Southeast
Region
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Southeast Missouri is home to a great variety of horticultural crops. The area consists mainly of flat Delta lowlands, but it also includes Crowley's Ridge, a feature which runs from northern SEMO to a point near Helena, Arkansas. Vegetable growers prefer the sandy soils found at the lower elevations. Fruit growers prefer the slopes of Crowley's Ridge, where several orchards and vineyards are found.
A wide variety of vegetable crops are grown. Our largest acreage and greatest number of growers are found in the watermelon industry. Melons mature starting in late June, and are sold through July and August. A substantial potato acreage is also found here. Chipping varieties are planted in late February and harvested in June and July. Smaller acreages of other vegetables are to be found here as well, including tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, and others.
The largest fruit crop is peaches. Campbell is the "peach capital" of Missouri, and the bulk of the SEMO peach crop is grown there. Many orchards also include substantial acreages of apples. Some pears are grown. Small fruits grown in SEMO include strawberries, brambles, grapes, and blueberries.
Return to Southeast Missouri Horticulture Home Page
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Sarah Denkler, Horticulture Educator |
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