The Center for Home Gardening is currently closed, but will reopen to the public on Tuesday, August 9th. Our Plant Doctors are available through phone and e-mail to answer your gardening questions. 

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 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. 

The Plastic Pot Recycling program for the St. Louis region has unfortunately ended. Garden centers that had pot recycling collection trailers will NOT accept 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. 

• Continue spraying roses that are susceptible to black spot and other fungal diseases. 
   
• Roses should not receive any nitrogen fertilizer after August 15th. 
   
• Deadhead annuals and perennials as needed. 
   
• Divide bearded iris now. Discard old center sections and borer damaged parts. Replant so the tops of the rhizomes are just above ground level. 
   
• Prune and shape hedges for the last time this season. 
   
• Order bulbs now for fall planting. 
   
• Zoysia lawns can receive their final fertilizer application now. 
   
• Sow seeds of beans, beets, spinach and turnips now for the fall garden. 
   
• Protect ripening fruits from birds by covering plants with a netting. 
   
• Watch for fall webworm activity now. 
   
• Soak shrubs periodically during dry spells with enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches. 

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 2022.

Plants of Merit 2022