Gardening Help Search

Temporary Closure

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

Soil Testing & Pot Recycling Suspended for 2021

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. 

Plants of Merit 2021

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


elephant's ear
Caladium 'Burning Heart'

stonecrop
Sedum LEMON CORAL
Seasonal Gardening Tips
  • Watch for bagworms feeding on many garden plants, but especially juniper and arborvitae. 
     
  • Plant tropical water lilies when water temperatures rise above 70 degrees. 
     
  • Most houseplants brought outside prefer a bright spot shaded from afternoon sun. Check soil moisture daily during hot weather. 
     
  • Trees and shrubs may still be fertilized before July 4th. 
     
  • Water turf as needed to prevent drought stress. 
     
  • As soon as cucumber and squash vines start to 'run', begin spray treatments to contorl cucumber beetles and squash vine borers. 
     
  • Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems make the most of efficient use of water during dry times. 
     
  • To minimize diseases, water with overhead irrigation early enough in the day to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall.
     
  • Summer fruiting raspberries are ripening now.  

Learn More

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: