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Articles by David Trinklein
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: Autumn leaves: Trash to treasure
Leaves on trees sporting the vivid colors of autumn are quite an attractive sight. However, once gravity takes over and they accumulate in the yard, they become a problem. The annual ritual of disposing of fallen leaves is labor-intensive and, at times, frustrating. Additional leaves continually blowing in from a neighboring yard makes the process seem neverending. However, proper leaf disposal is necessary to maintain a healthy, attractive landscape.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: The Jerusalem artichoke dilemma
The Jerusalem artichoke has an identity problem: it is neither from Jerusalem nor is it an artichoke. Rather, it is a sunflower-root masquerading as a potato that packs a nutty flavor and an unfortunate reputation for digestion-related problems. Known botanically as Helianthus tuberosus, Jerusalem artichoke (a.k.a. Sunchoke) is a perennial plant closely related to the common wild sunflower (Helianthus annuus).
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: The Jerusalem artichoke dilemma
The Jerusalem artichoke has an identity problem: it is neither from Jerusalem nor is it an artichoke. Rather, it is a sunflower-root masquerading as a potato that packs a nutty flavor and an unfortunate reputation for digestion-related problems. Known botanically as Helianthus tuberosus, Jerusalem artichoke (a.k.a. Sunchoke) is a perennial plant closely related to the common wild sunflower (Helianthus annuus).
Clove at first bite: Small clove, big impact: garlic’s culinary and health benefits.
David Trinklein, University of Missouri Extension
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: Plant woodies in fall
"Fall is for planting" is a point-of-purchase advertisement seen at nurseries, garden centers and other retail outlets during late summer and early fall. While the primary motivation for the ads is likely to increase sales and profits, the message is good advice from the standpoint sound horticultural practices. This especially is true for trees and shrubs. There are several advantages associated with fall planting, one of which is convenience.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: Plant woodies in fall
"Fall is for planting" is a point-of-purchase advertisement seen at nurseries, garden centers and other retail outlets during late summer and early fall. While the primary motivation for the ads is likely to increase sales and profits, the message is good advice from the standpoint sound horticultural practices. This especially is true for trees and shrubs. There are several advantages associated with fall planting, one of which is convenience.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: Plant lilies in fall
During the fall season, many gardeners are busy planting popular spring-flowering bulbs such as narcissus, tulips and hyacinths. Fall also a good time to plant lilies. These "true" lilies are different from the other spring bulbs or several other plants with the word lily in their common name such as daylily, lily-of-the-valley or blackberry lily. Prized for their striking color and delightful fragrance, lilies add vertical elegance to gardens while using minimal ground space.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: Plant lilies in fall
During the fall season, many gardeners are busy planting popular spring-flowering bulbs such as narcissus, tulips and hyacinths. Fall also a good time to plant lilies. These "true" lilies are different from the other spring bulbs or several other plants with the word lily in their common name such as daylily, lily-of-the-valley or blackberry lily. Prized for their striking color and delightful fragrance, lilies add vertical elegance to gardens while using minimal ground space.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: Hydrangea: Landscape’s main attraction
Those billowy white panicles seen on flowering shrubs this time of the year are not puffs of cotton candy. Instead, they are the flowering structures of Hydrangea paniculata, which is one of several hydrangea species that do well in Missouri. Fall is an ideal time to plant any of the hydrangea species treasured for their ornamental appeal. Hydrangeas have the ability to transform ordinary gardens into vibrant, living canvases with their massive, colorful mophead and delicate lace-cap blooms.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: Hydrangea: Landscape’s main attraction
