About Our Program

Certified Arborists

These names were on the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Website.

https://www.treesaregood.org/Find-an-Arborist

They are from searching within twenty-five miles of Crown Point, IN. See their statement below.

Please be aware that ISA provides this directory based on information voluntarily submitted by the credential holder and cannot guarantee its accuracy, reliability, or completeness.

The arborists below have passed ISA’s credential testing to confirm knowledge of proper and acceptable tree care practices; however, ISA specifically disclaims any liability or responsibility for any actions or statements made by any individuals listed.

FIRST NAME          LAST NAME           BUSINESS                                              CITY                        STATE CREDENTIALS           PHONE NUMBER

Gus                         Bettenhausen       Precise Tree Care, Inc.                        Frankfort IL           ISA Certified Arborist®        (815) 464-3777

Michael                  Cieply                     Arbor ProCare                                      Valparaiso IN        ISA Certified Arborist®        (219) 617-8227

Tim                          Edmonds                Edmonds Tree ServiceValparaiso IN        ISA Certified Arborist®        (219) 406-7599

Justin                      Ellenberger                                                                           Hobart IN              ISA Certified Arborist®        (219) 945-6037

Scott                       Mattingly               Hartman Landscape                            Peotone IL             ISA Certified Arborist®        (708) 417-6381

Matthew C.           McBain                   Valparaiso Public Works                     Valparaiso IN        ISA Certified Arborist®        (219) 286-9437

Geoffrey                McDermott                                                                           Peotone IL             ISA Certified Arborist®        (708) 203-8801

Joseph                    Paffumi                  Precise Tree Care, Inc.                        Frankfort IL           ISA Certified Arborist®        (815) 464-3777

Scott                       Polster                   Forever Green Plant Health Care      St John IN             ISA Certified Arborist®        (219) 365-6778

Edbert                    Ritzema                  4 Seasons Arbor Service, Inc.             Posen IL                ISA Certified Arborist®        (708) 522-6530

Robert L.                Spaulding               Spaulding’s Tree Service                     Valparaiso IN       ISA Certified Arborist®        (219) 462-6400

Samuel                   Spaulding               Spaulding’s Tree Service                     Valparaiso IN       ISA Certified Arborist®        (219) 462-6400

Austin                     Wood                     Professional Forester                                                                                                          (940) 613-5288

NOTE: A consultation fee may be charged for any of these to come take a look at a situation.  PLEASE inquire before scheduling!

Rev. 6/2026

Edition #3                                                                                                            

August 2026

Purdue Extension-Lake County

The Gardening Gazette

Welcome!

Welcome! If you’re new here, my name is Hayley Kinley, and I’m the Administrative Assistant for Communications & Marketing at Purdue Extension-Lake County. Each edition features upcoming events, a plant of the month, and more. Stay connected and explore ways to get involved with our programs—there’s always something exciting happening!

Stories Inside This Issue:

• Meet The Team
• Horticulture Hotline
• August’s & September’s Events
• Insects in a New Light
• Plant of the Month: Stonecrop
• Pest of the Month: Late Blight of Tomatoes
• August Garden Task

Meet the Team!

Hayley Kinley

Administrative Assistant – Communications & Marketing

hkinley@purdue.edu

Horticulture Hotline

Summer is almost over and Purdue Extension, Crown Point hosts a Horticulture Helpline. Horticulture experts will answer questions about your landscape, gardens, tree and more! Experts are here to help you answer questions with the latest research-based information and resources you can trust. Spread the word, if you need advice for your garden, Purdue Extension is the place to ask! 

Call 219-755-3240 for one-to-one expert answers. Walk-ins welcome; bring a plant sample to the extension office for ID of plants or diseases. Our address is 2291 Main Street, Crown Point, IN; and we are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm.

