|
|
|
Master Gardeners of
Greene County Newsletter
July 2025
| | |
Table of Contents - July 2025
You Can Still Plant Your 2025 Garden
WEBINARS, CLASSES AND EVENTS
Registration for the 2025 International Master Gardener Conference
Growing Edible Plants for Food and Wildlife - July 2nd
New Workshops From Penn State - 30 Courses
Native Plants on Growing the Ozarks Podcast - 3rd Wed. of month
Missouri Master Gardener Online Training Classes
Learn How to Grow Market Mouthwatering Watermelon - July 15th
(with article and picture on how to choose)
Agriculture Workshop Videos by Springfield Community Gardens - 91 Videos
Flower Production Workshop by Springfield Community Gardens - July 30th
Introduction Into Food Forests & Foraging by Springfield Community Gardens -
Aug.6th
Food Preservation - Ongoing
Beekeepers, Explore Organic Methods
Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays
Organic Gardening Online Course
Get Your Lawn and Garden Questions Answered @ Weekly Garden Hour
# # #
Ask A MO Master Gardener Facebook Group
Trees and Shrubs
Birds
Flowers
Can-Do Recipes
Researched Based Articles of Interest
Garden Q&A's
Roses
Invasive and Aggressive Plants
Japanese Beetles - There are Here
Additional Newsletters of Interest for July's Reading
Weekly Gardening Tips from MGGC
Ask A Master Gardener Q&A: Springfield News Leader
Garden Links
Get Your Soil Tested
A Last Thought
Previous Newsletter
Need a Speaker
Greene County Giving
For All Your Gardening Questions - Hotline
| |
|
Gardening Questions?
Or Soil Samples
The Hotline is staffed from 10-4 M-F. They can take soil samples preferably on Thursdays. Please call before coming in to check availability of volunteers. If no one is available, leave a message. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Readers statewide can pose questions by calling 417-874-2963 or fill out an 'Ask A Master Gardener' form or email us at hotline@mggreene.org with your question and contact information.
| | Planting Your 2025 Garden | | |
It's July! There is still time to plant your garden, using succession growing or do some container gardening. Strawbale gardening is another method if you are renting, or don't have the time or space to make a garden area. Melons, cucumbers and winter squash, now is still a great time to plant. When your tomatoes start setting flowers it will be time to sidedress them with a bit more organic fertilizer. Read the label for more information. They are heavy feeders.
Now that your garden is in a groove, take some time to enjoy it—and then consider these summer tips:
- Keep an eye on pest damage. Now's a good time to stock up on pest-control supplies. Be careful not to get the stuff that kills beneficial bugs too.
- Feed your plants. For many varieties, it's time for another application of specially formulated, all-natural fertilizer.
-
Plan ahead. Order your midsummer seeds and fall-planted perennials. Check your Vegetable Planting Calendar. See below for link.
If you are a new or seasoned gardener, the University of Missouri Extension program has valuable information available for your review to assist with making the 2025 gardening season productive. Below are some guides to get you started. More will follow monthly, or you may do an online search by topic at this MU Extension website here.
Remember what growing zone you are in. Find by zip code for US or for map of Missouri.
| Harvest all season long with succession sowing By MU Extension Mar. 7, 2025: With a little bit of planning, gardeners can enjoy small amounts of fresh produce throughout the season by succession sowing, says MU Extension hort specialist Eliza Pessereau. Succession sowing, sometimes called relay planting, means planting seeds of a particular crop at regular intervals so that the plants mature at different times. Learn more here. | |
Container Gardening by Casey Hentges, Bruce Dunn, Katy Layman, Staff OSU Extension - Topics: Consider the Space + Types of Containers + Media + Color + Plant Selection + Planting + Vegetables in Container Gardens + Maintenance + Additional Resources and Details Here.
| |
Overcome poor soil, lack of space with straw bale gardening Writer, Linda Geist for MU Extension, Feb 17, 2025: Straw bale gardens are becoming popular with growers plagued with poor soil or limited garden space, said MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Straw bale gardening combines container gardening and raised-bed gardening into one green-thumb package. Learn more here.
| Raised-Bed Gardening by David H. Trinklein, MU Extension, Horticulture State Specialist, Division of Plant Sciences: Raised-bed gardening is a popular technique for growing plants in Missouri. Vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees and shrubs may be grown in raised beds, which can be attractive as well as useful. Contents of this guide include: Advantages of raised-bed gardening; Types of raised beds; Construction materials; Raised-bed design; Soil mix; Maintenance of raised beds. Read here. | NOTE: Anything that kills bad bugs also kills good bugs. Pesticides can be extremely harmful to birds, bats, other wildlife (including in runoff, the aquatic environment), us, pets, etc. You might find this an informative read, 'Protecting Honeybees & Native Pollinators' by UMass Extension. Learn more here. More research info is now available. NOTE: Try other Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles and Practices first. Learn more about IPM here. | Flea beetles & Integrated Pest Management Strategies by Missouri Botanical Garden: Since flea beetles are so small and active, it is easy to miss them. Small round holes in leaves and insects that jump like fleas are two signs that a plant is infested with flea beetles. These shiny oval beetles may be black, brown, bronze, or striped and are only 1/10 inch long. They quickly leap out of sight when disturbed. Learn more here. | Now is a great time to start spraying your Kaolin Clay on those squash, melon and cucumber leaves to prevent squash bugs from eating all of your leaves. It is also good for just the tomatoes to prevent stinkbugs or flea beetles on your eggplants or other vegetables. And any other hard-shelled beetle. In a quart sprayer add 3/4 C of Kaolin Clay (Surround®) to 1 quart of water. Shake well. Continue to shake while spraying. It settles quickly. Be sure to get the underside of the leaves too if you can. For tomatoes, just spray the green tomatoes. DO NOT spray flowers on any of the above plants. This does NOT kill the bugs, they just do not like walking on it. It is a safe spray and is just clay. It usually stays on for several rains before you have to spray again. But keep up spraying on new foliage and tomatoes. | | |
Refer to the last few month's Newsletters on growing tomatoes here. And here.
More on tomatoes, the following five links:
How To Pollinate Tomatoes: Give Plants A Hand For Bigger Harvests by Bonnie L. Grant for Gardening Know How, updated June 2025: With the right techniques, hand-pollinating tomatoes can make all the difference between a lackluster season and a productive one. Learn how to get it right here.
| | |
PLUS: Growing Home Garden Tomatoes by David Trinklein for MU Extension: Tomatoes are a popular home garden crop. They require little area, bear repeatedly, are easy to grow and have many culinary uses. Learn about various varieties and get tips for growing tomatoes in this guide here.
PLUS: Disease Prevention in Home Vegetable Gardens Tomatoes are attacked by a number of diseases including bacterial speck and spot, early blight, fusarium wilt, anthracnose, septoria leaf spot, tobacco mosaic virus, curly top virus and verticillium wilt. Information on controlling diseases can be found in this guide.
