The Center for Home Gardening is now open! Stop by the center to get your gardening questions answered, view our selection of indoor houseplants, pick up tips from our home gardening displays or browse our reference library.  

• Building Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

For gardening questions, you can also contact our Horticulture Answer Service:

• Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Phone #: 314-577-5143
• E-mail: plantinformation@mobot.org

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