Calendar: Grow a successful sweet corn patch

Growing Sweet Corn

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Growing Great Sweet Corn will be noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 21.

Sweet corn is the taste of summer in Illinois. Growing it fresh in your backyard is simple, fun, easy, and it might even be profitable. Learn how to grow a successful sweet corn patch during this lunchtime webinar with Talon Becker, Extension commercial agriculture specialist.

Topics of discussion will include: Introduction to Sweet Corn, Site Selection and Soil Preparation, Planting Guidelines, Care and Maintenance, Harvesting Sweet Corn, Pollination and Isolation, Selecting Plants for Seed, Harvesting and Processing Seed, and Storing Seed.

4-H Kickoff

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The 4-H Enrollment Kickoff open house will be 1 to 3 p.m. ET Oct. 12 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Learn how your family can get involved in a year full of fun, friendship, and growth with 4-H. Meet the club leaders, explore a variety of 4-H projects, and enjoy food and games.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/m2pwceua.

Bat Crazy

BELVIDERE, Ill. — Bat Crazy will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere.

Join a lively and educational evening all about bats. Discover what these misunderstood creatures do for us, how we can help protect them, and what to do when they show up uninvited.

The program will be repeated from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 16 at the Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley. Call 815-332-5161.

Rainscaping Program

SYCAMORE, Ill. — The two-session Rainscaping Program will be 8:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 14 and Oct. 21 at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W. Prairie Drive, Sycamore.

Rainscaping your property helps it capture stormwater more effectively, allowing it to be released slowly to infiltrate into the ground with less runoff. Stormwater runoff from our homes and communities can carry pollutants directly to rivers, lakes, streams and eventually into our drinking water.

The Rainscaping Program covers multiple rainfall management practices, and will teach participants how to promote community awareness for these important practices. Over the course of the program, attendees will learn how to site, design, construct, and maintain a rain garden. This workshop is hosted by University of Illinois Extension, and is a joint effort of Illinois Extension and Purdue Extension.

Costs is $50. Coffee and light morning snacks will be provided. Register at https://tinyurl.com/fepf3nke. For questions, call DeKalb Extension at 815-758-8194, or email program coordinator Connie Handel at cahandel@illinois.edu.

Exercise Group

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The Arthritis Chair Exercise Group meets 10 to 11 a.m. ET, and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Meadows Learning Lab, 55 S. Brown Ave., Terre Haute.

The class is designed for people with arthritis to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and range of motion. Exercises can be performed seated, standing, or a combination of the two.

This free class meets Tuesdays and everyone is welcome; start anytime.

For more information call 812-462-3371 or email wrigh509@purdue.edu. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2tw7r5un.

Amending Soil

ELDORADO, Ill. — Amending Garden Soil will be 5 to 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Dewey Farm & Greenhouse, 401 US-45, Eldorado.

Soil amendments can improve the health, nutrient content, and physical properties of your soil. Adding amendments can lead to improved root development, decreased pest pressure, increased production, and a more vibrant, resilient home garden. Fall is a great time to manage your soil and set yourself up for success in the next growing season.

4-H Teen Teachers

MILAN, Ill. — The 4-H Teen Teachers Kickoff Meeting will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct 14 at Rock Island Extension, 321 2nd Ave. W, Milan.

Through monthly meetings, teen teachers will build essential leadership and teaching skills; access hands-on opportunities to apply what they learn; and strengthen their résumés with meaningful experience.

Pizza will be served. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdhj7a8s.

Grow Your Own Garlic

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Grow Your Own Garlic will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Kankakee County Extension, 1650 Commerce Drive, Bourbonnais.

University of Illinois Horticulture Educator Nancy Kuhajda will discuss everything you need to know about growing your own garlic. All participants will receive five different types of garlic to grow as well as cultural care information and some great recipes.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3za826vk.

The program also will be offered 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at Grundy County Extension, 4004 N Division St., Morris. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc7xukf4.

Sourdough Secrets

GRIDLEY, Ill. — Unlock the Secrets of Sourdough will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Gridley Public Library, 320 N. Center St., Gridley.

Gain a better understanding of the entire sourdough breadmaking process and leave with a list of resources to help you continue your breadmaking journey at home.

To register, call the library at 309-747-2284. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2ka47jxt.

Succulent Workshop

ELIZABETH, Ill. — The program Succulent Dish Garden Workshop: Design, Create, Cultivate will be 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Jo Daviess County Extension, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Nikki Keltner, University of Illinois Extension program coordinator, will talk about how to select, plant, and care for a variety of succulents as well as give tips on soil, drainage, and creative styling. Participants will then get to put their knowledge to the test and create their very own succulent dish to take home.

Cost is $30. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2s3zpuw2.

Gardening Adventures

SPRINGFIELD, ill. — Gardening Adventures at the Demonstration Gardens will be 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Building 30, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield.

University of Illinois Extension master gardener volunteers will share insights on seed-saving, composting leaves, and tips on how to grow ginger and turmeric.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/ywe3d3ms.

Fall Foliage Hike

OTTAWA, Ill. — Fall Foliage Hike will be 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 18 at Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa.

Experience fall with University of Illinois Extension master naturalists. Slow down, connect with nature, and deepen your appreciation for the dazzling palette of autumn.

