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
July Seasonal Gardening Tips
  • Fertilize container plants every 2 weeks with a water-soluble solution. 
     
  • Keep deadheading spent annual flowers for continued bloom.
     
  • Fall webworms begin nest building near the ends of branches of infested trees. Prune off webs. Spray with Bt if defoliation becomes severe. 
     
  • Divide bearded iris now.
     
  • Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems make the most of efficient use of water during dry times. 
     
  • Blossom-end rot of tomato and peppers occurs when soil moisture is uneven. Water when soils begin to dry; maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to help retain moisture. 
     
  • Prune out and destroy old fruiting canes of raspberries after harvest is complete. 
     
  • Blackberries are ripening now. 
     
  • 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: