Green Side Up

Illinois Extension Educator Richard Hentschel takes some time to discuss an invasive species that can impact our garden soils. Jumping worms were first found in Wisconsin in 2013 and then in Illinois in 2015. The concern is how much organic matter they can eat during the summer as they grow from an egg to about 6 to 8 inches long. Depending on where you live in the United States this worm goes by a few names. Learn about identifying them, where they’ve been found in Illinois, and more at https://go.illinois.edu/JumpingWormsUpdate2020

Richard Hentschel, host of Green Side Up, discusses home orchard set-up and concerns in this podcast. He covers topics including winter hardiness of different fruit trees, siting the home orchard, and pollination requirements.

Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel addresses how homeowners can recycle a real Christmas tree, outside of community programs. There are uses for the tree right in the backyard to help our feathered friends and the home landscape.

Richard Hentschel talks about cranberries this week. Cranberries have been around a long time and likely served up in the early 1860s. We often associate Cranberries with the holiday season, but given the good nutritional qualities, they should get to the dinner table a lot more often. There are quite a few states that produce cranberries in the United States. Other producers are in Canada and Chile. Listen in to learn more!

Green Side Up host Richard Hentschel covers some the more common holiday tree selection concerns when you are at the cut-your-own field or purchasing the from your favorite lot or garden center. The size, needle type, and how long you want the tree to last are just some of the considerations. And, don't forget to think about how you are going to handle the tree after the decorations and lights are back in their boxes.

It's the time of year when holiday gift plants are being given and received. Some basic care information will extend their beauty and use, well past the holiday season. Get tips on nighttime temperatures, proper light and watering.

Richard talks about what the future holds if flour products are not handled the right way this holiday baking season. Two most common pantry pests are the Indian meal moth and the stored grain beetles. Simple steps now will stop extensive cleanup later.

Illinois Extension's Richard Hentschel discusses fall color, late season tree insects and diseases, and what's going on in the home lawn with mushrooms and holes.

Illinois Extension Educator and GSU Host Richard Hentschel talks about timely summer bulb preparation and a reminder of when to plant those winter-hardy spring bulbs if you want to see those beautiful blooms in your home landscape next spring.

Garden cleanup is the topic this week from Richard Hentschel, Illinois Extension Educator. Given our weather pattern this season, consider at least the beginnings of a cleanup effort. Some vegetables are done for the season, annual beds have lost their attractiveness, and lots of perennials have finished for the year. With less hours of daylight, getting in one or two hours during the week is enough time to at least start and then you can avoid worrying so much about weekend weather too.