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Master Gardeners of
Greene County Newsletter
September 2024
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Table of Contents - September 2024
Lawn and Garden Questions
Your 2024 Vegetable Fall Garden -. Late Planting Vegetables
Planning for 2025 - Next Season's Garden
Do NOT Use Fake Spider Webbing
WEBINARS, CLASSES AND EVENTS
Birds: Waterfowl ID - Sept. 3rd
Insects: Magnificent Monarchs Sept. 5th & Sept. 19th
Japanese Fall Festival - Sept. 6th - 8th
Growing Fruit, Nut and Syrup Trees - Sept. 10th
Proper Native Tree Planting for Long-Term Success - Sept. 10th
Using GIS to Help Manage Forests - Sept. 10th
Living on a Few Acres - Sept. 12th
Fabulous Fall - Annual Fall Garden Workshop - Sept. 14th
Understanding Regenerative Agriculture - Sept. 17th
Native Plants: Be the Host With the Most - Sept. 17th
Home Food Preservation - Sept. 19th - Nov. 4th
Native Plants - Wild Color Palettes - Sept. 20th
1860's Lifestyle Expo Sept. 20th & 21st
2024 Ozark Prairie Master Gardener Field Day - Sept 21st
Using a Hand Lens to Identify Hardwoods - Oct. 8th
Backyard Stream Repair
Calling all Beekeepers! Explore Organic Methods!
Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays
Organic Gardening Online Course
Veterans Can Learn Beekeeping Skill for Peace and Income
Food Preservation
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 Needed
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Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) - Dr. Chris Barnhart
Snake plant, now called Dracaena, as an air purifier
Buy Native Trees and Shrubs From MDC
Register Your Butterfly Garden
How To Grow Your Own Microgreens
Gardening/Landscaping Q & A
Seed Sharing (Saving)
Researched Based Information
Flowers and Shrubs
Trees
Moth or Wasp or Something Else?
Insects - Good and Bad
This is an Old Bee
Home Lawn Care
The Bumble Bee Lifestyle
Author's Corner
Other Newsletters of Interest for Summer/Fall Reading
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?
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.
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Your 2024 Vegetable Garden Fall | |
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Extending Your Harvest With Short Growing Period Plants
Even though it is September, there are still some vegetables that you can still plant in your garden and harvest before or even after a light frost. 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. See Vegetable Planting Calendar below AND check your labels.
Here's is what you can plant now; lettuces. radishes, spinach, carrots, small beets, small turnips, new potatoes.
Can withstand light frost; kale, swiss chard, mustard greens, collards (the greens listed actually taste sweeter after a light frost), snow peas.
Fall frost dates are between October 17-31
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 This is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which perennial plants are most likely to thrive at a location. To find the Plant Hardiness Zone at your location quickly, enter your zip code in the Quick Zip Code Search box in the map, or click anywhere on the map to view the corresponding interactive map. Double check your zip code response with another source. Start here.
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.
What to do when wildlife treats your garden like a buffet; Use IPM strategies for control by writer Linda Geist for MU Extension Aug. 6, 2024: Insects, diseases and weeds are formidable foes, but the damage they inflict often pales compared to the destruction perpetrated by some of our four-legged “friends.” It is extremely frustrating to have a garden only to have it decimated by deer, groundhogs and squirrels. Learn more here.
You're getting some of the below again because of great amount of interest in it last month's issue.
Vegetable Planting Calendar - Save and Print Out the PDF
Vegetable Planting Calendar' 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.
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.
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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Planning for 2025 - Next Season's Garden | |
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Strawberry Cultivars and Their Culture: Home Fruit Production by Michele R. Warmund, Fruit State Specialist, MU Div. of Plant Sciences: No fruit is more likely to provide home gardeners with success and satisfaction than strawberries. Learn more here.
Home Fruit Production: Peach and Nectarine Culture Michele Warmund, Fruit State Specialist, MU Div of Plant Sciences: The peach has often been called the Queen of Fruits. Its beauty is surpassed only by its delightful flavor and texture. Peach trees require considerable care, however, and cultivars should be carefully selected. This guide should be helpful.