August’s Events

• August 10 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair-Protein From Plants Demo: Join our HHS Educator, Linda Curley at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm in the Industrial Building and learn how fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds can help create delicious, nutritious meals. Discover plant-based protein choices recommended by the American Heart Association.
• August 10 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair-Cover Crops Demo: Join our ANR Educator, Rebecca Koetz and our Horticulture Program Assistant, Dolly Foster at the Lake County Fair from 6:00-8:00pm in the Industrial Building and learn that cover crops are not just for big farmers-learn to incorporate cover crops in the home garden.
• August 11 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair-Canning Demo: Join our HHS Educator, Linda Curley at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm in the Industrial Building for an informative canning discussion where you'll learn the basics of safe home food preservation. We’ll share practical tips and answer questions to help you preserve your favorite fruits and vegetables with confidence. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced canner, you'll leave with valuable knowledge and inspiration for your next canning experience.
• August 12 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair-Cooking with Herbs Demo: Join our HHS Educator, Linda Curley at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm in the Industrial Building for an informative session focused on herbs. We’ll share tips for cooking, dehydrating and freezing your fresh herbs. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you'll leave with practical tips and fresh ideas when using herbs in your home kitchen.
• August 12-December 16 – Lake County 2026 Purdue Master Gardener Basic Training: Join our Horticulture Program Assistant, Dolly Foster, as she presents this years Master Gardener Basic Training on Wednesdays from 5:00pm-8:30pm at the Extension Office, located at 2291 N. Main Street, Crown Point, IN. If you have any questions for Dolly Foster, please feel free to call the office at 219-755-3240 or dolly@purdue.edu. We can start your application process now for the course. Once you complete your application, please drop off your application at the Extension Office Monday-Fridays from 8:30am-4:30pm and be sure to have your government issued form of identification with you so we can proceed with the verification step. The course will include a Purdue Extension Master Gardener manual. The registration link and payment information for this course will be sent to you in a separate email. The registration deadline is August 1st. Please review the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program Policy Guide here at https://ag.purdue.edu/department/hla/extension/extension-publications-library/ext-pubs/mg-5.html.
• August 12 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair- Container Pollinator Garden Demo: Join the Lake County Master Gardeners at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm as they demonstrate the following container gardens: pollinator container garden for sun or shade!
• August 13 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair- Butterflies & Caterpillars Demo: Join our ANR Educator, Rebecca Koetz and our Horticulture Program Assistant, Dolly Foster at the Lake County Fair from 6:00-8:00pm and learn what plants to put in the garden to attract pollinators including monarch butterflies. Come by the booth to see live monarch caterpillars.
• August 14 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair- Worm Composting Demo: Curious about compost? Join our ANR Educator, Rebecca Koetz and our Horticulture Program Assistant, Dolly Foster at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm in the Industrial Building and learn how to make compost quickly with worms! Pet a worm optional.
• August 15 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair- Youth STEM Activities: Join our 4-H Educator Kasey Wilhoit at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm in the Industrial Building and enjoy a robotics demonstration that highlights the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It will encourage curiosity, creativity, and an interest in future STEM careers while providing an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
• August 16 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair- Garden Pests & Diseases Demo: Join our ANR Educator, Rebecca Koetz and our Horticulture Program Assistant, Dolly Foster at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm in the Industrial Building and test your skills with plant disease and pest diagnostics. See some horticulture helpline examples, interact with our flip chart and specimen frames.

September’s Events

• September 19 – Hydroponic Crop Production Workshop: Join Purdue Extension and the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture for a workshop that is a perfect opportunity to learn about hydroponic crop production for home and commercial-scale operations. This workshop will be at the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Greenhouse Complex, located at 625 Agriculture Mall Drive, Purdue University, West Lafayette. The workshop is from 8:30am to 3:30pm EST. The registration fee is $60, lunch and snacks will be provided. If you are interested in learning more about hydroponic crop production, please register at https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_26qi9wNfZNvlo1g. If you have any questions, please contact Lori Jolly-Brown at ljollybr@purdue.edu.

