Calendar: Start seeds indoors for your vegetable garden

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Starting Vegetable Seeds Successfully will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. March 18 at the Jo Daviess County Extension office, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Starting seeds indoors can give you a head start on your vegetable garden. It also lets you choose the types of varieties you want instead of waiting to purchase transplants. This program will get into the basics of vegetable seed starting. Topics covered will include equipment needed, plants you should and should not start indoors, and issues you might encounter. By the end of this program, you should be fully prepared to start your seeds in the upcoming weeks.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mr3x392p.

Other programs in the Spring Break Gardening Series include Rainwater Management in the Home Landscape, April 8; Vermicomposting, April 15; Spring Centerpieces, April 17; Invasive Species, April 29; Herbs, May 6; Gardening with Wildlife, May 13; Pollinators, May 20; and Tree Health, May 27.

Renewable Energy Workshop

REYNOLDS, Ind. — The Renewable Energy Planning Regional Workshop and Bus Tour will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET March 4 at the White County Extension office, 12 North 25 East, Reynolds.

This program is designed for public officials and community leaders seeking a better understanding of Indiana’s current energy environment and utility-scale renewable energy developments as they make planning and policy decisions in their communities.

The workshop will be 9 to 11:45 a.m., followed by lunch and a panel discussion featuring local leaders from noon to 1 p.m., and a wind and solar facility bus tour from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

The workshop is free. The bus tour is $25 per participant. Register at https://tinyurl.com/57seby52.

Harnessing Climate Tools

INDIANAPOLIS — The program Empowering Soybean Producers: Harnessing Climate Tools will be 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET March 14 at Indiana Soybean Alliance, 8425 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis.

Participants will learn about climate decision support tools, share ideas about ag climate and tool dashboard, assess soybean production decision needs, and learn about Purdue on the Farm.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/r98bazjm.

Livestock and Dairy Judging

DU QUOIN, Ill. — The 4-H and FFA Livestock and Dairy Judging Contest will be 9 a.m. to noon March 15 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, 655 Executive Drive, Du Quoin.

Contestants will be judged in the following categories:

• Junior 4-H Division Livestock Judging and Question Contest, open to grades 3-8.

• Senior 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging and Question Contest (non-reasons), open to high school students.

• Junior 4-H Dairy Judging, open to grades 3-8.

• Senior 4-H/FFA Dairy Judging, open to high school students.

All contests are judged individually. 4-H and FFA team names must be emailed to Rhonda Shubert at rkshuber@illinois.edu. Teams will consist of four, scoring three. For questions, email Shubert or call 618-317-7302. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/585cbsn3.

Lumbermen’s Convention

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association Convention and Exposition will be 1 to 6:30 p.m. ET March 17, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 18, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 19 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, Indianapolis.

There will be a wide variety of exhibitors on the exhibit floor and events to attend.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/5b63xfxx.

Land Leasing Basics

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Land Leasing Basics will be 7 to 8 p.m. March 17.

Leasing farmland is so commonplace that landowners, farmers and ranchers may not think twice about the lease itself — until things go wrong. Land Leasing Basics will explain what a lease should include and how to put it in writing. Get started with the tools, knowledge and skills needed to create a strong document that works for individual needs, whether you are a landowner, rancher or farmer.

This program is part of the Legal Training for Illinois Small Farms Series. Register at https://tinyurl.com/jphbf3bn.

ServSafe Manager Training

ALBION, Ind. — ServSafe Manager Training will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET March 18 at Noble County South Complex, 2090 N State Road 9, Albion.

ServSafe educates foodservice workers about food safety. The training satisfies Indiana requirements to become a Certified Food Protection manager and focuses on five aspects: Foodborne microorganisms and allergens; personal hygiene: purchasing, receiving and storage; preparing, cooking and serving; facilities, cleaning/sanitation and managing pests.

The training includes a manual and proctored exam. Participants mus score 70% or greater to earn the certificate, which is valid for five years.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/5f4u47nn.

Indoor Edible Gardens

MONTICELLO, Ill. — Indoor Edible Gardens will be noon to 1 p.m. March 18 at the Piatt County Extension office, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

Gardening is not limited to outside in the summer. Learn how to grow your own fresh herbs, salad greens, micro veggies, and more any time of the year.

Cool-Season Vegetables

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Cool-Season Vegetables will be 6 to 7 p.m. March 18.

Cool-season crops can be grown in spring or fall, each with its own characteristics and potential issues. Learn about some of the different cool-season vegetables that can be grown in Illinois and how to grow and harvest them.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2mw5r9ah.