Container Grown Tomatoes by Penn State Extension Staff: Tomatoes are probably the #1 container vegetable that interests gardeners after herbs. This is a guide that may offer you some helpful suggestions, click here.
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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WEBINARS, CLASSES & EVENTS | |
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Free - Tuesday, September 3rd
By MDC: Tips on Identifying Waterfowl. Virtual Program: Learn online about the variety of waterfowl species that travel through this area in fall... waterfowl identification is a necessary skill for hunters to have... it's also a valuable skill for bird enthusiasts and other types of nature viewers to have, too.
From Springfield, MDC Naturalist Sam Grove, will present this program, more details and register here.
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Magnificent Monarchs
Learn about monarch butterflies at MDC's Shoal Creek Center in September;
Two virtual programs, monarch festival, and native plant sale are planned' The monarch fun will feature two virtual MDC programs.
1) On Thur., Sept. 5, people can learn about these interesting butterflies at “Insects: Magnificent Monarchs.” This online program will be from 10:30 am - noon.
2. This second virtual monarch program in September is also titled “Insects: Magnificent Monarchs.” This online program will be Thur, Sept 19 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.
People can register for both free online programs with more details here.
Plus, details on the fun that continues Sat, Sept 21 with S.C. Center’s 'Monarch Festival & Native Plant Sale
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In The Springfield Botanical Gardens
2400 S. Scenic Ave,. Springfield, MO 65807
Friday 5 - 10 pm
Saturday 11 am - 10 pm
Sunday 11 am - 6 pm
Maps and events here.
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Webinar Series on Tree Crops:
Growing Tree Fruit,
Nut Crops and Syrup Trees
Tuesday, September 10th
6 Week Series
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
This fall, University of Missouri Extension offers a six-session webinar series.
Fee $60.
Additional series details and to register click here.
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Proper Native Tree Planting for Long-Term Success
Sept. 10, 2024
6:00 - 7:30 PM EASTERN TIME
Fee $5
Online Learning Opportunities Webinars by Penn State Extension Water Team. Discover the essentials of successful tree planting with experts from the Master Watershed Steward Program. Learn site selection, planting techniques, and aftercare to ensure your trees thrive. Sign Up Here.
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Using GIS to Help Manage Forests
Two Available Free Webinars: Sept 10, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EASTERN TIME &
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EASTERN TIME
Discover how using a Geographic Information System (GIS) can analyze and interpret geographic data for effective land assessment and tracking in forest planning and management. Learn more and register here.
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Living on a Few Acres
Thur., Sept. 12, 2024
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EASTERN TIME Adjust
Virtual Live Webinar - Permaculture and Risk Management Workshop by Penn State Extension: Join Extension specialists for the Living on a Few Acres webinar series to discuss core principles of permaculture and holistic farm design. Topics will include specific practices that are relevant for homestead and farm-scale operations.
Learn more details (including fee only $5.00) here.
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Fabulous Fall - Annual Fall Garden Workshop
Saturday, Sept. 14, 9:30 a.m.
By Master Gardeners of the Ozarks'. The Master Gardener committee has done great work on this program. We have a great line-up of presenters. Help spread the word about this program.
The registration fee is $25.00. For details visit our webpage or call 417.357.6812.
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Understanding Regenerative Agriculture
Tues, Sept. 17, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Join us for an informative free zoom webinar with MU Extension Hort. Field Specialist, Patrick Byers. We will discuss holistic land management practices, the importance of building soil health and promoting biodiversity, as well as the benefits and challenges faced in today's world.
For details and to register use Springfield Community Garden event here.
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Native Plants:
Be the Host With the Most
Tuesday, September 17th
From 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
MDC virtual free program on to focus on native plants that provide visual and habitat appeal around the home. MDC Springfield staff naturalist Jordanya Raos will provide info about native plants and have recommendations for yard and garden designs that will work around the home.
Learn more details and register here.
