Calendar: Seed Starting for Vegetable Gardens

GRAYSLAKE, Ill.— The online program Seed Starting for Vegetable Gardens will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb.12.

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 also can be started to get a jump on the growing season.

The program is part of the 2025 Lake County Garden Learning Series. Presentations are scheduled the second Wednesday of each month through December. Upcoming sessions include Successful Vegetable Gardening on March 12, and Celebrating Compost April 9.

Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/2tyexc8d.

Beekeeping for Beginners

ANGOLA, Ind. — Steuben County Beekeeping for Beginners will be 9 a.m. to noon ET Saturdays, Feb. 8, Feb. 15 and Feb. 22 at the Angola Parks and Recreation Department’s Commons Hall, 501 S. John St., Angola.

Topics will include: History of beekeeping, beekeeping equipment, spring management, pests and diseases, honey harvesting and marketing.

Cost is $10. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/mrdkbcee. For questions, call Chet Gilbert at 260-668-0950.

Winter Wellness

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Winter Wellness 2025, a family event focused on being healthy in mind, body, and spirit, will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 8 at Watch Tower Lodge, Black Hawk State Historic Site, 1800 46th Ave., Rock Island.

Event highlights will include DIY food creations, hands-on crafts, youth-focused games, master gardener and wellness booths, and nature walks.

Support for this fun-filled day of wellness for all ages is provided by the Rock Island County Extension and 4-H Education Foundation.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/32954dtu.

Hearty Soups and Stews

HOOPESTON, Ill. — The program Hearty Soups and Stews will be 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Hoopeston Public Library, 110 N. 4th St., Hoopeston.

Participants will learn how to prepare heartwarming soups low in sodium and fat, but packed with flavor. Also discover how to make soups in electric pressure cookers and explore various soups that can help lower blood pressure. Handouts and recipes will be provided to recreate these delicious soups at home.

Register for this free class at https://tinyurl.com/5t57tabz.

Tree Fruit School

HARDIN, Ill. — The Southwestern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School will be 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Barefoot Restaurant, 106 S. Water St., Hardin.

Support the success of your tree fruit operation with practical research-tested best practices from industry experts. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or new to the practice, the program features a wide range of topics to help you meet the challenges of commercial fruit production in southwestern Illinois.

Current trends in insect and disease management production-related topics will include: Peach and apple disease, plum curculio and stink bugs, and managing light inception for improved peach quality.

Cost is $35. Register at https://tinyurl.com/56cxfcxz.

Culinary Confidence

BRIGHTON, Ill. — The program Cheese, Charcuterie and Culinary Confidence will be 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 11 at Brighton Memorial Library, 110 N. Main St., Brighton.

Dive into the delicious art of charcuterie and cheese in this interactive class. Build confidence in food preparation while learning to identify nutritious ingredients like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and dairy. Explore the essentials of handwashing, food safety, and mindful eating as you craft beautiful and healthy snack boards. Discover how to safely store cheese, prevent foodborne illness, and understand the nutritional profiles of various cheeses. Master the art of pairing cheeses with complementary flavors to create a spread that’s both safe and sensational.

Register by calling the library at 618-372-8450. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yhhu2yrf.

Annie’s Project

NASHVILLE, Ill. — Annie’s Project will begin 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Washington County Extension office, 9623 Wall St., Nashville.

Annie’s Project is a series of six workshops for farmers and ranchers looking to understand management and decision-making topics as they relate to a farming operation. Annie’s Project is designed to empower farm businesses in today’s complex, dynamic world of agriculture.

The class will meet weekly through March 18. Cost is $25. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5a5mrdv8.

Sourdough Secrets

EUREKA, Ill. — The program Unlock the Secrets of Sourdough will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main St., Eureka.

Participants will gain a better understanding of the entire sourdough breadmaking process and leave with a list of resources to help continue their breadmaking journey at home.

To register, call the library at 309-467-2922.

Forest Management

NASHVILLE, Ind. — Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner will be held 6 to 9 p.m. ET Tuesdays, Feb. 11-April 1 at the Brown County 4-H Fairgrounds, 800 S. Memorial Drive, Nashville.

Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner is a Purdue University short course providing knowledge and resources to help landowners make informed decisions in the care and management of their forests.

Topics will include

• Feb. 11 — Forest resource and tree identification.

• Feb. 18 — Forest biology and ecology.

• Feb. 25 — Forest management.

• March 4 — Forest management II.

• March 11 — Marketing timber.

• March 18 — Wildlife management.

• March 25 — Managing the woodland investment.

• April 1 — Management resources.

There also will be a field tour from 9 a.m. to noon March 22 at South East Purdue Ag Center, 4425 County Rd 350 N, Butlerville.

Cost is $50, Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/2p98xavh. This program is sponsored by Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources, Brown County Cooperative Extension, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources — Division of Forestry.

Crop Management Conference

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The 2025 Crop Management Conference will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 12 at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. 1st St., Champaign.

Analyzing last year’s statewide crop trends alongside current research helps to strengthen planning for the 2025 crop year.

