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Help for the Home Gardener

 

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Visit the Center for Home Gardening

Stop by the Center for Home Gardening and get your gardening questions answered by our expert staff and Master Gardener volunteers at the Plant Doctor Desk, or check out our houseplant display and other home gardening resources! Be sure to also take a stroll through our 23 outdoor demonstration gardens, which includes a vegetable and fruit garden, cut flower garden, experimental garden, and a newly renovated native prairie garden.  

Plant Doctor Desk (Walk-In) 

  • Hours: Open 7-days a week, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (April - October)

Horticulture Answer Service (Phone & E-mail) 


New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae


Stonecrop
Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude' AUTUMN JOY


Autumn Crocus
Colchicum sp.
 


 

September Gardening Tips

  • Seasonal loss of inner needles on conifers is normal at this time. It may be especially noticeable on pines and arborvitae.
  • Trees and shrubs can be planted for fall now through November. Be sure to adequately water new plantings.
  • Perennials, especially spring bloomers like peonies can be divided now. When planting peonies plant only 1-2 inches deep, as planting too deep can result in poor blooms come May.
  • Pinch off young summer fruits (tomatoes, peppers, squash, etc.) to promote ripening of more mature fruit.
  • Begin fall seeding or sodding of cool-season grasses. Seedbeds should be raked, dethatched, or core-aerated, and then fertilized and seeded. Keep newly planted lawns moist but not wet.
  • Start to prep houseplants and other tropical plants for overwintering indoors. Check for pests and treat appropriately. Houseplants and other tropicals need to be brought in as night temperatures reach lows in the lower 50oFs. 

Plastic Pot Recycling Update 2022

We regret to report that the Plastic Pot Recycling program has been cancelled. Garden centers that have had pot recycling collection trailers in the past are no longer accepting garden plastics. Please see the Plastic Pot Recycling: Update and Perspective blog entry for more information about the program's cancellation. Additional questions about pot recycling can be submitted to the Green Resources Info Service at greenresources@mobot.org.