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Home Food Preservation
Tuesday Sept. 19 - 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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Native Plants- Wild Color Palettes
Friday, September 20th
From 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm (online event)
MDC virtual program to focus on aesthetic appeal of native wildflowers . This free online event by MDC’s Springfield Nature Center Naturalist Jordanya Raos will suggest native wildflower combinations that can provide an array of color and valuable habitat to your flowerbeds throughout the growing season.
More details and register here.
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In The Springfield Botanical Gardens | |
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2024 Ozark Prairie Master Gardener Field Day
Sat, Sept 21, 2024.
Registration free at 9:30 am
Talks start 10 am - 4:00 pm.
At: 22125 Old Five Rd., Versailles, MO 65084
Drive a little, to learn a lot. Come in person and join the Ozark Prairie Master Gardeners and MU Extension as they host an in-person free field day.
Visitors can take self-guided tours and attend presentations from a variety of topics such as vegetable gardening, mushroom production, native plants for birds, seed saving, portable sawmill demo, medieval herb gardening, beekeeping, caring for roses, cactus & succulents, bluebird & warbler update and using produce through the seasons.
There will be time to ask questions and gather great ideas for your future gardening adventures.
More info (call 573-378-6534) plus directions and 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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Backyard Stream Repair Online Series
Join in anytime by Penn State Extension: Virtual on demand recorded webinar.
Do you have a stream on your property? Is your stream getting deeper or wider? Are you losing some of your land every time it rains? Have you wondered why your streambanks are changing so rapidly and what you can do about that?
Learn more 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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ORGANIC GARDENING ONLINE COURSE
Access anytime (Still available)
Information shared by David Trinklein, MU Extension, Missouri State Master Gardener Coordinator July 31, 2023: Oregon State University Extension has just announced the availability of a new online course in organic gardening.
The course builds on the basics of gardening and provides students with a better understanding of organic gardening techniques & methods and how to apply them to your own garden.
On demand, access any time, 15-30 hours online, price $250. For additional details, go here.
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Veterans Can Learn Beekeeping Skills for Peace and Income
Heroes to Hives - Veterans find peace, skills and income with MU Extension FREE program.
This program seeks to address financial and personal wellness of military veterans through professional training and community development centered around beekeeping.
Learn more details about MU Extension’s 'Heroes to Hives' program here.
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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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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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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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The Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) Annual Dinner
'Celebrates Prairie Legacy' was on August 17, 2024
A major evening event, featured presenter was Dr. Chris Barnhart, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Missouri State University. He is also the volunteer curator of the Roston Native Butterfly House in the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807.
Dr. Barnhart’s presentation, “Conserving Prairie Royalty: The Regal Fritillary” illustrated the importance of original, unplowed, old-growth prairie to this iconic butterfly, as well as to many other prairie-dependent species.
You can learn more about regal fritillary conservation from Dr. Barnhart and other biologists in this recorded MPF webinar here.
Thanks to generous supporters, MPF is protecting priceless prairie for current and future generations to enjoy and learn from.
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NASA has classified Snake plant or Mother-in-law's tongue, now called Dracaena, as an air purifier due to its ability to remove toxic compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene.
This plant uses the acid metabolism of the Crassulacee to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, enabling it to resist drought.
The microscopic pores on its leaves, called stomata, open only at night to limit water loss through transpiration in the heat of the sun.
Unlike other plants, Snake plant produces oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide at night, making it an excellent indoor air purifier while we sleep.
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ADVANCE NOTICE:
Buy native trees and shrubs from MDC’s
George O. White State Forest Nursery Starting Sept 3rd
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 beginning Sept. 3, 2024, here.
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Register Your Butterfly Garden
Consider registering your current or new butterfly garden with Plant.Grow.Fly. (PGF). They have a growing number of registered pollinator gardens that span the Midwest.
Each patch of habitat is important to pollinators - from a single pot on your porch to an entire prairie restoration, each of us can do our part. Thank you to our PGF partners and registered gardeners for their outreach and support.
If your pollinator garden has not yet been registered, please join us in our effort, it's free and easy.
To learn more and register your garden today, click here.
NOTE: Springfield Gardener Avis H. Noted: "I have registered three: The Sammy's Window Garden, Hillbilly Garden Club's Garden and mine at home--quick and easy to do."
