Horticulture and gardening : article
KANSAS CITY, Mo.– In this video news story, learn about MU Extension’s “Food From the Farm” program.
FREDERICKSBURG, Mo. – When problems arise with the ex-governor’s vineyard, he calls University of Missouri Extension viticulturist Dean Volenberg.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Some gardeners take a hands-off approach to leaves. But leaves left on lawns can pack down into a tight mat, preventing sunlight from reaching the grass, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Leaves also trap and hold moisture, which increases the…
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.
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.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The mouth of a termite might be small, but an infestation can take a big bite out of a home if left undetected.
MU Extension has partnered with the Highway 13 Butterfly Trail Coalition, which is working to make Missouri a fueling station for pollinators as they migrate between Canada and Mexico.
Discover how improper fertilizing and watering can worsen lawn diseases like brown patch and large patch, and learn effective prevention strategies.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Despite suspending all face-to-face programming due to COVID-19, University of Missouri Extension recognizes the continued need to provide university research and knowledge to help farmers and consumers alike.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you have the sniffles or a bad infection, a visit to your doctor can usually put things right. Plants can get sick too and the University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic is where you can turn for help.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – While you’re familiar with onions, garlic, leeks and shallots, which are all members of the genus Allium, there’s a whole group in that genus that are known for their looks rather than their taste. They’re called ornamental onions or alliums.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Among indoor flowering plants, few match amaryllis in grandeur, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Insects are a sustainable, nutritious food source gaining attention. Learn about their benefits, the role they could play in the future of food, and more.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ashes produced by wood-burning fireplaces or stoves are an excellent example of the idiom “don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater,” says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Nothing sings spring more than asparagus.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Nothing says spring like fresh asparagus.
The flowering perennial is an interesting and low-calorie, high-nutrient spring vegetable, says University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist Susan Mills-Gray.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – One-third of Missouri’s 43 native amphibians have deteriorating populations, but you can help out by taking some steps to make your backyard more attractive to amphibians, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – There is scientific evidence suggesting that eating something spicy on a hot summer day will make you feel cooler, says University of Missouri horticulturist David Trinklein.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– The long, harsh winter coupled with last fall’
The buzz on how MU Extension helped Marine Corps veteran Jessica Johnson grow her business.
Few vegetables elicit less excitement from the average gardener than beets. Once relegated to pickling or making borscht, beet is enjoying greater respect due to its reported health benefits.
Learn how to start your first garden with tips on planning, soil preparation, plant choices, tools, and simple maintenance for success.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — An ideal soil is half solid and half pore space by volume, and that pore space should be equal parts air and water. Gardening practices greatly influence pore space in cultivated soils.
Billions of cicadas will emerge across Missouri in 2024, creating a rare, noisy spectacle that won’t happen again for over 200 years.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Few flowers symbolize the arrival of spring more than peonies. Their huge, lavish blooms and distinctive floral scent make them one of America’s most treasured perennials, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Every year Americans buy millions of poinsettias. But what do you do with all those plants after the holidays? Many people just throw them away, but there’s always those who wonder if they can be re-bloomed for next year.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Some perennials can suffer from too much of a good thing.As it grows year after year, the perennial’s growth clump, or crown, gets so big the plant begins to compete with itself for light, water and nutrients. Eventually this self-competition will mean fewer and less-showy flowers.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Getting plants to grow and thrive indoors can be a challenge. Indoor light is often too low and of poor quality. A light garden can correct that.
Calibrachoa, a colorful cousin of petunias, offers abundant blooms for containers and baskets, thriving in sun and rewarding care.
The first frost of fall is approaching, and it’s time to think about harvesting your sweet potato crop. This warm-season root vegetable does not tolerate cold. The table quality of sweet potatoes declines when they are harvested after temperatures drop below 50 F.
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.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Not all topsoil is created equal.
Learn how to assess and care for snow‑damaged trees safely: when to prune, wait, or call a pro to protect tree health.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It is estimated that more than 700 plant species growing in North America can have harmful effects on humans, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The summer they were married, Dan and Earlene Britton received a cutting from a Christmas cactus belonging to Earlene’s grandmother Naomi Ingrum. Thirty-six years later, the Brittons and the cactus continue to do well in spite of coast-to-coast moves and climate changes.
KIRKSVILLE, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Clematis vines offer vibrant blooms and support pollinators. Native and hybrid varieties thrive in Missouri gardens. Proper care ensures seasonal beauty.
Coleus adds vibrant, low-maintenance color to gardens with striking foliage for sun or shade areas.
Discover how companion planting boosts growth, deters pests, attracts pollinators, and enhances garden beauty and soil health.
Enhance your garden soil naturally by using compost to improve texture, nutrients, and water retention for healthier plants.
Choose garden tools designed for comfort and ease to reduce strain and enjoy gardening more.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Salt does more than melt the ice on your sidewalks and driveways.It can harm your lawn and shrubs, says University of Missouri Extension turf management specialist Brad Fresenburg.Too much salt can leave dead strips along sidewalks and driveways. It can kill shrubs and flowers.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– If you’re yearning to grow flowers or vegetabl
COLUMBIA, Mo.
