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Master Gardeners of
Greene County Newsletter
November 2024
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Table of Contents - November 2024
Your 2024 Vegetable Fall Garden -. Late Planting Vegetables
Planning for 2025 - Next Season's Garden
How to plant a Tree
MDC's Annual Tree Sale
Plant Theft is Everywhere
MDC Fall Color Report
WEBINARS, CLASSES AND EVENTS
Presenting Doug Tallamy: 'A Chickadee’s Guide to Gardening' Nov. 1st
Home Food Preservation - Now Until Nov. 4th
Food Preservation - Ongoing
Farmer Aggregation (Putting Farmers in Control) for CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) With Patrick Byers Retired MU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist
Common General Use Herbicides & How They Relate to Aquatic Use Site Nov. 6
Indoor Plant Basics - Nov. 13th
Beekeepers, Explore Organic Methods
2025 Heroes to Hives
Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays
Organic Gardening Online Course
Get Your Lawn and Garden Questions Answered @ Weekly Garden Hour
# # #
Reader's Special Notice: 'Ask A MO Master Gardener Facebook Group'
Ask The Master Gardener Q & A
Have Lawn and Garden Holes?
Invasive Plant
Plants and Shrubby Trees
Insects and Spiders
Fall Garden Articles
Author's Corner
Other Newsletters of Interest for Fall Reading
Forcing Bulbs
Migratory Flies?
Garden Links
Get Your Soil Tested
A Last Thought
Previous Newsletter
Need a Speaker
Greene County Giving
For All Your Gardening Questions - Hotline
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Gardening Questions?
Or Soil Samples
From now until March 1st the Hotline will only be staffed on Thursdays from 10-4. Feel free to call in anytime and leave a message. Someone will get back to you.
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.
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Your 2024 Vegetable Garden Fall | |
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Fall first frost dates are generally between October 17-31 for most.
FALL FROST! Here is how I look at it, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." When colder fall temps are coming and in doubt, cover up... Just don't forget to uncover, to prevent heat damage. The sooner the job is complete the better you will sleep. Different plants and parts of plants tolerate different low temps. Many factors govern the actual final low temp that develops in any area. Su Lyn noted, "and don’t cover with plastic. Use fabric such as old sheets."
It's time to protect plants from frost Published Sept. 27, 2024: MU Extension’s Frost/Freeze Probabilities Guide tells us that frost is likely coming within two weeks in the northernmost part of the state. That means that it’s time to think about protecting plants from frost, said MU Extension state horticulture specialist David Trinklein. Learn more here.
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You're getting the below again because of great amount of interest in it in last month's issue.
Vegetable Planting Calendar - Save and Print Out the PDF
Check this for length of growing times and temperatures of the soil germination.
By MU Extension: This guide provides a list of planting dates and varieties that do well in Missouri. Some vegetables may be planted for a fall crop, if possible, a second set of dates is listed under the dates for spring planting. Note, if you live in the Ozark Plateau area use “north” planting dates, the higher elevation results in later spring and earlier fall frosts. There is also information on: 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. For ease of reading, you can also use the pdf link here.
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From Seed to Harvest and Beyond: Garden Journal and Calendar by MU Extension is a garden journal for Missouri gardeners, as well as a how-to guide and information resource. You can tell from year to year what is going on with your garden. You can record what you planted and how well it did or not, and whether or not there was a drought or too much rain. It provides a place to keep all gardening information, plans and notes together. Learn more details and order your copy online today here.
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Cover crops improve garden soil by Linda Geist for MU Extension: Organic matter is a gardener’s best friend. It improves soil structure, increases nutrient content and exchange, aids in water retention, and enhances the microbial population of the soil. Perhaps the easiest and least expensive way to organic matter is to plant cover (or green manure) crops. In vegetable gardens, cover crops frequently are planted as the harvest is completed. Continue reading here.
