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Table of Contents
University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program
Master Gardener Mission
Who are Master Gardener Volunteers?
History of the Master Gardener Program
History of Extension
University of Illinois Extension
Illinois Master Gardener Program Structure
Benefits for Master Gardeners
Illinois Master Gardener Responsibilities
Answering Consumer Calls
Master Gardener Volunteer Job Opportunities
University of Illinois Nondiscrimination Statement
B. Botany
The Study of Plants
Classification or Grouping of Plants by Their Life Cycle
Plant Nomenclature
Seed Structure and Germination
Roots
Stems
Buds
Leaves
Flowers
How Seeds Form
Fruits
Movement of Substances in the Vascular Tissues
Growth and Development
Environmental Effects on Plants
References
C. Soils
What is Soil?
How Were Soils Formed?
Inherent Characteristics
Soil Structure
Associated Land Features
Urban Soils
Fertilizers
Soil pH
Organic Matter and Humus
Soil Testing
D. Propagation
Growing Plants from Seed
Producing Plants by Asexual Propagation
Demonstrations
References
E. Disease
What Is Disease?
Factors Necessary for Disease Diagnosis
Common Plant Diseases
Plant Disease Control
Sources of Diagnostic Help
Instructions for Collecting and Submission of Plant Samples for Disease Diagnosis
Plant Clinic Specimen Data Form
Plant Disease Diagnosis References
Reports on Plant Diseases
F. Insects (preview the first 5 pages of this chapter; 215K pdf file)
Insects and Their Relatives
Characteristics of Insects
Characteristics of Insect Relatives
Insect Anatomy
Insect Growth and Development
Insect Pests
Controlling Pests
Honey Bees and Other Pollinators
Important Insect Pests in Illinois
References
G. Diagnosing Plant Damage
Introduction
Define the Problem
Look for Patterns
Delineate Development
Determine Causes
Key to Symptoms of Chemical Disorder
Synthesis of Information
References
H. IPM and Pesticide Safety
Integrated Pest Management
Pesticides in the Environment
Labels
Human Pesticide Protection
Understanding Pesticides
References
I. Vegetables
Vegetable Gardening
Preparing the Soil
Planting
Caring for the Garden
Starting Plants
Major Crops
Recommended Varieties
References
J. Herbs
Growing Herbs in the Home Garden
Growing Herbs in Containers
Choosing Seeds and Plants
Culinary Herbs
Ornamental Herbs
Harvesting and Drying Herbs
Herb Preserving and Use Chart
References
Sources of Herbs
K. Small Fruits
Planning the Small Fruit Garden
Strawberries
Brambles
Blueberries
Currants and Gooseberries
Grapes
Pest Control
Cooking and Eating the Fruits of Your Labor
References
L. Tree Fruit
Tree Fruit in the Home Orchard or Landscape
Care of Young Trees
Care of Bearing Trees
Pest Control
Suggestions for Pruning Fruit Trees
Pruning Apples
Pruning Peaches and Nectarines
Pruning Apricots
Pruning Sour Cherries
Pruning Sweet Cherries
Pruning Pears
Pruning European-type Plums
Why Fruit Trees Die
Examining a Tree
Scab-Resistant Apple Cultivars
Methods for Removing Unwanted Fruit
Harvesting Tree Fruit
Sources of Fruit Trees
References
Tree Fruit Varieties Recommended
M. Nuts
Fruitfulness
Growth Requirements
Establishing Nut Trees
Fertilizing
Pruning
Controlling Nut Predators
Major Insect Pests
Major Disease Pests
Harvesting and Handling Black Walnuts
Nut Species
Recommended Edible Nuts
Sources
References
N. Grasses (preview the first 5 pages of this chapter; 140K pdf file)
Turfgrass Selection and Establishment
Turfgrass Selection
Establishment Methods and Timing
Planting Site Preparation
Seeding
Sodding
Establishing Turf in Difficult Sites
Post-Planting Care - Seeded
Post-Planting Care - Sodded
Turfgrass Maintenance
Mowing
Fertilizing
Irrigating
Cultivating and Dethatching
Renovating, Reestablishing, and Other Practices
Maintenance Calendar
Weeds in Turfgrass
Fungal Lawn Diseases
Grasses Used in the Landscape
Ornamental and Prairie Grasses
References
Grass Seed and Plant Sources
O. Flowers
Planting Considerations
Soil Type
Exposure
Right Plant-Right Place
Care
Pest Control
Designing Considerations
Annuals, Perennials, or Both
Styles
Bed Types
Choosing Which Plants to Grow
Putting it All Together
Growing Annual Flowers
What Is an Annual?
Selecting Plant Varieties
Soil Preparation
Producing Transplants
Planting
Additional Care of Annuals
Annual Vines
Growing Perennial Flowers
What Is a Perennial?
Considerations for Growing
Special Care for Perennials
How and When to Prepare Selected Species
Growing Specific Perennials
Suggested Perennials for Illinois Gardens
Flower References
P. Bulbs
Bulbs and Other Rooting Structures
Selection, Planting, and Care of Bulbs
Using Bulbs in the Landscape
Flowering Sequence of Bulbs
Common Bulb Problems
References
Mail Order Suppliers
Q. Houseplants
Selecting a Houseplant
Factors Affecting Plant Growth
Containers
Humidity
Ventilation
Temperature
Transporting Interior Plants
Repotting
Training
Leaf Polishes
Insects and Diseases
Plant Problems
Indoor Plant Guide
References
R. Woody Ornamentals
Introduction
Selection of Woody Plants
How Woody Plants are Sold
Planting Trees
Fertilizing Tress
Pruning of Trees
Pruning of Deciduous Shrubs
Pruning Tools
Woody Groundcovers and Vines
References
S. Rose Gardening
The History of Roses
Selecting Rose Plants
Site Selection and Bed Preparation
Planting
Water, Mulch, and Fertilizer
Winter Protection
Pruning
Disease and Insect Pests of Roses
Classification of Roses
References
Rose Societies and Organizations
Mail Order Sources for Roses
T. Landscaping
Landscape Values
Do-It-Yourself or Professional Design
The Design Process
Principles of Design
Plants as Elements of Landscape Design
Arranging Plants in the Landscape
Putting Ideas on Paper
Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Redesigning an Established Yard
Edible Landscape
References
Appendix
(view a sample [260K] of the 26 color photo sheets)
Glossary
Appendix (Plant Lists)
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