Upcoming Events

• October 19-December 7 – Northwest Region Urban Farming Signature Program: Learn how to cultivate food safely from planting to harvest in an urban setting with Purdue Extension’s Urban Farming Signature Program. The program is scheduled at three different locations across Indiana. Purdue Extension specialists and educators will lead the course teaching you to manage pests, identify urban farming challenges and opportunities, create a comprehensive site design, and much more. This is an eight sessions in-person and virtual classes. If you are attending the in person classes, the location is the Purdue Extension-Lake County Office, located at 2291 N. Main Street, Crown Point from 5:30-8:30pm. Cost for this program will be $180 for the registration fee and an optional $52 if you would like to purchase a DIY Home Hydroponics Kit and Worm Bin. Register here at https://cvent.me/0rQOae. Registration Deadline is October 12th.
• January 26-28 – 2027 Indiana Horticulture and Small Farm Conference: Purdue Extension is pleased to announce that they will be hosting 2027’s Indiana Horticulture and Small Farm Conference in Danville, Indiana at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds. Their planning committee is currently developing the program and would like input from growers and partners. They are seeking suggestions for speakers, topics, and sessions to ensure the conference meets the needs of Indiana’s diverse agricultural community. If you would like to share your ideas and feedback for the conference, you can go to https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5uT2Y1RWounYBGm.

Insects in a New Light

Join Purdue entomologists for an evening program all about nocturnal insects! You will start with a talk about insect diversity and the fascinating world of insects. Then, you will head outside to a blacklight station and watch the night come alive as insects fly in from the darkness! For more details as to when the Insects in a New Light are and where, please go to https://ag.purdue.edu/department/entm/outreach/events.html.  

Plant of the Month: Stonecrop

As August arrives, the growing season is still thriving, with many gardens continuing to bloom while transitioning into late summer. This makes it the perfect time to spotlight this month’s featured plant in The Gardening Gazette. Each month, we highlight a plant by sharing its botanical and common names, key characteristics, and helpful growing tips to support your gardening success.

For August, we are featuring Sedum (Hylotelephium spp.), commonly known as Stonecrop. This hardy perennial is a great choice for Indiana gardens because of its ability to tolerate heat, drought, and a variety of growing conditions. Many plants that are commonly called sedum have been reclassified into the genus Hylotelephium, but gardeners often continue to refer to them as sedum or stonecrop.

Sedum is known for its thick, succulent-like leaves that help the plant store water, allowing it to withstand periods of dry conditions. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil and is a great option for rock gardens, perennial borders, containers, slopes, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Many sedum varieties bloom in late summer and early fall, producing clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, or white. These blooms provide an important late-season food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects when many other garden plants begin to fade.

Sedum is also considered a low-maintenance plant and can be propagated through division or stem cuttings, making it easy for gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.

Did You Know?
Sedum is often called a “living forever” plant because many varieties are extremely resilient and can continue thriving in challenging conditions, including dry soils and areas with limited moisture.

Resources:
• Missouri Botanical Garden – Hylotelephium (Stonecrop) Plant Finder – https://plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=256651&isprofile=1&basic=sedum
• North Carolina State University Extension – Hylotelephium (Sedum/Stonecrop) – https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hylotelephium/

Pest of the Month: Late Blight of Tomatoes

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/bp/bp-80-w.pdf

There are three major blights that can attack your tomatoes: Septoria leaf spot, early blight and late blight. All are fungal diseases spread by spores, which require dew or rain to infect the plant. These are most severe in wet weather. Septoria leaf spot, sometimes called Septoria blight, is caused by the fungus Septoria lycopersici and usually appears on the lower leaves after the first fruits set. Fruits are rarely infected. All the leaf loss reduces fruit yield and quality, and exposed fruits are more susceptible to sunscald. The fungus is spread by splashing water and by working among the plants when they are wet. It overwinters on tomato and weed refuse.

Late blight, caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans, occurs in moist weather with cool nights and moderately warm days. Dark-green to nearly black wet-looking spots begin spreading in from the leaf edge. In wet weather, the spots may have a downy, white growth on the lower leaf surface near the outer portion of the spot. Spots also develop on the fruits. At first, the spots are gray-green and water-soaked, but they soon enlarge and turn dark brown and firm, with a rough surface. When conditions are favorable, the disease may progress very rapidly. Avoid these diseases by rotating crops. Plant tomatoes in the same place only once in three or four years. Remove and destroy tomato vines in the fall. Plow or rototill to bury the remaining crop refuse. Use healthy transplants. Remove badly diseased lower leaves, as these are a source of leaf spot fungus spores that help spread the disease.

