February 26, 2026 – Area residents looking to sharpen their gardening skills this spring can take part in a free monthly workshop series hosted by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners at Crossing Healthcare’s garden.
The Crossing Garden Education Series will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month from March through October at Crossing Healthcare Garden, 320 Central Ave., in Decatur. The programs are open to adults 18 and older. Children may attend with a parent or caregiver. In case of inclement weather, sessions will move indoors.
Master Gardener volunteers will lead each session, sharing practical tips and hands-on instruction to help home vegetable gardens thrive.
The series begins March 10 with “To Seed or Not to Seed,” focusing on whether to start plants from seed or purchase starter plants. Participants will have the opportunity to start seeds in the greenhouse.
Other topics throughout the season include planting seedlings outdoors, understanding seed labels such as heirloom and hybrid, managing unusual garden challenges, produce storage and food safety, preparing nutritious meals from garden harvests, winter garden preparation, and evaluating the growing season’s successes and challenges.
Registration for each session closes the day before the program. To register, visit go.illinois.edu/CrossingGarden.
