It is that time of year again when gardeners are itching to begin planting and growing produce and flowers. Whether you are a beginning gardener, or you have years of experience under your belt, some questions may arise throughout the gardening season.  Let the Master Gardeners help you find the answers! This service provides research-based horticulture information for the home gardener. To get your question answered by a Master Gardener, call your local Extension Office or fill out the online form.

Before using your pressure canner, have your dial gauge tested for accuracy. Testing will ensure your pressure canner reaches the appropriate pressure needed to process low-acid foods, such as vegetables and meats, safely. Over time, a pressure canner's dial gauge will become inaccurate, resulting in either reading too high or too low. The only way to know if your pressure gauge is accurate is to have it tested. University of Illinois Extension is holding Pressure Canner Testing Clinics in May. Reserve your spot today.

Are you looking for quick and easy meals made in your kitchen? Consider microwave cooking. Microwave cooking is an excellent option because you can enjoy delicious homemade meals in minutes.  As part of our Healthy Cooking at Home series, we will explore cooking using a microwave this month with our Homestyle Microwave Cooking program. Microwaves are convenient, efficient, and a great alternative when cooking for one or two because you can cook almost anything using the microwave.