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Master Gardeners of
Greene County Newsletter
October 2024
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Table of Contents - October 2024
Lawn and Garden Questions
Your 2024 Vegetable Fall Garden -. Late Planting Vegetables
Planning for 2025 - Next Season's Garden
Please Do NOT Use Fake Spider Webbing
WEBINARS, CLASSES AND EVENTS
Home Food Preservation - Now Until Nov. 4th
Food Preservation - Ongoing
Fall Native Plant Sale - Oct. 5th
Using a Hand Lens to Identify Hardwoods - Oct. 8th
Native Plants, Native Yards - Oct. 9th
Native Ferns and Their Potential as a Crop - Oct. 9th
Learn About Prescribed Fires - Oct. 9th & 12th
Monitoring Surface Water for Harmful Algal Blooms - Oct. 17th
Indoor Plant Basics - Nov. 13th
Beekeepers, Explore Organic Methods.
Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays
Organic Gardening Online Course
Get Your Lawn and Garden Questions Answered @ Weekly Garden Hour
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Special Request:
Moderator Assistance for ‘Ask A Missouri Master Gardener’
a Statewide Facebook Group is Still Needed
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Native Plants and Trees
Missouri Forests
Plants and More
Researched Based Information
Microplastics in our Streams and Waterways
Leave the Leaves
MDC's Fall Color Report
Spiders
Monarch Migration - Roosting in the Great Plains
Garden Pests
Dark Skys & Light Pollution
Fall Garden Annual Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes
Plant Mutations
Jalapeños and Hot Peppers
Author's Corner
Other Newsletters of Interest for Fall Reading
Fall is Here!
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?
We love them!
This is the last month that the Hotline will be open on a regular basis. The last day will be November 1. From then until March 1st it will have people in only on Thursdays. It is best to call first before bringing in a soil sample or something for them to diagnose. Feel free to call in any time and leave a message. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Readers statewide can pose questions by calling 417-874-2963 and one of the trained volunteers staffing the Master Gardener Hotline answer your call or leave a message after hours. The hours we are available are 10am - 4pm M-F. Please call 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. Learn more here. There will be someone in the office on Thursdays to collect soil samples for testing.
Please call before coming in with a plant sample to be diagnosed or a soil sample.
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Your 2024 Vegetable Garden Fall | |
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Extending Your Harvest With Short Growing Period Plants Using Cold Frames, Hot Frames or Low Tunnels
Even though it is October, there are still some vegetables that you can still plant in your garden and harvest after a light frost by using cold frames and low tunnels. These vegetables will allow you to still have fresh vegetables for another month or two. Be sure to check the time until harvest before planting.
Here's is what you can still grow now in hot beds, cold frames or low tunnels; lettuces, radishes, spinach, carrots, small beets, small turnips. You can probably cover your new potatoes with a tunnel, too.
Can withstand light frost; kale, swiss chard, mustard greens, collards (the greens listed actually taste sweeter after a light frost), snow peas. Most of these can be put under tunnels. The snow peas will stand too tall depending on how you have them growing.
Kale Grow It, Eat It by NC State Extension: Kale is a leafy green, cool season crop. Grow it during early spring or fall for maximum yields and quality, but this season can be extended if desired. Plant four weeks before your last frost date in spring for a summer harvest and again six weeks before your first frost date in fall for an autumn and early winter harvest. Kale will grow in full sun to part shade. Learn more here.
Fall first frost dates are between October 17-31
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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Building and Using Hotbeds and Cold Frames Revised by Trinklein MU Horticulture Extension State Specialist: Consider constructing a low tunnel, cold frame or hot bed to grow salad greens during the cold months to extend the growing season. Learn more here.
Low Tunnels For Beginners by WVU Extension: Are you looking for a way to extend your growing season? Low tunnels are inexpensive, easy to construct and can fit into any size garden. These temporary, easy to move structures allow for increased crop production by utilizing season extension and overwintering of cool-season crops. Low tunnels can be used in the winter and early spring to protect crops from cold injury and wind. Learn more here.
