Podcast
Growing the Ozarks
Hosted by KSMU Radio · EN
Love gardening? Curious about the natural world? Growing the Ozarks is your monthly dose of science-based gardening and nature insights every third Wednesday of the month. Host Kelly McGowan with the MU Extension chats with local Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists about everything from expert tips for thriving Ozarks gardens to discovering the region’s unique ecosystems.
10episodes
Episodes
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Springfield prepares for the Missouri Master Gardener Conference
3w ago00:05:55Tap to summarizeToday’s guest is Angie Hutsell, member of the Master Gardeners of Greene County. Angie is the chair of the upcoming state Missouri Master Gardener Conference to be held in Springfield, June 4-7, 2026.This is the third time that the Master Gardeners of Greene County will host the statewide conference in Springfield since the formation of their group in 1985.The event will include tours of local parks and home gardens, a wide array of educational speakers focusing on gardening topics. The keynote address will be given by Mitch McCulloch. Mitch’s new book “The Seed Hunter” will be available for a signing event before and after the address. This book highlights his time with Baker Creek Seed where he traveled the world searching for new seed varieties. Mitch also has an extensive background in vegetable production from his native English origins as well as culinary farm-to-table cooking with the fresh produce.Vendors will also be available for on-site shopping. This event is open to both the public and Master Gardeners. For details and pricing information, please visit: https://staging.mggreene.org/2026-missouri-master-gardener-conference/
Transcribe →The Master Gardeners of Greene County help others learn to grow through their annual plant sale
Apr 1500:05:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kelly speaks with Caroline Griesemer and Renee Bernskoetter with Master Gardeners of Greene County about their annual plant sale.The Master Gardeners of Greene County is a volunteer organization through University of Missouri Extension with the educational mission of ‘Helping Others Learn to Grow’. Master Gardener members will be on hand at the upcoming annual plant sale to answer questions and help with selection. The plant sale will take place Saturday, April 25 from 8 am to noon at the Springfield Botanical Gardens, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807.Plants at the sale are locally grown and will do well in the Ozarks. Favorites include vegetables, natives, trees and shrubs, and houseplants. Arrive early for best selection. Cash, check, and credit/debit cards accepted. Other area gardening clubs will also be on hand selling plants.
Transcribe →Dairy farming in the Ozarks
Mar 1800:05:54Tap to summarizeDairy farms have a rich and interesting history in the Ozarks. Most of today’s farms are still owned and operated by farm families, just as they were in the past. Missouri is home to about 300 dairy farms, and most of them are here in the Ozarks.In this episode, University of Missouri Extension Dairy Specialist Reagan Bluel discusses the Missouri dairy industry and the laws that ensure your milk is the most delicious and nutritious product available. More information about the dairy industry is available at the Extension’s website. For details about milk’s nutritious attributes, visit Midwest dairy.
Transcribe →Keeping it local with the Missouri Prairie Foundation
Feb 1800:07:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kelly speaks with Carol Davit, Executive Director of the Missouri Prairie Foundation, to learn about the work the foundation does around the state, including local stormwater improvement projects involving native plantings. Celebrating 60 years, the Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) owns and manages 36 properties open to the public to enjoy on foot, including Schuette Prairie and La Petite Gemme Prairie. Both of these unplowed, old-growth prairies are about 30 minutes from Springfield and have showy spring wildflowers. MPF offers prairie hikes, native plant sales and other events throughout the year. Learn more at moprairie.org. Find hundreds of free native gardening resources from MPF's Grow Native! program at grownative.org.Upcoming native plant sales:Saturday, May 2 at Bass Pro Shops Sportsman’s Center, 10am-2pm Saturday, May 23 at Mother’s Brewing Company, 2pm-6pm
Transcribe →Microplastics in our environment
Jan 2100:05:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kelly speaks with Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist Gwen Morrison about the growing concerns around microplastics.Microplastics in the environment have received a lot of attention due to concerns about human, animal, and ecological effects. Beyond Plastics Ozarks is a new educational group in Springfield working to share information about the reduced use of plastics and what you can do on a daily basis to help, including bringing your own shopping bags.
