By Andi Anderson
Gardeners and plant lovers are invited to join the University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening spring webinar series, which begins April 29. These free, expert-led webinars will help home gardeners manage invasive plants and protect crops like squash and pumpkins from common pests.
This season features two sessions. The first, titled “Nature’s Uninvited Guests - The Impact of Invasive Plants,” will be held on April 29. It explores how plants that seem harmless at first can quickly spread and take over gardens.
Participants will learn the difference between aggressive and invasive plants, how to spot common Illinois invasives, and proper removal techniques.
The second session, “Managing Common Squash and Pumpkin Pests,” is scheduled for May 20. It will focus on identifying and managing pests that target squash, pumpkin, cucumber, and melon plants—helping gardeners keep their crops healthy and productive.
“While plants are waking up in backyards, parks, and gardens this spring, check in on the Four Seasons Gardening series webinars as another way to dig deeper,” said the Illinois Extension team.
The sessions aim to improve gardening knowledge and practices for anyone interested in environmental care, food production, or home horticulture.
Both sessions will be presented live at 1:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays. Registration is free and required through the official Illinois Extension website at go.illinois.edu/FourSeasons. Educators Jamie Viebach and Ken Johnson will lead the webinars.
Those unable to attend live can watch recorded sessions on the Illinois Extension Horticulture YouTube channel, available approximately two weeks after each webinar.
Anyone needing accommodations should contact Nancy Kreith for the April session at kreith@illinois.edu, or Gemini Bhalsod for the May session at gbhalsod@illinois.edu, by April 15.
Photo Credit: illinois-state-university
Categories: Illinois, Business