PLUS Read: Wet weather conducive to tomato diseases Wet conditions make tomato plants susceptible to devastating diseases such as early blight and Septoria leaf spot. Now is the time to combat them in the vegetable garden, said a MU Extension specialist here.
PLUS: Preventing Foliar Tomato Blights here.
| | A few of the following articles are repeats based on requests and demand from readership. | | |
SAVE THIS LINK! Republished by Request:
Insects, Pests, and Problems in the Garden Complied by Missouri Botanical Garden: If you have plants, you will more than likely experience some issues with them. We have compiled over 200 common plant-related issues that we come across at the 'Kemper Center for Home Gardening' based on what home gardeners experience. Many of these issues... are created with the Midwest in mind. In our resource guides, we have followed an integrated pest management (IPM) approach where simple, safe, and less invasive strategies are listed first. Begin your research here.
| | Republished by Request: Are you a new vegetable gardener or just want to learn more? If so review Vegetable Gardening by James Quinn & David Trinklein, MU Division of Plant Sciences for MU Extension: Basics of vegetable gardening covering many topics for the new or improved gardener here. | | |
Vegetable Planting Calendar - For planning when to do succession gardening for your vegetable and flower gardens, both first time gardeners and seasoned professionals can benefit from this guide available from MU Extension. The guide provides a complete list of planting dates and varieties that do well in Missouri. "If you live within the Ozarks plateau, you may want to follow the north Missouri planting dates due to the possibility of late spring frosts. If you follow the south Missouri planting dates for spring plantings, be prepared to cover plants for frost protection.” The guide also provides information on the following: how much to plant per person; how much seed to purchase for a 100-foot row; row spacing; inches between plants in the row; depth of planting; days from planting to eating; and vitamin content of the vegetable. You may read and obtain a copy (print out PDF version) of the Vegetable Planting Calendar guide sheet online here.
NOTE: The link for this one has changed since the last few newsletters.
| | Plant Diagnostic Clinic: Guidelines for Collecting and Submitting Samples MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic offers digital sample submission' Writer: Linda Geist, published in MU's The Network - April 2025: MU’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic now offers a digital diagnosis service to quickly identify plant health problems. Growers can easily submit photos of plants injured by insects, pathogens, weeds, environmental stress or improper care, says Peng Tian, director of the clinic. Uploading photos saves the time and money of shipping physical samples. “Most importantly, it enables faster identification and treatment, which helps save plants promptly,” says Tian. Learn more here. | | Don't forget to get your Garden Journal! Find it here. | | WEBINARS, CLASSES & EVENTS | | |
Registration for the 2025 International Master Gardener Conference
August 25-28, 2025 Register Now!
Dear Master Gardeners and Gardening Enthusiasts, 2025 EARLY REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN; Now Extended to JULY 3, 2025! Conference Dates: Aug. 25-28, 2025. Location is Online, join from anywhere in the world! Early Bird Registration Rate: $185. Later: $210. Registration closes Aug. 15, 2025. All registrants will have access to ALL sessions until Jan. 31, 2026. For complete details visit our website: IMGC 2025 here.
Plus to register, click here.
After months of behind-the-scenes planning and curating a fantastic roster of presenters, we are ready to welcome you to an inspiring, educational, and engaging virtual experience designed for gardeners of all levels. This four-day virtual conference brings together Master Gardeners, Extension professionals, horticulture experts, and passionate home gardeners from Canada, the United States, Europe, South Korea, and beyond. Features: NINE KEYNOTES + 70 BREAKOUT SESSIONS + FOUR TOURS & THREE MOVIES! Don’t wait! Secure your spot today and be part of a global community committed to making a difference through horticulture!
Visit our website.
| | |
Growing Edible Plants for Food and Wildlife
Wed., July 2nd
At 4:00 pm
A Grow Native! Free Online Zoom Webinar. Join Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall, Prof. and Extension State Specialist at Lincoln Univ. MO as she highlights some easy to grow native edible plants. She will present information on how to identify, grow, maintain, when and what to harvest, and uses, of a few species that are naturally found... Continue reading for more details and register here.
| | |
New Workshops From Penn State - 30 Courses
For yourself or....
Train Seasonal Employees & Career Professionals; Train Your Landscape Crew & Save by Penn State Extension May 1, 2025: With over 30 courses to choose from, find topics to meet the training needs of both new employees and career professionals. Our employee landscape training courses provide new hires with the basic skills they need to hit the ground running. Or invest in career professionals and further develop their expertise.
Online course topics include: Basic skill training + Plant identification and usage + Pruning trees and shrubs + Pest and disease management + Plant biology and taxonomy + Landscaping safety. You Save More When You Train More! Learn the details here.
| | |
Native Plants on Growing the Ozarks Podcast
Watch this newest podcast episode that aired this week on KSMU - Ozarks Public Radio. This week's podcast is about native plants. Sadia Blattert, Master Gardeners of Greene County member, was May's guest. Here is the link (also includes some previous podcasts), Podcast are hosted by Kelly McGowan. Field Specialist in Horticulture. MU Extension in Greene County. Learn more below:
Every third Wednesday of the month at 9:45 am on KSMU
Mark your calendar! Love gardening? Curious about the natural world? Growing the Ozarks is your monthly dose of science-based gardening and nature insights every third Wednesday of the month at 9:45 am. Host Kelly McGowan with the MU Extension chats with local Master Gardeners of Greene County, Springfield, MO and Missouri Master Naturalist, Springfield Plateau Chapter about everything from expert tips for thriving Ozarks gardens to discovering the region’s unique ecosystems.
PLUS: To learn more about Missouri's native plants visit the Grow Native! website here.
| | |
Missouri Master Gardener Online Training Classes
Aug. 10, 2025 to Dec. 23, 2025
Want to Become a Master Gardener? Missouri Master Gardener Online Core Training Registration is Now Open! This Fall 2025 training from Aug. 10, 2025 to Dec. 23, 2025, fee $200. This 15-week course is designed to provide students with in-depth horticultural knowledge. Students may continue on to become a Master Gardener volunteer on behalf of University of Missouri Extension. Master Gardeners provide research-based information to the public on matters pertaining to horticulture and environmental preservation. Additionally, the course will benefit anyone seeking broad-based knowledge related to horticulture and gardening. Learn complete details and register here.
