On Saturday, March 28, the University of Illinois will host the 28th Annual Gardeners Day at the Spoon River Outreach Center in Macomb. Gardeners Day is an educational event that gives participants the opportunity to expand their gardening knowledge through breakout sessions and presentations.
One featured speaker, Master Gardener Susan Moore, will present information about growing pawpaws, shares Chris Enroth, Extension Horticulture Educator. He explains the unique history and appeal of the fruit:
“Back before the Ice Age, we had all kinds of funky tropical plants. After the Ice Age, the only one that remained was the pawpaw. It’s a tropical fruit-bearing tree that tastes like a mix of mango and banana. It’s highly sought after- French chefs even travel to the Midwest to get it. Since it doesn’t ship well and has a short shelf life, it’s highly desirable. The amazing part is that we can grow it right in our own backyard.”
Gardeners Day will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. For more information or to register, visit the Extension website.
