be 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19 at McDonough County 4-H Building, 3022 W. Jackson St., Macomb.

Planning for the future of your farm is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, your land, and your legacy. Understanding how succession works — and the pitfalls to avoid — can make all the difference when transitioning your farm to the next generation.

The McDonough County Farm Bureau and University of Illinois Extension are partnering to provide a seminar designed to help farm families gain clarity on succession planning and the legal aspects of farm transition. This program will highlight strategies to safeguard your farm’s future and ensure a smooth handoff across generations.

Chocolate Unwrapped

WATERLOO, Ill. — Chocolate Unwrapped will be 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at The Vintage Wine Bar, 212 S. Main St., Waterloo.

Indulge your senses and satisfy your curiosity at this deliciously fun event for chocolate lovers of all ages. Explore the history, science, and artistry of chocolate while enjoying hands-on demonstrations, tastings, and interactive activities. Participants will take home chocolate recipes and a sweet treat from Katy Cakes, LLC.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5arpvu6n.

Getting Started with Seeds

VERNON HILLS, Ill. — Getting Started with Seeds will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Aspen Drive Library, 701 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills.

Lake County Extension master gardeners will deliver timely tips on how to start seeds to grow your own seedlings for your garden. Basic requirements, including time, light, growing medium, water, and attention, will be shared as well as suggested plants to start from seed. Seed starting is not limited to vegetables. Annuals and perennials can also be started to get a jump on the growing season.

Edge of Field

PRINCETON, Ill. — The program Edge of Field Practices will be 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 19 at Bureau County Extension, 850 E. Thompson St., Princeton.

During this session, participants will gain insight into innovative edge-of-field solutions — such as saturated buffers, bioreactors, constructed wetlands, and prairie strips — that reduce nutrient loss and improve water quality.

IPT Bull Sale

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at Illinois State Fairgrounds, Artisans Building, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield.

Cattle producers need to consider all genetic information when making decisions about their herd. The Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale has been a leader in introducing Illinois seedstock breeders and commercial cow-calf producers to the latest evaluation technologies and practices. The sale has offered some of the best genetics based on performance standards utilized by the beef industry.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/8p9zfd33.

Seed Starting

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Seed Starting for Success: Pocket-Friendly and Eco-Smart Methods will be 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford.

Get a head start on a successful growing season and have the garden you want at a pocket-friendly cost by starting your seeds at home. Simplify seed starting by joining Illinois Extension Master Gardener Liz Riesche for an exploration of how to start your seeds using budget-friendly, recycled materials found around your home.

Rooted Conference

GLEN ELLYN, Ill. — Rooted, an educational event for gardeners, growers, environmentalists and everyday plant lovers, will be 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 21 at College of DuPage’s Jack H. Turner Conference Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

Session topics will include:

• Rethinking Lawns: Exploring the Menu of Options of Landcovers for Ecosystem Services in Chicago Parks

• Growing the Perfect Tomato

• Taking Native Garden Design to the Next Level

• Everlasting Flowers: Drying and Pressing Techniques

• Growing Climate Resilience at Every Scale

Hands-on activity sessions will include Nature Journaling, Kokedama, Vermicompost and Moss Art.

Optional afternoon field trip locations include DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center, Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum, Morton Arboretum, and Orchids by Hausermann.

Cost is $35 — additional cost for some activities. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4dkc2u28.

Attracting Hummingbirds

CYPRESS, Ill. — The program Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Own Backyard Pollinator Garden will be 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 21 at Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center, 8885 IL-37, Cypress.

Have you noticed different birds at your feeders? Although ruby-throated hummingbirds are expected visitors to gardens east of the Rocky Mountains, several species of vagrant hummingbirds have been documented in Illinois.

Join Horticulture Educator Kim Rohling to learn about the natural history of the ruby-throated hummingbird, tips on supplemental feeding, and native plant species that are attractive to hummingbirds.

The program also will be offered:

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Marion Carnegie Library, 206 S. Market St., Marion. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mt3zfvcj.

• 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Carbondale Township Hall, 217 E. Main St., Carbondale. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2zc49py3.

Watershed Series

QUINCY, Ill. — Illinois Watershed Steward Series will be 5:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 23-April 13, at Adams County Extension, 330 S. 36th St., Quincy.

This program engages participants as stewards of their local watershed by offering information from local scientists, river-focused leaders, and watershed management professionals. This eight-session education program helps people understand how their water travels from rainfall to potential drinking. From rainfall and runoff to streams, rivers, and potential drinking water sources, participants explore how local land-use decisions affect water quality far beyond their own communities.

Cost is $84, which includes all session materials, dinner at each session, and soil test vouchers. Register by email at heberlei@illinois.edu, call 217-223-8380, or visit https://tinyurl.com/2zecbddd.

Agronomy Summit

MARSHALL, Ill. — The Clark County Agronomy Summit will be 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24 at Clark County Extension, 15493 IL-1, Marshall.

Summit presentations will include:

• Management Decisions Given 2026 Price and Return Outlook

• The Challenge of Group 15 Resistance in Waterhemp: Is Metribuzin an Overlooked Option for its Management?

