BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - High fuel costs and other economic burdens have spurred increased interest in vegetable gardening. Interest in home fruit production is also increasing, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist.

“Though fruit-producing plants don’t provide instant gratification like vegetables, they provide perennial contributions to the table,” said Marlin Bates. “To extend the availability of homegrown fruit, many people are beginning to can and freeze…[more]

COLUMBIA, Mo. - October makes most gardeners think about checking their pumpkin patches, but it is also time to plant your tulips for next spring, said a University of Missouri horticulturist.

“October is an ideal time to plant them for a colorful spring next year,” said David Trinklein.

Tulip…[more]

Far from being a barren place, the fall garden in Arkansas has plenty of color and edible opportunities, said Melvin Daniel, a Hot Spring County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“Fall foliage is usually a treat in October and November in Arkansas and the late August and September rain showers are good news for the upcoming fall color season,” he said. “The trees…[more]

Autumn is only days away. While we are entering the waning days of gardening, there are still things to do. With that in mind, here are a few tips:

· If you took some of your house plants outside for the summer, now is a good time to start getting them acclimated to the indoors again. Move plants to a less sunny area for a couple of weeks…[more]

SEARCY, Ark. - One of the nice aspects of living in Arkansas is the fall color and homeowners have plenty of choices if they want to add more color to their landscapes, says Sherri Sanders, White County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“Colorful displays are not always reliable because of weather conditions,” she said. “The genetic ability of the plant species and even…[more]

Confused about the right planting depth for flower bulbs? Trust the bulbs! Researchers have discovered that some flower bulbs are actually “smart” enough to adjust themselves to the right planting depth. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science proved that bulbs can adjust their planting position by moving deeper into the ground, apparently in search of moister, more conducive growing conditions.

…[more]

An orange cherry tomato, Sun Sugar Hybrid, took top honors for the second year straight at the University of Missouri’s fourth annual Tomato Festival.

The hybrid was one of four top scorers, all hybrid cherry tomatoes, chosen by more than 300 visitors from a field of entries narrowed by poor growing conditions.

“Normally, we grow about 50 varieties for the taste contest, but this year we…[more]

The kickoff of the football season is a good time of year to establish cool-season turfgrasses that may have been weakened by summer’s heat and humidity, said a University of Missouri turfgrass researcher.

“Many lawns may appear thinned out indicating a need for some fall renovation or overseeding,” said Brad Fresenburg.

Start with a soil test to determine nutrient needs and pH. A pH range of…[more]

University of Missouri Extension is offering Master Gardener training courses in Branson and Ozark this fall.

“This is a great opportunity for persons interested in horticulture and gardening to learn new skills, volunteer in the community and become associated with other gardeners in the area with similar interests,” said Tim Schnakenberg, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

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The bagworm is a real nuisance pest that can cause considerable damage to some plants according to Pat Byers, horticulture specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

“The most noticeable sign of a bagworm infestation is the presence of silken bags attached to a branch.  The bag resembles a Christmas tree ornament hanging from a limb,” said Byers.

Two types of control are generally effective: chemical applications and…[more]