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Articles by Dhruba Dhakal
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: Late-fall gardening tips for healthy landscapes, productive gardens
November marks the transition from fall to winter in Missouri gardens. Cooler temperatures and shorter days provide an excellent opportunity to prepare landscapes, lawns, and gardens for winter while setting the stage for healthy growth next spring. Taking time now to protect plants, improve soils and complete seasonal maintenance can pay dividends in the coming growing season. Trees and shrubs Continue watering trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, until the ground freezes.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: Late-fall gardening tips for healthy landscapes, productive gardens
November marks the transition from fall to winter in Missouri gardens. Cooler temperatures and shorter days provide an excellent opportunity to prepare landscapes, lawns, and gardens for winter while setting the stage for healthy growth next spring. Taking time now to protect plants, improve soils and complete seasonal maintenance can pay dividends in the coming growing season. Trees and shrubs Continue watering trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, until the ground freezes.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: Planting cover crops improves garden soil, supports spring success
Many home gardeners ask how they can improve their garden soil. Fall is one of the best times to build healthier soil and prepare gardens for next year's growing season. One of the most effective ways to improve soil is by increasing organic matter, often called a gardener's best friend. Organic matter improves soil structure, increases water-holding capacity, enhances nutrient availability and supports beneficial soil microorganisms.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: Planting cover crops improves garden soil, supports spring success
Many home gardeners ask how they can improve their garden soil. Fall is one of the best times to build healthier soil and prepare gardens for next year's growing season. One of the most effective ways to improve soil is by increasing organic matter, often called a gardener's best friend. Organic matter improves soil structure, increases water-holding capacity, enhances nutrient availability and supports beneficial soil microorganisms.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: September is prime time for lawn recovery, Fall garden tasks
As summer begins to fade and cooler temperatures arrive, September provides gardeners with an excellent opportunity to prepare landscapes for the months ahead. Whether you grow fruit trees, maintain a lawn or care for houseplants, a few timely tasks now can improve plant health and garden performance well into next year. Harvest time for fruits and nuts September is harvesting season for many apples and pears. Pick fruit as it ripens and enjoy the rewards of a successful growing season.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: September is prime time for lawn recovery, Fall garden tasks
As summer begins to fade and cooler temperatures arrive, September provides gardeners with an excellent opportunity to prepare landscapes for the months ahead. Whether you grow fruit trees, maintain a lawn or care for houseplants, a few timely tasks now can improve plant health and garden performance well into next year. Harvest time for fruits and nuts September is harvesting season for many apples and pears. Pick fruit as it ripens and enjoy the rewards of a successful growing season.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: September gardening tips
September gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Divide spring blooming perennials now. Amend the soil with compost and peat moss before planting. Avoid transplanting Japanese anemones, chrysanthemums and other late-blooming perennials. Autumn is a good time to incorporate manure, compost or leaf mold into garden soils to increase organic matter content.
GARDEN SPOTLIGHT: September gardening tips
September gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Divide spring blooming perennials now. Amend the soil with compost and peat moss before planting. Avoid transplanting Japanese anemones, chrysanthemums and other late-blooming perennials. Autumn is a good time to incorporate manure, compost or leaf mold into garden soils to increase organic matter content.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: August gardening tips
August gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Continue to keep newly planted trees and shrubs well-watered. Clean up fallen rose and peony leaves. They can harbor disease and insect pests over the winter if allowed to remain on the ground. Refresh mulch, check for weeds and water landscape beds. Take a break from the heat and take time to enjoy your landscape. Scout for diseases on roses.
August gardening tips
August gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Continue to keep newly planted trees and shrubs well-watered. Clean up fallen rose and peony leaves. They can harbor disease and insect pests over the winter if allowed to remain on the ground. Refresh mulch, check for weeds and water landscape beds. Take a break from the heat and take time to enjoy your landscape. Scout for diseases on roses.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Local ‘hybrid’ extension master gardener training begins Aug. 27
University of Missouri Extension in Cole County, in collaboration with the Central Missouri Master Gardeners (CMMG), will offer an Extension Master Gardener Training beginning Aug. 27. The training will be led by Dhruba Dhakal, MU extension field specialist in horticulture. The program features a hybrid format that combines online instruction with in-person learning opportunities. For each lecture, participants may choose one of three attendance options: Participate in live via Zoom.