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How To Grow Your Own Microgreens
By Cynthia Haynes for ISU Extension: Microgreens are young, tender seedlings that are usually harvested at the first true leaf stage. There are several species of plants that are commonly grown as microgreens (see list). Each species of microgreen looks and tastes slightly different. Learn more here.
PLUS: A Step-By-Step Guide for Growing Microgreens at Home by Francesco Di Gioia for Penn. State Extension: Details with photos here.
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Gardening/Landscaping Q & A
By George Deatz, Archives Oct. 11, 2023: Why don't more people use waterwise and native plantings around their home and business? We could write a book on the topic; this is the short version.
The need for additional landscaping education on the advantages of waterwise and native plant landscaping, including community and Homeowners Association (HOA) support. It takes years with plenty of low-cost water available from, rain and public utilities to change landscaping methods people have developed over generations.
If you want to see the advance of waterwise and native landscaping in a community change more rapidly keep raising water rates, starting with a low base rate, escalate the rate as the use goes up. Add restrictions like odd-even water use days for lawns, car washing, etc. Community and HOAs must update their landscaping rules and regulations while implementing waterwise and native plant use on public and common areas. Also, offer property owners a 10% service discount and/or conversation rebate if they convert their landscaping to waterwise and native plantings.
Before you realize it, neighborhoods begin to change, property development changes, the landscaping industry changes, etc. Another benefit, a reduced use of expensive and harmful chemicals, herbicides and pesticides. Let's also not forget the positive impact on birds, bees, other pollinators, and wildlife. Those that make the change seem to adapt, realizing the monetary and environmental value, they become important promoters. I have witnessed this more than once!
Start your journey, explore information here: review Native Landscape Plans by Grow Native! here.
Visit the Master Gardeners of Greene County WaterWise Garden near the corner of South National at Linwood St in Springfield, MO. Learn more of this garden's unique details here.
| Researched Based Articles | |
Wild Grapes by MO Dept. of Conservation Field Guide: The grape family in Missouri includes 4 genera, including Virginia creeper and woodbine (genus Parthenocissus), marine vine (genus Cissus), and raccoon grape and peppervine (genus Ampelopsis). But the species most people think of as grapes are in genus Vitis — and Missouri has eight of them. Missouri’s members of genus Vitis have several things in common. Learn more here. | |
Deciphering the disturbances in streams by Olivia Prost - Photos by Kevin White, Published in Mind's Eye, Missouri State Univ.: “How is there such an immense diversity of life in streams despite frequent flow disturbances?” “We dedicated the discovery to the landowners of Bull Mills (Robert and Barbara Kipfer) by naming the new species after them: Corethrella kipferi.” Continue reading here. | |
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How Are Hurricanes Named? By Susan Himes, TX A&M AgriLife Aug. 12, 2024: As hurricane season continues, Texas A&M experts explain how naming conventions for major storms have evolved over the years. NOTE: Missouri isn’t directly hit by hurricanes, however they can impact the weather with: Heavy rainfall; Strong winds; Tornadoes; Temperature changes. Learn more here.
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The Joy and Gratification of Strategic Prairie Restoration by Chris Helzer on The Prairie Ecologist, Aug: 16, 2024: Today, I can walk through hundreds of acres of restored prairies for which I harvested the seeds, planted the seeds, and have managed/overseen management over the last 20 years or more. Continue reading with photos here. | |
Five things to look for at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) Botanic Garden- Published in Show Me Mizzou Newsletter Aug 23, 2024: The University of Missouri Botanic Garden (MUBG), Columbia, MO will celebrate its 25th anniversary this month. From flora to critters and hidden campus retreats — embark on the botanical journey that is Mizzou. Try a daytrip! First, continue online here. | |
INTERNET PLANT SITES Revised 2024 Editor's Note: This comprehensive pdf list has been compiled and updated by longtime volunteer Barbara Clark. This is an online list of websites dedicated to plant identification and information including: resources; native flowers and domestic plants; wildflowers and plants to attract birds and pollinators; weeds and invasive pests. After review, you are welcome to share this list with your friends! Suggestions welcome for review. This list's pdf is based on the Greater Ozarks Hosta Society website here. | |
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Hostas Not What You Think by Dennis Morgenson, Univ KY Extension Hort Agent: The genus is in the family Asparagaceae and is native to China, Japan, Korea, and the Russian far East. Read Dennis's excellent presentation notes, pdf resource link here.
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Iris math: Divide and multiply to add beauty by Linda Geist for MU Extension Aug 22, 2024: Few flowering perennials provide more enjoyment for less effort than iris. With colorful blooms that rival those of orchids in intricacy, irises grow easily in the garden... By dividing and replanting clumps that have become too large, gardeners can increase spring displays of the bearded beauty. Learn more here.
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Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) by Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prune immediately after flowering since flower buds form in summer for the following year. A slow-growing, upright, rounded, deciduous shrub which typically matures to 4-5' tall but may grow taller. Learn more here.
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A "Verie Good Fruit" Missouri’s native persimmons offer tasty treats by Jan Wiese-Fales From Missouri Conservationist: Sept. 1 2024: Unless you grew up gathering American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana) or were introduced to them by someone who did, your persimmon association may be with the larger, more firm Asian varieties (Diospyros kaki), available in grocery stores, rather than the golden ping-pong ball sized fruits that grow in Missouri’s wilds. Persimmon (tree) fruits are the largest native true berries. Continue reading 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, 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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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.
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What Are Tree Burls and How Do They Happen? by David Beaulieu for The Spruce: A tree burl (or "wood burl") is a bulbous, woody growth that you may spot on a trunk or branch. A burl forms as the result of stress that its tree has undergone. Though burls can raise concerns for new tree owners because of their strange appearance, they're quite harmless: the presence of a burl doesn't signal any problem in tree health you need to address. Learn more here.
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Callery Pear: Accurate Identification Video by Penn State Extension: Learn the distinguishing characteristics to help you accurately identify the invasive Callery or Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) tree. Watch video here.
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FREE Oak Disease Testing in 2024 by Peng Tian, MU & Robbie Doerhoff, MDC Aug. 12, 2024: MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic collaborates with MDC to offer this testing in 2024. With this service, we hope to collect info on the location and host species of oak diseases across the state. Oaks are common trees in yard and forest settings, and several issues can affect the health of oak trees. Two oak diseases of major concern are Bacterial Leaf Scorch and Oak Wilt. Learn more here.
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Moth or Wasp or Something Else? | |
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Mosquitoes can take a bite out of outdoor fun by Linda Geist for MU Extension July 18, 2024: With summer rain come mosquitoes, and with mosquitoes come not just itchy bites but the risk of diseases such as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, Zika virus and yellow fever, among others. Prevention --The best way to avoid getting mosquito bites around your home and yard. Learn more here.
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Black-and-Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia) by MDC Field Guide: This is a good one! In the orbweaver family this spider is commonly found near houses and in gardens. Black-and-yellow garden spiders help control insect pests and are especially appreciated by gardeners. Also, because of their colorful patterns, tendency to remain in the same general area all summer, remarkable web architecture, and easily observed behaviors, these harmless spiders are excellent creatures for children and adults to watch. If you are frightened by spiders, this is a good one to simply observe all summer to help decrease your phobia. If a female garden spider takes up residence among your tomatoes, try thinking of her as a weird little tenant who pays her rent by gobbling up grasshoppers. Learn more here.
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Scientists Developed a Unique Approach to Conserve the Monarch Butterfly by USDA / ARS News Service Aug 13, 2024: The technique will allow repopulation of the species in the event of a rapid extinction. The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L.) is one of the most widely popular butterfly species in North America. Can you envision the summers without the monarch butterfly? Imagine the impact on the flora and ecosystem diversity of North America if this iconic species became extinct. Learn more here.
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Wasp Watching by Nancy Lawson for Humane Gardener Aug. 20, 2024: An accidental encounter with a paper wasp underscored the importance of mindfulness. It also brought into focus a little-known truth: Humans live and walk among an extraordinary number and diversity of wasps every day without ever getting stung by these remarkable creatures. Learn more here.
