It's time to protect plants from frost
Learn how to protect plants from frost with tips on timing, insulation, and care for sensitive species as cold weather nears.
Mums burst with big, beautiful, bold color
Discover how fall mums offer long-lasting, bold blooms in vibrant colors and tips on selecting and caring for them.
Too much moisture can hinder root development
Heavy or prolonged wet soil can drown deep roots and weaken plants, leaving them vulnerable when dry spells follow.
MU Extension gardens cultivate connections
Community gardens help grow connections and tackle food insecurity. That’s why MU Extension is committed to supporting communities across Missouri as they plant seeds of connection — one garden at a time.
Daisies bring sunshine and blooms year after year
Daisies brighten gardens and roadsides from summer to fall. These easy-to-grow perennials offer cheerful blooms year after year.
Red, white and blue for the green thumb
Create a patriotic garden using red, white, and blue flowers with the 60-30-10 design rule for color balance and visual appeal.
Happy 70th birthday to Missouri's state tree
Celebrate 70 years of Missouri’s flowering dogwood, known for its stunning spring blooms and cultural history.
Clematis, Queen of the Vines
Clematis vines offer vibrant blooms and support pollinators. Native and hybrid varieties thrive in Missouri gardens. Proper care ensures seasonal beauty.
Extension horticulturist named Conservationist of the Year
Todd Higgins was honored as 2025 Conservationist of the Year for promoting soil health and conservation practices across northwest Missouri.
March is the time to plant hardy, heady, healthy cabbage and kale
Plant hardy, nutritious cabbage and kale in March for fresh, colorful greens that thrive in cool weather.
Kick-start the gardening season by turning it inside out
Start your gardening season early by sowing vegetable and flower seeds indoors so they’ll be ready to transplant when spring arrives.
Harvest all season long with succession sowing
Plan garden sowing in waves—plant seeds at intervals, rotate sites, vary varieties—to enjoy fresh, staggered harvests all season.
Plant now for seeds of success
Plant seeds indoors now for a head start on a successful garden. Follow simple steps to grow healthy plants and enjoy a vibrant harvest.
Overcome poor soil, lack of space with straw bale gardening
Grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers in limited space with straw bale gardening, even on poor soil.
2025 is the Year of the Pea
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardeners looking for hap-pea-ness can look no further than the pea. The National Garden Bureau has declared 2025 the Year of the Pea. Few vegetables match the culinary delight of peas fresh from the garden, said David Trinklein, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. “You might say it is a VIPea in the spring garden,” said Trinklein. When given an early start, growing peas is easy peasy.
Turn milk jugs into mini-greenhouses
Transform clean milk jugs into mini-greenhouses to start seeds and jump-start your garden.
Gardening boosts your immune system
Discover how gardening can strengthen your immune system, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being through nature and physical activity.
Mow or compost leaves for best results
Learn how mowing or composting leaves can enrich soil, control disease, and support healthier lawns and gardens.
Gardeners can save money, trouble with fall soil test
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If a little is good, a lot must be better. That’s often the approach home gardeners take when plants and flowers don’t do well, says University of Missouri Extension soil scientist Manjula Nathan. But adding more fertilizer and topsoil without testing the soil may be a waste of money. It also can be bad for the environment because excess nutrients often leach into water supplies.
Pumpkin: An ancient vegetable still in vogue today
Discover pumpkins’ rich history, decorative appeal, and nutritional benefits, from ancient staple to modern fall favorite.
Plant bulbs now for a colorful spring
Plant spring-blooming bulbs now to ensure vibrant flowers and healthy roots next season.
Garden 'n Grow grows business for small town
From youth gardening lessons to a thriving floral and coffee shop, Garden 'n Grow inspired a small-town business that now enriches its community.
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.
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.
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.