Water at the base of the plants to avoid splashing water, which spreads the spores. Avoid watering with overhead sprinklers in late afternoon or evening. If the plants stay wet all night, leaf spot infections are likely to occur.

Use fungicides when needed. These diseases spread rapidly and are difficult to control once established. Fungicides must be applied before the disease first appears and reapplied throughout the growing season. Chlorothalonil fungicide, sold as Ortho Multi-Purpose Fungicide, can be applied up to the day of harvest. (credit Rosie Lerner; Indiana Yard and Garden – Purdue Consumer Horticulture)

August Garden Task

HOME (Indoor plants and activities)

Take cuttings from annual garden plants such as impatiens, coleus, geraniums and wax begonias to overwinter indoors. Root the cuttings in media such as moist vermiculite, perlite, peat moss or potting soil, rather than water. Order spring-flowering bulbs for fall planting. Cut flowers from the garden to bring a little color indoors, or dry for everlasting arrangements.

YARD (Lawns, woody ornamentals and fruits)

Check trees and shrubs that have been planted in recent years for girdling damage by guy wires, burlap or twine. Don’t fertilize woody plants now. It stimulates late growth that will not have time to harden off properly before winter. Hand-prune and destroy bagworms, fall webworms and tent caterpillars. Pears are best ripened off the tree, so do not wait for the fruit to turn yellowish on the tree. Harvest pears when color of fruit changes — usually from a dark green to a lighter green — and when the fruit is easily twisted and removed from the spur.

Prune out and destroy the raspberry and blackberry canes that bore fruits this year. They will not produce fruit again next year, but they may harbor insect and disease organisms. If the weather turns dry, keep newly established plants well-watered. New plants should receive 1-1.5 inches of water every 7 to 10 days. Begin seeding new lawns or bare spots in established lawns from mid-August through mid-September.

GARDEN (Flowers, vegetables and small fruits)

Keep the garden well-watered during dry weather and free of weeds, insects and disease. Complete fall garden planting by direct-seeding carrots, beets, kohlrabi, kale and snap beans early this month. Lettuce, spinach, radishes and green onions can be planted later in August and early September. Don’t forget to thin seedlings to appropriate spacing as needed. Harvest onions after the tops yellow and fall, then cure them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area. The necks should be free of moisture when fully cured in about a week’s time.

Harvest potatoes after the tops yellow and die. Potatoes also need to be cured before storage. Pick beans, tomatoes, peppers and squash often to encourage further production. Harvest watermelon when several factors indicate ripeness: the underside ground spot turns from whitish to creamy yellow; the tendril closest to the melon turns brown and shrivels; the rind loses its gloss and appears dull; and the melon produces a dull thud, rather than a ringing sound when thumped.

Harvest sweet corn when kernels are plump and ooze a milky juice when punctured with your fingernail. If the liquid is watery, you’re too early; if the kernels are doughy, you’re too late. Keep faded flowers pinched off bedding plants to promote further flowering and improve plant appearance.

Thank You

Thank you for reading Gardening Gazette! If you have an upcoming gardening event, workshop, community project, or seasonal gardening tip to share, we’d love to include it in a future edition. Email us at hkinley@purdue.edu or dolly@purdue.edu.

Stay tuned for more gardening tips, updates, and inspiration in the next issue of Gardening Gazette!

Happy Gardening!

Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.

If you are in need of accommodations to attend events, please contact the Rebecca Koetz or Dolly Foster at 219-755-3240 and busser@purdue.edu or dolly@purdue.edu at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

For special dietary needs, please contact the Rebecca Koetz or Dolly Foster at 219-755-3240 and busser@purdue.edu or dolly@purdue.edu at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

If you need an interpreter or translator, please contact the Rebecca Koetz or Dolly Foster at 219-755-3240 and busser@purdue.edu or dolly@purdue.edu at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

Edition #25                                                                                                              

August 2026

Purdue Extension-Lake County

Urban Ag Chronicles

Welcome!

