More recent landscape questions and answers

Horticulture

Coffee grounds in garden

I have been burying coffee grounds in my 15 by 20 feet vegetable garden -- is that OK or am I damaging the soil?

Coffee grounds will break down in the soil. They are a little acidic so don't concentrate it in any one location; the exception might be potatoes, as they grow well in a more acidic soil. Sprinkling grounds thinly across the soil surface is another option.

James Quinn
Regional Horticulture Specialist

Windbreak tree planting

Does MU Extension offer information on proper planting of trees and making a windbreak? Do they ever actually supply trees or send someone out to survey the area in question?

Check out the links below for excellent references on planting trees.

MU Extension does not supply homeowners with trees, but the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) sells tree seedlings for a nominal fee. Trees orders are accepted in mid-November for delivery by the following March/April.

The MDC also has urban foresters that serve the metropolitan areas of Missouri. Find your local forester.

Bob Schultheis
Natural Resource Engineering Specialist

Pumpkin growing tips

Last year was my first garden in Missouri since moving from California. I found things to be different. I had little success with pumpkins. Nothing bigger than a small basketball. Is there any growing tips you can share?

There are many types of pumpkins and squash that can be grown successfully in Missouri. Most people like to have pumpkins ripen during the fall season. Depending on the variety planted, planting dates can range from June 1 to July 1, however, pumpkins can also be planted as early as May 1 in southern Missouri if an early harvest is acceptable to the grower.

Phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be brought up to levels recommended by the MU Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory. 1 to 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet is a good preplant fertilizer. Another pound of nitrogen can also be applied after the plants begin to vine.

Powdery mildew is a common problem on pumpkins. It is best to select a variety that is resistance to this disease. G6201, Vegetable Planting Calendar has planting date and varietal information that may be helpful to you.

It is very important to add organic matter to your garden area. Compost or peat moss will help improve the soil over time.

Jay Chism
Agronomy Specialist

Pollination distance

I have recently planted an Ayers and a Bartlett pear tree 24 feet apart. Is this too far away for pollination?

This is not too far away. Bees will carry the pollen between these trees on sunny days when winds are low.

Michele Warmund
State Extension Specialist
Fruit

Apple pollination

I want to plant a jonathan apple tree and a gold delicious apple tree. Will they pollinate each other or do I need to plant another kind of tree to get good pollination?

These two cultivars will cross-pollinate. There's no need to plant another cultivar unless you'd like more apples.

Michele Warmund
State Extension Specialist
Fruit