FEBRUARY HORTICULTURAL

AND GARDEN TIPS

Although we're in the dead of winter, we still have items highlighted for you this month (Trees & Shrubs, Fruits & Nuts, Flowers, Turf, Vegetables, and more). So, to learn about what can be done in the month of FEBRUARY (when the weather permits), click on GARDEN TIPS.

BUT, WAIT . . . THERE'S A MUCH EASIER WAY

THE SPRING PLANT SALE

ONLINE SHOPPING CART IS

NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN

If you ever wondered how your Tulsa Master Gardeners are financially able to do all of the community outreach and educational programs that we do it is from our own fundraising events. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and receive no governmental or otherwise outside financial aid. The Spring Plant Sale is clearly our biggest fundraising event each year. So . . . . .

Click on PLANT SALE INFO for some general information about this wonderful event.

Or, click on SHOPPING CART WORKSHEET if you wish to look at and print this year's 250-count plant list in order to make some notes before you decide what to buy.

Or, click on SHOPPING CART if you wish to go straight to a terrific shopping experience.

Plant pick-up is on Thursday,

April 18th, 7am - 7pm at the Exchange

Center on the fairgrounds

We feel so fortunate about the public's participation in our annual event. Thank you in advance for continuing to support us so we can support our community in return!

The Compost Connection

From Green Country Master Gardeners

It’s February and Love is in the air . . .

Love for our small invertebrate superheroes, red wigglers (or tiger worms) and earthworms. These worms are two of the most common beneficial worms found in garden soil. They don't: carry diseases; bite or sting; and they are essential members of earth's natural waste management system. They are also the most commonly used worms for a composting method called vermicomposting.

Though the name for this method of composting seems strange, the first part of the term comes from the Latin word for worm – Vermis. Thus, vermicomposting is basically composting with worms.

Vermicomposting is different from microbial or normal composting because fungi and microorganisms are not the primary decomposers. The worms digest the organic matter and excrete castings (worm poop) that enhances soil fertility physically, chemically and biologically. 

For example:

• Physically, vermicompost-treated soil has better aeration, porosity, bulk density and water retention.
• Chemically, vermicompost has beneficial properties such as a neutral pH, increased organic matter content and essential plant nutrients, including iron.
• Biologically, worm castings are made up of live biological organisms, including fungi, actinomycetes, beneficial bacteria and pseudomonads.

Some worry that worm castings might emit a foul odor, but it simply is not the case. If you take a handful of worm castings and take a deep breath, you'll actually experience a pleasant earthy smell.

Worm castings can be used:

• As a soil amendment: Mix ½ - 1" of vermicompost into 6" of soil
• As a mulch: Spread ½ to 1 inch of vermicompost under leaves of plants where rain will drip from the leaves
• When planting seeds: Place ½ - 1" of vermicompost in the bottom of the hole dug for the seeds. Place seeds on top of vermicompost
• In potting mix: Use approx. 1/4 to 1/3 vermicompost by volume
• In compost tea: 4 - 6 cups of finished worm castings per 5 gallons of water.

Vermicompost is a stable product, but it does not go through a heating process. Therefore, the 90/120 rule should be followed when using vermicompost for vegetable production. There is, however, no restriction for applying vermicompost to ornamental and other non-edible plants.

Now that you know about the benefits of composting using worms, you might want to try vermicomposting yourself. If so, please click on VERMICOMPOSTING to access additional resources for assistance in setting up and using your own vermicompost bin.

    For more information, check out these other handy resources:

Healthy Garden Soils HLA-6436

Backyard Composting in Oklahoma HLA-6448

Tips for Successful Winter Composting 

As always, please see our website by clicking on our website tulsamastergardeners.org. Click the link on the main page for Lawn & Garden Help, scroll down to the link for Composting. In this section, you will find even more resources which may be helpful to a home composter.

WEATHERING YOUR GARDEN:

SO JUST HOW ACCURATE IS

MR. PUNXSUTAWNEY?

IS THE GROUNDHOG ACCURATE?

February 2^nd is nationally known as Groundhog Day. That is when we supposedly find out if we are going to have 6 more weeks of winter or an early spring. This year, the weather rodent did not see his shadow so he predicts an early spring. Whether or not you rely on the furry critter, have you ever wondered how accurate he is?

Punxsutawney Phil, the “official groundhog” has been a weather forecaster since 1886, which would make him 138 (the average groundhog lives to be 14). They say drinking the elixir of life (a secret recipe) is the reason he has lived so long. We need to find that recipe!

Legend has it, if Punx sees his shadow, we are in for 6 more weeks of winter weather. If he does not, we can expect an early springlike warm-up. So, just how accurate is he? Out of 138 forecasts, the groundhog has only been right 39% percent of the time. Maybe he is been drinking too much elixir!

By contrast, a human meteorologist is correct 50% of the time 10 days out, 80% 7 days out, and 90% 5 days out. There is not any data on the accuracy of a 6-week forecast, but if it was 39%, he would be out of a job!

By the way, even though he is not very accurate, you can visit Punxsutawney at his burrow on 300 East Mahoning Street in Punxsutawney, PA (near the Gobbler’s Knob Visitor Center). If you do, maybe you can get him to share some of his secret elixir with you!

SOUTHWEST TREE INJURY

Southwest Tree Injury (or Sunscald) is a common problem for young, soft-barked trees in our area. If you planted maples, weeping willows, fruit trees or other soft-barked trees this fall, there is a simple and effective way to protect them.  

Click on SOUTHWEST TREE INJURY to learn what causes this phenomenon and how to protect your tree investment from this issue.