JACKSON, Mo. – Both gardeners and their plants need extra care when it’s hot outside, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Donna Aufdenberg.
She reminds gardeners to take care of themselves first so they can tend to gardens and flowerbeds.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
In southern states, crape myrtle can add brilliant color to the landscape when few other trees or shrubs are in bloom. New cultivars of this flowering shrub that are better-suited to Midwestern winters are now available.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
A Spanish-language gardening webinar led to increased resources for Spanish-speaking communities, expanding agricultural and environmental education globally.
Spanish-language webinars and resources expand access to gardening and agriculture education for diverse communities.
Cyclamen, with heart-shaped leaves and starry blooms, carries a rich history of love, myth, and care as a Valentine’s favorite.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — Increasingly, gardeners are interested in finding out how to grow vegetables without using synthetic fertilizers.
Learn how to spot plants that may be invasive, understand labels like “fills in quickly,” and choose species wisely for your garden.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – One of the joys of spring is the emergence and flowering of bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – April’s cold start in Missouri reminds gardeners that planting date is a matter of risk versus reward, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
COLUMBIA, Mo. –Landscape plants have flourished over an ideal spring. Azaleas and hydrangeas have never looked better, but many of the lush leaves that developed during the mild weather will scorch, turn brown or even fall off when the summer heat returns, said a University of Missouri Extension…
Do not plant unsolicited seeds. They may carry pests, diseases, or invasive species. Report or safely return unknown seeds.
Free wood ashes boost calcium, phosphorus and potassium, helping raise garden soil pH safely—avoid ashes from cardboard, trash, coal or treated wood.
KIRKSVILLE, Mo.
Test your garden soil before adding fertilizer to avoid waste, nutrient imbalance, and poor plant growth.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Get answers to curious questions about mosquitoes, larvae, and bug behavior for kids and families.
Help kids explore the world of insects with answers to their curious bug questions and fun winter bug facts.
Discover why your Christmas tree might host tiny mantises and how Pokémon’s Scyther was inspired by real bugs.
The leaves have dropped, branches are bare, and the garden blooms are gone, but trees and flowering plants still bring us cheer during the winter holidays.
Discover why garden peas are sweetest when harvested young in early June—planted early to retain sugar before weather warms.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Once available to U.S.
GALLATIN, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In celebration of National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 4-10, University of Missouri Extension has resources to help improve your local food systems awareness and polish your farmers market presence.
Learn about local food systems
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Food and hope for the hungry are growing in the heart of downtown Kansas City.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the first Extension Master Gardener program at Washington State University.
HARRISONVILLE, Mo. – Two years ago, Marcy Weber had lost custody of her children and was homeless, unemployed and in trouble with the law because of a drinking and drug problem that began at age 10.
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.
The success of next year’s garden is influenced greatly by fall cleanup. Garden cleanup does more than just improve the appearance of the garden during the mundane, lifeless months of winter. It reduces the amount of disease inoculum and insect infestation that might remain.
Discover how fall gardening provides fresh produce and nurtures both body and spirit.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Turn fallen leaves and faded garden plants into nutrient-rich compost for a healthier garden and easier seasonal cleanup.
As autumn paints Missouri’s landscapes in brilliant hues, it also signals the start of the best season for planting trees, says University of Missouri Extension state forestry specialist.
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-day workshop for those thinking about selling produce and other goods at farmers markets.
The Feb. 3 workshop covers food safety, sampling, funding, customer service and opportunities for discussion with other vendors, said MU…
ST. PETERS, Mo. – You can still safely shop and eat local during COVID-19, says a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
Understand how the new FDA preharvest water rule shifts compliance steps and deadlines for produce growers.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Fermented or "sour" mulch from large batches hit with too much rain can damage the leaves and stems of annuals, perennials and small woody plants, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
Controlling moles is challenging; effective methods include traps, baits, and repellents to mitigate lawn damage.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The flickering of fireflies signals the beginning of warm summer nights. Although these common beetles evoke a sense of wonder for many people, they are simply performing a luminescent courtship ritual that has evolved over countless years, says University of Missouri Extension…
Learn to support pollinators through hands-on classes covering bees, butterflies, habitat, and conservation starting in May.
Missouri launches its first Heroes to Hives program, teaching veterans beekeeping skills and pollinator care.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Learn how dividing spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils can boost blooms and share flowers with neighbors.
Spring bulbs add early color with minimal care. Plant, water, and enjoy daffodils, tulips, crocus, and more in your garden.
STARK CITY, Mo. – In the dead of Missouri winter, members of a southwestern Missouri family pluck lemons, oranges and grapefruits from trees in their greenhouse.
Veterans develop new skills in beekeeping and business to aid their transition to civilian life, while supporting agriculture and pollination efforts.
Community garden at Wildwood YMCA offers 70 plots, supports local food pantries, and plans a sensory garden for all.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Those unsightly round, brown growths seen on oaks this time of year won’t harm the tree, says a University of Missouri Extension fruit specialist.