Spring Plant Sale
The Lee County Master Gardeners had their spring plant sale from April 12 to 15. They started the plants in the winter, and many of them came from their home gardens. The weather was great during the sale days, so people could enjoy shopping for plants, and the Master Gardeners could present and discuss the plants they had grown for other gardeners. They hope the people who bought the plants will love them for years to come.
The Lee County Master Gardeners had their spring plant sale from April 12 to 15. They started the plants in the winter, and many of them came from their home gardens. The weather was great during the sale days, so people could enjoy shopping for plants, and the Master Gardeners could present and discuss the plants they had grown for other gardeners. They hope the people who bought the plants will love them for years to come.
Deer Resistant Plants
Jessie Tisdale , Extension Agent
MSU-ES Forrest County
White-tailed deer are a common pest among Mississippi gardens. When choosing plants for your garden, there are some that may be more beneficial than others at keeping deer away.
Plants that are strong smelling, toxic, or contain sap are some they usually avoid. Other plant options deer might not enjoy are those with leathery, tough, hairy, or prickly features. While there are no true deer-proof plants, here are a few that may help in keeping your garden happy and healthy!
• Lantanas: perennial, bloom spring to fall, plant in full sun, drought tolerant, attract butterflies
• Ajuga: perennial, bloom mid to late spring, shade tolerant
• Azalea: perennial, bloom spring to summer
• Coneflower: perennial, bloom in late summer or fall, attract butterflies
• Milkweed: perennial, bloom in summer, attract butterflies
• Salvia: perennial, bloom in summer, plant in shade or semi shade
• Black-eyed Susan: annual or perennial, bloom in summer, plant in sun or partial shade, attract butterflies
• Daffodils: annual, easy to grow, plant in full sun
• Dusty miller: annual
• Four o’clocks: annual, bloom, summer to fall, plant in full sun, easy to grow, poor soil tolerant, dry tolerant, locations, attract hummingbirds
• Shasta daisy: perennial, bloom in spring, attract butterflies
Another way to see if plants are deer resistant is to check the plant label before buying. Some tags are labeled with an image of a deer and “deer resistant.”
Since there are no true deer-proof plants, the most effective way to keep them out is with fencing. While a regular fence helps, electric fencing is even more effective at keeping deer away. If you add fencing to your garden, make sure the bottom strand is no higher than six inches off the ground. Deer can jump fences, so it is suggested to use fencing with a height of at least ten feet off the ground.
Jessie Tisdale , Extension Agent
MSU-ES Forrest County
White-tailed deer are a common pest among Mississippi gardens. When choosing plants for your garden, there are some that may be more beneficial than others at keeping deer away.
Plants that are strong smelling, toxic, or contain sap are some they usually avoid. Other plant options deer might not enjoy are those with leathery, tough, hairy, or prickly features. While there are no true deer-proof plants, here are a few that may help in keeping your garden happy and healthy!
• Lantanas: perennial, bloom spring to fall, plant in full sun, drought tolerant, attract butterflies
• Ajuga: perennial, bloom mid to late spring, shade tolerant
• Azalea: perennial, bloom spring to summer
• Coneflower: perennial, bloom in late summer or fall, attract butterflies
• Milkweed: perennial, bloom in summer, attract butterflies
• Salvia: perennial, bloom in summer, plant in shade or semi shade
• Black-eyed Susan: annual or perennial, bloom in summer, plant in sun or partial shade, attract butterflies
• Daffodils: annual, easy to grow, plant in full sun
• Dusty miller: annual
• Four o’clocks: annual, bloom, summer to fall, plant in full sun, easy to grow, poor soil tolerant, dry tolerant, locations, attract hummingbirds
• Shasta daisy: perennial, bloom in spring, attract butterflies
Another way to see if plants are deer resistant is to check the plant label before buying. Some tags are labeled with an image of a deer and “deer resistant.”
Since there are no true deer-proof plants, the most effective way to keep them out is with fencing. While a regular fence helps, electric fencing is even more effective at keeping deer away. If you add fencing to your garden, make sure the bottom strand is no higher than six inches off the ground. Deer can jump fences, so it is suggested to use fencing with a height of at least ten feet off the ground.
Lee County Master Gardener Projects
The Lee County Master Gardeners lead and participate in many projects that help to promote gardening and serve as beautification to areas in Lee County. The projects provide a way to engage the public in gardening activities and to share current ideas and develop new ideas. Please use the Master Gardener Project button to explore and learn how the Lee County Master Gardeners contribute their time and love of gardening with the community. |
Mississippi State University Extension Service Publications
The Extension Service has many publications which provide information on a wide variety of topics. Click on the button to go to the publication website |

Mississippi Vegetable Gardener's Guide
MSU Extension Publication Number: P3616
View as PDF: P3616.pdf
Variety Recommendations for Mississippi Vegetable Gardens
MSU Extension Publication Number P3744
View as PDF: P3744.pdf
There are many good reasons for growing a vegetable garden in Mississippi.
MSU Extension Publication Number: P3616
View as PDF: P3616.pdf
Variety Recommendations for Mississippi Vegetable Gardens
MSU Extension Publication Number P3744
View as PDF: P3744.pdf
There are many good reasons for growing a vegetable garden in Mississippi.
- A garden offers the opportunity to enjoy vegetables at their freshest. Sometimes only minutes elapse between harvest, preparation, and eating. Most fresh vegetables available at the grocery store travel about 1,800 miles between producer and consumer, and this travel often occurs over a period of several days. There’s a lot to be said for “homegrown” freshness.
- In recent years many people are growing vegetables to save money on their grocery bill.
- A garden can be a wonderful place for children. They provide opportunities for play, learning, and for having fun.
Magnolia Botanical Gardens
Verona Research and Extension Center Magnolia Botanical Gardens serves as a demonstration and educational resource for green industry professionals and consumers. There are many ornamental plants in the botanical gardens including Mississippi Medallion plants. Many plants are labeled for identification. The public is invited to view these gardens to see plants they may want to include in their landscape. Magnolia Botanical Gardens is located at the Verona Research and Extension Center, south of Verona, MS on Hwy 145. |
Location:
MSU Lee County Extension Office
5338 Cliff Gookin Blvd.; Tupelo, MS 38801
MSU Lee County Extension Office
5338 Cliff Gookin Blvd.; Tupelo, MS 38801