Local ‘hybrid’ extension master gardener training begin august 27
University of Missouri Extension in Cole County is going to conduct an Extension Master Gardener Training in collaboration with Central Missouri Master Gardeners (CMMG). Dhruba Dhakal, MU extension field specialist in horticulture, is leading and conducting this training. Lectures are online, but because this training is a "hybrid" of online and in-person training, trainees will have three options for each class.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: July gardening tips
July gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Deadhead annuals and perennials especially if reseeding is not desired. Cut back foliage to encourage a tidier appearance. Look for diseased foliage on roses. Practice sanitation and clean up any fallen leaves. Continue disease treatments as needed. Watch for distorted growth and abnormal looking blooms that might indicate rose rosette disease.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: June gardening tips
June gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Control bagworms now while they are still small. By July, they are almost too big for treatment. Bagworms can be found on juniper, arborvitae and other evergreens. They can do a lot of damage in no time so spray before the bags get too big! For more information, see MU extension guide g7250: The Bagworm in Missouri.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: June gardening tips
June gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Control bagworms now while they are still small. By July, they are almost too big for treatment. Bagworms can be found on juniper, arborvitae and other evergreens. They can do a lot of damage in no time so spray before the bags get too big! For more information, see MU extension guide g7250: The Bagworm in Missouri.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: May gardening tips
May gardening tips for fruits and nuts, cool-season lawns and warm-season lawns are provided in this issue. Fruits and nuts Follow fruit tree spray guide by the University of Missouri Extension. For more information, see MU Extension Guide g6010 Fruit Spray Schedule at https://extension.missouri.edu/g6010. Don't spray insecticides while fruit trees are in bloom. Fungicides, however, can still be sprayed. Keep on top of weeds in the strawberry patch. They can quickly get out of hand.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: May gardening tips
May gardening tips for fruits and nuts, cool-season lawns and warm-season lawns are provided in this issue. Fruits and nuts Follow fruit tree spray guide by the University of Missouri Extension. For more information, see MU Extension Guide g6010 Fruit Spray Schedule at https://extension.missouri.edu/g6010. Don't spray insecticides while fruit trees are in bloom. Fungicides, however, can still be sprayed. Keep on top of weeds in the strawberry patch. They can quickly get out of hand.
Gardening tips, tricks for May
May gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Pinch azaleas and rhododendron blossoms as they fade. Fertilize them after they bloom using an azalea or blueberry fertilizer. Soil acidity must be maintained for good growth. For more information, see MU Extension Guide g6825 Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons https://extension.missouri.edu/g6825.
Gardening tips, tricks for May
May gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Pinch azaleas and rhododendron blossoms as they fade. Fertilize them after they bloom using an azalea or blueberry fertilizer. Soil acidity must be maintained for good growth. For more information, see MU Extension Guide g6825 Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons https://extension.missouri.edu/g6825.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: April gardening tips Original
April gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Plan to attract pollinators to your garden. Attract hummingbirds by planting red or orange flowers. Attract butterflies to the garden with a mix of perennial and annual flowers. Consider planting a milkweed species to attract monarchs. Prune flowering shrubs after blooming has completed. Pruning now will not affect blooms for next year.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Raised-bed gardening Original
Raised-bed gardening is a popular technique for growing plants in Missouri. Vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees and shrubs may be grown in raised beds, which can be attractive as well as useful. Advantages of raised-bed gardening Better drainage -- Growing plants in raised beds is a logical choice for gardeners with heavy, poorly drained soils. Raised beds permit plant roots to develop in soil held above water-logged or compacted zones. This soil environment is much better for root growth.
Raised-bed gardening | Jefferson City News-Tribune
Raised-bed gardening is a popular technique for growing plants in Missouri. Vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees and shrubs may be grown in raised beds, which can be attractive as well as useful. Advantages of raised-bed gardening Better drainage -- Growing plants in raised beds is a logical choice for gardeners with heavy, poorly drained soils. Raised beds permit plant roots to develop in soil held above water-logged or compacted zones. This soil environment is much better for root growth.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: March gardening tips | Jefferson City News-Tribune
March gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants & ornamentals, indoor plants, vegetable gardening, fruits and nuts and turfgrass are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Clean up flower beds by removing all weeds and dead foliage. Trees, shrubs and perennials may be planted as soon as they become available at local nurseries, garden centers and retail stores.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: February gardening tips | Jefferson City News-Tribune
February gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants & ornamentals, indoor plants, vegetable gardening and fruits and nuts are provided in this column. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals By mid-month, consider starting seeds of annuals flowers like ageratum, petunias, geraniums, impatiens, salvia and others indoors. For more information, see MU extension guide g6570 Starting Plants Indoors From Seeds at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6570.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Spring gardening seminar set for March 7 | Jefferson City News-Tribune
Are you interested in learning about various gardening and horticultural topics? The University of Missouri Extension in Cole County, in collaboration with Central Missouri Master Gardeners, is organizing a half-day spring gardening seminar in Jefferson City. The seminar will be held March 7 at Aging Best Senior Center, 2027 Christy Drive.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: January gardening tips | Jefferson City News-Tribune
January gardening tips for fruits and nuts, indoor plants and lawns are provided in this issue. Fruits and nuts Place fruit tree and small fruit orders from reputable nurseries no later than January to receive shipment in the spring. It is time to start thinking about fruit tree maintenance.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: January gardening tips
January gardening tips for fruits and nuts, indoor plants and lawns are provided in this issue. Fruits and nuts Place fruit tree and small fruit orders from reputable nurseries no later than January to receive shipment in the spring. It is time to start thinking about fruit tree maintenance.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: January gardening tips | Jefferson City News-Tribune
January gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Heavy snows need to be brushed off from tree and shrub branches to prevent breaking. Ice events can cause broken branches. Prune out damage. Recycled evergreen boughs from the holidays can be used to much in perennial beds when extra protection is needed during cold weather.
