Vegetable Gardening

Getting Started

These factsheets and guides give the basic information you need for starting a vegetable garden

Kemper Factsheets

• Growing Vegetables at Home
• Herbs
• Vegetable Families

Visual Guides

• Warm Season Vegetables for the Lower Midwest 
• Cool Season Vegetables for the Lower Midwest 
• Starting plants from seed indoors

Soil Improvement

Good soil is essential for any garden, especially a vegetable garden. Here are answers to some of the most common questions gardeners have about their soil and how to improve it.

Kemper Factsheets

• Soil Fertility and Fertilizers
• Soil Testing and Sample Collection
• Mulches

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is my soil safe for growing vegetables? Can I test for lead?

Crops to Grow

Here is information on how to grow many of the most common vegetables. Also, see the MBG PlantFinder links below for more information on specific vegetable varieties and crops.

Kemper Factsheets

• Eggplant
• Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Warm Season Vegetables
• Storage of Fruits and Vegetables

Visual Guides

• Hand Pollination of Squash and Pumpkins 

Selecting a Variety

Here you will find information on the best varieties to grow in the lower Midwest.

Kemper Factsheets

• Vegetables for the St. Louis Area - Recommended Varieties
   
• Heirloom Vegetables for the St. Louis Area - Recommended Varieties 

Gardening Calendar

Follow our "Gardening by Month" calendar of what to do in your garden. 

• Gardening by Month Calendar
   

Additional Information

MBG PlantFinder

Click below to get a listing of vegetables included in our PlantFinder. Click on each vegetable in the list for more information.

•  Vegetables in the PlantFinder