Those billowy white panicles seen on flowering shrubs this time of the year are not puffs of cotton candy. Instead, they are the flowering structures of Hydrangea paniculata, which is one of several hydrangea species that do well in Missouri. Fall is an ideal time to plant any of the hydrangea species treasured for their ornamental appeal. Hydrangeas have the ability to transform ordinary gardens into vibrant, living canvases with their massive, colorful mophead and delicate lace-cap blooms.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Divide, conquer Iris in August
According to Greek mythology, when the gods wanted to communicate with mortals on earth they sent a messenger. The messenger was a goddess who, with golden wings, traveled to earth on a rainbow. Legend has it that wherever this goddess set foot on earth, colorful flowers sprung up. The goddess in question was Iris, and the flowers that were said to grow where she set foot bear her name.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Divide, conquer Iris in August
According to Greek mythology, when the gods wanted to communicate with mortals on earth they sent a messenger. The messenger was a goddess who, with golden wings, traveled to earth on a rainbow. Legend has it that wherever this goddess set foot on earth, colorful flowers sprung up. The goddess in question was Iris, and the flowers that were said to grow where she set foot bear her name.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: In praise of Melons
"Oh, flower of all the fruits. Oh, ravishing melon!" Those were the words of a 16th-century French monk as he described the Charantais melon. Five centuries later, there still is nothing quite as appealing to the senses as the aroma of ripe melons wafting in the breeze on a warm summer day. With their sweet and juicy fruits melons are a summertime delight whether freshly picked or cooled in the refrigerator.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Watermelon: Ultimate hydration station
There is nothing quite like the pure, sun-drenched bliss of biting into a crisp, ice-cold watermelon on a sweltering July day. As the summer heat bears down, that first refreshing crunch delivers an instant, hydrating burst of sweet, ruby-red nectar that washes the heat away and grounds you in the simple joys of the season. While not the richest source of nutrients among vegetables, watermelon does package them in a delectable form.
Watermelon: Ultimate hydration station
There is nothing quite like the pure, sun-drenched bliss of biting into a crisp, ice-cold watermelon on a sweltering July day. As the summer heat bears down, that first refreshing crunch delivers an instant, hydrating burst of sweet, ruby-red nectar that washes the heat away and grounds you in the simple joys of the season. While not the richest source of nutrients among vegetables, watermelon does package them in a delectable form.
Beat the burn: Planting trees and shrubs in July
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Just because July has arrived, there is no need to stop planting trees and shrubs, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Early spring and late fall are the traditional times for planting woody ornamentals. “However, with the development of different methods of growing nursery stock and modern transplanting equipment, planting at other times is possible and may be quite desirable,” said Trinklein in a press release.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Sweet corn is delightful summer treat
Nothing signals the arrival of summer quite like sinking your teeth into a piping hot ear of sweet corn. Whether boiled to tender perfection, charred over a backyard grill or slathered in butter and salt, this quintessential seasonal treat delivers an unmatched burst of natural sugar and crisp, juicy flavor that practically defines warm-weather dining. Indeed, few culinary experiences compare to enjoying homegrown sweet corn fresh from the stalk.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: In celebration of sunflowers
According to Greek mythology, the water nymph Clytie fell in love with Apollo (also known as Helios), god of the sun. Apollo dazzled the earth each day as he drove his golden chariot across the sky from east to west. Despite an initial period of friendship, Apollo ultimately rejected Clytie's romantic advances, nearly driving her mad. Heartbroken, she spent days without food and water searching the heavens, waiting for Apollo to appear.