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Squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) - Integrated Pest Management Strategies by Missouri Botanical Garden: Native to Missouri, it is a serious pest of both summer and winter squash. The insect will also attack cucumbers, pumpkins, muskmelons, and watermelons. Learn more here.
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Twig Girdler and Twig Pruner Beetles by Bruce A. Barrett, MU Dept of Entomology April 2022: Small branches accumulating on the ground and the presence of clean-cut twigs, and in some cases dangling (flagged) branch tips within a tree, indicate the presence of beetle pests referred to as twig girdlers and twig pruners. Both of these long-horned beetle species (Cerambycidae) attack numerous types of shade, nut and fruit trees. Heavily damaged trees appear ragged and unattractive, and young trees can become deformed by repeated attacks. Learn more here.
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Harlequin bugs (Murgantia histrionica) - Integrated Pest Management Strategies by Missouri Botanical Garden: This insect is a red (sometimes yellow or orange) and black-spotted species of stink bug. It is an important pest of crops in the mustard family in the southern U.S. but can also affect other crop plants. Harlequin bugs are native to N.A. and there can be multiple generations a year. Learn more here.
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Brave Little Bagworm by Bob & Barb Kipfer for Springfield Plateau Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalist™ July 10, 2024: The evergreen bagworm moth is Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis--It is in the Psychidae family of bagworm moths. The MDC Discover Nature Field Guide describes it here. | First case of corn stunt confirmed in Missouri by writer, Linda Geist for MY Extension Aug 16, 2024. MU Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg was recently alerted by farmers and agriculture professionals of symptoms resembling corn stunt in Christian, Stone, Lawrence and Barton counties in southwest Missouri. The disease, which is transmitted by an insect... Corn leafhopper is the insect capable of infecting corn with three pathogens that results in corn stunt disease. Early symptoms–red and yellow discoloration of corn leaves and plants and premature drying from the top of the stalk down–were present. Learn more here. | |
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This is an Old Bee
How can you tell? First of all, if we see a bee on a flower it means she is a forager, and forager is a job for older, stronger bees. Bees have inside the hive jobs first, like cleaning or taking care of babies.
Second, we can tell by looking at her that she's been through some stuff. Her wing edges are pretty tattered and the fuzziness has worn off of much of her body.
So, this old lady is probably getting up there in age and may be 5 or 6 weeks old. Yeah, that's old for a bee.
During the working seasons, worker bees typically only live about 6 weeks. (Winter bees are another story for another day.) So next time you see a bee on a flower, remember she's an old lady and she's got work to do. Show some respect.
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Three Articles on Home Lawn Care
Consider lawn needs in fall by Linda Geist for MU Extension: For home lawns, Missouri weather is like Goldilocks’ porridge. For some types of grass it’s too hot and for others it’s too cold. In Missouri, the hard part is finding a grass for which the weather is “just right.” Learn more here.
Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Establishment and Renovation by MU Extension Staff: The success of a turfgrass lawn depends on many factors, from soil preparation to seeding and watering. Learn steps for creating a beautiful cool-season grass lawn in this MU Extension publication here.
Managing Lawns and Turfgrass by Brad Fresenburg & Lee Miller, MU Division of Plant Sciences: It takes some time and effort to develop a lawn with the right mixture of turfgrass species and varieties for your landscape and situation, but it is worth the investment to achieve results that are attractive, durable and easy to maintain. Continue reading here.
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The Bumble Bee Lifestyle
By Natalie Boyle - Penn State Extension
The bumble bee life cycle begins with queens emerging in the spring. During early summer, the first workers emerge, and the colony grows until the fall. In the fall, new queens will mate with males and go into diapause during the winter months (Illustration by Jeremy Hemberger, used with permission). Continue reading here.
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AUTHOR'S CORNER
Honoring Dr. David Trinklein
for his service to Missouri Master Gardeners
Articles by David Trinklein, MU Hort. Extension State Specialist, MU Dept of Plant Science & Tech
Melons: A Summer Treat by David Trinklein, MU Plant Science & Tech, MU Extension Aug 6, 2024: By definition, melons are "the large round fruit of various plants of the gourd family, with sweet pulpy flesh and many seeds." Enjoy melons as they ripen in the garden, or from the abundance of locally-grown melons that can be found at roadside stands and farmers’ markets. Following is a list of 14 different types of melons. Learn more here.
