Walking Tour Explores Vegetable Research at St. Charles Horticulture Research Center

Submitted by the University of Illinois-Extension 

A twilight meeting for vegetable growers will be held Thursday, July 17, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Charles Horticulture Research Center, which is located at the northeast corner of Illinois Route 38 and Peck Road. 

Commercial vegetable growers will be given a walking tour of the vegetable research being conducted by University of Illinois researchers at the facility.  

Vegetable variety trials at St. Charles this season include sweet corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, and pumpkins.  The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (www.newillinoisfarmers.org) will also be highlighted, and visitors will be given a walkthrough of the reconditioned Hi-Tunnel system at St Charles. 

Additionally, several faculty members and graduate students will be present to discuss their current research efforts at the center. Research demonstrations regarding urban agriculture, permaculture, biodegradable plasticulture, and cucurbit phytopathology will be presented. 

Growers are encouraged to attend to learn about the specialty crop research and to ask specialists about current issues in vegetable crop production.