Exploring the Ozarks Outdoors: freshare.net

Marigolds are popular, easy-to-grow flowers that also can help fend off pests from your garden.

“This colorful and durable flowering annual asks very little of us as gardeners,” said David Trinklein, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. The National…[more]

Everyone knows they need to apply fertilizer for optimal growth of fescue and other plants. But what exactly do those nutrients do for the plant? University of Missouri Extension agronomist Travis Harper explains.

Nitrogen

“The primary…[more]

As summer temperatures rise, and as lawn grass begins to wilt, homeowners can save on water costs and ensure a healthy yard by keeping some helpful watering practices in mind, said Mark Brown, Pulaski County extension agent for the University…[more]

For trees and shrubs, a sudden change from cool and rainy weather to hot and dry conditions is particularly stressful.

After a rainy spring and return to normal temperatures, homeowners may see leaf scorch, dieback or leaf drop…[more]

Plants that fail to bloom can be a big disappointment for gardeners. According to University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Jennifer Schutter, the problem is usually related to the age of the plant, temperature, light, nutrition or pruning practices.

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While tomatoes are popular and easy to grow, both the home gardener and commercial grower find it challenging to maintain productivity throughout the growing season.

Diseases such as Septoria leaf spot and early blight affect the lower portion…[more]

Raised beds for vegetable gardening are growing in popularity. “Many gardeners are realizing the benefits of this low-cost approach to gardening,” said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.

“There are many reasons to consider building a raised bed,…[more]

With proper planting, a tree will establish quickly and begin a long and prosperous life, said Jim Robbins, extension horticulture specialist-ornamentals with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

An oft-heard proverb is that the best time to…[more]

If you prefer landscaping to gardening but still would like to enjoy the benefits of homegrown produce, then edible landscaping might be for you.

“Edible landscaping uses attractive plants that also just happen to produce food,” said David…[more]

The grass in your lawn might be stunting the growth of your trees, says a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.

Certain grass species, including tall fescue, give off chemicals that can inhibit tree growth, said Chris Starbuck. “The…[more]