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Hobby Greenhouses by Univ. of GA Extension. Topics Include: Introduction; Types of Greenhouses; Locating Your Greenhouse; Designing Your Greenhouse; Types of Frames; Beds for Growing Small Plants; Greenhouse Heating; Greenhouse Ventilation and Cooling; Other Greenhouse Necessities; Plans; References. Continue 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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This is a great time of year to start those native flower beds, most seeds need stratification (freezing and warm temperatures). It is, also, 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.
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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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. | |
WEBINARS, CLASSES & EVENTS | |
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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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Fall Native Plant Sale
Saturday, October 5,
From 10am - 1pm
Held at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center at 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield. Master Gardeners of Greene County will have an informational booth for the public. There will be two native plant vendors, gardening demonstrations, a prize drawing and more. If you are looking for fall native plants, this is the place to explore.
Learn more details here.
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Using a Hand Lens to Identify Hardwoods
Oct 8, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EASTERN TIME
Learn how to use a hand lens to demystify the process of identifying common hardwood species in this informative webinar. Two Available Free Webinar.
Learn more and register here.
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Native Plants -
Native Yards, Getting Started
Wednesday, Oct 9, 2024
From 5:00 - 5:30pm
By MDC Free Virtual Program. Get tips on establishing native plants in yards. When it comes to native plants, you don’t have to wait to start preparing for spring planting. To get native plants established around your home you should start planning in the fall. Learn how to prepare your yards and gardens for next spring and summer.
More details and register for this online class, click here.
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Native Ferns in Missouri
and Their Potential as Specialty Crops
Wed, Oct. 9
At 4:00 pm
A Grow Native! FREE Webinar. Get more familiar about growing ferns in Missouri with Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall! Fern species and life cycles will be discussed, followed by an introduction to a unique education and outreach project by the Specialty Crops & Native Plants Program at Lincoln Univ. and Grow Native! This collaboration project aims to promote the growth and adoption of ferns in gardens in Missouri and surrounding states.
The webinar, to be held via Zoom, will include a presentation and a live question and answer session. For more information and to register now, click here.
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Learn About Prescribed Fire
Wednesday Oct. 9 Online course
and field day
Burn demonstration from 5 pm - 7 pm
Through MDC online course and Oct. 9 field day; Participants must first complete online portion to take part in the field day Oct. 9 burn demonstration from 5-7 pm at MDC’s Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area in Lawrence County. When used in controlled, supervised conditions, fire can be a beneficial land management tool.
However, it’s important to stress that prescribed fire involves planning and on-site management. Learn complete details and register here.
Another Opportunity to Learn About Benefits of
Prescribed Fire
Sat., Oct. 12
Burn demonstration from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
With this MDC online course and field day. Participants must first complete the online course portion to take part in the field day, Sat, Oct 12 burn demonstration from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm on privately-owned property in Webster County. When used in controlled, supervised conditions, fire can be a beneficial land management tool. However, it’s important to stress that prescribed fire involves planning and on-site management. Learn complete details and register ($25 fee) here.
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Monitoring Surface Water for Harmful Algal Blooms
Thur, Oct 17, 2024
A Webinar! Want to learn more? Interested in water resources? Join this free webinar Thur, Oct 17, 2024 from Penn. State Extension; to learn more about monitoring surface water for harmful algal blooms, class details and to register, click here.
ARTICLE: Cyanobacteria Overview by MO DNR: Cyanobacteria, often known as blue-green algae in Missouri. Blue-green algae are not actually algae, but cyanobacteria. Like algae, these bacteria can “bloom” when the conditions are right. Cyanobacteria are especially concerning because they are capable of producing toxins that can be harmful, even lethal, to humans, livestock and pets. Read more 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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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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Special Request
Moderator Assistance for ‘Ask A Missouri Master Gardener’ a Statewide Facebook Group is Needed
| The Master Gardeners of Greene County recently took over day-to-day management for the statewide ‘Ask A Missouri Master Gardener’ group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/284482329041117) in conjunction with University of Missouri Extension. Moderator volunteer help is still needed by a few Missouri Master Gardeners. And yes, time spent are community service volunteer hours! If interested, contact George B Deatz by Facebook Message, email: george.deatz@sbcglobal.net or phone: (417) 840-5472 for more information. Thank you, Master Gardeners of Greene County, Springfield, MO. | |
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Native Plants for Your Landscape Whether you have a balcony garden, a small urban lot, a 4-acre parcel or a sprawling ranch, you can include native plants in your landscape. There are many reasons to embrace the use of Missouri’s wonderful native plants. Learn more here.