HOW WE CAN HELP OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS

SURVIVE THE WINTER

As the winter chill settles over Oklahoma, the landscape undergoes a transformation, and so do the challenges our feathered friends face. While their DNA helps them get through the winter, there are a few things we can do to help them.

Feeding birds in winter is not just an act of kindness - it's a commitment to preserving the rich avian diversity that graces landscape called Oklahoma. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective techniques and tips for feeding birds in winter, enhancing their survival and well-being. Click on WINTER SURVIVAL TIPS for lots of information, insights, recommendations, and additional resources.

ALL ABOUT HYDRANGEAS

Hydrangeas, with their vibrant blooms and versatile nature, have long been a favorite among gardeners in Oklahoma. They beautify almost any landscape. Also, they come in so many varieties and colors, you are sure to find one that suits your fancy.

In this guide, we will explore the fascinating world of hydrangeas, covering everything from selecting the right variety for your landscape to essential planting and care tips. Click on HYDRANGEAS to learn more about them than you may already know.

RAISED BED GARDENING: AN ALTERNATIVE TO CHALLENGING SOIL CONDITIONS

Have challenging soil conditions? Yeah, I'm talkin' about that nasty gumbo clay or the like. So, would you like to have better soil? Or maybe you would like your gardens to be a little higher off the ground for easier harvesting. Or maybe you are looking for an alternative visual in your gardens rather than just plants growing out of the ground.

Well, a raised bed garden may be the answer. Raised bed garden systems are an easy and simple way to grow flowers and veggies. They provide an environment that has better drainage and water retention, fewer weeds, and warmer soil that helps extend the growing season.

Thinking they are difficult to build? They do not have to be. Installing raised beds can take as little as one day and you can create a yard filled with fresh greens and flowers. Click on RAISED BED GARDENING to learn more about the advantages and design considerations of such.

THE MESONET:

A VERY HANDY GARDENING "TOOL"

120 weather stations in all 77 counties

at an average spacing of 18 miles apart

Winter is truly here but we are all anxious to get back to doing what we love most - working in our gardens. But, we have questions, like:

When can I start planting?

What is the soil temperature in my area?

Is the soil too wet or dry?

What’s the latest on our famously changeable weather?

We are in luck! Here in Oklahoma the answer to all these questions, and many more, is available 24/7 on the Internet at the Oklahoma Mesonet site at http://www.mesonet.org. An App for the site is also available from Apple and Google for your smart phone.

For much more information on this little handy tool, click on OKLAHOMA MESONET.

IPM: AN EARTH-KIND

ALTERNATIVE TO CHEMICALS

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally sensitive and effective approach to pest management. IPM employs a combination of common-sense practices to prevent and control pests. These practices include physical, cultural, biological, and chemical techniques.

Sound complicated? It can be but doesn't have to be. IPM relies heavily on being well informed by understanding the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment.

Click on IPM to learn more about the basics and the four practices. This is a subject that is difficult to fully describe in a few words so, for those wanting more detailed information on this subject, please be sure to check out the resources at the end of the article. They contain very helpful supplemental information.

GETTING A HEADSTART ON SPRING VEGGIE GARDENING:



PART 1 - THE PLANNING STAGE

Yeah, it's still cold and windy and winterlike. But, you can make good use of this time by starting to plan your spring veggie garden. Just think of the fresh veggies you can have with your own garden. If you are new at this (or starting over) let's do it right, starting with Step 1 - the Planning Stage. Because it's likely to require some sweat equity later, you will want to get this part right the first time - so take your time.in the planning stage.

This will be the first article in a 4-part series, as follows:

PART 1: PLANNING STAGE FEBRUARY

PART 2: BUILDING STAGE MARCH

PART 3: PLANTING STAGE APRIL

PART 4: MAINTAINING STAGE MAY

Click on VEGETABLE GARDEN PLANNING to learn how to get started in this most rewarding endeavor.

DID YOU KNOW?

Since 1983, the Tulsa Master Gardeners have been serving the public by offering research-based horticultural information to residents of Tulsa and the surrounding area. The Tulsa Master Gardener Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization. As such, it receives no city, state or federal funding for its Tulsa community outreach programs. In fact, the Tulsa's Master Gardener programs are self-funded by its own fundraisers, from member donations, and from public donations.

The main Tulsa Master Gardener fundraiser is its Annual Spring Plant Sale that is held each April. Other fundraisers include the Garden Tour and Garage Sale in June. And, one of the most important income sources that sometimes gets overlooked are the personal and corporate donations. These are so important in helping us to meet our financial obligations and we want you to know they are very much appreciated. 

MG Endowment Fund

The Tulsa Master Gardeners have been around for over three decades and we plan to be around for many more decades. Furthermore, we are considered one of the top five Master Gardener County programs in the entire nation. We are because of the size of our Foundation membership, the number, diversity and activity level of our various community outreach programs, and our overall financial strength! 

So, we are pleased to announce, in partnership with the Tulsa Community Foundation, the Master Gardener Foundation has established an Endowment Fund to ensure our long-term financial strength. Our plans are to build this fund for many years before making any withdrawals from it. Please consider us as you make your annual gift giving as well as longer-term estate planning decisions. Remember, all donations are fully tax deductible! 

If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the long-term success of the Tulsa Master Gardener program, click on  

TULSA MASTER GARDENER ENDOWMENT FUND.

If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the Tulsa Master Gardener program's annual expenses, click on

TULSA MASTER GARDENER FUND.

We thank ALL of you for having been such faithful contributors both in the past and in advance for your future consideration and participation! So proud to be a part of the Tulsa area - such a giving community!

=====================================================Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services.

=====================================================

You can get answers to all of your gardening questions at:

TULSA MASTER GARDENERS

4116 East 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74112

918-746-3701

mg@tulsamastergardeners.org