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Planning for 2025 - Next Season's Garden | |
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It's not too late to start those native flower beds, most seeds need stratification (freezing and warm temperatures). It is, still, the best time to start planting those trees you have been wanting to get. By planting them now and watering over the winter, the tree will work on growing roots rather than just foliage. This makes for a much stronger tree. Here is a good link (video) which shows how to easily water your new tree.
Native Plant Database by Grow Native! Pick the right native plant for the right place. This searchable database of 300+ plants native to the lower Midwest includes trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, sedges, rushes, and wildflowers suitable for landscaping as well as species for creating wildlife habitat, stabilizing streams, and for other ecological purposes. Continue reading and explore here.
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How to Plant a Tree by D. Murphy & C. Starbuck MU Extension Dept. of Hort.: Trees are a valuable part of any landscape. Given the value of trees, it is wise to put consideration into their selection, planting and maintenance. Regardless of its background, any tree suffers a certain amount of “transplanting stress” during the period between planting and establishment. Learn more here. | |
Improving Habitats for Wildlife in Your Backyard and Neighborhood Published by MU Extension: Viewing and enjoying wildlife on your property continues to be a popular form of outdoor recreation... Landscaping that attracts certain species can provide opportunities to enjoy nature and might increase the value of your property, among other benefits. Habitats that provide food, cover, water and space can be developed. Learn more, plus Related Publications, here. | |
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TWO LINKS: Water-Efficient Gardening and Landscaping by Denny Schrock, MU Dept. of Horticulture: It has been estimated that many gardeners use about twice as much water in their landscapes as is needed. In most gardens, the amount of water used can be reduced without creating serious plant problems. In Missouri's climate, water-efficient gardening is an important approach to wise water use. Learn more here.
PLUS: To start your journey, explore Native Landscape Plans From Grow Native! here.
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How to Rainscape - Rainscaping 101 - Missouri Botanical Garden Blog: Manage excess water at your home. To soak up some excess water in a sustainable way, try rainscaping! Rainscaping is a natural, sustainable solution that can offset potential damage caused by excess water while adding beauty to your yard. Learn more here. | |
Bookmark this page for future use. The University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic (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. The PDC is capable of plant disease diagnosis and identification of unknown plants and insects (including arachnids). Besides clinic staff, a diverse group of Plant Sciences faculties specializing in agronomy, entomology, horticulture, and plant pathology assist with identification of pests as needed. The clinic is open year round to receive samples. Continue reading here. | |
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Missouri Department of Conservation's Annual Native Tree Sale
Buy native trees and shrubs from MDC’s
George O. White State Forest Nursery
Need trees and shrubs for your landscape? Go native with tree and shrub seedlings from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) that can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation, while also improving the appearance and value of private property.
The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedlings for sale include many varieties of low-cost seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, plus other purposes. Some supplies are limited.
Place orders online now, here.
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Plant Theft is Everywhere
Inquiring minds want to know? Yes, plant theft and vandalism can be common occurrences at neighborhood, community, and demonstration gardens. Did you know, it's also a problem with many private home gardens and area businesses. While you are enjoying the gardens for many reasons, others are damaging and stealing their beauty. Do report theft or other criminal activity to your local authorities.
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MDC's Fall Color Report
Discover nature this season with help from MDC’s fall color report by Jill Pritchard MDC Fall 2024: Get weekly updates on fall color and best locations to see it. Our fall color reports are a convenient resource for the public beginning whenever colors start to appear and are updated weekly. They show users where trees are beginning to turn and also suggest best places to see the changing leaves. Learn more here.
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WEBINARS, CLASSES & EVENTS | |
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Presenting Doug Tallamy
'A Chickadee’s Guide to Gardening'
Friday Nov. 1st.
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm WATCH ONLINE!
In a virtual program online or in-person at MDC's Powder Valley Nature Center. The public may view the presentation online anywhere on their own screens.