Gardening tips as weather gets cold | Jefferson City News-Tribune
December gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Indoor plants On cold nights, monitor the temperature around windows. Some tropical plants can be damaged by temperatures below 40 degrees F. Avoid placing plants near heat vents. Warm air blowing on leaves can cause them to turn brown and drop from the plant.
Gardening tips as weather gets cold
December gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Indoor plants On cold nights, monitor the temperature around windows. Some tropical plants can be damaged by temperatures below 40 degrees F. Avoid placing plants near heat vents. Warm air blowing on leaves can cause them to turn brown and drop from the plant.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: December gardening tips
December gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Finish planting spring flowering bulbs that did not get planted last month! They can be planted until the ground freezes. Be sure the root zones of azaleas and rhododendrons are thoroughly mulched. Organic material from oak leaves, shredded oak bark or pine needles are preferred. Prune hollies now.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: December gardening tips | Jefferson City News-Tribune
December gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Finish planting spring flowering bulbs that did not get planted last month! They can be planted until the ground freezes. Be sure the root zones of azaleas and rhododendrons are thoroughly mulched. Organic material from oak leaves, shredded oak bark or pine needles are preferred. Prune hollies now.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: November gardening tips
November gardening tips for fruits and nuts, indoor plants and turfgrass are provided in this column. Fruits and nuts Dispose of fallen, spoiled or mummified fruit from under trees. Mulch strawberries for winter with a layer of straw. This should be done after several nights near 20 degrees. Straw should be shifted loosely over the plants, just enough to cover them from view. After a few weeks of settling, add additional straw where necessary.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: November gardening tips | Jefferson City News-Tribune
November gardening tips for fruits and nuts, indoor plants and turfgrass are provided in this column. Fruits and nuts Dispose of fallen, spoiled or mummified fruit from under trees. Mulch strawberries for winter with a layer of straw. This should be done after several nights near 20 degrees. Straw should be shifted loosely over the plants, just enough to cover them from view. After a few weeks of settling, add additional straw where necessary.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Gardening tips for early November | Jefferson City News-Tribune
November gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants & ornamentals Prevent frost cracking or sunscald on trunks by wrapping trunks with tree wrap. Thin barked trees such as maples and many fruit trees are especially susceptible. Take a walk through your garden during the fall season. Take time to reflect on the successes and failures of your garden this year.
October gardening tips for flowering plants, ornamentals, vegetables | Jefferson City News-Tribune
October gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this week's column. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Take time to enjoy the fall colors in the landscape. Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. Spring bulbs can be planted among groundcovers and perennials. As these plants grow in the spring, they will hide the dying bulb foliage. Dig up cannas, caladiums, elephant ears, gladiolus and dahlias after frost nips their foliage.
Ask a Master Gardener: Gardening tips for September | Jefferson City News-Tribune
September gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Divide spring blooming perennials now. Amend the soil with compost and peat moss before planting. Avoid transplanting Japanese anemones, chrysanthemums and other late-blooming perennials. Autumn is a good time to incorporate manure, compost or leaf mold into garden soils to increase organic matter content.
Ask a Master Gardener: Gardening tips for September
September gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Divide spring blooming perennials now. Amend the soil with compost and peat moss before planting. Avoid transplanting Japanese anemones, chrysanthemums and other late-blooming perennials. Autumn is a good time to incorporate manure, compost or leaf mold into garden soils to increase organic matter content.
August gardening tips | Jefferson City News-Tribune
August gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Continue to keep newly planted trees and shrubs well-watered. Clean up fallen rose and peony leaves. They can harbor disease and insect pests over the winter if allowed to remain on the ground. Refresh mulch, check for weeds and water landscape beds. Take a break from the heat and take time to enjoy your landscape. Scout for diseases on roses.