Find another interesting article by MU Extension here.
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Inquiring minds want to know: Pawpaws grow in the wild, but can I grow them myself? Yes, you can also successfully cultivate them in all Missouri growing zones 5b to 7a. In case you want to grow your own, review 'Growing & Marketing Pawpaw In Missouri' by Patrick Byers with other writers for the MU Center For Agroforestry, pdf here.
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)' by MDC Field Guide: A a large shrub to small tree with a slender trunk and broad crown; grows in colonies. Fruits September–October. Banana-shaped, cylindrical, 3–5 inches long, green at first and yellow when ripe; pulp sweet, edible, with custardy texture. NOTE: Never eat the skin or seeds of pawpaw. The pawpaw fruit's skin and seeds can be toxic. Learn more here.
PLUS: Foraging for Pawpaw America’s forgotten fruit by Sam O'Brien for Gastro Obscura Sept 21, 2024: The pawpaw is North America’s largest native edible fruit. Today, wild pawpaws still grow in 26 states, from northern Florida to Pennsylvania and across the Midwest into Nebraska (and Missouri). But even though they appear in abundance each fall, few people are aware of the delicious treasures hiding nearby. Learn more here.
PLUS: Pawpaw Fruit in the Garden and the Kitchen by Penn. State Extension: Pawpaw trees are native to North America and are known for their fall fruit that has a custard-like texture and unique taste. Pawpaws are also the host plant for the zebra swallowtail butterfly. Continue reading here.
More information from 'Serious Eats' here.
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American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) by MDC Plant Finder: This is a many-branched shrub that bears attractive rounded clusters of rose, purple, violet, or blue berrylike fruits along the stems, in the axils of the leaves, in late summer and fall. A critically imperiled species in Missouri, it is also a popular native shrub for landscaping. Learn more here.
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Bur Oak aka Burr Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) by MDC Plant Finder: Bur oak is a medium to very large tree with a broad, spreading, rounded crown, a massive trunk, and low, large, spreading branches. Learn more here.
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Aster: The Other Fall Flowering Plant by David Trinklein, MU Plant Science & Tech. Sept. 17, 2024: As gardeners are making last trips to the local nursery... garden asters should be considered also. Their petite, daisy-like flowers come in a wide array of vibrant colors including some of the truest blues to be found anywhere in the plant world. Aster is actually a genus of plants containing 250 species. Learn more here.
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Yellow Asters Disease -Video By MU Extension: The Heart of Missouri Extension Master Gardener, Jolie Russell, shows you how to identify yellow asters disease. Watch 30 second video here. | |
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TWO LINKS: Common Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) by MDC: Common Pokeweed is a deep-rooted perennial that reproduces from buds on the root or from seeds. Learn more here.
For control review Pokeweed - Non-chemical control noted by Cornell University here.
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The woods: Missouri's other place to shop for food by MU Extension Springfield, MO – Look no further than your local woods for fresh, flavorful fruits and nuts, says MU Extension Hort Specialist, Kelly McGowan. In the woods, you’ll find a colorful and tasty assortment of edible delights, including wild strawberry, gooseberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, plums, mulberry, elderberry, grapes, persimmons, pawpaws and nuts, McGowan says. Read on here.
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Report: Missouri forests play role in long-term carbon storage by Julie Harker for MU Extension Aug. 23, 2024: A new report from the MU School of Natural Resources outlines the critical role of forests in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in plant material. The report looks at how carbon is cycled through Missouri forests and suggests thinking about trees and forest products not just in traditional units of board feet and cubic feet but as units of carbon. Learn more and read it here.
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Controlling Bamboo - Integrated Pest Management Strategies by Missouri Botanical Garden: Bamboos are divided into clumpers or runners, which can have a major impact on how well behaved they will be in your garden. | Editor's note by GD: The best control is to be very careful what you select to plant. You might consider substitute plantings. --Learn more here.
