Calendar: Soil Testing Week May 3-7

The Illinois Extension offices in Clark and Edgar counties have designated the week of May 3-7 as Soil Testing Week. Collect samples on your own and drop them off at either Extension office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily. Results and recommendations will be sent to you. Cost is $15 per sample.

Soil sample Instructions:

• Use a probe or dig a hole 6-8 inches deep. Then cut a thin slice down one side. Do not include large pieces of matter such as roots.
• Take at least 3 samples per 100 square feet. Mix together in a clean container. Spread out in a thin layer on paper to air dry.
• Repeat the process for each different area you want to have tested. Bring 1-2 cups of dried soil for each sampled area. Sample bags will be provided by your local Extension office.

For more information on how to do a soil test, visit extension.illinois.edu/blogs/green-speak/2018-05-03-how-do-soil-test.

The Clark County Extension office is located at 15493 IL-1, Marshall. The Edgar County Extension office is located at 210 W. Washington St., Paris.

For more information, call the Paris office 217-465-8585, or Marshall office at 217-826-5422.

Growing great tomatoes

Are you interested in learning about growing great tomatoes? If so, join University of Illinois Extension Educator Andrew Holsinger for an online presentation from 10 to 11 a.m. May 5. Holsinger will discuss the major insects and diseases, and how to avoid them.

Register for this free webinar by visiting tinyurl.com/3k2tkwwe.

Rock Island County 4-H Pork Chop Dinner & Pie Auction Fundraiser

The Rock Island County Extension & 4-H Education Foundation invites the public to support your local 4-H and Extension programs by purchasing meals at the 2021 Pork Chop Dinner & Pie Auction Fundraiser.

This year it will be a drive-through event from 4:30 to 6:40 p.m. May 6 at the Rock Island County Extension office, 321 W. Second Ave., Milan.

Your meal includes: Grilled butterfly pork chop sandwich, kitchen cooked potato chips, baked beans, applesauce and homemade dessert. Cost is $8 for pork chop meal or $5 for hot dog meal.

You also can purchase a pie (while supplies last) from the Pie Auction. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/5yaf9rxd.

McDonough County 4-H BBQ

The drive-through McDonough County 4-H BBQ will be from 5 to 7 p.m. May 7 at the McDonough County Fairgrounds, 3028 W. Jackson St., Macomb. Pick up a pork chop sandwich, baked beans, applesauce, a cookie, and a drink. All proceeds go to 4-H college scholarships and countywide activities for 4-H families.

Tickets are $6 in advance from a 4-H member or $7 at the door. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/vmbzumdj.