In celebration of sunflowers
According to Greek mythology, the water nymph Clytie fell in love with Apollo (also known as Helios), god of the sun. Apollo dazzled the earth each day as he drove his golden chariot across the sky from east to west. Despite an initial period of friendship, Apollo ultimately rejected Clytie's romantic advances, nearly driving her mad. Heartbroken, she spent days without food and water searching the heavens, waiting for Apollo to appear.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Cool off with hot peppers
There is a somewhat questionable line of reasoning that suggests eating something hot makes a warm summer day seem cooler. In this case "hot" refers to the spiciness of the food rather than its temperature. The theory maintains the pain induced from the consumption of pungent foods causes the human brain to release compounds known as endorphins. The latter have been called the body's natural pain relievers which also are said to induce a feeling of wellbeing.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Cool off with hot peppers
There is a somewhat questionable line of reasoning that suggests eating something hot makes a warm summer day seem cooler. In this case "hot" refers to the spiciness of the food rather than its temperature. The theory maintains the pain induced from the consumption of pungent foods causes the human brain to release compounds known as endorphins. The latter have been called the body's natural pain relievers which also are said to induce a feeling of wellbeing.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Poppy: A remembrance of fallen heroes
"In Flanders field the poppies blow, Between the crosses row on row." The opening lines from the poem "In Flanders Fields" were written in 1915 by Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae after having just buried a friend. These hauntingly articulate words of McCrae immortalized poppy as one of the most recognized symbols to honor soldiers who died in combat. Nearly a century later, the poppy still is used to pay tribute to our fallen military heroes.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Poppy: A remembrance of fallen heroes
"In Flanders field the poppies blow, Between the crosses row on row." The opening lines from the poem "In Flanders Fields" were written in 1915 by Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae after having just buried a friend. These hauntingly articulate words of McCrae immortalized poppy as one of the most recognized symbols to honor soldiers who died in combat. Nearly a century later, the poppy still is used to pay tribute to our fallen military heroes.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Nectarine: A fuzzless peach
There is a longstanding myth in gardening circles that nectarines are a hybrid between a peach and a plum. Despite this common misconception, a nectarine actually is just a smooth-skinned, fuzzless peach. Nectarine trees are identical to peach trees in leaf, bud and branch characteristics. The chilling that is required by peach trees during the winter also is required by nectarines.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Nectarine: A fuzzless peach
There is a longstanding myth in gardening circles that nectarines are a hybrid between a peach and a plum. Despite this common misconception, a nectarine actually is just a smooth-skinned, fuzzless peach. Nectarine trees are identical to peach trees in leaf, bud and branch characteristics. The chilling that is required by peach trees during the winter also is required by nectarines.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Rhubarb: The pie plant
Rhubarb is tart, bold and unapologetically itself. Someone once remarked, "If confidence were edible, it would taste like rhubarb." Others have likened it to celery with an attitude problem. That aside, rhubarb also is one of the most prized garden plants. It, along with asparagus, are the only perennial vegetables grown in Missouri. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a member of the buckwheat (Polygonaceae) plant family.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Rhubarb: The pie plant
Rhubarb is tart, bold and unapologetically itself. Someone once remarked, "If confidence were edible, it would taste like rhubarb." Others have likened it to celery with an attitude problem. That aside, rhubarb also is one of the most prized garden plants. It, along with asparagus, are the only perennial vegetables grown in Missouri. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a member of the buckwheat (Polygonaceae) plant family.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Gardening with children Original
Of all the things found growing in a garden, children are the most important. Although they constitute less than one-fourth of our present, they are 100 percent of our future. April is National Garden Month and an ideal time to talk about the need to teach youngsters about what (unfortunately) is becoming a lost art — gardening. The benefits of encouraging a child to plant their own garden are numerous, long-lived and transformational.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Onion planting time
"I will not move my army without onions." This curious message was sent in 1864 by General Ulysses S. Grant to the War Department in Washington during the Civil War. It reflects the fact that, throughout history, onions were valued as much for their medicinal properties as for their culinary use.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Oxalis: The shamrock imposter
In the year 432 A.D., a missionary who earlier assumed the name Patricius, arrived in Ireland with the objective of converting the Celtic Irish to Christianity. Legend has it that he used a three-leafed plant to illustrate the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Today, we refer to Patricius as St. Patrick and the three-leafed plant as a shamrock. Indeed, nothing is more symbolic of St. Patrick, St. Patrick's Day or the Irish as is the shamrock.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Oxalis: The shamrock imposter
In the year 432 A.D., a missionary who earlier assumed the name Patricius, arrived in Ireland with the objective of converting the Celtic Irish to Christianity. Legend has it that he used a three-leafed plant to illustrate the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Today, we refer to Patricius as St. Patrick and the three-leafed plant as a shamrock. Indeed, nothing is more symbolic of St. Patrick, St. Patrick's Day or the Irish as is the shamrock.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Spirea is workhorse shrub in modern landscapes | Jefferson City News-Tribune
As planting season approaches, gardeners everywhere are contemplating ways to improve their landscapes. Spirea is a remarkably versatile, low-maintenance shrub prized for its graceful, arching or compact forms, providing stunning, multi-season interest with vibrant foliage and delicate flowers. Once considered a bit common, spirea has been improved in recent years and now includes cultivars that offer dramatic spring, summer or fall color.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Spirea is workhorse shrub in modern landscapes | Jefferson City News-Tribune
As planting season approaches, gardeners everywhere are contemplating ways to improve their landscapes. Spirea is a remarkably versatile, low-maintenance shrub prized for its graceful, arching or compact forms, providing stunning, multi-season interest with vibrant foliage and delicate flowers. Once considered a bit common, spirea has been improved in recent years and now includes cultivars that offer dramatic spring, summer or fall color.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Floriography: The language of flowers | Jefferson City News-Tribune
This Valentine's Day, millions of Americans expressed their feelings about someone special in their life through the gift of flowers. In doing so, they followed the advice of a major floral wire service who, several years ago, mounted a campaign to "Say it with flowers." The philosophy behind the marketing strategy was to prompt customers to convey feelings through the simple act of giving flowers. In short, the campaign's aim was to let flowers do the talking.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Houseplants with a heart for Valentine’s Day | Jefferson City News-Tribune
The origin of the classic, symmetrical heart shape remains a mystery. Various theories exist including its similarity in shape to the seeds of silphium, a plant that was considered to be an aphrodisiac in the Middle Ages but now is extinct. Whatever its origin, suffice to say the heart shape currently is used as a symbol of love and is inseparably intertwined with Valentine's Day.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Orchids offer the cure for winter doldrums | Jefferson City News-Tribune
The cold, dreary days of winter have many people daydreaming about jetting away to some exotic location to bask briefly in a tropical paradise before having to return to the bone-chilling reality of a typical Midwestern winter. Such a getaway is not within the realm of possibility for most of us, but here is where plants can help.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Orchids: The cure for winter doldrums | Jefferson City News-Tribune
The cold, dreary days of winter have many people daydreaming about jetting away to some exotic location to bask briefly in a tropical paradise before having to return to the bone-chilling reality of a typical Midwestern winter. Such a getaway is not within the realm of possibility for most of us, but here is where plants can help.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Dr. Ward’s amazing case | Jefferson City News-Tribune
Dr. Nathaniel Ward, a 19th century London physician, had a keen interest in nature, including observing insect behavior. When studying a sphinx moth emerging from a chrysalis he had buried in moist earth in a closed bottle, he noticed a seedling fern and grass growing inside. He watched the plants grow in this encased environment for four years, without adding water or removing the cover. Thus, the modern terrarium (originally known as a "Wardian case") was born.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: ‘The holly and the ivy’ | Jefferson City News-Tribune
The holiday season is filled with many time-honored traditions. Perhaps none is as deeply rooted as decorating the home with plants and plant material. While Christmas trees and poinsettias dominate the plants traditionally associated with holiday decor, there are other species that add much enjoyment to this festive time of the year.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Mistletoe: Holiday plant with intriguing past | Jefferson City News-Tribune
Of all the plants used in holiday decor, few match mistletoe's interesting history. Also, few equal its potential for harm. Mistletoe is an evergreen, parasitic plant with white berries found growing on trees. While widely eaten by a variety of wildlife, mistletoe is toxic to humans. American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) contains a toxic protein called phoratoxin in leaves and branches of the plant.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Paperwhites provide instant spring — just add water | Jefferson City News-Tribune Original
During the dull, lifeless days of winter, gardeners everywhere long for a hint of spring and the ensuing outdoor growing season. From the Mediterranean region comes a bulb that has given endless winter pleasure to plant lovers everywhere -- paperwhite narcissus, one of the easiest bulbs to force into bloom during winter months. The clusters of small, star-shaped flowers of paperwhites and their distinctive fragrance are pleasant during the bleak days of December and January.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Persimmons: Nature’s fall fruit | Jefferson City News-Tribune
Hikers and other rural foragers welcome fall as a time of the year when persimmons are plentiful. The key to a successful wildcrafting experience, however, is making sure the persimmons gathered are indeed ripe. Many of us can remember the first time we sampled an unripe persimmon and experienced a reaction locally referred to as "pucker mouth." Likened to suddenly having your tongue covered with fur, it's an event not soon forgotten.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Persimmons: Nature’s fall fruit
Hikers and other rural foragers welcome fall as a time of the year when persimmons are plentiful. The key to a successful wildcrafting experience, however, is making sure the persimmons gathered are indeed ripe. Many of us can remember the first time we sampled an unripe persimmon and experienced a reaction locally referred to as "pucker mouth." Likened to suddenly having your tongue covered with fur, it's an event not soon forgotten.