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Burning Bush aka Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus) - Invasive by MDC Field Guide: Escaped and naturalized populations are most commonly found in open woods and thickets near towns and cities or at old homesites. Unfortunately, this species has been increasingly appearing in native habitats, indicating its aggressive, invasive tendencies. Learn more here.
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TWO LINKS: Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae: There is a huge display growing as a tree screen, not trimmed as a hedge, at the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO. Green Giant Arborvitae, USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8, is a large, vigorous, and fast-growing tree that can reach 40 to 60 ft. tall, 12 to 18 ft. wide. Read on here.
PLUS: Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae: A growing trimmed hedge that thrives in heat and humidity, which makes it an especially popular hedge choice in the regions around the Southern US. With sturdy evergreen foliage, this Arborvitae hedge looks vibrant year-round with great winter color. Thuja Green Giant is a handsome hedge choice for privacy and screening purposes. Read on here.
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My Pine Tree is Losing its Needles by Michael Kuhns, Utah State Extension Forestry Specialist: Generally; There is a perfectly natural explanation... as the tree grows larger year-by-year, newer needles are always at branch ends and older needles are farther back in the crown. As needles age, they become less efficient... old needles finally turn brown and drop off... several years' worth of newer needles are always there to replace the old ones. Learn more detail here.
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Researched Based Articles | |
Missouri growers are sweet on honey of a berry by Linda Geist for MU Extension Sept. 5, 2024: The 2024 “Miss Congeniality” of Missouri backyard fruits might be honeyberry. A relatively new plant to Missouri, it is native to eastern Siberia. Its ability to thrive in conditions that often challenge blueberries makes it a promising choice for gardeners seeking a productive and low-maintenance fruit, says MU Extension's Tamra Reall. This crowned jewel of a bush grows in a variety of soils and resists disease and pests. Read on here.
Another article How to Grow Honeyberries in the Garden by Growning Knowhow here.
| Hang the moon with twilight gardens by Linda Geist for MU Extension Aug. 26, 2024: Twilight gardens delight the senses of sight and smell by adding another dimension to the gardening experience, says Gwen Funk, MU Extension hort. specialist. Also known as moon gardens, twilight gardens use white flowers and plants to capture reflected moonlight. Learn more here. | |
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Dahlias dazzle and delight as gardens dim Writer Linda Geist Sept. 19, 2024: As autumn approaches Sept. 22, many garden flowers show the ravages of a long, often brutal summer. However, it’s at this time that dahlias are most spectacular, said MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Warm days and cool nights associated with late summer and early fall cause dahlias to produce flowers with intense, dazzling color. Learn more here.
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How to Grow & Care for Schefflera (Umbrella Plant) by Jon VanZile for The Spruce Updated Aug. 24, 2024: Schefflera, commonly called umbrella plants or trees, make excellent tropical houseplants. These easy-growing plants can live 25 years or longer and produce flowers, but plants grown indoors rarely develop flowers. Learn more here.
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Lawn Seeding Best in September by David Trinklein, MU Plant Science & Tech: For seeding or overseeding a lawn, Sept. has long been considered the best month. This is true when cool season grass species such as bluegrass and fescue are being used. At this time of the year, soil usually is not excessively wet and works well. Learn more here.
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Mysterious Marathoners the American eel by Kristie Hilgedick for Missouri Conservationist, September 2024: From long-distance migrations to baffling breeding, much remains to be learned about the American eel. It arguably has one of the most fascinating and complex migratory life cycles of any animal in Missouri. Learn more here. | |
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Sedum: Pollinators love this easy-peasy purple and pink plant by MU Extension Sept. 23, 2024: Sedums, also known as stonecrop, are low-maintenance plants that come with a host of benefits. They withstand extreme heat and drought, yet some are winter-hardy as far north as USDA hardiness zone 3. “In short, sedums are about as low-maintenance as plants can get,” said MU Extension state horticulturist David Trinklein. Learn more here.
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Can You Outsmart a Raccoon? by Roxanne Hoorn for Atlas Obscura Aug 30, 2024: While many other species around the world are in decline, raccoons are actually thriving. Part of that is because they’re amazing at adapting to new challenges, from invading chicken coops to breaking into trash bins. What can we learn from them? Continue reading here. | |
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Got a Backyard Cooper’s Hawk? There Will be Blood; The Cooper’s Hawk Art of Hunting by Renee Hewitt for Into Birds: If you’re into birds and have bird feeders, you’ve encountered the backyard bird-eating terrors known as Cooper’s Hawks. Read on here: These beautiful accipiters are amazing hunters from both perches and on the wing. See here.
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TWO LINKS: Garden Q&A - What's Causing Lawn & Garden Holes? Good question, 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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Will Camellias grow in Missouri? Topic reviewed by Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis: Learn more about Camellias here.
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Hidden music Show Me Mizzou News, MU College of Arts & Science Sept. 9, 2024: Rex Cocroft’s groundbreaking research on insect communication is leaping off the pages of academic journals... His fellow researchers have even taken the rare step of immortalizing his contributions by naming a new species of plant-feeding insects known as treehoppers (Cladonota rex) in honor of him. For more than 30 years, the MU biologist has studied treehopper insects... Continue Text and Video here. | |
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Garden Q&A: Why do yellow jackets sting? Answer: Tamra Reall for MU Extension, Kids Ask Dr. Bug: Some people think yellow jackets are just plain mean! However, yellow jackets, like other wasps, sting when they feel threatened or if they feel like their nest is threatened. Even if you aren’t trying to hurt them, if you have unintentionally bumped their nest or come near their territory, you might get an unpleasant surprise. Nests can be underground or aboveground. Yellow jackets eat other critters, such as caterpillars, flies, and spiders so they can be beneficial. However, sometimes they eat the food we like to eat, too, so they can also be pests. Did you know that only female wasps can sting? Males don’t have stingers...
PLUS: Identifying and dealing with yellowjackets by Richard Hentschel for Over the Garden Fence, Illinois Extension: We routinely get calls or emails about bees, wasps, hornets, and other striped or stinging things. Often, residents need assistance to identify which insect they are dealing with, one of which may be yellowjackets, which are common in (Missouri)/Illinois and often very active this time of year. Learn more here.
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TWO LINKS: Insect Q&A - What is the role of native bees in the United States? by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): About 75% of North American plant species require an insect—mostly bees—to move their pollen from one plant to another to effect pollination. Learn more continue here.
PLUS: Bees and Wasps by Tamra Reall, Hort Specialist MU Extension here.
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Microplastics
Microplastics are all around us—in the soil, in the air, in the sea and in our food. But exactly how much plastic we are eating daily is still somewhat of a mystery. Find out more here. (Newsweek)
Plastic Awareness News Blast by Stream Teams United (STU) Sept. 27, 2024: STU is embarking on a new effort to work with Missourian's and partners around the state to reduce our use of plastic.
Join us in this effort. You can be a part of the plastic pollution solution! We will be sending a monthly news blast, with the most recent news about the problem of plastic in our environment, with tangible steps anyone can take to help curb our use of plastic.
Example, learn more about microplastics pollution plus much more in this current issue here.
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Help birds this winter, go easy on fall yard work by Audobon Magazine link.
Brush pile for birds by Birdwatching Dot Com link.
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Assessing Spider Diversity by Dianne Van Dien for Nature Lab, Missouri Conservationist Magazine Sept. 1, 2024; Biologists surveyed spiders on the Spring Creek Watershed priority geography in northeast Mo. At a Glance, Spiders are one of the most abundant and diverse predator groups on the planet, living in many habitats and employing a variety of hunting strategies. More than 45,000 spider species worldwide. More than 3,500 species in North America. About 450 known in Missouri so far. Learn more here. | |
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Joro spiders are nothing to worry about – yet by Linda Geist for MU Extension Sept. 12, 2024: Flying monkeys, creepy crawlies and monsters under the bed need to make way for the Joro spider. But Missouri arachnophobes can rest easy for a bit, says MU Extension urban entomologist Emily Althoff. Introduced to the U.S. a decade ago, the Joro spider is a slow traveler. To date, the closest sighting of this colorful orb weaver was in central TN. Learn more here.