You could also contact your local MU Extension Office about any in-person training classes they may have this year. Find your county office here.
| | |
Learn How to Grow Market Mouthwatering Watermelon
Tues., July 15th
From 5:00 -7:00 pm
A free Workshop by MU Extension. This is a free evening in-person workshop at the MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center, 14548 Highway H, in Mount Vernon, MO. This free event includes an hour of classroom time followed by a tour of the center’s watermelon demonstration site and an early variety taste test, says MU Extension horticulturist Matthew Huchteman. Learn more details and register here.
| | ARTICLE: Sweeten the Fourth with juicy watermelon by MU Extension June 23, 2025: July is observed as National Watermelon Month. MU Extension hort. specialist Matthew Huchteman says there are a few simple steps to check watermelons for ripeness and flavor. Ripe watermelons have a certain look, weight and sound. Watermelons come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes, so find your personal favorite here. | | |
Agriculture Workshop Videos
by Springfield Community Gardens
These 91 workshops videos were generously funded through U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant funding. Join us as we dig deep into a variety of regenerative agriculture topics! Pick from the 91 YouTube videos here.
| | |
Flower Production Workshop
by Springfield Community Gardens
Wed. July 30th
At 6:00 pm
Come bloom with us at Gooseberry Bridge Farm, 177 Elm Grove Rd, Rogersville, MO 65742, for a hands-on Flower Production Workshop designed for growers, garden lovers, and aspiring flower farmers alike! Led by the experienced growers and owners of Gooseberry Bridge Farm in a beautiful farm setting, you’ll leave with both inspiration and practical knowledge you can apply right away. For more details use this Facebook link or for questions call: 417-414-7129
| |
|
Introduction Into Food Forests & Foraging
by Springfield Community Gardens
Wed., Aug 6, 2025
At 6:00 pm
Learn about our Rogers Food Forest and enjoy a quick foraging hike around our lot and down the block to see what is growing in August! Hosted at Rogers Food Forest, 1436 N Rogers Ave, Springfield, MO 65802. For more details use this Facebook event link or for questions call: 417-414-7129
| | |
Food Preservation
By MU Extension. This ongoing self-paced course provides research based information needed to safely and successfully preserve food at home. Participants of all levels of food preservation experience are welcome, including individuals with little or no previous food preservation experience. This course covers pressure canning, boiling water bath canning, steam canning, dehydration, and freezing. Highlights include preserving salsas, pie fillings, pickling, sweet spreads, and harvesting and storage of produce.
Registration is $30.00
Click here for more information and registration.
Be sure to read the bi-monthly Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe newsletter in the newsletter section.
| | |
Calling all beekeepers!
Explore Organic Methods!
by Penn. State Extension: Ongoing
Check our new intermediate beekeeping online self-paced course to learn the science and practice of beekeeping. Discover organic methods for managing your honey bee colonies.
For details on 'Beekeeping 102' continue here.
| | |
Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays
Topics on approximately 146+ videos with more added weekly. The horticulture trainings are provided by agents and specialists from the Univ. of Kentucky discussing gardening topics from vegetables to fruit to landscaping and lawns.
You can join the online webinar class that begins 12:30 pm EST / 11:30 am CST on Wednesdays. Click to review and register here.
Also, previous archived topics for you to review and watch on YouTube here.
| | |
Get your Lawn and Garden Questions Answered
at the Garden Hour with MU Extension
| | |
Virtual Town Hall: Mandy D. Bish - MU Extension Specialists will address lawn, garden, and insect questions during the 'Garden Hour' with MU Extension. NOW EVERY Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm. The virtual event is free. To register for the virtual event and/or ask a gardening question, please visit.
To see recordings from previous events, please check out the YouTube videos on the MU Extension IPM channel here.
For more information visit. Or contact Mandy D. Bish, MU Plant Science & Technology at (573) 882-9878 or email: bishm@missouri.edu
| | |
Readers Special Notice
Are you a member of the statewide
‘Ask A Missouri Master Gardener’ Facebook Group?
Do you or a friend have a question, or need information about Landscaping? Gardening? House Plants? Lawn Care? Ask a Missouri Master Gardener! Get the help you need.
The Master Gardeners of Greene County recently took over the day-to-day management for the statewide ‘Ask A Missouri Master Gardener’ group, here, in conjunction with the University of Missouri Extension.
The group, also, has posts about some the newest information and articles on gardening, plus other topics of interest, from MU Extension and other providers.
Join us today!
| | |
TWO LINKS: Mulberry Trees In Missouri An overview learn more: Mulberry trees, including both the native red mulberry (Morus rubra) and the non-native white mulberry (Morus alba), can be found in Missouri. Red mulberry is native to Missouri and grows in a variety of woodlands and other areas. White mulberry, introduced by early settlers, is now more common in Missouri than the red mulberry. Learn about each, Red mulberry (Morus rubra) by MDC here.
PLUS: White mulberry (Morus alba) by MDC here.
| | |
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) by Missouri Department of Conservation Field-guide: Eastern redbud is a shrub or small tree. It is beautifully ornamental in spring with small, clustered, rose-purple flowers covering the bare branches in early spring before the leaves appear. Learn more here.
| | |
Hope for the Ozark Chinquapin by Dianne Van Dien from Missouri Conservationist June 2025: Until the 1960s, Ozark chinquapin trees grew up to 50 feet tall. They stood alongside oaks and hickories in the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas, providing nuts to both wildlife and humans. But the blight that devastated their eastern relative, the American chestnut, eventually found its way to the Ozarks. Caused by a fungus, chestnut blight infects the tree and, over time, kills everything but the roots... Scientists lay groundwork for conserving a blight-stricken tree species. Continue reading here.
| | 20 Fast Spreading Shrubs You May Want to Avoid Published by Garden Lovers Club (Note Springfield is in USDA Zone 6b): While many shrubs enhance your outdoor space, some can quickly become a nuisance. Certain spreading shrubs, if left unchecked, can overtake your garden, crowding out other plants and requiring extensive maintenance. Read on here. | | |
MDC offers guidance as Canada geese nest, raise young by Josh Hartwig for MDC June 26, 2025: Canada geese often nest in areas with open water and mowed lawns, including urban parks, subdivisions, golf courses, and business campuses. During nesting and brood-rearing seasons, geese may act aggressively to defend their nests or young, sometimes resulting in confrontational signals when encountering people. Tips to avoid human-goose conflicts here.
| | |
TWO LINKS: How to Make Hummingbird Nectar by National Audubon Society: Hummingbirds may be some of the smallest birds in the world, but fluttering those tiny wings can be quite a workout. In a few easy steps, you can bring these nectar-loving birds to your feeder. Read on here.
P.S. You Can Also Help! Attract hummingbirds naturally by planting nectar-bearing native plants in your yard or community. Learn more about that at Grow Native! Natives for Wildlife here.
| | Link: Animalhelpnow.com Be sure to change the water out frequently according to the picture above based on the temperature outside. | | |
Celosia: Pigweed's Attractive Cousin by David Trinklein MU Plant Science & Technology May 8, 2023: In the search for the ultimate "low maintenance" flowering garden annual, celosia is hard to beat. After all, it is a member of what commonly is known as the pigweed family. Learn more here.
| | |
THREE LINKS: How to Grow and Care for Clematis (Leather Flower) by Alexandra Jones for The Spruce Updated Mar 2025: Clematis, also known as leather flower, is a perennial vine known for its colorful, elegant blooms. Continue reading here.
