“Bad weather always looks worse through a window.” ~ Tom Lehrer, mathematician (Photo by Trish Steel)

This has been a very unusual spring in Missouri. Very low temperatures in April and May, and several inches of snow in May set multiple weather records in 2013.

Today’s guest is Pat Guinan, climatologist for University of Missouri Extension Commercial Agriculture Program.

“The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway” ~ Michael Pollan, author

Starting a garden for the first time can seem daunting. Truth is all it takes is a few simple tools, a little sweat and the desire to see things grow.

Today’s guest is David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

Eight Tips for Healthy Gardening

Vegetable Planting Calendar

Growing Home Garden Tomatoes

Raised-Bed Gardening

Do not be angry with the rain; it simply does not know how to fall upwards.” ~ Vladimir Nabokov, author of Lolita (Photo by Jon Sullivan)

Talk about being all dressed up with nowhere to go…too many Missouri gardeners are watching spring days slip away into too much rain and temperatures that are too cool. This year’s unusual weather has delayed the gardening season well past the “frost-free” date. Gardeners may be eager to put spade to soil, but it’s very important that they wait.

Today’s guest is David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. He warns that long-term garden problems can arise if you try to work soil when it’s wet.

University of Missouri Extension has a wealth of information:

Soil Compaction: The Silent Thief

“Even the richest soil, if left uncultivated will produce the rankest weeds.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci (Photo by John Kelley)

Clay soil does have many benefits. Its ability to hold nutrients and water make it the most fertile soil type. Clay soil’s problem is structure. It compresses together very easily, making it difficult for water, air and fertilizer to reach plant roots. But, don’t despair if your soil is mostly clay. With just a little elbow grease you can transform that fertile soil into one with the perfect structure for gardening success.

Today’s guest is Jennifer Schutter, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

University of Missouri Extension has a wealth of information:

Improving Lawn and Landscape Soil 

Soils, Plant Nutrition and Nutrition Management

Brad Fresenburg mowing tall and letting the clippings fall (Photo by Roger Meissen)

As temperatures warm, lawns will begin to green-up and grow. It will soon be time for regular lawn mowing. Before you start-up that mower you’ll need to get it in good working order.

A tuned-up mower is only the start. Good mowing practices will help keep your lawn weed free and beautiful.

Today’s guest is Brad Fresenburg, assistant professor of plant sciences, and turf grass expert, for University of Missouri Extension

University of Missouri Extension provides a wealth of practical advice and information:

Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar

Don’t Bag It Lawn Care

“you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens (touching skillfully, mysteriously) her first rose…” ~ e.e. cummings (Photo by Eric Hill)

Spring – named for the time when plants and animals spring to life after the long, cold winter. If you’re a gardener, warm temperatures and sunshine make you eager to get your hands dirty and to prepare your garden for the growing season.

Today’s guest is Jennifer Schutter, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. She says there are chores that need to be done now so your lawn, flowerbeds and garden will be productive throughout the growing season.

University of Missouri Extension offers a wealth of information:

Garden, landscape and lawn soil

Preserving good soil structure

Making use of compost

This Rolls Missouri farm, near Mark Twain Lake, was one of those hard-hit by the 2012 drought (Photo Linda Geist)

Heading into the New Year …much of Missouri was still dry and facing critical soil moisture deficits. Then came late January…February…and early March and everything changed. Today’s guest is Pat Guinan, climatologist for University of Missouri Extension. He takes a look at the last six weeks of weather…talks about an extremely rare weather event witnessed by parts of the state…and looks ahead as we approach spring.

Weather resources on the internet:

Weather information for the state of Missouri

Latest weather data

Missouri Agricultural Weather

Missouri Historical Agricultural Weather Database

A tree that has suffered damage needs care in order to recover. (Photo by Herzi Pinki)

The heavy snow that fell in parts of Missouri this year left a lot of trees with broken and splinter branches. Now that the mountains of snow are melting away, homeowners will need to evaluate the damage and decide if pruning can fix the problems, or if the tree is lost cause. Today’s guest is David Trinklein, plant scientist and horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. He has tips for safely and effectively pruning storm damaged trees.

Additional information:

First Aid for Storm-Damaged Trees

Pruning and Care of Shade Trees

Damaged shrubs during the drought of 2012. This was taken at Stephens Lake Park in Columbia, MO

Last year’s severe drought and heat left the survival of many trees and shrubs in question. Just like you can’t unring a bell, you also can’t uncut a tree. When spring arrives you’ll be able to see whether your tree is a fatality from the drought of 2012. But, don’t despair. Trees have evolved many coping mechanism, and even those that lost all of their leaves last year can surprise you and come back.

Today’s guest is Tim Baker, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

Additional information:

Tree Decline: What is it?

“Now I know a refuge never grows… from a chin in a hand in a thoughtful pose… gotta tend the earth if you want a rose.” ~ Indigo Girls (Photo by Dieter Joel Jagnow)

All life depends upon the soil. Life cannot exist without soil and there can be no soil without life. They both have evolved together.  This thin layer of loose, soft material, held in place by gravity, is the only thing standing between life and lifelessness. Gardeners who work and amend the soil help maintain this beautiful, delicate balance.

Today’s guest is Jennifer Schutter, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. She talks about the different types of amendments that can be added to the soil to improve it.

More information:

Improving Lawn and Landscape Soils

A guide to soils, plant nutrition and nutrient management

A guide to mulches