Spring gardening enthusiasts have much to look forward to, as the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners announce a series of educational workshops. Attendees can learn the intricacies of seed starting, constructing grow light stations, and mastering houseplant propagation. For younger green thumbs, the Learn-Grow-Share 4-H Spin Club presents an exciting opportunity to cultivate vegetables, herbs, and flowers. These workshops offer a chance to deepen your gardening knowledge and skills, ensuring a bountiful season ahead. Further information, including registration details, can be found on their official website. Don’t miss out on enhancing your gardening journey this spring!
Seed Starting Workshops: Discover the basics of seed starting, including soil, moisture, and planting fundamentals. This workshop is ideal for all experience levels.
- February 26, 2025, at Peru Public Library, 1409 11th Street, Peru, Illinois 61354, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Register at: go.illinois.edu/peruseeds
- March 25, 2025, at Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library, 215 E. Cleveland Street, Spring Valley, Illinois 61362, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Register at: go.illinois.edu/seedsmautino
Grow Light Workshop: Join us to build your own grow light station. Master Gardener Volunteers will guide you through the simple construction process. All supplies are provided.
- March 15, 2025, at LaSalle County Extension Office (Ottawa), 1689 North 31st Road, Suite 2, Ottawa, IL 61350, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The cost is $20 (covers project supplies). Register at: go.illinois.edu/growlight. Space is limited to 10 participants. Register by March 14 to reserve your spot.
Houseplant Propagation Workshop: Learn how to propagate houseplants through leaf and stem cuttings, division, and air layering. This hands-on workshop allows attendees to take home a newly propagated plant. - March 26, 2025, at Oglesby Public Library District, 111 S Woodland Ave, Oglesby, IL 61348, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Register at: go.illinois.edu/propagation
Learn-Grow-Share 4-H Spin Club: Gardening for Youth Youth ages 8-18 can dig into gardening with the Learn-Grow-Share 4-H Spin Club! Participants will grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers, with produce donated to local blessing boxes—over 700 pounds were donated in 2024. Youth can use their harvests for 4-H exhibits and learn to cook with fresh ingredients.
Membership is free thanks to community donations. Sign up at https://4h.zsuite.org/ and select Learn-Grow-Share Club. Meetings are held 1-2 times monthly at the Marshall-Putnam Extension Office, 509 Front St., Henry, IL 61537. Our first
session is February 25, 2025, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. For more information and accommodations, or to register for 4-H SPIN Club, please contact Anne Scheel at [email protected] or 309-364-2356.
If you will need accommodations to participate in Master Gardener workshops, please contact Bettyann Harrison at [email protected] or 309-364-2356. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.