PLUS: Clematis: Queen of the Vines - Garden Tips by Master Gardeners of Knox County, Univ. of Ill. Extension; Review their pdf here.
PLUS: Growing Clematis -Tips for Care of Clematis by Nikki Tilley. Senior Editor, Gardening Know How: Clematis is a long, vining plant that thrives in full sun, as long as its roots are kept cool and moist. Read on here.
| | Nativars: Superheroes of the Plant World Writer, Linda Geist for MU Extension June 11, 2025: Nativars, that possess the virtues of native plants but in a more attractive package, make good choices for landscaped areas. Use nativars as part of your gardening “green movement,” said MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Learn more, read on here. | | 15 Easy-To-Grow Flowers That Flourish in Containers By Mary Marlowe Leverette for Southern Living Apr 27, 2025: (Note Springfield is in USDA Zone 6b.) Add vibrant color to your porch, patio, or small garden with easy-to-grow flowers that thrive in containers—perfect for any gardener. Continue reading (plus additional articles) here. | | |
7 Types of Lilies for Dramatic Color All Summer Long by Steve Bender, also known as The Grumpy Gardener for Southern Living, Updated on May 25, 2025: About 100 species are in the genus Lilium. Most are native to the northern hemisphere... Read on plus additional plant articles here.
| | |
How To Make a Hydrangea Change Color by Steve Bender for Southern Living, Updated May 22, 2023: What Makes Hydrangeas Blue or Pink? Try this simple trick to turn your hydrangeas pink, blue, or both. Continue reading here.
| | |
MU Extension research on lavender finds options for Missouri growers Writer Linda Geist, Archives Published April 4, 2024: SPRINGFIELD: After three years of research, MU Extension horticulture specialists are learning how to successfully grow lavender in Missouri. “Lavender is more popular than ever,” says MU Extension horticulturist Kelly McGowan (in Springfield), who led the study. Continue reading here.
| | |
Can-Do Recipes
Rice or Fruit Cocktail by MU Extension, June 2025:
1) RICE: Easy-to-prepare recipes using rice as the main ingredient are displayed in this four-page flier, click here.
2) Easy-to-prepare recipes using fruit cocktail, click here.
| | Researched Based Articles | | |
TWO LINKS: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) by MO Dept. of Natural Resources: HABs are an issue of growing concern here in MO and across the nation. Algal blooms are considered harmful when they have detrimental effects on human, livestock or pet health, or on aquatic ecosystems. These blooms can severely reduce or eliminate oxygen in the water, leading to illnesses or death of large numbers of fish. Some algal blooms, such as cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are harmful because they produce toxins that can make people and animals sick. Learn more here.
PLUS: Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Reports Map by MoDNR: Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been reported in MO, particularly in state park waters. These blooms can release toxins harmful to humans and animals. If water has a green slime look, it could be a warning of HABs. Learn more here.
| | Taking Plant Cuttings by Donna Aufdenberg, Field Specialist in Hort, MU Extension: You can grow new plants from cuttings off existing ones. Learn how to take a cutting and create an environment in which it can develop roots in this illustrated two-page guide (plus, see two additional propagation guides at the bottom). Continue reading here. | | |
Smooth Bromegrass by Robert L. Kallenbach & Carson Roberts, MU Division of Plant Sciences and Tech for MU Extension, Revised May 2025: Smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis) is a cool-season, sod-forming perennial grass, still used today for excellent hay, pasture, silage and erosion control. It has shown exceptional drought resistance and winter hardiness. Learn more here.
| | |
Powdery mildew - Outdoors- by Missouri Botanical Garden: Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus and is seen as a light gray or whitish powder on the surface of leaves. It occurs following warm days and cool nights often being seen in the fall and spring. The disease is considered more unsightly than harmful. Death of the plant is rare. Learn more here.
| | |
Peppers: Easter Eggs of the Garden Writer Linda Geist for MU Extension June 12, 2025: Sweet peppers have more vitamin C than oranges. Bearing fruit ranging in color from red, orange and yellow to purple, white and chocolate-black, sweet peppers are the Easter eggs of the vegetable garden, said MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Learn more here.
| |
|
TWO LINKS: "I have an ant colony in my raised-bed garden, they are running everywhere, now what?" You apparently have disturbed a colony of ants that are now working hard to save the pupae. In raised garden beds ants can be problematic, potentially harming your plants. However, they can also be beneficial, especially if they are eating aphids or other pests. If you are concerned and wish to address an ant infestation, consider using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for both preventative and treatment options. -- Learn more about 'Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles and Practices' here.
PLUS: Information for additional review from Su Lyn Rogers, an article from ISU Extension, Ants Are Ecologically Beneficial; In Defense of Ants here.
| | |
FOUR LINKS: Having Deer Problems? These are always a good question but tough problem, these following articles may help you and other readers: Controlling Deer Damage in Missouri by Robert A. Pierce II, MU School of Natural Resources: White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are found in a variety of habitats throughout Missouri. Read on here.
ALSO: Deer Gardening | Deer-resistant plants by Missouri Department of Conservation review here.
PLUS: Missouri Botanical Garden on Deer Problems review here
AND: IPM University of Missouri review on deer resistant plants here.
| | |
TWO LINKS: Are you a new tomato grower with questions? Review this from MU Extension, Growing Home Garden Tomatoes here.
PLUS: Are you growing tomatoes in containers? Here is more on that topic from The Spruce, 11 Tips for Growing Tomatoes in Pots here.
| | |
TWO LINKS: How should I prune my boxwoods? With a little research and work you can save them and are probably better off than replacing because they are established plants and root systems. There are some very good articles on pruning overgrown boxwoods. Here is some info for our readers to review: How and When to Prune Boxwood - 7 Must-Know Tips By Megan Hughes for BHG Updated June 25, 2024 read here.
PLUS: When to Trim Boxwoods and How to Do It the Right Way Before Fall Hits by Lee Wallender for The Spruce Aug 28, 2024, read here.
PLUS: How and When to Prune Boxwood for a Healthy, Perfectly Shaped Hedge Year-Round by SJ McShane for Martha Stewart June 10, 2025 read here.
| |
TWO LINKS: What is Trumpet Creeper aka Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) - A Missouri Native, is an important pollinator that also attracts birds, it can become aggressive. See two articles below: How do I get rid of a trumpet vine? by David Beaulieu for The Spruce article How to Grow and Care for Trumpet Vine Like many vines, the oldest part of the trumpet vine plant gradually becomes woody, with a trunk that resembles a small tree. After cutting away the trunk, the roots should be dug out using a trowel or shovel. Small shoots that pop up in your lawn can usually be kept in check by keeping them mowed down with the grass. As a last resort, herbicide can be applied. Choose the correct spray by checking the label to make sure trumpet vine is on the list of plants affected. Read The Spruce article here.