Smart Eating

CERRO GORDO, Ill. — Heart Smart Eating will be 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 19 at Hope Welty Public Library, 100 Madison St., Cerro Gordo.

Learn about four categories of nutrients — sodium, fat, added sugar, and fiber — and how each impacts heart health. Topics will include shopping and cooking heart-healthy meals.

Register for this free program by calling the library at 217-763-5001. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/urseajpe.

Invasive Species Conference

BURLINGTON, Ky. — The Ohio River Valley Invasive Species Conference will be 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. March 19, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET March 20 at the Boone County Extension Enrichment Center, 1824 Patrick Drive, Burlington, Kentucky.

The conference will bring together professionals and concerned citizens who work on, and care about, the issue of invasive species in the lower Midwest. The goal is to strengthen awareness of invasive species issues and to facilitate innovative and practical solutions for prevention and management. There will be field field trips and workshops on March 19 and a full day of presentations and exhibitors on March 20.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/nb6bpbt3.

Cost Share Programs

HENRY, Ill. — Sustainability on the Farm: Cost Share Programs will be 10 to 11 a.m. March 20 at the Marshall-Putnam County Extension office, 509 Front St., Henry.

Sustainability on the Farm is a series of educational programs designed to empower farmers and landowners with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable agricultural practices on their land. The program will delve into a variety of topics, providing participants with practical insights and strategies to enhance their operations while minimizing environmental impact. Each session will be hosted by local industry and Extension experts.

Smart Meals on a Budget

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Smart Meals: Budget-Friendly Planning and 5-Ingredient Recipes will be 5 to 7 p.m. March 20 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital, 201 E. Pleasant St., Taylorville.

This hands-on workshop will include information on reading nutrition labels, smart meal planning tricks, how to grocery shop on a budget, and delicious recipes using just five ingredients.

Annie’s Project

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ill. — Annie’s Project will be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 20, March 25 and March 27; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 29 at The Armory/Community Center, 1522 Porter Ave., Lawrenceville.

Annie’s Project was designed for women in agriculture looking to advance professional development and their skill sets. Experts will present information on financial planning, managing farm stress, production and soil health.

A light meal will be provided at each session.

Cost is $25. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2d8hbczd.

Color of Spring

WATERLOO, Ill. — The Color of Spring Workshop will be 8 a.m. to noon March 22 at the Monroe Annex Building, 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo.

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a day of gardening and nature workshops. Program topics will include Plant Identification, Homegrown Mushrooms, Beyond Bees: Gardening for Other Beneficial Insects, Bees and Wasps: How to Support Your Most Ardent Garden Supporters, and Raised Bed Gardening.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4xb4h2st.

Migratory Birds

HENNEPIN, Ill. — Migratory Bird Discovery Hike will be 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 22 at the Sue & Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, 780 E Rd, Hennepin.

The 3,000-acre refuge is home to more than 730 native plant species and 270 bird species. Participants will explore the refuge, observe migrating waterfowl, and learn about the important conservation work being done at the refuge.

This program is suitable for all ages and levels of birdwatching experience, from curious beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars.

Gardener’s Day

MACOMB, Ill. — Gardener’s Day will be 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 22 at Spoon River College Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St., Macomb.

The event will include educational sessions; lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments; access to vendor displays; and a chance to win a door prize.

Educational sessions will include Conservation at Home; The Giving Gardens; New Plants for the 2025 Growing Season; Shade Gardening with Color; Nature Impressions Tile Workshop; Getting Started with Tree Fruit; Native Plants for Birds, Butterflies and You; Hardscaping Basics; Tree Pruning and Care; Good Bugs That Get a Bad Name; and Nature’s Calendar: Perfecting Your Garden Through Seasonal Awareness.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/4fbtsua6.

4-H Discovery Week

INDIANAPOLIS — 4-H Indy Discovery Week will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET March 24-28 at 4-H INDY Studio, Discovery Hall, 1202 E 38th St., Suite 201, Indianapolis.

Activities designed for kids in grades 3-12 will include make-and-take projects, and inspiring guest speakers.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/432yja22.

Grass to Garden

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — From improving access to fruits and vegetables to educating people on how food is grown, community gardens offer many benefits to the place you call home. The Grass to Garden program is a two-part workshop geared toward helping nonprofit employees, local officials, community volunteers, and garden enthusiasts make their community gardens community-driven, successful, and sustainable. The Purdue Extension Grass to Garden Signature Program provides guidance not only on how to grow plants, but also on how to organize and engage people, ensuring that your garden thrives both in the soil and within the community.

Workshops will be 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET March 28 and April 4 at the Allen County Extension office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. Cost is $50 and includes a printed manual and lunch both days. For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdz6hptb.