Topics will include Insect Management in Corn and Soybeans, Soil Research Update, Agronomics of Corn and Soybean Production, Water Quality Research Update, Update on Disease Management in Corn and Soybeans, and Field Weed Research Update.

Cost is $80. Register at https://tinyurl.com/23ncrzm9.

Fruit and Vegetable School

MT. VERNON, Ill. — The 2025 Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School will be 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Feb. 12 at Doubletree Meeting and Event Center, 222 Potomac Blvd., Mt. Vernon.

The 2025 Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School brings informative, practical, and up-to-date research-based information to address the challenges of growing fruit and vegetables commercially in southern Illinois and Missouri. Industry experts will share current trends in insect and disease management, as well as a variety of other production-related topics. Onsite vendors will be available to discuss production needs.

Cost is $35. Register at https://tinyurl.com/43u389a3.

Tree Health

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Tree Identification and Health Assessment will be 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 12.

Learn to recognize and classify various tree species using leaf shape, bark, fruit, and other characteristics. This session is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the trees around them. Attendees will learn about evaluating the health of trees by identifying what to look for, like growth patterns and defects. Finally, discover how to take corrective and preventative actions to keep trees healthy and mitigate the risk of a hazardous tree.

Cost is $10. Register for this Community Tree Care Series event at https://tinyurl.com/4cwykxb9.

Seed Sowing

MT. ZION,Ill.— Winter Seed Sowing will be 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 12 at the Mt. Zion District Library, 115 W. Main St., Mt. Zion.

Winter sowing is a fun and easy way to start seeds outside during the winter. Plant your seeds in plastic containers; the plastic container acts like a mini greenhouse. Then put the plastic container outside. As the weather starts to warm up, the seeds will germinate and be ready for spring transplanting.

Register for this free workshop by calling the library at 217-864-3622.

UAV Training

BOONVILLE, Ind. — The Become a Certified UAV Pilot course will be 8 a.m. to 4p.m. CT Feb. 13 and Feb. 14 at the Warrick County 4-H Fairgrounds, 133 W Degonia Road, Boonville.

Topics will include FAA test preparation, flight instructions, camera settings, flight plans and recordkeeping, data management, image quality and troubleshooting, sensors and AI, and emergency preparation.

Cost is $200. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yhpjwvv3. For questions, contact Valerie Clingerman, 812-882-3509 or clingerman@purdue.edu.

Ag Women Engage

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The 2025 Ag Women Engage Conference will be 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET Feb. 13 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne.

Through preconference workshops, a keynote speaker and breakout presentations, attendees will learn how to better manage risk, enhance their farms and agribusiness operations, and network with other ag women throughout Indiana.

Keynote speaker will be Courtenay Dehoff, a strong agriculture advocate who will discuss the importance of bridging the disconnect between rural and urban communities. She is an executive producer and cohost of “Backroad Cowgirls,” a digital series highlighting the diverse faces of agriculture and their stories.

For registration and conference information, visit https://tinyurl.com/y4993956.

Fruit Tree Pruning

DECATUR, Ill. — Macon County master gardeners will present the program Fruit Tree Pruning, 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Crossing Healthcare Garden, 320 Central Ave., Decatur.

This hands-on learning experience will provide the skills needed for successful fruit trees. Learn the why, when, and how to prune with pruning techniques demonstrated.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/326zfwjr.

Annie’s Project

HARRISBURG, Ill. — Annie’s Project, Empowering Women in Agriculture, will be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 13-March 20, at the Southeastern Illinois College, 3575 College Road, Harrisburg.

Annie’s Project is a six-week, discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field. There’s plenty of time for questions, sharing, reacting, and connecting with presenters and fellow participants. It’s a relaxed, fun, and dynamic way to learn, grow, and meet other farm women.

Cost is $25. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mr4xhjtn or call 618-695-2441.

Introduction to Beekeeping

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Introduction to Beekeeping series will begin 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Sangamon County Extension office, 700 S. Airport Drive, Springfield.

This series is designed for someone who is interested in starting beekeeping or who would just like to learn more about honey bees. Topics that will be covered by experienced beekeepers include life of the bee, common pests and diseases, bee equipment, how to assemble bee equipment, new package installation, how to inspect a hive, and care of the colony.

The program continues on Thursdays through March 20, and also will be offered online. Register at https://tinyurl.com/42nhrwkj.

Spring Garden Clinic

INDIANAPOLIS — The Spring Garden Clinic will be 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Feb. 15 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., Indianapolis.

This annual event is designed for beginners and experts alike. It provides a wide array of gardening information and a chance to network with other gardeners. Education sessions will provide information on on a variety of gardening topics.

Cost is $75, and includes the educational sessions, breakfast and lunch. Register at https://tinyurl.com/22rc2sun.

Seed Swap

EUREKA, Ill. — The Woodford County Seed Swap will be 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 15 at Roanoke Mennonite Church, 1195 County Rd 1600 E, Eureka.

Swap seeds, network with other plant enthusiasts, and dream of what’s possible this growing season. Materials on how to start seeds will be provided. Native seeds will be provided by Wild Ones, Prairie Moon, and AB Hatchery.

Seeds to donate and trade should not be more than 2 years old, and should be heritage or heirloom.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n82kjzn.