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Garlic: secret weapon of ancient Olympians
Ancient Olympians used garlic for strength and stamina. Discover its history, health benefits, and planting tips for today’s gardens.
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Battling Japanese beetles in your garden and flowers
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Patience and a bucket of soapy water are your best friends when fending off Japanese beetles in the garden, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall. Reall recommends tapping beetles off plants by hand and putting them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them. You can also shake them off the plant into the bucket.
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Gardens will thank you very 'mulch' during summer heat
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mulches benefit gardens throughout the year, but they are particularly helpful during the heat of summer, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Protect yourself from heat stress in the garden
Stay safe in your garden during heat — hydrate, wear sun protection, take breaks, and watch for signs of heat stress.
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Early June peas
Discover why garden peas are sweetest when harvested young in early June—planted early to retain sugar before weather warms.
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Peony: A Memorial Day tradition
Peonies, cherished for their fragrance and blooms, have honored Memorial Day since the 1800s.
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Horticulturists tour tulips of the Netherlands
Horticulturists explored tulip fields in the Netherlands, learning about history, breeding, and vibrant displays at Keukenhof gardens.
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In thymes of old, Rosemary used lavender to freshen the air
Discover how herbs like lavender and rosemary were used historically to freshen homes and enrich gardens.
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Care of spring bulbs after flowering
Don’t cut or tie off leaves—let them die back naturally, then apply a phosphorus-rich, low-nitrogen fertilizer to help bulbs bloom again.
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Truman gardens still bloom with beauty thanks to Master Gardeners
Master Gardeners continue to care for Truman Gardens, preserving its historical beauty with vibrant blooms that enhance the visitor experience.
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Missouri Master Gardeners volunteer to teach others their passion
Missouri Master Gardeners volunteer to teach gardening skills, sharing knowledge and passion with their communities.
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Warrensburg Adventure Club provides stability, support and a sense of belonging
Warrensburg R6 Adventure Club provides children with stability, support, and a sense of belonging through holistic development and community engagement.
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Hosta steps out of the shadows in 2024
Discover shade-loving hostas: vibrant foliage, thousands of varieties, easy care, plus planting and pest tips.
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Lily: More than just an Easter plant
Discover lily varieties that thrive in Missouri gardens and enjoy blooms from June to August.
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Master Gardener works to help prevent diabetes through fresh food
A Kansas City Master Gardener teaches students to grow and enjoy fresh produce, aiming to reduce diabetes risk through healthy habits.
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Companion planting: Positive partnerships that produce more
Discover how companion planting boosts growth, deters pests, attracts pollinators, and enhances garden beauty and soil health.
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MU Master Gardeners 'Dreams' team grows love of gardening, education
Volunteers teach urban youth in Kansas City to plant gardens, grow healthy food, and build lifelong skills.
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Don't trash the ashes
Free wood ashes boost calcium, phosphorus and potassium, helping raise garden soil pH safely—avoid ashes from cardboard, trash, coal or treated wood.
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Tuesday Tip videos bring gardening tips alive
Get expert gardening tips in short, engaging videos covering topics like plant care, pest control, and seasonal advice for gardeners at every level
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Give Valentine's Day flowers some TLC for extended enjoyment
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Valentine’s Day flowers will last longer if kept watered and fed, said University of Missouri horticulturist David Trinklein. Trinklein’s tips and homemade preservative recipe provide an extended warranty of sorts to make certain flowers last up to twice their normal lifespan.
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African violets help chase away winter blues
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Just in time to brighten the dull, dreary days of winter, the National Garden Bureau has named African violet as its houseplant of the year for 2024. The choice is an excellent one, says University of Missouri Extension state horticulture specialist David Trinklein. African violets thrive in most interior settings, provide nearly continuous color and are inexpensive.
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A flood of support
ST. PETERS, Mo. – From flood-ravaged fields to productive gardens, University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners in St. Charles County show how volunteers help communities flourish.
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Engineering firm volunteers at KC urban garden maintained by MU Extension Master Gardeners
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Food and hope for the hungry are growing in the heart of downtown Kansas City. Since 2016, professionals from Dialectic Engineering have grown fruit and vegetables on a once-vacant city block. Produce goes to After the Harvest for use at a nearby community kitchen run by Nourish KC, a group that fights food insecurity.
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Turn up the flavor and nutrition by planting turnips
Easily grow tasty, nutritious turnips in late summer for cooler-season harvest—plant in full sun, water weekly, mulch, and enjoy both root and greens.
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Rotten tomatoes star in garden horror show
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Your beautiful tomato plant is setting fruit and soon has nice green tomatoes. Then, to your horror, a dark sunken spot shows up at the bottom of the fruit.You might think an insect or disease has attacked your plant, but such is not the case. Old-timers referred to the problem as “sooty snoot.” Today, it is called blossom-end rot. It is a physiological disorder caused by a calcium imbalance.