Pucker up for persimmon, the first-frost fruit
After biting into an unripe persimmon, most experience a reaction called “pucker mouth.” Some liken it to having their tongue covered with fur. The offending substances behind sensation are tannins, naturally occurring compounds that are so astringent they have the power to turn an unsuspecting bite into a moment of instant regret, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Ask A Master Gardener: Pumpkin lovers can thank Stingy Jack, his lantern | Jefferson City News-Tribune
For many people, Halloween would not be complete without a jack-o'-lantern. This year, Americans are projected to spend $867 million on pumpkins, the vast majority of which will be used for decoration. The pumpkin industry can thank Irish immigrants and a mythical character named "Stingy Jack" for the popularity of carving pumpkins in October. According to legend, an old curmudgeon named Jack lived in an Irish village many years ago.
Ask A Master Gardener: Pumpkin lovers can thank Stingy Jack, his lantern
For many people, Halloween would not be complete without a jack-o'-lantern. This year, Americans are projected to spend $867 million on pumpkins, the vast majority of which will be used for decoration. The pumpkin industry can thank Irish immigrants and a mythical character named "Stingy Jack" for the popularity of carving pumpkins in October. According to legend, an old curmudgeon named Jack lived in an Irish village many years ago.
Ask a Master Gardener: Protecting plants from frost | Jefferson City News-Tribune
Fall is somewhat of a somber time of the year for gardening enthusiasts, since it usually signals the end of the outdoor growing season. Based on weather data collected over many decades, there is a 50 percent chance that mid-Missouri's first frost of the fall will occur on or before Oct. 23. If one increases the probability to 70 percent, the date advances to Oct. 29. In either case, when October arrives, the end of the growing season is near.
Ask a Master Gardener: Protecting plants from frost
Fall is somewhat of a somber time of the year for gardening enthusiasts, since it usually signals the end of the outdoor growing season. Based on weather data collected over many decades, there is a 50 percent chance that mid-Missouri's first frost of the fall will occur on or before Oct. 23. If one increases the probability to 70 percent, the date advances to Oct. 29. In either case, when October arrives, the end of the growing season is near.
Garlic: Love it or hate it | Jefferson City News-Tribune
Loved by many yet hated by some, garlic has the ability to attract and repulse people at the same time. Having a unique aroma and taste, garlic has become one of America's favorite flavoring agents. If fact, the average American consumes six pounds of garlic each year. Although it has been revered for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, it is only recently that the true value of garlic in promoting human health has been discovered.
Garlic: Love it or hate it
Loved by many yet hated by some, garlic has the ability to attract and repulse people at the same time. Having a unique aroma and taste, garlic has become one of America's favorite flavoring agents. If fact, the average American consumes six pounds of garlic each year. Although it has been revered for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, it is only recently that the true value of garlic in promoting human health has been discovered.
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