Gardening Help Search

Plant Samples

Due to the threat of Boxwood Blight, Rose Rosette and other serious pest/disease issues, the Garden is no longer allowing plant samples to be brought in for identification or diagnosis. These problems can spread to the garden displays and severely impact our living plant collection.

Please help us protect our plants by taking clear photos of the plant you need identified or diagnosed. Images can be emailed to plantinformation@mobot.org or brought to the Plant Doctors at the Center for Home Gardening (Open every day, 9 am - 5 pm).  

For any additional questions regarding samples, please call: 314-577-9562.

Tomato Care

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Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in the Midwest and it is not uncommon to find a number of pest and disease issues appearing during a normal growing season. Visit the links below to learn more about common tomato problems and plant care.

Common Tomato Fruit Problems Visual Guide

Tomato Diseases and Disorders (PDF) 

Growing Tomatoes (PDF)

Seasonal Gardening Tips
  • To minimize diseases, water with overhead irrigation in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall.
     
  • Remove infected leaves from roses. Pick up fallen leaves. Continue fungicidal sprays as needed. 
     
  • Newly planted trees and shrubs should continue to be watered thoroughly, once a week. 
     
  • Fertilize container plants every 2 weeks with a water soluble solution. 
     
  • Keep weeds from making seeds. This will mean less weeding next year. 
     
  • Perennials that have finished blooming should be deadheaded. Cut back the foliage some to encourage tidier appearance.
     
  • Fall webworms begin nest building near the ends of branches of infested trees. Prune off webs. Spray with Bt if defoliation becomes severe. 
     
  • Divide bearded iris now.
     
  • Sow seeds of carrots, beets, turnips and winter radish for fall harvest. 
     
  • Early peach varieties, blackberries and thornless blackberries ripen now. 


 Learn more

Enjoy the fragrant blooms of the Ozark Witch Hazel flowering in shrub borders or wooded areas on warm sunny days.
Enjoy the fragrant blooms of the Ozark Witch Hazel flowering in shrub borders or wooded areas on warm sunny days.
Repot any root-bound house plants now before vigorous growth occurs. Choose a new container that is only 1 or 2 inches larger in diameter than the old pot.
Repot any root-bound house plants now before vigorous growth occurs. Choose a new container that is only 1 or 2 inches larger in diameter than the old pot.
Bloom Time Calendar

See when plants bloom at the Garden:

Blog & Latest News


St. Louis Plants

Follow our Gardening blog with timely gardening tips, insights, and updates. 


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Gardening Help

We have staff available to help you with your gardening questions:

  • Plant Doctors: Master Gardeners and Garden staff can answer your questions in person

    Center for Home Gardening
    Every day, 9 am - 5 pm

     
  • Horticulture Answer Service: Have your gardening questions answered over the phone

    Mon.-Fri., 9 am to 12 pm
    (314) 577-5143
     
  • Plant Information: Email your gardening questions to: 

    plantinformation@mobot.org