The Center for Home Gardening is currently closed to ensure visitor and staff well-being. Our Plant Doctors are still available through phone and e-mail to answer your gardening questions. Please note that response times may be delayed due to limited staffing.

Horticulture Answer Service
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Phone #: 314-577-5143

Plant Information
E-mail: plantinformation@mobot.org

Due to the Center for Home Gardening being closed, we are not able to conduct free soil pH tests at this time. As an alternative, soil samples can be submitted to the University of Missouri Extension's Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory. 

Plastic Pot Recycling in the St. Louis region continues to remain suspended for 2021. Garden centers that have pot recycling collection trailers will NOT be accepting garden plastics. Please see the Plastic Pot Recycling: Update and Perspective blog entry for more information about the program's suspension. Additional questions about pot recycling can be submitted to the Green Resources Info Service at greenresources@mobot.org. 

• Be sure newly purchased indoor plants are well protected for the trip home. Exposure to cold temperatures, even for a few moments may cause injury. 
   
• Continue to inspect indoor plants closely for insect pests such as aphids, spider mites and scale. 
   
• Holiday poinsettias do best with sun for at least half the day. Be sure to punch holes in decorative foil wraps to prevent soggy soil conditions.
   
• Christmas trees hold needles longer if you make a clean, fresh cut at the base and always keep the trunk in standing water.
   
• Clean and oil all gardening hand tools before storing for winter. 
   
• Apply mulches to bulbs, perennials and other small plants once the ground freezes. 

Learn More

Plants of Merit are plants selected for their outstanding quality and dependable performance in the Midwest in the categories of annuals, bulbs, edibles, houseplants, perennials, shrubs, trees and vines. Click the link below to view the new Plants of Merit selections for 2021.

Plants of Merit 2021