Welcome! If you’re new here, my name is Hayley Kinley, and I’m the Administrative Assistant for Communications & Marketing at Purdue Extension-Lake County. Each edition features upcoming events, a cover crop of the month, and more. Stay connected and explore ways to get involved with our programs—there is always something exciting happening!

Stories Inside This Issue:

• Meet The Team
• August’s & September’s Events
• Upcoming Events
• Insects in a New Light
• Participants Needed - Focus Group
• Urban Farming
• Horticulture Hotline
• Crop of the Month: Tillage Radish
• Local Resources

Meet the Team!

August’s Events

• August 10 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair-Growing Heirloom Potatoes in a Bag Demo: Join the Lake County Master Gardeners at the Lake County Fair from 10:00-11:00am in the Industrial Building and learn how to grow heirloom potatoes in a bag.
• August 10 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair-Container Vegetable/Herbs Demo: Join the Lake County Master Gardeners at the Lake County Fair from 11:00am-1:00pm in the Industrial Building as they will be demonstrating how to grow a variety of container gardens.
• August 10 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair-Protein From Plants Demo: Join our HHS Educator, Linda Curley at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm in the Industrial Building and learn how fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds can help create delicious, nutritious meals. Discover plant-based protein choices recommended by the American Heart Association.
• August 10 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair-Cover Crops Demo: Join our ANR Educator, Rebecca Koetz and our Horticulture Program Assistant, Dolly Foster at the Lake County Fair from 6:00-8:00pm in the Industrial Building and learn that cover crops are not just for big farmers-learn to incorporate cover crops in the home garden.
• August 11 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair-Canning Demo: Join our HHS Educator, Linda Curley at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm in the Industrial Building for an informative canning discussion where you'll learn the basics of safe home food preservation. We’ll share practical tips and answer questions to help you preserve your favorite fruits and vegetables with confidence. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced canner, you'll leave with valuable knowledge and inspiration for your next canning experience.
• August 12 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair-Cooking with Herbs Demo: Join our HHS Educator, Linda Curley at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm in the Industrial Building for an informative session focused on herbs. We’ll share tips for cooking, dehydrating and freezing your fresh herbs. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you'll leave with practical tips and fresh ideas when using herbs in your home kitchen.
• August 12 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair- Container Pollinator Garden Demo: Join the Lake County Master Gardeners at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm as they demonstrate the following container gardens: pollinator container garden for sun or shade!
• August 13 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair- Butterflies & Caterpillars Demo: Join our ANR Educator, Rebecca Koetz and our Horticulture Program Assistant, Dolly Foster at the Lake County Fair from 6:00-8:00pm and learn what plants to put in the garden to attract pollinators including monarch butterflies. Come by the booth to see live monarch caterpillars.
• August 14 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair- Worm Composting Demo: Curious about compost? Join our ANR Educator, Rebecca Koetz and our Horticulture Program Assistant, Dolly Foster at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm in the Industrial Building and learn how to make compost quickly with worms! Pet a worm optional.
• August 15 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair- Youth STEM Activities: Join our 4-H Educator Kasey Wilhoit at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm in the Industrial Building and enjoy a robotics demonstration that highlights the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It will encourage curiosity, creativity, and an interest in future STEM careers while providing an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
• August 16 - Live & Local: Purdue Extension at the Lake County Fair- Garden Pests & Diseases Demo: Join our ANR Educator, Rebecca Koetz and our Horticulture Program Assistant, Dolly Foster at the Lake County Fair from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm in the Industrial Building and test your skills with plant disease and pest diagnostics. See some horticulture helpline examples, interact with our flip chart and specimen frames.
• August 27 – Indiana Land Use Summit: Agrivoltaics and Renewable Energy: Purdue Extension and the Purdue Institute for a Sustainable Future invite you to the Indiana Land Use Summit. The summit will be from 9:00am to 4:00pm EST at the Beck Agricultural Center, located at 4550 U.S. 52 W., West Lafayette, IN. This summit will highlight Purdue University’s applied research and extension efforts in advancing data-driven, community engaged approaches to land use planning across Indiana. The cost is $50 to attend and will include lunch, to view details and register, please visit https://cvent.me/d7rYb3.