PLUS: Learn more about, Trumpet Creeper (Trumpet Vine) from the MDC Field Guide here.
| | |
TWO LINKS: What is Ground Ivy aka Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)?' Here is some information on it from MDC here.
AND: UMN Extension: Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) aka Creeping Charlie here.
| | ONE LINK: Having a Plant Health Problem? There is the University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) that's capable of plant disease diagnosis and identification of unknown plants and insects (including arachnids). PDC has been serving Missouri since 1965. We assist county extension Specialists, commercial businesses, private farmers and growers and homeowners with their plant health problems. Learn more here. | | |
Q&A + ARTICLE: What is causing an older Rose of Sharon dying problem? This information may help you. If the older stems on your Rose of Sharon are dying, it could be a sign of "natural aging", pest or disease issues, environmental stress, etc.
1. Look for pests or disease: Common culprits include root knot nematodes, aphids, or fungal infections like leaf spot. These can cause gradual dieback from the roots up.
2. Possible environmental stress: Harsh winters, soggy soil, or drought can all damage older stems. Rose of Sharon prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
3. Prune: Cut back any clearly dead wood to just above healthy growth. This not only improves appearance but encourages new shoots. If you see new growth at the base or on younger branches develop, that’s a good sign.
4. Plus review this article: Rose of Sharon Problems; Dealing With Common Althea Plant Issues here.
5. Finally, if you still have questions, you might check with your local county MU Extension office and visit with the Horticultural Field Specialist, others in your area could be having the same problem.
ARTICLE: Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus): Plant Care & Growing Guide by David Beaulieu and Barbara Gillette for The Spruce, Updated Sept. 2024: Rose of Sharon is a deciduous hibiscus species featuring dark green foliage and abundant showy blooms in summer and fall. Considered a shrub, it forms an upright vase shape with multiple branches but can be pruned to a single trunk and it is a low maintenance option, drought and heat-tolerant that adapts to poor soil and urban conditions with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Learn more here.
| | Roses: Selecting and Planting, Revised by David Trinklein Nov. 2023: Roses are one of the world's most popular flowers. Their ephemeral beauty and delicate fragrance have universal appeal. Roses are well adapted to many different environmental conditions. They are useful as landscape plants and prized as cut flowers. When ordering online be sure to check the zone. Springfield is in zone 6b. Learn more here. | | |
TWO LINKS: Rose rosette continues to plague garden roses Writer, Linda Geist for MU Extension Rose rosette is a devastating disease of roses. There is no cure. Infected rose bushes should be removed from the landscape and destroyed, said David Trinklein, horticulture specialist, MU Extension. Read on here.
Rose Rosette Disease by Christopher J. Starbuck, MU Division of Plant Sciences: Rose rosette is a fatal disease of plants in the genus Rosa which is caused by a virus-like pathogen, spread ... easily dispersed on wind currents. The most common host plant is the noxious weed, Rosa multiflora ... over the years, there have been increasing reports of rose rosette infecting domesticated roses. Learn more here.
PLUS: Here.
| | |
12 Top Strawberry Plant Hacks for Juicy,
Flavorful Berries
1. Add coffee grounds – Boost flavor with a sprinkle around the plant.
2. Use crushed eggshells – Deter slugs naturally by scattering them at the base.
3. Trim runners – Cut off side shoots to help plants focus on fruiting.
4. Apply Epsom salt – Mix 1 tbsp in a gallon of water to support healthy growth.
5. Mulch with straw – Keeps berries clean and prevents rot.
6. Plant in full sun – At least 6–8 hours of sun = sweeter berries.
7. Use raised beds or containers – Improves drainage and reduces disease.
8. Fertilize after harvest – Replenish nutrients for next season’s crop.
9. Rotate planting spots – Helps avoid pests and soil diseases.
10. Cover with netting – Protects ripening berries from birds.
11. Water early in the day – Prevents fungal diseases and keeps plants hydrated.
12. Pinch first-year flowers – Encourages strong root growth and future yields.
| | Invasive and Aggressive Plants | | Two Different Articles: Early control needed for poison hemlock by Linda Geist for MU Extension Mar. 19, 2025: Poison hemlock is a highly toxic plant that can kill livestock and cause birth defects in pregnant animals. Early control is crucial, as mature plants are less responsive to chemical treatments. Nonchemical methods like hand weeding, mowing, and tillage are also effective. Read more about this toxic plant here. | | Mow or Spot Spray Poison Hemlock Now by MU Extension June 11, 2025: Poison hemlock, a plant that can kill livestock, is flowering and setting seed now in much of Missouri. While early control is recommended, it still can be managed with spot treatments or mowing, says Kevin Bradley, MU Extension weed scientist. It grows in ditches, roadways, fencerows, occasionally in pastures or hayfields that aren’t mowed regularly, and sometimes in no-till cropping systems. Learn more here. | | |
Japanese Stiltgrass - Invasive Species by Angela Sokolowski & Susan Farrington for Missouri Conservationist June 2025: Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is an invasive annual grass that grows 1–3 feet tall, sprawling in dense mats. Leaves are 1–3 inches long, lance shaped, with a distinct silver stripe of tiny hairs down the center. It germinates in spring, goes to seed early to late fall, and then dies back. Why It’s Bad? Stiltgrass invades a variety of habitats, creating dense mats that replace other plants over a short period, which disrupt soil nutrient cycling. To Learn More, use this link and scroll down to the article with photos... click here.
| | |
Lysimachia nummularia Aurea aka moneywort or Creeping Jenny by Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: This is a low-growing, creeping ground cover native to Europe, but has naturalized and is considered invasive in parts of eastern and northwestern North America... NOTE: Growing is not recommended for most. Plants should be closely monitored to avoid unwanted spread. Learn more here.
| | |
Growing and Care for Virginia Creeper by David Beaulieu Updated April 6, 2025: The Virginia creeper vine sports gorgeous fall foliage. A close relative of Boston ivy, the fast-growing Virginia creeper can be planted in spring or fall. It is often used for ground cover or a climbing vine on stone walls and trellises, supported by its grasping tendrils. Its leaves have five leaflets and morph from their summer green into a fall foliage color ranging from reddish-orange to burgundy. Warning: Because it's native to eastern North America, Virginia creeper cannot, technically, be listed as an invasive plant there. A plant that spreads out of control where it is native is said to be "aggressive" instead. NOTE: Growing is not recommended for most. It is a vigorous grower and may get out of hand if not kept in check with equal vigor. Learn more here.
| | Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) Control in Missouri: The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) identifies burning bush (Euonymus alatus) as an invasive species that spreads aggressively and displaces native plants. NOTE: Growing is not recommended. If you're looking to control it, here are some effective strategies recommended by the Missouri Invasive Plant Council. | | |
Snow on the Mountain (Ageopodium podograria) is a perennial that is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. It prefers full sun exposure in average, dry to medium, sharply drained soils. The plant is valued for its variegated foliage and long-lasting white flowers, creating the appearance of snow: NOTE: "The plants spread by means of brittle underground rhizomes, and digging up unwanted plants often causes them to spread even more because broken bits of rhizomes quickly form new plants." NOTE: Growing is not recommended. Find more information here.
| | Japanese Beetles - They are Here | | |
First Reports of Japanese Beetles Received in Missouri Writer Linda Geist, for MU Extension, June 24, 2025: MU IPM’s Pest Monitoring Network recently detected Japanese beetles in Missouri. The beetles appeared in Stoddard, Barton, Christian and Holt counties, Learn more about Japanese Beetles here.
| | Additional Newsletters of Interest for July's Reading | | The Garden Spade Newsletter by MU Extension June 2025, Issue Articles Include: Herbicide Contamination + Ireland Horticulture Tour + Pale Purple Coneflower + Tips for Using Slow-release Fertilizers + Disease Management of Fescue Lawns + Blackberry Recipe + What is It? + Horticulture Insights-Zinnia + Gardening Tips + Upcoming Events, Details & More Here. | | Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe Newsletter Issue #4 July/August 2025 by MU Extension: A newsletter for those who preserve food at home. This edition covers topics such as 'Questions & Answers About Growing & Processing Tomatoes' + Dehydrating Pickles & Creating Pickle Powder + Related Archived Publications. Continue reading here. | | Home Garden News by Penn State Extension June 2, 2025: Welcome to the June 2025 issue topics: Choosing Colors in the Garden to Attract Pollinators+ Showcase Rudbeckia Coneflowers (a Missouri Native) + Pollinator Resources for the Home Gardener + Moths: The Forgotten Pollinators + Let your garden bloom with purpose this pollinator season! Continue reading here. | | Missouri Produce Growers Video Newsletter by MU Extension Hort. Team June 6, 2025, Topics: Tales From the Field....Picking the Right Site for Perennial Crops, Trap Cropping to Control Cucurbit Pests, Using Pesticides Safely, Marketing with Purpose to Drive Sales and Loyalty, Ideal Harvest Timing for Ripe Melons. Details and more here. | | The Network News by MU Extension June 2025: Many topics with community news and more. You should find some of these interesting and even want to share. To continue your review of this issue, click here. | | July Gardening Tips & Tasks News by Donna Aufdenberg for MU IPM June 19, 2025: First official day of summer starts tomorrow! It's about to get HOT! Find these tips and tasks to keep you busy in and around the garden in the month of July. Learn more about: Outdoor Flowering Plants & Ornamentals + Vegetable Gardening + Fruits and Nuts + Cool-season Lawns + Warm-season Lawns + Subscribe to receive similar articles sent directly to your inbox. Continue here. | | The Engaged Neighbor Newsletter by David Burton for MU Extension June 25, 2025: An informative communication with individuals interested in becoming an engaged neighbor and improving their neighborhood and community. Relevant, useful, and research-based information related to neighboring and our Engaged Neighbor program. Continue reading here. | | |
Weekly Gardening Tips
From Master Gardeners Chapter News
| | |
Don't Pamper Prairie Plants Garden Tip of the Week by Isaac Walker for Master Gardeners of Greene County, Chapter News, May 30, 2025:
For most of us, there is an endless to-do list of upkeep projects in our gardens. There are green beans to harvest, bushes to trim, petunias to deadhead, yards to mow, pest problems to manage and prevent, and when all else is done, there are always weeds to pull. There is nothing better than having a plant that will thrive on its own without having to frequently care for it. That’s why, for an easy to manage garden, I look to prairie plants to fill up.
The great thing about prairie plants (and natives in general) is that they are just right for our soils and climate. “The right plant in the right place” is a principal credo in the gardening world, and prairie plants fit the bill perfectly. They will often outcompete weeds and they do not need consistent watering, fertilization, and trimming. In fact, they can be hindered by being given too much care. Their roots are adapted for poor, often dry soils. For example, the compass plant, a large, yellow-flowered member of the aster family, has roots that often reach ten feet into the soil. This allows the plant to access nutrients and water from a larger volume of soil, and the plant could become too wet if much extra water is given to it, especially in wetter months of the year.
One aspect of caring for prairie plants that is different from many others is that they do very well following exposure to fire. For example, the team at Kickapoo Edge Prairie decided to do a controlled burn on one half of the two-acre garden. The next year, the side that had been burned flourished, far outperforming the other side. The fire creates conditions that allow dormant seeds to sprout. Depending on your situation, it is likely that you will not be able to do a controlled burn, but to mimic fire’s destructive but cleansing effects, you can cut your prairie plants down to their base in the late winter, or even mow them, if you have a large space. Try to leave dead stems until February or March so that beneficial insects can overwinter in their hollow stems.
We happen to have a couple native-plant experts in our MG Chapter: Sa’dia and Drew Blattert. Sa’dia recently appeared on the KSMU - Ozarks Public Radio podcast “Growing the Ozarks” and she had some great things to say about natives. You can give that a listen with this link. Sa’dia and Drew own Pollen to the Petal that focuses on landscaping for native plants, and they donate a lot to local native gardens and prairies, including the Kickapoo Edge Prairie Garden at the Springfield Botanical Garden, 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
PLUS: For additional information about natives across the rest of Missouri visit Grow Native online here.
| |
|
Watch Out for Winter Creeper Garden Tip of the Week by Isaac Walker for Master Gardeners of Greene County, (MGGC) for Chapter News June 13, 2025:
Wintercreeper is an invasive vining plant brought over by horticulturists from East Asia in the 1900s. It became popular in American gardens and nurseries because of its evergreen foliage and low maintenance needs. However, as is the case with many introduced plants, it was too low maintenance. Especially in the central and eastern parts of the US, wintercreeper escaped cultivation, spreading into woodlands and invading streamside ecosystems. Wintercreeper often chokes understory trees and vegetation, causing significant disturbance in the ecosystems it invades.
Removal of wintercreeper is difficult. To manually eradicate it, you must remove all the roots as it will sprout from any left behind root material. It can also sprout from seeds (sometimes spread by birds), but it primarily spreads through adventitious roots and stolons. Herbicides are effective against wintercreeper, but as always chemicals should be used with care and not as a first resort.
The best way to deal with wintercreeper is to prevent it from entering your garden in the first place. Although it's invasive, it’s still sold at some nurseries, so shop carefully. It may be labeled as Fortune’s Spindle or by its scientific name, Euonymus fortunei. Also be cautious of variegated cultivars, which can look quite different from the typical green-leaved form and are easy to mistake for noninvasive ornamentals.
Learn more: Review these MDC links with photos for additional detailed information and control. Review Wintercreeper (Climbing Euonymus) here.