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Life on a Thread by Matt Seek for Missouri Conservationist October 2024: A whisper on the grass betrays the gathering of feet. A bold pounce bridges the gap between hunter and quarry. Predator and prey tumble over each other, one desperate to escape, the other to restrain. The violence lasts only a second, perhaps two. And then the prey, once so agile and alive, lies still and dead... the struggle plays out on a single blade of big bluestem, the prey is a flower fly, and the predator is a tiny black jumping spider, no bigger than a pencil eraser. Read on 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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Monarchs crossing Lake Erie, still roosting in Great Plains states
As September gives way to October, sightings continue to roll in from dedicated Journey North volunteers, painting a picture of the fall migration story.
Around Lake Erie, we can see the migration path as it forms, with monarchs congregating in places like Point Pelee National Park before making the jump of 30 miles or more across this Great Lake and forming roosts near its south shore.
Roost reports also continue from Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa, we still have larvae in Nova Scotia and Gail Morris provides an update on sightings from the West.
Monarch migration news here.
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Bruce submitted this photo from Hartley, Iowa on Sept. 20, writing, that it was the "latest monarch roost we have ever recorded here." | |
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Journey North is a citizen science project of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum that engages citizen scientists in a global study of wildlife migration and seasonal change. You can support our work by reporting your observations. Feel free to contact us.
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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. | |
Fall Webworm by MDC: Caterpillars (larvae) of the fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) feed on over 100 different species of deciduous trees. Walnut, hickory, pecan, persimmon, sweetgum, ash, maple, oak, poplar, redbud, and willow are commonly damaged. Fall webworm control is rarely necessary as damage is mostly aesthetic and typically does not affect tree health. You can generally avoid using deadly chemical insecticides and spraying to protect wildlife.
NOTE: Fall webworm has dozens of natural enemies, from birds to parasitic wasps and flies, which act to reduce populations. To assist these natural enemies, rip open webs to expose caterpillars. Learn more, text and photos in pdf here.
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Whitefly - outdoors - Integrated Pest Management Strategies by Missouri Botanical Garden: There are over 1200 known species of whiteflies, most of which feed on only one or a few species of plants each. The whitefly spends its winters in weeds and ornamental plants, migrating to crops and gardens in spring and summer. Once temperatures warm up in the summer, populations can build rapidly with the highest populations probably occurring in late summer. Learn more here.
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Phytophthora-what?... Oh no, I got blighted by Katie Kammler for Missouri Produce Growers MU Extension Sept. 6, 2024: Phytophthora can infect all cucurbits including pumpkins, squash, melons, cucumber, as well as beans and solanaceous crops like peppers, tomatoes, eggplants. Phytophthora blight causes fruit rot, rapid wilting, and plant death. It is caused by the water mold Phytophthora capsici. Learn more here. | |
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TWO LINKS: Garden Q&A - What Are Wireworms? Good question. Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles. They are slender, cylindrical, and typically brown or yellow in color. Wireworms feed underground and can damage crops by burrowing into roots and tubers, leading to reduced yield or seedling death. They are common in home gardens across N.A. Learn more about Click Beetles from MDC here.
PLUS: Here is more info on dealing with them, Wireworms in the Garden by Patrick Wagner, Entomology Field Specialist, SDSU Extension here.
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Dark Skys & Light Pollution
Comments by Angela Hutsell, President, Sept 13, 2024: The Master Gardeners of Greene County, had another awesome chapter meeting and the topic by Loring Bullard on 'Dark Skies & Light Pollution' was a real eye-opener for me.
I have a good start on my pollinator friendly plants and habitats at our place, but I really enjoy having my back fence, shade and veggie gardens light up with different color patio lights in the evenings. I have them on timers so I'm not using more energy than necessary, but I will soon be adjusting the length to be much shorter to work towards limiting the impact on our creature neighbors. I want to do my part to be a better steward of conservation of our energy resources in conjunction with helping bring back struggling groups of bugs, birds and other ecologically important creatures.
I hope you too will assess your outdoor lighting to see if you can lessen or eliminate unnecessary light pollution in your areas. Even small changes can have a big impact on our environment. For more information and resources, please visit, DarkSky International, here.
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Fall Garden Annual Recipe
Do you like fried green tomatoes? It is almost the season! I expect many of you do! For those who want to try them here is a great recipe straight from the chef, my sister, Gloria B: 'Fried Green Tomatoes' -- Here's the breading technique: Flour the tomato slices on each side, dip in egg wash of about 1 tablespoon of milk whisked into a large egg, then dip in soda cracker crumbs. I just put soda crackers in the blender and pulse until they are the desired consistency (some people might like finer crumbs; others might like coarser crumbs). I usually let the tomatoes "set" for 15-20 minutes before frying, so the breading can dry. Fry in canola oil. Also, great for eggplant! Eat and enjoy! --Photo & Text by George Deatz
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Plant Mutations
Inquiring minds want to know? Plant mutations: They can be referred to in several ways depending on the type and nature of the mutation. Here are some common terms:
1. Point Mutations: These involve changes in a single nucleotide base pair in the DNA sequence. They can result from errors during DNA replication or due to environmental factors like radiation.
2. Chromosomal Mutations: These involve changes in the structure or number of chromosomes, leading to significant genetic rearrangements.
3. Gene Duplications: This occurs when extra copies of genes are generated, potentially allowing for the evolution of new functions.
4. Polyploidy: This is a condition where a plant has more than two sets of chromosomes, which can lead to larger cell size and sometimes greater vigor.
These mutations can have various effects on plant traits, ranging from beneficial changes like increased resistance to pests, to negative impacts such as decreased productivity. Learn more from, 'Mutation examples and how they happen' by Ron Goldy for MSU Extension, with photos here.
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Jalapeños and Hot Peppers
Inquiring minds want to know. Why are some jalapeño peppers on the same plant hotter than others? The heat level of jalapeño peppers can vary even on the same plant due to several factors:
1. Age of the Pepper: Older peppers tend to be hotter than younger ones. As they mature, they develop more capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat.
2. Genetic Variation: Different peppers can have slight genetic differences, leading to variations in heat levels.
3. Environmental Conditions: The climate, soil, and moisture levels where the peppers are grown can significantly impact their heat. Peppers grown in hotter, drier conditions often have higher capsaicin levels.
4. Plant Stress: Stress factors like inconsistent watering or nutrient deficiencies can cause the plant to produce hotter peppers as a defense mechanism.
5. Position on the Plant: Peppers growing in different parts of the plant might receive varying amounts of sunlight and nutrients, affecting their heat levels.
If you’re looking to grow consistently hot jalapeños, try to maintain stable growing conditions and consider selecting varieties known for their heat.
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Learn more about Pepper Production from Penn. State Extension: Peppers lend themselves well to small-scale and part-time farming operations. Continue here.
Cool Off with Hot Peppers by David Trinklein, MU Plant Science & Tech, Archive June 23, 2023: There is a line of reasoning that suggests eating something hot makes a warm summer day seem cooler. The theory is that the pain induced from the consumption of pungent foods causes the human brain to release compounds known as endorphins. Learn more here.
The Wide and Wonderful World of Green Chile by Lynn Cline for New Mexico Magazine Sept 11, 2024: New Mexico green chile, a treasured and storied part of our agricultural heritage for centuries. Fragrant and fleshy, smoky and sweet, earthy and ethereal, the piquant pepper’s appeal lies both in its flavor and its versatility. From cheesecake to cheesesteaks, New Mexico’s iconic ingredient is showing up in unexpected ways. Enjoy the story and recipes here.
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Nancy Lawson - Author of The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife and Wildscape
Note: Nancy was a featured speaker at the Springfield Lawn & Garden Show February 2024
Lessons in Rewilding -What Lies Beneath: Treasures in the Seed Bank by Nancy Lawson for Humane Gardener Aug 30, 2024: The ultimate local ecotype might be right outside your door, just waiting to resurface and reclaim the land. Continue reading to learn more here.
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Deer Eat This Garden (and It Flourishes) by Nancy Lawson for Humane Gardener, Sept 21, 2024 - Living Humanely with Wildlife: You can have your garden and your deer too with this step-by-step guide to coexistence. Continue reading here.