September’s Events

• September 19 – Hydroponic Crop Production Workshop: Join Purdue Extension and the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture for a workshop that is a perfect opportunity to learn about hydroponic crop production for home and commercial-scale operations. This workshop will be at the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Greenhouse Complex, located at 625 Agriculture Mall Drive, Purdue University, West Lafayette. The workshop is from 8:30am to 3:30pm EST. The registration fee is $60, lunch and snacks will be provided. If you are interested in learning more about hydroponic crop production, please register at https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_26qi9wNfZNvlo1g. If you have any questions, please contact Lori Jolly-Brown at ljollybr@purdue.edu.

Upcoming Events

• October 19-December 7 – Northwest Region Urban Farming Signature Program: Learn how to cultivate food safely from planting to harvest in an urban setting with Purdue Extension’s Urban Farming Signature Program. The program is scheduled at three different locations across Indiana. Purdue Extension specialists and educators will lead the course teaching you to manage pests, identify urban farming challenges and opportunities, create a comprehensive site design, and much more. This is an eight sessions in-person and virtual classes. If you are attending the in person classes, the location is the Purdue Extension-Lake County Office, located at 2291 N. Main Street, Crown Point from 5:30-8:30pm. Cost for this program will be $180 for the registration fee and an optional $52 if you would like to purchase a DIY Home Hydroponics Kit and Worm Bin. Register here at https://cvent.me/0rQOae. Registration Deadline is October 12th.
• January 26-28 – 2027 Indiana Horticulture and Small Farm Conference: Purdue Extension is pleased to announce that they will be hosting 2027’s Indiana Horticulture and Small Farm Conference in Danville, Indiana at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds. Their planning committee is currently developing the program and would like input from growers and partners. They are seeking suggestions for speakers, topics, and sessions to ensure the conference meets the needs of Indiana’s diverse agricultural community. If you would like to share your ideas and feedback for the conference, you can go to https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5uT2Y1RWounYBGm.

Insects in a New Light

Join Purdue entomologists for an evening program all about nocturnal insects! You will start with a talk about insect diversity and the fascinating world of insects. Then, you will head outside to a blacklight station and watch the night come alive as insects fly in from the darkness! For more details as to when the Insects in a New Light are and where, please go to https://ag.purdue.edu/department/entm/outreach/events.html.  

Participants Needed – Focus Group

Purdue University is currently recruiting produce growers, packers, processors, distributors, food hubs, and other stakeholders involved in produce supply chains for their research study on food traceability practices and training needs among the produce supply chain stakeholders. This study is seeking to better understand the current traceability practices, and challenges that are occurring, and any training that is needed among produce supply chain stakeholders, particularly in light of the FDA Food Traceability Rule (FSMA Section 204). The study will include multiple phases, some of the phases will be focus group discussions, a needs assessment survey, and a training workshop. If you are interested in joining this focus group, please go to https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3XmS3KftxRYDmrc?Q_CHL=qr and fill out the form so the research team can contact you about relevant study activities. If you have questions about this study, please contact Hema Lingireddy (Student Investigator) at hlingire@purdue.edu or Dr. Rama Radhakrishna (Principal Investigator) at rbradhak@purdue.edu.

Farmers Needed

The Farmers Market at Fox Pointe in Lansing, IL runs Tuesdays from June 9 through September 22, from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, with a special evening market on August 4 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in partnership with National Night Out. They are currently seeking farmers that offer fresh produce. Booth options include the following: 

Full Season (16 markets) $275

Half Season (8 markets) $175

Weekly $25

They do have a limited number of discounted spots available for produce-focused farms to help strengthen the market's fresh offerings. Vendors can view details and apply by visiting foxpointe.org, or applying directly here: FARMERS MARKET - Eventeny. For questions or to connect directly, contact Michelle Henderson at mhenderson@villageoflansing.org or 708-832-4583.