Worm Composting

MONTICELLO, Ill. — Basics of Worm Composting will be noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at Piatt County Extension, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

Worm composting, or vermicomposting, is a method of composting with worms that breaks down food waste into a rich soil amendment. Learn the basics of indoor worm composting from selecting a container, type of worms to use, how to feed the worms and how to harvest the compost at this free program presented by DeWitt and Piatt county master gardeners.

Reclaiming Landscapes

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Reclaiming Runaway Landscapes will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 21.

Explore practical methods for taking back an overgrown, chaotic landscape and guidance on where to start when garden beds feel overwhelming. The session covers the use of mulch, design strategies, and effective weeding tools and techniques. Finally, learn how to decide which plants need to go and which ones can be tolerated.

Deadly Plants

BELVIDERE, Ill. — Deadly Plants will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere.

We rely on plants for oxygen, food, and beauty — but not all greenery is innocent. Some plants bite back!

Discover how carnivorous and poisonous plants trap their prey, where to find them in Illinois, and which toxic plants might be lurking in your own backyard or home.

Creating with Willow Branches

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Creating with Willow Branches will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. Oct. 23 at Jo Daviess County Extension, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Laurie Gothard-Zueger, Jo Daviess County master gardener, will talk about how she harvests the branches from her willow tree and uses them to create unique pieces to include in her home. Each participant will make a willow branch craft to take home.

Cost is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mm75rxwy.

Wreath Workshop

FORSYTH, Ill. — Fall Wreath Workshop will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Forsyth Public Library, 268 S. Elwood St., Forsyth.

Celebrate the beauty of autumn with a hands-on, family-friendly workshop where you will create your own one-of-a-kind fall wreath. Using natural materials such as colorful leaves, dried flowers, pine cones, and acorns, participants will be guided step-by-step in crafting a piece that captures the true cozy charm of the season.

Whether you’re decorating your front door, or making a heartfelt gift, this workshop is the perfect way to spend time together. All supplies will be provided — just bring your imagination.

Cake Decorating

RUSHVILLE, Ill. — Cake Decorating Workshop will be 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 24 at Schuyler County Extension, 710 Maple Ave., Rushville.

Participants ages 8 to 18 will learn the basics of cake decorating and take home their own cake decorating kit along with decorated treats.

This workshop is designed for beginners, but all skill levels are welcome. It’s also a great opportunity to explore the Food Decorating project in the 4-H Visual Arts category.

Cos is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yw7tv3b3.

Taste of Extension

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Taste of Extension will be 4:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Christian County Extension, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

This event is an opportunity for the public to come out, explore program areas, and get a “taste” of what Extension offers.

There will be pop-up activities youth and adults can participate in, all while learning more about Extension programs. Activities include: Pumpkin Trivia and Pumpkin Pie in a Bag; Herbal Experience; and Pumpkin Arrangements Make ‘n Take.

A food truck will be available on-site to purchase dinner.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/47j42uy6.

Trunk or Treat

SIMPSON, Ill. — Trunk or Treat will be 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, 354 IL-145, Simpson.

Local businesses, churches, school groups and clubs, community organizations, and individuals will hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. There will be chili and hot dogs for sale and all proceeds will go towards the Pope County 4-H Clover Crew.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/6r4zmnet.

Bat Night

JONESBORO, Ill. — Bat Night will be 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds, 521 N. Main St., Jonesboro.

Visit different stations to learn about bats. Explore a bat cave, play a bat traveling game, and make a bat craft.

For more information about this free event, visit https://tinyurl.com/48sy9yfj.

Dining with Diabetes

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Dining with Diabetes will be 5 to 6:30 p.m. ET Oct. 30, Nov. 6, Nov. 13, and Nov. 20 at the 12 Points Branch of the Vigo County Public Library, 2200 N. 13th St., Terre Haute.

Topics will include snacks and appetizers; carbs and sweeteners; fats and sodium; and side dishes. Every week, participants will taste two recipes and receive new recipes to try at home.

Invention Convention

CROWN POINT, Ind. — The Indiana 4-H Invention Convention Workshop will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Nov. 5 at Lake County Extension. 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point.

Indiana 4-H Invention Convention is a K-12 invention education program that activates STEM + Invention + Entrepreneurship (STEMIE) learning to instill problem identification, problem-solving, and creativity skills for life, inspiring young people to become the next generation of innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs.

This professional development workshop will equip educators and volunteers to facilitate the Indiana 4-H Invention Convention program in their 4-H clubs, schools, and other youth-serving organizations. Contact hours gained during a workshop are eligible for teachers to apply toward their Professional Growth Points.

CARET Conference

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue CARET State Conference will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Nov. 13 at the Beck Agricultural Center, 4550 US-52, West Lafayette.

The purpose of the State Conference is to discuss current issues and learn more about Purdue University and Purdue Extension. Updates will be provided from the College of Agriculture and Purdue Extension. A Purdue CARET business meeting will be held to elect new Executive Committee officers.

Awards will be presented during lunch, followed by an interactive engagement trail featuring Purdue Extension professionals sharing information about their programs and resources.

Register by emailing purduecaret@purdue.edu or call 765.494.8489. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4b5z5e48.

Purdue Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching is a branch of the national CARET organization. The purpose of Purdue CARET is to provide a means for Indiana citizens to have input into program development, budgetary matters, and legislation.

Holiday Centerpiece

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Create a beautiful holiday centerpiece from 1 to 2 p.m. ET Nov. 15 at Young’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop, 5867 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne.

Cost is $25. Register by calling 260-481-6826. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3a9xrzrm.