PLUS: Wintercreeper Control by MDC here.
| | |
Turgor Pressure Garden Tip of the Week by Isaac Walker for Master Gardeners of Greene County, (MGGC) Chapter News June 20, 2025: Have you ever wondered how a wilted plant can rebound within even an hour? The answer lies in the concept of turgor pressure. Turgor pressure is created by water in the cells of plants. This pressure keeps the plant stout and upright. When the plant loses too much water, the stems become weak and droopy because there is not enough water to create turgor pressure. That’s why a droopy plant can recover so quickly: as soon as water is transported back to the cells, turgor pressure is regained, and the plant looks as good as new.
Sometimes, the days become so hot that even when a plant is well watered, water cannot be transported through the plant fast enough to create proper turgor pressure. The water just evaporates too quickly and the plant sags through the heat of the day and then perks up when the sun sets.
Some plants use turgor pressure to perform special functions. Shamrock and prayer plants raise and lower their leaves using turgor pressure. In the evening, water goes out of motor cells at the base of their leaves and the leaves sag. Water comes back into the cells in the morning, raising the leaves to soak in the sunlight. Venus fly trap also uses turgor pressure. When a fly lands on a trap, water rushes out of the leaves motor cells and causes the trap to clamp shut, trapping the fly inside to be digested.
| |
|
SPECIAL ARTICLE: IN MEMORY OF PAUL C. ROBERTSON, OUR FRIEND AND ACTIVE MASTER GARDNER, JAN 20, 1946 - JUN 21, 2025. Published Obituary Here.
The Succulent Garden: This article published June 5, 2025, features the Succulent Garden within the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. with photographs by Denise Anderson and Plant Description written by Paul Robertson:
The Cane Cholla Cactus is native to the Southwestern U.S./Northern Mexico. It has withstood MO temps of at least -12 F in the Succulent Garden, located on the southwest corner of the Botanical Center. Very cold temps can kill the potential blooms for the next spring. AKA the “Jumping Cactus” because the spiny segments detach easily to latch onto the clothes of a passerby.
Sedum spurium “John Creech” is a small spreading stonecrop that typically grows only about 2” tall but spreads to form a ground cover in well-drained soil. It is named for John Creech, the former director of the U.S. National Arboretum who discovered it at the Central Siberian Botanic Garden in 1971. It can easily withstand the lowest winter temps of the Ozarks. It is located in various beds in the Succulent Garden. Before you visit learn more about the Succulent Garden here.
| | |
Ask the Master Gardener Q&A:
By Helen Vanella, Master Gardeners of Greene County,
Special to the Springfield News-Leader
| |
For use 6-1-25
Q: Bindweed is taking over my flower beds. I have been pulling them out but making no progress. How can I kill this without killing the plants that I do want to keep?
A: Bindweed is extremely difficult to kill! First of all, pulling up the shoots will only stimulate growth as even the tiniest bit of root will sprout into another plant. Repeated pruning (or mowing) down to the ground will force the roots to use up energy reserves provided by the leaves and will eventually cause the root system to die. This takes persistence and consistent trimming, may take 12 to 18 months to kill all the roots. Hoeing the plants off at the soil line will also have the same effect. A weed barrier with heavy mulch will also help starve and kill the roots. Mulch alone is not particularly effective, as I have seen bindweed growth through several inches of mulch, up through a drainage hole in a 16" container, out the top! Digging out the roots can also work, but must be done with a fork to keep the roots intact, and the entire root system must be removed or it will return. The best time for digging would be winter to spring. If you choose to dig out the roots, absolutely do not compost them as they will resprout in the compost pile. A systemic herbicide such as a glycophosphate might be considered, but only as a last resort. If using such a product, it should be used sparingly and with care to avoid other plants.
Q: I have vines coming up in my native plant garden. I think they are honey vine milkweed, a friend insists it is bindweed. How do I tell which I have? Do I want honey vine in my native beds or not?
A: Identification of these particular vines can be confusing and lead to much "discussion". The simplest way to differentiate between honey vine (native) and bindweed or wild buckwheat (non-native) is by the placement of the leaves on the vine. Honey vine milkweed leaves are set in opposite pairs on the vine, while bindweed leaves alternate on the vine and do not pair up. Honey vine leaves are more heart-shaped than bindweed. Honey vine milkweed is also called climbing milkweed and is a host for monarch butterfly caterpillars. It can be aggressive but is native to North America. I have allowed it to grow with my native plants, but only a few and pull most of the seed pods in order to limit its growth.
Q: I was given a jade tree that needs help. What is the best way to care for this plant?
A: A jade plant needs bright, indirect light. This plant should be watered sparingly, allowed to dry out between, and requires well-drained soil such as cactus soil. If you wish, it may be placed outside when night temperatures are 60-75 degrees, in indirect sun. The plant will benefit from a balanced fertilizer, diluted by half.
| | |
For use 6-8-25
Q: Is it too late to plant tomato and pepper plants?
A: No, it is not too late for these plants to produce a good crop, since we are only a few weeks past the usual planting time. Many plant by Mother's Day, but plants put in later usually do quite well because the soil and air temperature is warmer so that those later plants quickly catch up with those planted earlier. Some of the tomatoes and peppers that were put in early, even as early as late April, may have experienced cooler temperatures which may have stunted their growth to a certain degree.
Q: Some of my perennials have aphids and I worry that they will take over everything. I have also noticed ladybug larvae on the plants and bees around the area. Is there anything I can use to kill the aphids that will not harm the ladybug larvae or bees?
A: There is no product that will only kill one particular pest, such as aphids, without harming the beneficials. Since you already have ladybug larvae in place, those wonderful garden helpers will help solve your problem. Other beneficial predators, such as lacewing larvae, parasitic wasps, and praying mantis, will soon arrive to also consume the aphids or any other pests. Nature can strike a balance if we allow things to follow a natural course.
Q: My oak tree has some galls on it. Will this kill my tree? Is there anything I can use to treat this?
A: In general, oak galls don't usually kill the tree, unless the infestation is extremely heavy, but they are unsightly and messy. There are more than 1500 species of galls which are on a multitude of plants, mostly formed by insects and mites, but the most commonly found on pin oaks are the gouty type gall. These mostly affect twigs and smaller limbs, sometimes cause die back with the affected parts breaking off. The best control for these smaller areas would be to prune those off and burn the trimmings.
Q: Cutworms are snipping off my cabbage and broccoli plants. What can I do to eliminate this problem?
A: One of the easiest and least harmful ways to prevent this problem is to form a barrier around the stems with plant collars made of cardboard, aluminum foil, or plastic, which keeps the cutworms unable to chew into the stem. An insecticide such as a synthetic pyrethroid could also be used. Another possibility would be using Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is also effective in killing the cutworms.