Urban Farming

Urban farming continues to make a meaningful impact across Indiana by increasing access to fresh food, creating educational opportunities, and strengthening communities. Purdue Extension recently highlighted how urban agriculture programs are expanding throughout the state and the positive difference they are making in local communities. We are proud to see Faith Farms, West Side Leadership Academy in Gary Community School Corporation, and Harrison Elementary School in East Chicago recognized for their involvement in urban agriculture, youth engagement, and community partnerships. You can read more about how Urban Farming is impacting Lake County here: https://extension.purdue.edu/news/2026/05/more-than-community-gardens-how-urban-farming-is-expanding-in-indiana.html.

Horticulture Hotline

Summer is here and Purdue Extension, Crown Point hosts a Horticulture Helpline. Horticulture experts will answer questions about your landscape, gardens, tree and more! Experts are here to help you answer questions with the latest research-based information and resources you can trust. Spread the word, if you need advice for your garden, Purdue Extension is the place to ask! 

Call 219-755-3240 for one-to-one expert answers. Walk-ins welcome; bring a plant sample to the extension office for ID of plants or diseases. Our address is 2291 Main Street, Crown Point, IN; and we are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm.

Crop of the Month: Tillage Radish

As August arrives, the growing season is still thriving, but many gardeners are beginning to think ahead to fall and prepare their soil for future crops. This makes it the perfect time to highlight this month’s featured cover crop in Urban Ag Chronicles. Each month, we highlight a cover crop by sharing its scientific and common names, crop type, key benefits, and helpful growing information to support healthy soils and productive growing spaces.

For August, we are featuring Tillage Radish (Raphanus sativus), also known as Daikon Radish. This fast-growing brassica cover crop is valued for its ability to improve soil structure, capture nutrients, and prepare garden spaces for future growing seasons.

Tillage Radish develops a large taproot that can help break through compacted soil layers, creating pathways that improve soil aeration, water infiltration, and root growth for future crops. As the radish roots decompose, they add organic matter back into the soil and help support soil organisms that contribute to a healthy growing environment.

In addition to improving soil structure, Tillage Radish helps capture and hold nutrients that might otherwise be lost from the soil. The deep root system acts like a “nutrient sponge,” absorbing available nutrients and releasing them back into the soil as the plant residue breaks down. This makes it a valuable cover crop option for improving soil fertility and supporting future plant growth.

Tillage Radish is typically planted in late summer or early fall and performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. For Indiana growers, late summer planting allows the radish to establish before colder temperatures slow growth. When incorporated into a cover crop plan, Tillage Radish can help reduce erosion, suppress weeds, and improve overall soil health.

Did You Know?
Tillage Radish is sometimes called a “bio-drill” because its large taproot naturally creates channels in the soil, allowing air, water, and future plant roots to move more easily through compacted areas.

Resources:
• Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District – Tillage Radish Cover Crop – https://www.colonialswcd.org/post/tillage-radish-cover-crop
• University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture – Tillage Radish: Not Just for Tillage! – https://arkansascrops.uada.edu/posts/fertility/tillage_radish.aspx

Local Resources

The Times of Northwest Indiana is collecting information on local food resources throughout the Region to build a public directory of food pantries, meal programs, and assistance services. If you know anyone who would like to be apart, please share the link  https://www.nwitimes.com/forms/nwi_food_resources/.

Thank You

Thank you for reading! If you have an upcoming event, educational opportunity, community program, or urban agriculture news to share, we’d love to feature it in a future newsletter. Email us at hkinley@purdue.edu or busser@purdue.edu.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Urban Ag Chronicles—there’s always something new to discover!

Happy Growing!

Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.

If you are in need of accommodations to attend events, please contact the Rebecca Koetz or Dolly Foster at 219-755-3240 and busser@purdue.edu or dolly@purdue.edu at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

For special dietary needs, please contact the Rebecca Koetz or Dolly Foster at 219-755-3240 and busser@purdue.edu or dolly@purdue.edu at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

If you need an interpreter or translator, please contact the Rebecca Koetz or Dolly Foster at 219-755-3240 and busser@purdue.edu or dolly@purdue.edu at least 2 weeks prior to the event.