Tallamy will present a preview of his newest book, 'A Chickadee’s Guide to Gardening'. A professor in the Dept of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the Univ of Delaware, Tallamy has written and co-authored other books. He is an advocate for home gardens and landscaping that provide habitat for native species by bridging the gap between parks and nature preserves.
Complete program details and virtual program link to register here.
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Now through Nov. 4, 2024
Virtual Live Webinars! by Penn. State Extension: Learn about today's recommended methods for home food preservation while dispelling food preservation myths and unsafe practices of the past in these virtual live webinars.
NOTE: A separate registration is required to receive the link to access each webinar.
NOTE: Registrants will also receive access to the webinar recordings. Upcoming sessions include webinars.
Learn more and join in here.
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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.
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Farmer Aggregation (Putting Farmers in Control)
for CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
With Patrick Byers
Retired MU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist
Online Nov 4, 2024 6:00 PM - FREE
Farmer Aggregation for CSA with Patrick Byers - Sponsored by Springfield Community Gardens: Increasingly, farms and organizations marketing through the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) model are turning for support to fellow farmers. The presentation will examine issues related to both farmers aggregating for a CSA and the CSA host.
Join SCG with retired MU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist, Patrick Byers, as we learn about expectations and opportunities related to farmer aggregation for CSA, with an emphasis on food safety agreements.
Learn more and register for this free Zoom webinar here.
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Common General Use Herbicides
& How They Relate to Aquatic Use Site
A Free Webinar Nov. 6th
At 4:00pm
This Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP) online training session with Q&A conducted by Lucas Madison will deepen your understanding of the safe and effective application of herbicides in and near aquatic environments. Learn about the latest best practices, regulations, and environmental impacts to ensure your herbicide use supports both land and water health.
More details and register here.
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Indoor Plant Basics
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024
5:30 - 6:30 CT
By Penn. State Extension Virtual Live Webinar: Still Time to Register! Are you ready to transform your living space into a vibrant, green sanctuary? Register for this webinar and learn how to successfully grow indoor plants to keep your spirits blooming all year!
Fee $10.
Learn more details and register here.
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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.
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2025 Heroes to Hives
What’s the buzz! Registration for the '2025 Heroes to Hives' Our free 9-month online intensive course registration opens NOVEMBER 1, 2024!
Program runs from March - November
Online courses (100+ hours)
Small business development training
Training of therapeutic practices
On the ground training
Certificate of completion
Don't miss being part of the largest beekeeping education program in the US offered free to US Service Members, dependents of participating Service Members, Gold Star families, surviving spouses of US Service Members, veteran service officers, and VA employees. Over 15,000 have taken the course over the last 10 years!
Join your brothers and sisters in arms as we take on a new mission of protecting our Nation's food security through stewardship of the most important managed pollinator on the planet!
Learn more details and get started here. Registration runs November 1st through February 28th every year.
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Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays
Topics on approxmately 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.
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Get your Lawn and Garden Questions Answered
at the Garden Hour with MU Extension
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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
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Readers Special Notice
Are you a member yet of ‘Ask A Missouri Master Gardener’ a statewide gardener's 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!
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!
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Ask the Master Gardener Q & A
An Unpublished Fall Garden 'Q&A'
Archived by Master Gardners of Greene County
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Q: Should I be doing something with my garden tools at the end of the season?
A: Just like surgeons and dentists, gardeners should work with clean tools. Sanitizing garden tools between uses will lower the risk of spreading diseases from one plant to another. We are seeing more and more soil-borne diseases, such as bacterial canker in tomatoes. Sanitation is the first line of defense in combating diseases. Tools such as pruning shears can easily spread disease from an infected plant to a healthy one if not sanitized. Contaminated equipment can spread bacterial, fungal and viral diseases, and even nematodes. Regular cleaning also will protect metal blades from rust and wooden handles from rot, extending the life of your tools. Use a solution of one part household bleach to nine parts water as a sanitizing agent. You can’t really get better than that. You can get more expensive than that, and maybe a bit less obnoxious with regard to the odor of the chlorine, but it is extremely effective.
Before sanitizing, be sure to clean off soil and organic matter, which may neutralize the chlorine in the bleach. Then you simply dip them in the solution for a couple of minutes and then allow the solution to evaporate. Once the bleach has evaporated it is perfectly safe to go in and use the tools, even though you might still smell the chlorine. Equipment such as stakes, pots and containers also should be sanitized. Of course, clay pots are more difficult to sanitize because they are highly porous. Gardening can be tiring work and modern life is full of distractions, so it can be easy to forget about or put off cleaning your tools. Make it a ritual: As you put away a tool, clean and disinfect it. It’s a good 'best garden management practice.'
Q: I have canna still in the ground. I heard that I need to dig them up and winter them over in a more protected place. Can you please advise me?
A: Freezing temperatures will help your canna go dormant for the winter. So, after the plants have been hit by some frosts or hard freeze, cut them off just above ground level. Leaving the plants connected to the rhizomes (roots) can cause rot that could destroy the plants during the winter months.
If you have them in containers, you can then just move the containers to a cool, dry place that will not experience freezes. A garage, crawl space, cellar, or similar area may work nicely. Keep an eye on the containers. If you see sprouting, you need to move the pots to a cooler environment. 40-50 degrees is the ideal storage temperature for canna rhizomes.
If the canna are planted in the ground, consider their location and the type of canna. If they are on a south facing slope or along the south side of a building or fence, the rhizomes may stay warm enough during the winter, with some heavy mulching with straw or wood mulch to give them a little extra insulation. If the canna are one of the common varieties, they may be more likely to survive on south facing ground than the more rare, exotic types.
If you have the rarer exotic type, or just want to be on the safe side, dig the rhizomes and knock off the excess soil. Let the rhizomes sit out where they can dry for a few days without danger of freezing. This helps prevent mold growth during storage. Put them in a plastic tote or bag, no more than two rhizomes deep, but do not close or seal the container. The rhizomes are alive and need to get some fresh air. Place these in a cool, dry location as noted above.
Check on your stored rhizomes once a month to remove any rotting ones before the rot can spread to the others in the container. If you have issues with continued rotting, move them to a new container that is a little more open and consider adding some shredded paper to help absorb some of the excess moisture. In the spring, then the forsythias and tulips have bloomed, inspect the rhizomes and plant good ones back into the soil, about 2 inches deep.
Q: How cold does it need to get before I can start pruning trees and shrubs?
A: January thru March is a good time for pruning. It isn't so much the air temperature as the ground temperature that is important. Complete dormancy must have set in so that the tree won't attempt new growth from the fresh cuts you are making.
Broken, dead or diseased limbs can be pruned at any time. Deciduous trees and shrubs (those that drop their leaves in fall/winter) are best to prune in February and March. Evergreens, like pine, spruce, and fir, require little pruning. Late winter is the best time to remove unwanted lower branches on evergreen trees.
However, be careful not to prune spring blooming trees and shrubs at this time. The buds on lilacs, dogwoods, viburnum, spirea, forsythia, and many other ornamental trees have already set their buds. If you prune before they bloom you will be cutting off potential flowers. Wait until right after they bloom next spring to prune.
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Have Lawn and Garden Holes?
Without a sighting or game camera it is difficult to know for sure. Here is more on the topic. Lawn and Garden Holes: What Is Digging Holes? Answer by Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist for Gardening Know How: Size does matter. If you are experiencing holes in your yard, there are a variety of things that could be causing them. Learn more here.
PLUS: Diagnosing Holes in the Yard by IA St. Univ. Extension: This guide helps diagnose what's digging, tunneling, feeding, and otherwise disturbing turf grasses here.
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TWO LINKS: Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) Invasive Species by MDC: With the exception of a few states in northern New England, Japanese stiltgrass has spread to every state east of the Mississippi and is considered invasive in 15 states. Missouri’s stiltgrass populations are primarily found in the southern part of the state. Learn more: pdf and photos here.
PLUS: Pulling Stiltgrass by Nancy Lawson for Humane Gardener on Oct. 4, 2024; Read on here.
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TWO LINKS: Mums take center stage when summer flowers take a bow Writer Linda Geist: Oct 2, 2024: Few flowers signal fall’s arrival more than the cheerful chrysanthemum, or mum, said MU Extension David Trinklein. Mums’ long-lasting blooms put on a colorful display for weeks when other flowers have called it quits for the season. Learn more here.
PLUS: Chrysanthemums for the Home Garden by Missouri Botanical Gardens: Chrysanthemums or “mums” are one of the most popular fall perennials for the garden. Numerous varieties are available today and can be selected to bloom from late summer through the entire fall. The genus Chrysanthemum belongs to the aster or daisy family and consist of over 200 species including annuals, perennials and small shrubs. Learn more about 'Mums in the Garden' pdf here.
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Plant bulbs now for a colorful spring Writer Linda Geist Oct 3, 2024: Springtime favorites such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths won’t greet you next year if they’re not planted in the fall. “The bulbs of spring-blooming plants need to be in the ground now so they can go through a chilling process in the winter,” said David Trinklein, MU Extension, horticulture specialist. Learn more here.
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Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) by Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: A Missouri native perennial and member of the carrot family, best massed in open woodland or prairie areas, wild or native plant gardens and is a host food plant for black swallowtail butterflies. Learn more here.
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How to Grow and Care for Smoke Bush Plant by Vanessa Richins Myers for The Spruce Sept 3, 2024: The smoke bush, also called smoketree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree often used as a garden specimen... The main care requirements for growing a smoke bush/tree are here.
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Leatherwing Beetles by Bob & Barb Kipfer for Springfield Plateau Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalist™ Sept 8, 2024: Mark Bower sent me this picture of beetles covering his goldenrods. He tentatively identified them as Goldenrod Soldier Beetles. I immediately recognized them as Pennsylvania Leatherwings. Looking them up I found that both names are commonly used to describe Chauliognathus pensylvanicus. Learn more here.
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Honey Bees as Pollinators, Their Habitats and Products' Published by MU Extension: The European honey bee (Apis mellifera), also known as the common or western honeybee (the Missouri state insect), is the most influential insect for humankind, both in history and in the honey and wax resources it provides. Learn more here.
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Black Swallowtail aka Parsnip Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) by MDC Field Guide: Mainly found in open habitats, including grasslands and old fields, along roadsides, and in gardens, backyards, and parks. The flight is fast and dashing, a few feet above the ground. Although the caterpillars of this common butterfly often eat plants of importance to humans, the eggs are laid singly. These caterpillars rarely cause serious damage. Learn more here.
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TWO LINKS: Tropical Milkweed—a No-Grow by Justin Wheeler for Xerces Society April 2018: Milkweed is in demand, and that demand has been filled in recent years by tropical milkweed, a non-native species. But is planting tropical milkweed potentially doing more harm than good? Learn more here. Tropical on left, orange milkweed on right.
PLUS: Monarch butterflies increasingly plagued by parasites, study shows by Carol Clark for Emory Univ. News March 2022: Read on here.
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How spiders use weird web tricks to snare prey Source, Ashley Vargo for Texas A&M Univ., Futurity Oct 7, 2024: Spiderwebs evoke a unique mix of fear and awe... it’s hard not to appreciate the delicate, silky architecture and radiating patterns made by these tiny creatures. Not all spiderwebs follow the iconic radial design we usually picture, though. There are at least five types of spiderwebs made with different silk types... Learn more here.
