Lots of rain translates to heavy insect populations, and we have had plenty of rain.  To sum this up, watch out for the mosquitoes this year! Lemon-scented plants contain citronella and are believed to be natural mosquito repellents.  Grow these plants in the ground or in pots around your deck, entrance, and other outside living areas. […]

Many plants are called Lily, but only members of the genus Lilium are “true lilies”.  Lilies grow from a bulb and have stems with horizontal leaves.  Other plants named lily may be similar in some way but not entirely.  For example, daylilies have a thick root system instead of a bulb and the foliage emerges […]

Getting an early start on the veggie garden can begin as early as late January, barring that the ground isn’t frozen or covered with snow. Missouri can be blessed (or cursed) with mild January weather.  Lettuce seed can be sown late in this first month and will emerge when soil temperatures warm up sufficiently.  Moisture must be present […]

Winter in Missouri is unpredictable, and though we try to plant trees and shrubs that will withstand this potentially crazy weather, some things are just beyond our control. Here are 8 tasks that we can do to prevent or reduce winter damage: Preparation starts in August Prepare plants for the upcoming cold weather by NOT […]

Certain plants are only available during the holidays but can be grown any time and make good house plants. A classic is the Holiday Cactus (Zygocactus), also known as Thanksgiving cactus or lobster cactus. Generally blooming in October and November, with the right day length these plants can bloom until March.  These succulents come in […]