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.
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.
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.
Missouri Master Gardeners volunteer to teach others their passion
Missouri Master Gardeners volunteer to teach gardening skills, sharing knowledge and passion with their communities.
Sunflower: The story of this summer goddess begins with search for love
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The sunflower’s story begins with a tale of unrequited love. According to Greek mythology, the water nymph Clytie fell in love with the god of the sun, Apollo, who dazzled the earth as he drove his golden chariot across the sky each day. When he rejected Clytie’s affection, it nearly drove her mad. She spent days without food or water as she searched the heavens and waited for Apollo to appear.
Fall flowers usher out summer in a blaze of color
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Fall is time for the changing of the guard in flower beds and containers. As some summer flowers shout their last hurrah, others gradually fade into the background.
Lasagna gardening: Layers and layers of goodness
JACKSON, Mo. – As traditional gardening season takes a bow, lasagna gardening makes a grand entrance. Lasagna gardening is no-till, no-dig gardening that uses materials typically thrown away such as kitchen and yard waste, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Donna Aufdenberg. Aufdenberg says lasagna gardening is environmentally friendly and frees the gardener from tilling, weeding and digging. Gardens also…
Weekly Garden Hour resumes
The Weekly Garden Hour returns with expert advice on lawn care, gardening, diseases, and insects. Join free virtual sessions every Wednesday at noon.
After the bloom fades, Easter lily can see new life
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Easter lily used for spring decorations can provide beauty and fragrance for another season. After blooming ends, plant Easter lilies outside as soon as the ground can be worked, says University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Jennifer Schutter. The following year, they will bloom in June and have a sweet fragrance.
Budding flower business benefits from drip irrigation
Drip irrigation helped a growing cut-flower farm boost production while cutting water use, improving plant health, and easing labor demands.
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.
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.
Hostas: Emperors of the Shade
Discover hostas, hardy perennials that thrive in shade, offering diverse foliage, fragrant blooms, and easy care for any garden.