Harvest Horizons: August Serves as a Pivotal Moment to Contemplate Upcoming Berry Yields
In a significant move to protect the state's native ecosystems and agricultural productivity, Governor Kehoe has signed Senate Bill 105 into law on July 14, 2025. This new legislation, effective from August 28, 2025, prohibits the sale of six invasive plant species, including sericea lespedeza and burning bush (Euonymus alatus).
The law offers a phase-out period for sellers and nurseries, allowing the continued sale of four invasive plants until January 1, 2027. This measure aims to provide a smooth transition for those affected by the new regulations.
For gardeners and vegetable growers, this law means a shift in plant choices and cultivation practices. They are encouraged to avoid planting these harmful species in their gardens and farms, and instead, opt for non-invasive alternatives. Particularly for those living near conservation areas, the stakes are higher, as invasive plants can cause significant ecological damage.
Practical implications of the law include the need for gardeners and farmers to:
- Cease buying and selling the listed invasive plants after the phase-out period.
- Remove or manage existing invasive plants to prevent their spread.
- Consider using native or non-invasive plants as alternatives for landscaping and vegetation.
- Be aware that invasive species like bush honeysuckle and burning bush can dominate local flora, and their control may involve methods such as hand-pulling, foliar spraying, or stem treatment.
This trend towards restricting invasive plants is reflected in similar laws in other states, such as Washington's ban on English ivy. The aim is to reduce the ecological and economic harm caused by invasive plants.
Meanwhile, August is a busy month for gardeners and farmers, with several tasks to attend to. For instance, strawberries require regular transplanting and rejuvenation in August. After harvesting gooseberries, raspberries, and currants, it's time to tidy up the bushes. Watering should be regular and abundant for a month after planting berry bushes and adjusting according to the weather.
It's recommended to soak the roots of the divided berry plants in a solution of phytosporin or potassium humate for a couple of hours before planting. A sharp knife should be used to divide a strong plant into several parts when rejuvenating berry plants. Weeding, watering, and loosening the soil are necessary steps in rejuvenating a strawberry patch.
The law on combating invasive plants is part of a broader statewide effort to prioritize early detection and control of invasive plants, reflecting a growing concern for the protection of native plants and crops.
References:
[1] Missouri Legislature. (2025). Senate Bill 105. Retrieved from https://www.moga.mo.gov/mostatesmanual/html/statutes/C70/C70sect100.htm
[2] Missouri Department of Conservation. (2025). Invasive Plants. Retrieved from https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/invasive-plants
[3] Washington State Department of Agriculture. (2025). English Ivy. Retrieved from https://agr.wa.gov/plants/englishivy
[4] University of Missouri Extension. (2025). Gardeners' Guide to Invasive Plants. Retrieved from https://extension.missouri.edu/g4540
[5] Missouri Department of Agriculture. (2025). Invasive Plant Management. Retrieved from https://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/plantindustryservices/invasivespecies/invasiveplantmanagement.php
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts and gardening hobbyists may find the need to adapt their plant choices due to the new law prohibiting the sale of certain invasive species.
- Instead of opting for invasive plants like sericea lespedeza and bush honeysuckle, gardeners are encouraged to consider planting non-invasive alternatives to promote a healthier lifestyle and protect local ecosystems.