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Missouri's Woodpeckers by Emily Franklin, Missouri Conservationist Nov 1 2024: In the quiet stillness of the forest, a sudden burst of sound shatters the tranquility. Its unmistakable sound and impressive adaptations makes the woodpecker a captivating subject of study... Depending on the season, there are seven species of woodpeckers in Missouri: downy, hairy, northern flicker, pileated, red-bellied, red-headed, and yellow-bellied sapsuckers. Learn more here.
| Did you know? Yellow Warbler by MDC Field Guide: Yellow warblers breed in Missouri. They’re here April through Sept. Learn more here. | |
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Brown-headed Nuthatches gaining ground in Missouri Ozarks following MDC and partners’ restoration efforts Article by Jill Pritchard for MDC Oct 21, 2024: Biologists recently documented nuthatches nearly 30 miles away from original release site in Mark Twain National Forest. The discovery proves the birds are dispersing well across the restored landscape of their critical pine woodland habitat. Learn more about the Brown-headed Nuthatch recovery here.
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TWO LINKS: Sunscald aka southwest injury, occurs in late winter / early spring on the southwest side of thin bark trees. Learn more about this annual problem NOW, Sunscald of Woody Plants by Missouri Botanical Garden here.
PLUS: Sunscald Injury or Southwest Winter Injury on Deciduous Trees by USU Forestry Extension: This injury presents a significant threat to the trunks and limbs of certain deciduous trees. Although it can happen on shrubs it is more common on trees. Learn more here.
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Fall and Winter Watering Guidelines by J.E. Klett and R. Cox Colo State Extension: Water trees, shrubs, lawns, and perennials during prolonged dry fall and winter periods to prevent root damage that affects the health of the entire plant. Water only when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees F with no snow cover... Continue reading to learn more here. | |
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TWO LINKS: Pine Straw Mulch: What It Is and How to Use It by Lee Wallender for The Spruce: Pine straw mulch is made from fallen pine needles. After the pine needles have dried, they become pine straw. Pine straw can be used as a yard or garden mulch, much like wood mulch, straw, or shredded leaves. Learn more here.
PLUS: Do pine trees and pine needles make soil more acidic? Answered by UNH Extension here.
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Don't trash the ashes; Recycle today for a better garden tomorrow Writer Linda Geist for MU Extension: The phrase “waste not, want not”... It applies even to ashes produced this time of the year by wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. “When collected and spread on the garden, wood ashes are an excellent and free source of calcium and other plant nutrients,” MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said. Learn more important information, including the need for a soil test here.
(Wood ashes can be used for your bulbs and rhizome plants if a soil test indicates it would be helpful.)
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Leave the Leaves: Winter Habitat Protection by The Xerces Society: Where do insects and other invertebrates go in the winter? The vast majority “overwinter,” or spend winter, right where they spent all summer — just less active and more hidden. Think twice before you rake, mow, and blow this year. Learn more here. | |
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. | |
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Author's Corner
David Trinklein
University of Missouri, Adjunct Associate Professor & State Extension Specialist in Floriculture
Herb Gardening in Autumn by David Trinklein, MU Plant Science & Tech Oct 4, 2024: For gardeners who are fond of herbs, autumn is a time to take steps to have herbs available for winter use and enjoyment. There are two basic approaches that can be taken at this time of the year. Learn more here.
Pumpkin Picking Time New article by David Trinklein, MU Plant Science & Tech Oct 22, 2024: This fall, millions of Americans will make their annual pilgrimage to a local “punkin patch” or other retail outlet... The word pumpkin is derived from the Greek word pepon which, literally interpreted, means “large melon.”... a somewhat generic name assigned to several members of the genus Curcubita... pumpkins still are valuable as a food crop... Harvested properly and stored under good conditions, pumpkins are among the longest lasting of vegetables. Learn more here.
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Discover nature this season with help from MDC’s fall color report" by MDC September 2024: Get weekly updates on fall color and best locations to see it. Our fall color reports are a convenient resource for the public The reports begin in mid-September (whenever colors start to appear) and are updated weekly. They show users where trees are beginning to turn and also suggest best places to see the changing leaves. Learn more here.
