2026 Garden Learning Series

This year, we have a fantastic variety of topics being presented by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, along with the Education Director from SWALCO, and educators and ecologists from the Lake County Forest Preserve District.

Presentations are scheduled on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM starting in February 2026. All sessions are free, virtual on Zoom. They are not recorded.

Registration closes on the Tuesday before each session at 11:59 PM. Zoom links, slides, and handouts will be emailed to registrants by 2:00 PM the day of the presentation. Check all your email folders, including spam.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Session 1 | Seed Starting for Your Garden

When: February 11, 2026, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Presenter: University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners

Description: Master Gardeners will deliver timely tips on how to start seeds to grow your own seedlings for your garden. Basic requirements, including time, light, growing medium, water, and attention, will be shared as well as suggested plants to start from seed. Seed starting is not limited to vegetables. Annuals and perennials can also be started to get a jump on the growing season.

Registration: https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/2026-garden-learning-series-seed-starting-for-your-garden