University of Illinois Extension News – June 27, 2018

On Friday, June 29 from 9 a.m. to Noon students of the Hoyleton Children’s Home and University of Illinois Extension will host an open house at the Raised Bed Garden located at the corner of Maple and North Center Street (two Blocks east of the Children’s Home).
Students at the Hoyleton Children’s home established the garden in spring 2015 with assistance from the local Illinois Master Gardeners.
The garden began as a 30’ x 70’ traditional garden. A traditional garden allows the plants to be grown in rows directly in the soil. The garden has transitioned to raised beds in recent years.
Coulterville High School students volunteered to build the raised beds, fence, and a shed in 2016. Additional beds were added this spring. The garden has grown to 23 (4 X 8’) raised beds. The beds allow the youth to grow more vegetables in less space.
The gardeners want to share their progress and excitement for this type of garden.
This year’s garden included squash, cabbage, peppers, many varieties of tomato, horseradish, sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, garlic, strawberries, corn, beans, eggplant, okra, and peanuts. All successfully cultivated in raised beds.
During the raised bed tour Master Gardeners will be on hand to discuss all aspects of gardening including raised beds.
If you have been considering raised bed gardening this will be a great opportunity to learn about the process. Fall Gardens are established in mid-July so this is a perfect time to plan some raised beds.
For more information, contact the Extension Office at 618-526-4551.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact the Extension office at (618) 327-8881.