• High-Tech Harvest: Tools for the Farm of the Future

• Agricultural Mental Health: Extension Resources for Individuals and Communities

• Succession Planning

Cost is $30, and includes light refreshments and lunch.

Sheep and Goat Breeding

GOSHEN, Ind. — Sheep and Goats: Breeding and Genetics will be 3 to 5 p.m. ET Feb. 24 at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen.

Sheep and goat producers are invited to a program focused on improving reproductive performance through practices such as heat detection, synchronization, and effective gestation management to strengthen herd and flock productivity.

The program will be held in the Sheep/Swine Arena. Cost is $10 per person, payable at the door by cash or check.

To register, call Kathryn Jennings at 574-533-0554 or email jennin30@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/55v35tcr.

Garden Stewardship

BENTON, Ill. — Rend Lake Pollinator Garden Stewardship Day will be 8:30 to 11 a.m. Feb. 25 at Rend Lake Project Office and Visitor Center, 11981 Rend City Road, Benton.

University of Illinois Extension is partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide public pollinator garden stewardship opportunities at the Rend Lake Project Office Visitor Center from February to October. Volunteers will receive training of how to care for pollinator gardens, assist with garden stewardship, meet other volunteers, and have fun.

Volunteer sessions are 8:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, and include garden stewardship tasks and an educational program.

Participants should bring their own knee pads or gardening pads and water. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, gardening gloves, and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

Pruning Grapes

NORMAL, Ill. — Pruning Grapes and Other Small Fruits Workshop will be 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Refuge Food Forest, 701 E. Lincoln St., Normal.

Learn the basics of grape and other small fruits pruning techniques. Dormant season pruning of small fruits is an essential component of successful small fruits production and management that has extensive plant health benefits. Additional small fruit crops covered besides grapes will include thornless blackberry and black currant.

Composting with Worms

AROMA PARK, Ill. — Composting with Worms will be 10 a.m. Feb. 25 at Shannon Bayou, 3301 Waldron Road, Aroma Park.

Learn how to use worms to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments for plants. This program will cover setup, maintenance, worm care, and managing the bin.

Reduce kitchen waste sustainably, and receive a starter kit filled with worms.

Grow-Light Workshop

PERU, Ill. — Grow-Light Workshop will be 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Peru Public Library, 1409 11th St., Peru.

Participants will learn the essentials of starting seeds indoors and build their own grow-light station to take home. Perfect for gardeners looking to get a jumpstart on the growing season.

Cost is $10 and includes all supplies to complete a light station.

Using a Smartphone

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Digital Skills Lessons: Using a Smartphone or Tablet will be 6 to 7 p.m. ET Feb. 26 at Allen County Public Library, 2215 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne.

This workshop is designed to cover the basic functions of both Apple and Android devices. Participants will become familiar with the layout of the device, touch on what an operating system is, and how to secure a device. At the end of the lesson, participants will have time to practice powering on, discovering the home screen, and using gestures such as scrolling, swiping, and tap/hold/drag.

The workshop will be led by Allen County Purdue Extension’s Community Development Educator Cheyanne Geideman.

Seed Starting

OTTAWA, Ill. — Seed Starting and Saving for Gardeners will be 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Reddick Library, 1010 Canal St., Ottawa.

Participants will learn practical techniques for starting seeds indoors, discover which seeds can be direct-sown outdoors, and explore methods for saving seeds from their own gardens to use in future seasons.

How Sweet It Is

DANVERS, Ill. — Honey and Health will be 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Danvers Township Library, 117 E. Exchange St., Danvers.

Get the scoop on honey and how to use it in recipes.

Register for this free program by emailing danvers.tl.rsa@gmail.com, or call 309-963-4269. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4fu6tcxu.

Annie’s Project

DECATUR, Ill. — Annie’s Project Workshop will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 26 and Feb. 27 at Macon County Extension, 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd., Decatur.

Join the Annie’s Project Workshop and learn about the five areas of risk management — financial, human resource, legal, market, and production.

Participants will be required to complete six hours of online video courses before starting the class.

Cost is $50 and includes lunch both days. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4xwbjvz3.

Garden Show Lectures

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Purdue Extension and Allen County master gardeners will present a lecture series at the Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Feb. 27 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne.

Each session will last 45-60 minutes. These sessions are free to the public but there is a fee for parking and entry into the Home & Garden Show.

Topics will include Artificial Intelligence in the Garden, Pesticide Controversy, The Top 10 Ways to Kill a Tree and How to Avoid Them Using Best Practices, and Set Yourself Up for Success with Vegetable Gardening

For more information about the lecture series, visit https://tinyurl.com/3de8h8cj.

Show hours at the Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Feb. 26; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 27; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 28; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1.

More information about the show can be found at https://home-gardenshow.com/.

Hunting Expo

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo will be Feb. 27 to March 1 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis.

This event brings together top vendors, experienced outfitters and knowledgeable experts from across the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore new products and learn proven strategies in deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunting.

Hours are noon to 8 p.m. ET Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 28, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/35ed27m7.