Heavier infestations can be treated by an arborist with chemicals, however this is NOT a recommended course of action, since systemic chemicals will kill all insects on the trees, including beneficials and also may affect birds who eat those insects. Oak trees are host to at least 500 beneficial insects and caterpillars, as well as the birds who eat them, so can have a very negative environmental impact. I recommend watchful waiting and pruning (and burning) any damaged twigs/limbs.
| | |
For use 6-15-25
Q: My basil plants have dark spots on them. What causes this and what can I do?
A: There are several things that could cause this problem, but the most likely culprit is over-watering and/or poor drainage, which can in turn lead to fungal disease. In light of our recent heavy rains, this would be my first guess. Making sure the plants are properly drained, especially if in a container, and allowing the soil to dry out between watering is a good start. I would also trim off any affected leaves, discarding rather than composting. Improving air circulation by light pruning is also a good idea. Fungal disease can be identified by concentric circles on the leaves, often with a yellow halo around the spots. Bacterial leaf spot is characterized by angular brown or black spots. You should also check the underside of the leaves for any pests such as aphids or spider mites. Environmental stress such as too much sun or high temperatures can also cause dark spots on basil.
Q: My hostas have large holes all over. What is eating my plants and what can be done to stop this?
A: Slugs and/or snails are the mostly likely suspects here. Since they do come out at night, they are seldom seen, but the damage they leave is quite evident! Some people recommend setting out trays of beer to trap and drown them and while this may have limited success, it has not worked well for me in the past. Other recommendations include sprinkling Epsom salts or crushed eggshells around the plants, which may or may not work. The roughness and grittiness of the crushed eggshells may deter these soft-bodied pests and the addition of calcium couldn't hurt. I am also not sure what Epsom salts would do, but it would be a plus for the soil. Diatomaceous earth is often used to deter slugs or snails, again due to the gritty and course nature of this product.
Q: One of my two Alberta Spruce has turned a reddish color and seems to be doing poorly in general. What is the problem? Can this tree be saved?
A: This is most likely due to spider mites, although over-watering or herbicide drift is also possible. There are treatments for spider mites, such as neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or a chemical miticide (a synthetic pesticide specifically formulated to control mites), but those will also harm beneficial insects. Any chemical treatments should be used carefully and as a last resort. A brisk spray of water will dislodge many of the mites. Making sure the tree is as healthy as possible by proper irrigation and fertilization will also help the tree resist pests and disease. In addition, any heavily damaged/infested areas should be pruned off and disposed of or burned. It is important to remember that even with treatment, the damaged areas will not regrow and the tree may not recover. Spruce trees simply don't do well in Missouri due to the climate, they are from a cooler climate and most of Missouri just doesn't suit these trees well.
| | |
For use 6-22-25
Q: Some of our onions have bolted too early and the bulbs have stopped growing. What should I do to prevent this?
A: Onion bulbs do stop growing once it has "bolted" (set seed), so it is good to deadhead the stalk as soon as it shows signs of bolting. This can happen for different reasons, primarily exposure to cold, a few days below 50 degrees or even a day or two at 30 degrees. Large onion sets also tend to bolt early, but those can be planted very closely together, almost touching, then harvested as green onions.
Q: Should I prune my tomato plants? If so, how should I do this?
A: Indeterminate tomatoes can be pruned to help improve early production, larger fruit size, more uniform production, and better quality. The type and extent of pruning depends on whether the plants are staked or caged. Staked tomatoes should have lower leaves and side shoots/suckers removed when 3-4" long. When removing suckers, it is best to use thumb and forefinger to pinch these off, since using a knife may spread viral diseases. These suckers can be easily rooted in water for more plants. On the other hand, plants that have been caged require much less pruning, just enough to allow for good light and air circulation. Determinate tomato plants should not be pruned, because they tend to form a compact and bushy plant.
Pruning may continue weekly during the early part of the season, every 2 weeks later on. When the plant has grown to the top of the cage or stake, two approaches to pruning are possible. The first is to pinch out the tip, which will stop further growth in that direction, but will result in larger tomatoes on the plant. Another method is to stop all pruning and let suckers grow without staking.
Q: Is it better to stake my tomato plants or would cages be best?
A: Either method has its advantages, which works best for you will depend on various factors. Staking plants is the simplest and least expensive method, required only a wooden stake 6 feet long, pointed at one end, measuring approximately 1x2", plus a method to tie to the stake using either strips of cloth, soft cord, or other method. Cages are more expensive, however will last for years if properly stored during the off season. The typical and cheap tomato cages offered everywhere, the ones that are roughly cone shaped with 3 rings to support, are actually basically worthless for indeterminate tomato plants. They may work fairly well for determinate tomatoes and I have used them successfully for pepper plants, but other caging will be better for the larger tomato plants. There are other commercially available cages that may work for your purposes. Very sturdy and long-lasting cages can be made with concrete reinforcing wire, the kind with openings about 6 inches square, using a length of about 8 feet for each cage. Each cage will need to have two stakes anchoring it on opposite sides.
| | |
Get Your Soil Tested NOW!
If you haven't gotten your soil tested in the last 2-3 years, and your harvest is poor you need a soil test; or if you are using a low tunnel then wait until after harvesting.
Basic soil testing analysis is done by the MU Soil Lab in partnership with our Master Gardeners of Greene County. Results include fertilizer and lime recommendations. Additional tests are available for nutrient management plans, environmental issues, potting mixes, compost, manure and water usage. Be sure to get what you need out of a soil sample so you understand what you need to add in the way of nutrients for what you will be planting. Remember that different areas may need different Ph or additional fertilizers. Like corn is a heavy feeder.
Each sample should contain a total of 2 cups of dry soil and from 6 to 7 inches deep and about 5 or 6 different areas. Results are typically provided within two weeks.
Bring the soil sample(s) to the Greene (or your local county office) County Extension office between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursdays. Master Gardeners can complete the paperwork and submit your test. One of our extension specialists will review your results. In most cases, gardens, lawns and fields should be tested every two years.
The cost is $30 per sample. Feel free to call if you have any questions:
417-874-2963.
| | A LAST THOUGHT Come out and see the summer blooms and vegetable garden in our gardens. Many gardens besides the Master Garden. Come view them all. See them at the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO. Tram services are offered, call and check for information. Plan a group or family visit today. A number of gardening organizations are headquartered there, including MU Greene County Extension office and the Master Gardeners of Green County Hotline. Questions call 417-891-1515 or tour the gardens and all of the other attractions online. | | |
Need a Speaker for a Meeting or Group?
Master Gardeners of Greene County are available at this time to speak to garden clubs, civic organizations, schools and other groups on a wide variety of topics within the world of gardening, horticulture, landscaping and the environment.
Please keep us in mind for a future date.
For more information.
Email Us
| | |
OUR OFFICES ARE INSIDE
Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center
2400 S. Scenic Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
|
|
| | | |