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Other Newsletters of Interest for Fall Reading | |
The Garden Spade Newsletter September 2024 - Articles include: Hang the Moon with Twilight Gardens + Vegetables to Plant in Sept.+ Weed of the Month--Plantains + Broccoli Recipe + Back to the Basics--Soil Testing + Spider Mites vs. Aphids + What Is It? + Gardening Tips & Tasks + Upcoming Events & Flyers. Details & More pdf here. | |
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Let's Preserve Newsletter August 2024 by Penn. State Extension - Topics: Canning Tomatoes Do’s and Don’ts + The Uncanny Trio—Eggplant, Summer Squash, Melon + Canning Potatoes + Online Course Home Food Preservation--Freezing + Upcoming events, resources and more here.
Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe Newsletter No. 5 Sept./Oct. 2024 Topics: Pressure cooker vs. pressure canner, are they the same? + Vacuum sealing mason jars: Are they safe for preservation? + Related publications are back issues and more for 2024 here.
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American Hosta Society - Shirley Hall, Master Gardeners of Greene County, shared this wonderful publication with readers: "I don’t know if any of you are members of The American Hosta Society or not, but they really put out some good publications. Here is their latest eNewsletter, always a good read." Click on the pdf here. | |
Nutrition, Food & Fitness Newsletter by MU Extension Sept 3, 2024 - Topics: Are pressure cookers and pressure canners the same thing? + Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, Level 3 Event Online via Zoom + Stir Fry Recipe + Podcast - Is BMI an accurate measure of health? + Details connect here. | |
Missouri Produce Growers Video Newsletter by MU Extension Sept 6, 2024 -Topics: Phytophthora Blight can infect all cucurbits + Lavender Distillation + Fall & Winter High Tunnel Crops + Cereal Rye Cover Crop for Veggies + Upcoming Class Offerings + New Publications & Resources. Details Connect Here. | |
The Monthly Monitor News Sept 2024 by MU Extension Greene County: Did you know? Mosquitoes... + Master Gardener Public Newsletter + Garden Spade & Engaged Neighbor Newsletters + Soil Testing Services Available + Greene County's Farm Family of The Year! + Flower Arrangements with Attitude! + MO Good Neighbor Week + 4-H Scrapbooking Event! + 4-H Health Relays! + Youth Mental Health First Aid. Details & More Here. | |
Natural Resources Newsletter Sept. 2024 by MU Extension -Topics: What are Non-Timber Forest Products? + Managing Oaks for Acorn Production to Benefit Wildlife + Birds Fall Migration is here! + Monarchs Migrating Down Missouri & Attracting Monarchs + Leaving the Leaves Provides Habitat + Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) + Sign-Up for Women Owning Woodlands! + Workshops, Classes & More. Details here. | |
A Taste of Missouri Newsletter - Turnips by MU Extension October 2024: by Easy-to-prepare recipes and tips for using turnips are displayed in this eight-page flier. Additional seasonal recipes, ingredients, tips, and safety measures are also included. Continue reading here. | |
Missouri Conservationist Volume 85, Issue 10, October 2024: Serving Nature & You! The complete issue is now available for viewing and/or downloading for free here. Not yet a subscriber? Free to Missouri residents! | |
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Fall is Here!
It's the end of September, fall is here! Chuck Bruton finishes his excellent tour of both the beautiful Rose and White Gardens at the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S Scenic Ave. Chuck's goal, was to find a few interesting subjects to photograph, and find them he did. Gallery #2. Learn more about these gardens before you visit and 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! 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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For all your gardening questions,
please call our Hotline:
417-874-2963
Hotline hours are 10am - 4pm M-F
There will be someone in the office on Thursdays to collect soil samples.
Please call before coming in with a question, sample or pictures.
Questions welcome state wide.
Feel free to call, email us or send pictures to hotline@mggreene.org
These are three separate ways of contacting us.
Hotline hours will be changing starting in November.
More Hotline Information
Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook and forward to a friend!
Thank you!!
Master Gardeners of Greene County, Missouri
417-874-2963
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OUR OFFICES ARE INSIDE
Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center
2400 S. Scenic Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
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