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. 

• Now is a good time to observe and chose nursery stock based on their fall foliage colors or winter interest characteristics.  
   
• Continue watering evergreens until the ground freezes. Soils must not be dry when winter arrives.
   
• Remove the spent flowers and foliage of perennials after they are damaged by frost.
   
• Plant tulips now.
   
• Mulch flower and bulb beds after the ground freezes to prevent injury to plants from frost heaving.
   
• Mums can be cut back within several inches of the ground once flowering ends. After the ground freezes, apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of loose mulch such as pine needles, straw or leaves.
   
• Keep mulches pulled back several inches from the base of fruit trees to prevent bark injury from hungry mice and other rodents.
   
• Be sure to shut off and drain any outdoor water pipes or irrigation systems that may freeze during cold weather.

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