Phelps County Master Gardeners

06/18/2026

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

And all those long roots store carbon too!
Photo credit - our friends over at DuPage County Stormwater Management

06/15/2026

Those tall plants with delicate white flowers popping up along roadsides and field edges may look harmless. They are not. Poison hemlock is a toxic plants in Missouri and every part of it is poisonous, whether green or dried. This plant spreads aggressively, with a single plant producing up to 38,000 seeds.

How to identify poison hemlock:
• Height: Can reach 6 feet or taller
• Stems: Smooth, hollow, hairless with distinctive purple blotches or streaks
• Leaves: Fern-like, finely divided, with a strong unpleasant odor when crushed
• Flowers: Small white flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters
• Growth cycle: Low rosette the first year, tall flowering plant the second year
• Poison hemlock is often confused with Queen Anne’s lace, but that plant is shorter, hairy and not toxic

How to get rid of it safely:
• Hand removal: Only for small infestations and with full protective clothing
• Mowing or tillage: Can help reduce spread
• Herbicides: Most effective in the early rosette stage before flowering

Safety tips:
• Wear gloves, long sleeves and eye protection when handling
• Avoid inhaling plant material during removal
• Never burn poison hemlock — inhalation can be dangerous
• If unsure, do not touch the plant

Get more info: https://brnw.ch/21x3mpd

Consult the W**d ID Guide for additonal photo of Poison Hemlock and Queen Anne's Lace: https://brnw.ch/21x3mpe

06/09/2026

Cut this invasive worm in half and each piece becomes a new worm. The Hammerhead Worm found at Cliff Cave Park can regenerate from fragments and releases skin-irritating toxins, making it nearly impossible to eliminate with traditional methods. Here's how to kill it -> https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/st-louis-invasive-hammerhead-worm-dont-cut-it-or-touch-it/63-3f044c92-36fc-4890-9e48-635dccd6c5fa?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KSDK_News

06/03/2026

🗓 Mark your calendar now for our annual Carver Farm Field Day—Tuesday, June 9. This is the event to attend if you want to learn about a wide range of agricultural topics and ways the latest research can benefit you.

☀️ What: Lincoln University’s team of experts will lead trolley tours of the 150-acre farm, highlighting the latest developments in modern agriculture and food production. NEW topics this year will include agroforestry, peanuts and virtual fencing.

🚜 Who Should Attend: Current and aspiring farmers, agriculture professionals, home gardeners and anyone interested in learning about agriculture

⏰ When: Tuesday, June 9, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (In case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed until Wednesday, June 10.)

📍 Where: Lincoln University George Washington Carver Farm, located at 3804 Bald Hill Road in Jefferson City

💵 Cost: The event will be provided to the public at NO cost. Lunch will be provided.

06/01/2026

05/25/2026

A simple red flower has become a widely recognized symbol of remembrance in the United States.

The poppy’s significance dates to World War I and the 1915 poem In Flanders Fields, which describes red poppies growing among the graves of fallen soldiers. The flowers appeared in areas where the soil had been disturbed, contributing to their association with military sacrifice.

Today, the poppy is used to honor service members who have died in combat and serves as a symbol of remembrance on Memorial Day.

Memorial Day provides an opportunity to recognize and remember those who lost their lives in military service.

Read more about the poppy: https://brnw.ch/21x2NZN

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

Check out the gardening essentials our MGVs can’t live without! This week, Christine Osterman is spotlighting her must‑have tools, including the powerhouse and most recommended soil knife, perfect for digging, cutting roots, dividing plants, and tackling tough garden tasks with ease.