Hotline: 816.833.TREE (8733)

Author Archive

  • Fall Colors of Trees

    Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown. Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy...

    Continue Reading →
  • Fall Armyworms on Turf

    Though we had some fall armyworms last year, the last time we had a significant outbreak on turf was August, 2000. Armyworms are so-called because they invade fields or landscapes as large groups and can cause a lawn to turn...

    Continue Reading →
  • Gardeners’ Gathering

    Thursday, October 20, 2016   "Apps for Birds and Plants"The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas city present:  "Apps for Birds and Plants" Thursday October 20, 2016, 6:30 pm at Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, 4801 Rockhill Road, KCMO. Mary Nemecek, Master Naturalist,...

    Continue Reading →
  • Wet Weather Can Cause Seeds to Sprout on the Plant

    Corn and soybean seeds possess several mechanisms that prevent sprouting before maturity. The primary mechanism is a balance between two growth hormones, gibberellic acid (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA). In general, GA promotes germination and ABA inhibits germination. The concentrations...

    Continue Reading →
  • October Gardening Calendar

    OrnamentalsWeeks 1-4: Continue watering, especially evergreens if soils are dry.Weeks 1-4: Nuts or seeds of woody plants usually require exposure to 3 months cold before sprouting. This may be provided by outdoor planting in fall or "stratifying" in an unsealed...

    Continue Reading →
  • Time to Plant Spring-flowering Bulbs

    Late September through October is an excellent time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as crocus, tulips, and daffodils. These plants need to develop roots in the fall and must meet a chilling requirement over the winter in order to bloom...

    Continue Reading →
  • PLANTING MUMS AND OTHER SEPTEMBER GARDENING TIPS

    September, the kids are back in school and just as you wouldn't send your kids off to school unprepared, neither should you ignore the needs of your garden as it heads into fall.  Gardens need special care to help prepare...

    Continue Reading →
  • Harvesting and Roasting Sunflower Seeds

    Sunflowers are usually ready to be harvested beginning in mid-September and into October. Seed heads can ripen on the plant, but they will need protection from birds. Try covering the heads with a paper sack or cheesecloth once the petals start turning brown. Use...

    Continue Reading →
  • Storing Apples

    You can enjoy apples from January to June – with the right conditions. Some apple cultivars can be stored for longer periods than others. Some cultivars will stay in firm, crisp condition for about 6 to 8 months with good...

    Continue Reading →
  • Fall Lawn care

    Fall Lawn Seeding TipsThe keys to successful lawn seeding are proper rates, even dispersal, good seed to soil contact, and proper watering. Evenness is best achieved by carefully calibrating the seeder or by adjusting the seeder to a low setting...

    Continue Reading →


University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener Program