Transcribe →Soils of the Ozarks
Dec 1700:05:55Tap to summarizeThis month, Kelly speaks with Master Naturalist Lindsey Anderson about soil. Soil isn't just a medium for plant growth - it's the foundation of food systems and our terrestrial habitats and ecosystems.Soil filters pollutants, septic and the water supply. It provides flood control and mitigation while it supports our infrastructure. As an ecosystem, soil isn't an inert substance. It's full of bacteria, fungi, nematodes, mites, insects, worms, mammals and plant roots. These organisms mediate all soil processes, including organic matter breakdown, nutrient supply and cycling, and disease suppression. Lindsey Anderson has a BS in Soil and Environmental Science and a MS in Agronomy/Soil Health. She is a Master Naturalist of the Springfield Plateau Chapter, USDA-NRCS Soil Scientist in Southwest Missouri, MSU Adjunct Professor and Soil Judging Coach, and President of the Missouri Association of Professional Soil Scientists.
Transcribe →Tips for growing during the winter
Nov 1900:05:54Tap to summarizeGrowing plants isn't something that often comes to mind when we think of the winter season, but with a few tips and techniques, inside gardening can help you grow all year long. Options for growing in winter:Houseplants – houseplants are more popular than ever and they are a great hobby for all ages. Houseplants need a bright window with indirect light or you can use grow lights. Beware of drafty windows in winter and monitor plants weekly for moisture, insect pests, and other issues. Since there is not a lot of growth in winter, a weak fertilizer can be used every 2-4 weeks.Hydroponics – there are a variety of quality, tabletop options for growing hydroponically. Lettuce, herbs, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of other things can be grown. There are miniature plant varieties on the market that are great for these small units. A good aquarium-type pump is needed to aerate the water, and a good quality grow light is needed. Nutrient management of the water is also needed.Seed Catalogs and Seed Starting – Seed catalogs will begin arriving soon and are a great source of education and new ideas. The main tip is to not plant too early. The seed package will give you timing information. Quality grow lights are also needed for seed starting.
Transcribe →At the Victory Garden, volunteers share the harvest to provide produce to the community
Oct 1500:05:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kelly speaks with Susan Wade, volunteer co-leader of the Victory Garden, which is part of the Springfield Community Gardens. Springfield Community Gardens has more than a dozen gardens in the city maintained by volunteers who share the harvest and provide fresh produce for community refrigerators that are free to anyone.The produce grown at Victory Garden is used for Victory Mission, an organization helping men and women leave poverty. Services include meals, shelters and job training. One of the job training opportunities is culinary experience in the Victory Mission kitchen. The kitchen prepares more than 120 meals daily. Last year, Victory Garden grew more than 400 pounds of food for the victory mission kitchen.Victory Garden was moved last spring to a courtyard in the Commercial Street Historic District to make room for construction of a new shelter and headquarters for Victory Mission. Besides growing produce, Susan has a personal goal of making Victory Garden a beautiful and interesting part of C-Street vibe to help draw people to the locally owned stores and restaurants there.Volunteers are welcome at Victory Garden and any of the other Springfield Community Gardens and local gardeners can donate food for the refrigerators and to Victory Mission. Visit springfieldcommunitygardens.org and victorymission.com to find out more.
Transcribe →Sustainable Home Landscapes with Loring Bullard
Sep 1700:05:54Tap to summarizeThis month, Kelly speaks with the Backyard Naturalist, Loring Bullard, about how plant and maintain a yard for attracting pollinators and reducing water and pesticide use. Homeowners have undergone a paradigm shift in the last few years after recognizing the need for pollinator protection and reduced water and pesticide usage. The sustainable home landscape prioritizes more native plants and less turf for a big impact in a small space. The Backyard Naturalist has more tips for creating a sustainable landscape at home. Loring Bullard has a long history of environmental education in the Ozarks, including serving for 23 years at the executive director of the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. He has taught courses at Drury University and currently serves as a watershed consultant for the James River Basin Partnership, a board member of the Ozark Land Trust and Dark Sky Missouri. He is also the author of several books on the natural history of the Ozarks.
Transcribe →Saving vegetable seeds for next year's garden
Aug 2000:05:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kelly speaks with Ed Kucab, president of the Christian County Master Gardeners, about how to save vegetable and fruit seeds. Saving seeds from plants like vegetables, fruit, and even flowers can help save money and preserve unique plant qualities, and make it easy to pass on heirloom plants to others. But which plants should be used for saving seeds? Seeds from plants that have performed well during the hot, dry part of summer make good candidates.Hybrid vs. heirlooms: Heirlooms are preferred for seed-saving purposes. Hybrid seeds may not be true to the parent plant. Cleaning and storage: Remove debris from seeds and allow them to dry. Store them in paper envelopes and in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration works for most seeds, but monitor moisture on a regular basis.
Transcribe →