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Other Newsletters of Interest for Fall Reading | |
The Garden Spade Newsletter October 2024 Articles Include: Joro Spiders + Getting a Wiggle on Compost + Weed of the Month--Annual Bluegrass + Carrot Recipe + Kids Ask Dr. Bug + Bumblebee vs. Carpenter Bee + What Is It? + Gardening Tips & Tasks + Upcoming Events & Flyers. Details and more here. | |
Missouri Produce Growers (Video) Newsletter by MU Extension Hort Team Oct. 4, 2024 Topics: Tales From the Field + Fall and Winter Mgmt. of Strawberries + Pollinator Habitats + Cover Crops for Organic Farms + Agroforestry Chestnut Festival +Elderberry Research in MO Part 2 + Upcoming Class Offerings + New Publications, Resources, and more, details here. | |
Nutrition, Food & Fitness Newsletter by MU Extension Oct. 8, 2024: IT’S CRUNCH TIME! Let’s bring home the win, Missouri! + Turnips-A Taste of October + Cold Hard Truth about Ice Baths + More Programs, Online Courses, Events, Publications, News and Articles. Details and more, click here. | |
The Monthly Monitor-Greene County Extension Council Newsletter October 2024 -Topics: Master Gardeners of Greene County Public Newsletter October 2024 + The Garden Spade MU Extension Newsletter + How to take a soil sample + Missouri Century Farms - 2024 + The 9th Annual Greene County Commissioner Ag Tour 2024. Details, plus much more here. | |
Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe Newsletter, No. 6 by MU Extension, November /December 2024: A newsletter for those who preserve food at home, topics: Helpful Hints for Gifting Home-Preserved Goodies + Canning Soup for Cooler Seasons +Related publications, the 2024 archives of this newsletter. Details here. | |
Monarchs approaching overwintering sites by Jacob Swanson, Journey North Oct. 24, 2024: It’s only a matter of time until eastern monarchs begin to reach their overwintering sites in Mexico. This weekend, we received our largest fall roost report from Mexico so far this season, not far north of their winter range. Read more news here. | |
Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP) News Fall 2024 - Topics: Herbicides for Aquatic Sites Free Webinar Nov. 6th+ Treating Woody Invasives in Fall + Oak Woodlands & Forests Fire Consortium Webinar Nov 12th + Callery Pear Tree Removal Effort + Yellow-flowered Teasel, Invasive + New Invasive Plant Survey + Woody Invasives to Treat in Fall. Details and more here. | |
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Forcing Bulbs
Forcing Bulbs for Indoor Bloom Revised by David H. Trinklein, MU Plant Science & Tech: "Bulbs made to flower at other than normal times are said to be forced. The practice of forcing is commonly used to flower daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, crocus and other spring bulbs during the winter. With proper planning and care, bulbs can supply color for the home from late November until early April, when they begin to flower normally outdoors." P.S. This is a wonderful indoor project for kids, young and old! (Photos by Avis H.) Learn more here.
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Migratory Flies
Why Aren’t More People Talking About Migratory Flies? by Chris Helzer, The Prairie Ecologist, Oct. 31, 2024: About a century ago, there were lots of reports of migrating insects along the East Coast of North America... There are flies. Migrating long distances. And no one thought to go out and learn more about this? Read on here.
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Get Your Soil Tested Soon
If you haven't gotten your soil tested in the last 2-3 years, it is time to do that again so that it can be ready for planting season. If you are doing cover crops, then wait until they have died back, 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.
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A LAST THOUGHT The gardens are still abloom! We haven't had a killing freeze yet. Come out and 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 fall visit today. In addition to the many beautiful floral and demonstration gardens, 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. | |
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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
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OUR OFFICES ARE INSIDE
Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center
2400 S. Scenic Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
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