Low temperatures leave plants in the cold
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Winter-hardy perennial flowers likely will survive April’s historic low temperatures across Missouri, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Their tender annual counterparts, however, may not be so lucky. MU Extension horticulturists across the state answered numerous calls from concerned gardeners about freeze damage to their flowers and flowering shrubs as temperatures dropped into the…
From overlooked plot to community hub: Wildwood YMCA gardens
Community garden at Wildwood YMCA offers 70 plots, supports local food pantries, and plans a sensory garden for all.
Patience is lawn owner's friend in March
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Be mellow until the forsythia turns yellow. That’s the advice from University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Lee Miller for applying crabgrass pre-emergent herbicides to lawns. “The forsythia bloom has been used as a phenological indicator on when to apply pre-emergent herbicides and it’s a fairly easy and obvious sign,” he says.
Pansy: Not just another pretty face
Pansies bloom year-round across North America, thriving in various climates.
Grant aims to improve lavender growing in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missourians may learn more about lavender thanks to a grant to University of Missouri Extension from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The $39,274 grant will determine standardized growing practices for lavender in Missouri. It is one of four grants recently awarded by the Missouri Department of Agriculture to MU Extension. Federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block…
Norfolk Island pine: A houseplant for the holidays and beyond
NEVADA, Mo. – If you don’t have time or space for a large Christmas tree, consider a Norfolk Island pine. “Many stores sell these evergreen houseplants during the holidays,” says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Pat Miller. “These easy-to-grow plants often come decorated and are perfect for gift-giving or to keep for yourself.”
Poinsettia: America's most popular flower
Discover why poinsettias, with colorful bracts and tiny flowers, are America’s favorite holiday plant.
Tropical plants can overwinter indoors
Learn how to overwinter tropical plants indoors, keeping hibiscus, palms, bougainvillea, and more healthy through winter.
Flower math: Divide and multiply
Learn how dividing spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils can boost blooms and share flowers with neighbors.
Master Gardener duo donates to local food pantries
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Those who have planted gardens feel that they have “done something for the good of the whole world,” wrote American author Charles Dudley Warner in 1871.
Tips on watering your garden
COLUMBIA, Mo. – How does your garden grow? No grow or slow grow? It could be your H2O. How and when you water your garden often makes the difference between healthy or diseased plants, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tom Fowler. Fowler offers some simple watering tips that can provide a bushel of benefits.
Master Gardeners fight food insecurity
Missouri Master Gardeners grow extra produce to donate to local food banks, helping communities fight food insecurity.
Grow your own veggies to ease COVID-19 financial stress
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In response to the tremendous interest in home food production, University of Missouri Extension now offers a free online course in basic vegetable gardening.“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has put an added financial strain on many Missouri families,” said MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. This has resulted in many people putting out vegetable gardens for the first time in an attempt to lower their food bills.
Safe gardening grows your mindfulness
Gardening enhances physical and mental well-being by providing exercise, time in nature and healthy food. Follow safety guidelines to maximize these benefits.
Spinach's popularity grew during Great Depression
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Many unsubstantiated stories exist about why cartoonist E.C. Segar chose spinach to give superhuman powers to his comic strip character Popeye the Sailor during the Great Depression.
Ask a Master Gardener: Options for small trees and shrubs, recommendations on hand tools
Readers can pose questions or get more information by calling 417-874-2963 and talking to one of the trained volunteers staffing the Master Gardener Hotline at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Greene County located inside the Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807.
Try some edgy veggies for a groovy garden this year
Add unique veggies to your garden this year to spice up salads and try new flavors and textures.
Go wild at nature's free salad bar
Discover the art of wildcrafting and enrich your diet with Missouri's edible spring greens like dandelions, lambsquarters, and watercress.
Pansy: A flower for all seasons
Pansies bloom in spring and fall, adding vibrant color and charm to gardens across the seasons.
Dr. Bug answers questions you're itching to ask about mosquitoes
Get answers to curious questions about mosquitoes, larvae, and bug behavior for kids and families.
Dr. Bug talks Pokemon and why your Christmas tree may be bugged
Discover why your Christmas tree might host tiny mantises and how Pokémon’s Scyther was inspired by real bugs.
Selecting and caring for your poinsettia
COLUMBIA, Mo. – No flower says Christmas like the poinsettia. Now is the time of year when these colorful plants adorn mantels, tables and hallways across the country.Native to southern Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia is the most popular potted plant in the United States. Poinsettia sales are estimated to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy. And it happens in a very short time.
Dr. Bug is on call when kids ‘bug’ you about bugs
Help kids explore the world of insects with answers to their curious bug questions and fun winter bug facts.
Mulch ado about something
Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and enriches soil. Use 2–4 inches of organic mulch like pine bark or grass clippings for best results.
Master Gardener nurtures school garden that fuels love of food, community
A Master Gardener teaches preschoolers to grow and enjoy fresh food while building community through themed school gardens.