August gardening tips
August gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Continue to keep newly planted trees and shrubs well-watered. Clean up fallen rose and peony leaves. They can harbor disease and insect pests over the winter if allowed to remain on the ground. Refresh mulch, check for weeds and water landscape beds. Take a break from the heat and take time to enjoy your landscape. Scout for diseases on roses.
Local “hybrid” extension Master Gardener training begins on August 21 | Jefferson City News-Tribune
University of Missouri Extension in Cole County is going to conduct an Extension Master Gardener Training in collaboration with Central Missouri Master Gardeners (CMMG). Dr. Dhruba Dhakal, MU Extension Field Specialist in Horticulture, is leading and conducting this training. Lectures are online, but because this training is a "hybrid" of online and in-person training, trainees will have three options for each class.
Local “hybrid” extension Master Gardener training begins on August 21
University of Missouri Extension in Cole County is going to conduct an Extension Master Gardener Training in collaboration with Central Missouri Master Gardeners (CMMG). Dr. Dhruba Dhakal, MU Extension Field Specialist in Horticulture, is leading and conducting this training. Lectures are online, but because this training is a "hybrid" of online and in-person training, trainees will have three options for each class.
July tips for flowering plants, vegatables | Jefferson City News-Tribune
July gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals Deadhead annuals and perennials especially if reseeding is not desired. Cut back foliage to encourage a tidier appearance. Look for diseased foliage on roses. Practice sanitation and clean up any fallen leaves. Continue disease treatments as needed. Watch for distorted growth and abnormal looking blooms that might indicate rose rosette disease.
July tips for flowering plants, vegatables
July gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals Deadhead annuals and perennials especially if reseeding is not desired. Cut back foliage to encourage a tidier appearance. Look for diseased foliage on roses. Practice sanitation and clean up any fallen leaves. Continue disease treatments as needed. Watch for distorted growth and abnormal looking blooms that might indicate rose rosette disease.
June gardening tips for fruits and nuts, cool-season lawns and warm-season lawns | Jefferson City News-Tribune
This issue will look at June gardening tips. Fruits and Nuts Renovate strawberry beds after they quit producing fruit. For more information, see MU extension guide g6135: Home Fruit Production: Strawberry Cultivars and Their Culture. Treat trunks of peach trees and other stone fruits for peach tree borers. For more information, see MU extension guide g6010: Fruit Spray Schedules for the Homeowner.
June gardening tips for fruits and nuts, cool-season lawns and warm-season lawns
Fruits and Nuts Renovate strawberry beds after they quit producing fruit. For more information, see MU extension guide g6135: Home Fruit Production: Strawberry Cultivars and Their Culture. Treat trunks of peach trees and other stone fruits for peach tree borers. For more information, see MU extension guide g6010: Fruit Spray Schedules for the Homeowner. If you are going to do any summer pruning, make sure to disinfect pruners between cuts to keep from spreading disease from one plant to another.
June gardening tips | Jefferson City News-Tribune
June gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Control bagworms now while they are still small. By July, they are almost too big for treatment. Bagworms can be found on juniper, arborvitae and other evergreens. They can do a lot of damage in no time so spray before the bags get too big! For more information, see MU extension guide g7250: The Bagworm in Missouri.
May gardening tips | Jefferson City News-Tribune
May gardening tips for outdoor fruits and nuts, cool-season lawns, and warm season lawns are provided in this issue. Fruits and Nuts Follow fruit tree spray guide by the University of Missouri Extension. For more information, see MU Extension Guide g6010 Fruit Spray Schedule https://extension.missouri.edu/g6010. Don't spray insecticides while fruit trees are in bloom. Fungicides, however, can still be sprayed. Keep on top of weeds in the strawberry patch. They can quickly get out of hand.
May gardening tips
May gardening tips for outdoor fruits and nuts, cool-season lawns, and warm season lawns are provided in this issue. Fruits and Nuts Follow fruit tree spray guide by the University of Missouri Extension. For more information, see MU Extension Guide g6010 Fruit Spray Schedule https://extension.missouri.edu/g6010. Don't spray insecticides while fruit trees are in bloom. Fungicides, however, can still be sprayed. Keep on top of weeds in the strawberry patch. They can quickly get out of hand.
May gardening tips | Jefferson City News-Tribune
May gardening tips for outdoor flowering plants, ornamentals and vegetable gardening are provided in this issue. Outdoor flowering plants and ornamentals Pinch azaleas and rhododendron blossoms as they fade. Fertilize them after they bloom using an azalea or blueberry fertilizer. Soil acidity must be maintained for good growth. For more information, see MU Extension Guide g6825 Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons https://extension.missouri.edu/g6825.
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