Andrew Holsinger builds educational programming designed to meet the needs of residents and organizations and encourages best management practices in horticulture. Andrew serves communities in Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery counties as University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator and provides horticultural education for gardeners of all ages and skill levels. Andrew offers expertise in pruning techniques, plant identification, tree fruit culture, and using technological methods for teaching.

Additionally, he is responsible for offering leadership to the training and educational needs of the Master Gardener program in the four-county area.

Holsinger is a native of Southern Illinois and earned both his bachelor of science and master of science degrees in Plant and Soil Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His primary focus of study was in ornamental horticulture.

Andrew is a member of the Illinois Extension Agricultural Association (IEAA), the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA), and the American Horticultural Society (AHS).

Presentations Available Online

Accessible Edible Containers - Promoting local food can start in your backyard, patio, or even indoors. Learn how to grow a variety of edibles in containers, the benefits of planning, and how to utilize the space efficiently using some of the best cultivars.

Rain Gardens - Learn how reduce your impact downstream by building a rain garden. Andrew Holsinger and Chris Enroth introduce participants to the concepts and construction techniques of a successful rain garden. Discover which plants work best in rain gardens and virtually tour some fantastic rain gardens here in Illinois.

Grow Your Own Backyard Tree Fruit - Tree fruits can be grown in your backyard with proper care and training. Learn to manage your backyard tree fruits wisely. Learn the basics of backyard tree fruits and how selection, training, and pruning are key factors for success.

Awards

Illinois Extension Agricultural Association: Action Award (2015)
Illinois Extension: Interdisciplinary State Team Excellence Award, The Good, the Bad and the Lovely Plants Webinar Series (2016)
Illinois Extension, Award for Excellence for Team Excellence (2020)
Illinois Extension, Award for Excellence in Technology (2020)
Illinois Extension, Award for Excellence for Team Program Evaluation Excellence (2022)

National Association of County Agricultural Agents:
- Achievement Award (2019)
- Communications Award, National Finalist - Team Newsletter, Gardener’s Corner (2016)
- Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture, State Winner, The Good, the Bad and the Lovely Plants Webinar Series (2016)
- Communications Award, National Winner - Computer Generated Graphics Presentation, Carnivorous Plants (2014)

National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences:
- Excellence in Teamwork Award - “Eat Local Initiative: A Challenge to Increase Awareness of Local Food in Central Illinois” - 3rd Place Central Region Winner