Flowering Annuals: Characteristics and Culture, by David Trinklein MU Hort. Extension State Specialist Dept. of Plant Science & Tech: What is an "annual"? The term "annual" when applied to herbaceous ornamentals refers to plants that are grown for only one season. A true annual completes its life cycle (bears seed) in one season and has an extended bloom span lasting (in most cases) throughout the summer. Learn more here.
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Other Newsletters of Interest for Summer/Fall Reading | |
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The Garden Spade Newsletter August 2024 by MU Extension Articles Include: Keukenhof Gardens & Tulips + Edamame + A Weed--Spurge + Garlic: + Eggplant Recipe + Basics--Insect Pest ID + Fork Spade vs. Pitchfork + What Is It? + Gardening Tips + Upcoming Events & Flyers. Details, pdf here.
The Missouri Conservationist August 2024 BY MDC: Stay in Touch with MDC news, your own subscription free to Missouri residents. Topics include: "Beyond the ‘Ugly’" Familiarity may change how you view vultures + "Investigating Pollution and Fish Kills" 85 years of protecting Missouri’s water resources + Ask MDC Q&A + Get Outside in August + Nature Lab at Work + Pony Express Lake CA + Wild Guide -Meadow Mushrooms. Details 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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Let's Preserve Newsletter by Penn State Extension July 2024 Topics: Ways to Enjoy Blueberries + Preserving Raspberries and Blackberries + How to Safely Make Infused Oils + No Pressure - Corn and Green Bean Relish + Preserving Food at Home Resource Guide + Upcoming Events, Webinars & Classes. Details & More here. | |
Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe, Newsletter No. 4 July/Aug 2024 by MU Extension - Topics: Preserving Flowers Air Drying/Pressing + Preserving Food for Hiking and Camping Season + Related Publications - Issue Archives. Details here. | |
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Kentucky Hort. News July 2024: The Horticulture Season Five Webinar Wednesdays on Zoom begins at 12:30 pm EST/ 11:30 am CST. See webinars that have been presented and those that are still coming this season here.
Register for remaining class meetings here.
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The Monthly Monitor-Greene County Newsletter August 2024 by MU Extension in Greene County - Newsletter Topics! Garlic: Secret Weapon of Ancient Olympians + Master Gardeners of Greene County, August Public Newsletter + The Garden Spade Newsletter + The Engaged Neighbor Newsletter + How to Take Soil Samples + Additional Highlights, Events, Classes and more here. | |
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Missouri Produce Growers Video Newsletter by MU Extension Hort. Team Aug. 9, 2024: Tales From the Field--Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus + Growing Great Onions, Garlic, Leeks, and Shallots + Fall Brassica Crops + Elderberry Research + Become a Citizen Science Weather Observer + 'Growing Tree Fruit, Nut Crops and Syrup Trees' Six Part Webinar Series 9/10-10/15/24 + Upcoming Classes, New Publications & Resources. Details + More Here.
Natural Resources Newsletter August 2024 by MU Extension Topics: Forest & Wildlife Ecology & Management + Report: Carbon and Biomass Dynamics in Missouri Forests and Implications for Climate Change + Native grasses and upcoming Workshop + Forest & Wildlife Management Online Workshop + Wood Turtle + Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata) + Women Owning Woodlands! + Events, Classes/workshops + Festivals & More Here.
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Lawn & Garden Newsletter by MU Extension Staff Aug. 28, 2024 - Topics: Hang the moon with twilight gardens + What to do when wildlife treats your garden like a buffet + A six-session weekly webinar series, “Growing Tree Fruit, Nut Crops and Syrup Trees” + Yellow Asters Disease. Read details and more here. | |
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Get Your Soil Tested
So that it can be ready for planting season. 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.
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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OUR OFFICES ARE INSIDE
Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center
2400 S. Scenic Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
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