ALBANY, Mo. – University of Missouri’s Hundley-Whaley Extension and Education Center will soon help gardeners learn how to grow their own pizza toppings, says MU Extension field horticulturist Gwen Funk.

The idea comes from thinking outside of the pizza box, and it delivers taste and fun, Funk says.

The demonstration garden is a way to explore creative ways to spice up traditional in-ground gardens, says Jennifer Miller, director of Hundley-Whaley Center, a 375-acre research farm in Gentry County.

Funk and MU Extension horticulturist Kathi Mecham designed the garden at Hundley-Whaley as part of the All-America Selections (AAS) display garden program, which provides free field-tested varieties from its vegetative and herbaceous perennial trials.

The garden is one of nearly 200 participants in the AAS program to educate the public about top-performing varieties. Participants, which include botanical gardens, universities, seed companies, garden centers and parks, make a long-term commitment to allow the public to view their gardens.

“I am planting the Hundley-Whaley pizza garden in a round pizza shape with plants arranged in ‘slices,’” Funk says. “I thought this might be a fun way for kids and teens to experience gardening.” The garden also introduces young people to the value of fresh, locally grown ingredients as the main pizza toppings.

The Hundley-Whaley garden contains Purple Zebra, Zenzei and Pink Delicious tomatoes; Dragonfly, Red Impact and San Joaquin peppers; and basil and oregano. Onions will edge the design. Funk says the circular garden will offer visitors visual and aromatic appeal and discussions on topics such as maturity dates, plant hardiness zones and plant nutrient needs.

Funk says MU Extension horticulturists across the state are available to help gardeners with new, fun ways to garden such as the pizza garden, lasagna gardening and more.

To find your local MU Extension horticulturist, find your county and select “Faculty and staff.”