JANUARY HORTICULTURAL

AND GARDEN TIPS

Even in the dead of winter, there are a few things that gardeners can be doing. A few of them are highlighted in this month's tips. So, to learn about what should be done in JANUARY, click on GARDEN TIPS.

The Compost Connection

From Green Country Master Composters

Happy New Year, 2025, to all Compost Connection readers, whether you are a monthly visitor or dropping in for the first time. The beginning of a new year almost requires a new beginning in your gardens, compost systems, flowerbeds, and all those creative, ambitious ideas for all the previously mentioned. At the least there are renovations . . . even if the size, location, focal point, boundary, and supporting structures are all that you manage for this year. It’s still a fresh start.

Wherever you found your idea or inspiration, start with that. Ideas can come from an array of places:

• a friend’s garden
• a magazine cover
• an article
• the local Farmer’s Market
• a Home and Garden show
• an agricultural trade show
• your county extension’s outreach workshops
• your own creativity

There is no shortage of resources you may find useful. In Tulsa County, contact tulsamastergardeners.org as part of the Cooperative Extension Service located at 4116 East 15th Street in Tulsa or call us at 918-746-3701. 

All upcoming Master Gardeners workshops, information, and content can be found on the website listed above. You will find gardening information, resources, and links to hundreds of Oklahoma State University Fact Sheets which are all available on the main page of the Tulsa Master Gardeners website. 

For more compost information, click on the Lawn & Garden link on the Tulsa Master Gardeners website main page. Scroll down to the Tips & Techniques section to find the Composting section under that. Click there to find more information, short videos, and links to a variety of composting tips.

WEATHERING YOUR GARDEN



NOT ALL SNOW IS THE SAME

As we get into our snowiest time of the year, let’s look at the two main different kinds of snow - wet and dry. Both start the same. Water vapor in clouds freezes into ice crystals and falls to the ground as snow (if the air is freezing from the cloud to the ground). The longer it falls, the more we get. However, the consistency of the white stuff makes a big difference.

Wet Snow

Wet snow occurs when the air temperature near the surface is above freezing, causing the snowflakes to partially melt before reaching the surface. This causes the snowflakes to become sticky and easily adhere to and accumulate on nearly all outdoor surfaces.

A few inches of wet snow accumulation can make for beautiful winter landscapes, coating everything from tree limbs to fence rails. The stickiness of wet snow also makes it easy to form into snowballs and snowmen. But while wet snow can be fun for the family and make for great photo opportunities, it can cause a lot of problems when several inches of it accumulates. Wet snow not only sticks to everything, but it is also heavier than dry snow. One inch of wet snow can contain 2 to 3 times more water than one inch of dry snow, making it that much heavier. This makes it difficult to shovel and the weight of the wet snow can snap tree limbs and power lines causing power outages. In extreme cases, structural damage and roof collapses can occur. 

Dry Snow

Dry snow is more common as it occurs when the surface air temperature is below freezing. Without the stickiness of wet snow, dry snow tends to accumulate only on the ground and other level surfaces with little or no accumulation on trees or power lines.

Unlike wet snow, dry snow is powdery and cannot easily be formed into snowballs or snowmen. In addition, colder air temperatures correlate to lighter and fluffier snow that contains less water per inch. This makes it easier to shovel, but also makes it more susceptible to significant blowing and drifting when accompanied by strong winds making it more difficult to keep roads and walkways cleared. Dry snow is difficult to accurately measure when the wind is blowing, and that blowing wind can also make it difficult to see when you’re driving.

Since it takes 10” of rain to produce 1” of snow, wet snow takes longer to melt leaving you more time to build a snowman or have a snowball fight.

ICE MELT PRODUCTS:

THE GOOD AND THE BAD

Well, we may or may not get snow this year, but we usually do get at least some ice. And, what a disaster that can be! Snow and ice on the steps, driveway, etc. is very dangerous so we usually want to get rid of it as soon as we can. Applying an ice melt product is a good way to solve that problem. But, we need to be careful what we apply. Some products can great and some can be quite harmful to plants as well as our pets.

Click on ICE MELT PRODUCTS to learn about the good ones and the ones we should avoid doing damage to our beloved plants and pets.

CHRISTMAS TREE

DISPOSAL OPTIONS

Last month we discussed how to select and care for your Christmas tree. Now that the holiday is behind us, we'll discuss various disposal options for that lovely tree that brought so much joy last month. You just might be surprised at some of the ideas, so click on CHRISTMAS TREE DISPOSAL to find out.

NEW YEAR'S

GARDENING RESOLUTIONS

It’s that time of the year again when we look forward to establishing new year resolutions. Research shows that hundreds of thousands of people put exercising and healthy eating at the top of their list. What better way to meet both goals than by gardening? You can achieve both goals while learning new things, going green, and just having a great time!

Click on GARDENING RESOLUTIONS to read about 10 inspiring ideas, ways to achieve your gardening resolutions, and to get you started on your best gardening year ever.

CREATING A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN:

PART 5: PRINCIPLES OF RHYTHM AND EMPHASIS

Continuing our multi-part series on landscape design, we have moved past Elements and onto the Principles. Last month, we discussed the principles of scale and balance; this month will focus on rhythm and emphasis. While all are essential, rhythm and emphasis are particularly powerful in creating dynamic and engaging gardens that capture attention and guide movement. Rhythm: Guiding the Eye and Creating. Click on RHYTHM & EMPHASIS to learn more.

SOME BACKGROUND

In September we started a series on landscaping design. We discussed the fact that designing a home garden involves more than just planting a variety of flowers and shrubs. It requires a thoughtful approach to arranging plants, hardscapes, and other elements in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and functional. If you missed Part 1 or would like to refresh your memory, click on ELEMENTS OF DESIGN.

In October our second part in this series ventured into Mass, Form, & Line. According to Oklahoma State University Extension fact sheet "Homeowner Garden Design Series: Elements and Principles of Design HLA-6441," of the five elements of design: mass, form, line, texture and color, the three first elements play a pivotal role in shaping the garden's structure and mood. If you missed Part 2 or would like to refresh your memory, click on MASS, FORM, & LINE to understand better how these elements can help you as a homeowner craft your gardens such that they are not only functional but also visually striking.

In November we explored the last two elements of texture and color, and added value as a bonus. Crafting a beautiful garden involves balancing design elements to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally cohesive. If you missed PART 3 or would like to refresh your memory, click on TEXTURE, COLOR, & VALUE to learn how these items play a significant role in shaping the garden's ambiance and structure.

In December, we started delving into principles . . . starting with scale & balance. The elements discussed in September through November work together with six principles of design (scale, balance, rhythm, emphasis, simplicity, unity) to bring structure, mood, and flow to the landscape. If you missed PART 4 or would like to refresh your memory click on SCALE & BALANCE to learn how these concepts are foundational to ensure the garden feels cohesive and proportionate.

FIREPLACE ASHES:

NOT FOR THE GARDEN!

For our seasoned readers, you will recall seeing this one before as this article gets run every year. But, it's an important reminder and good info for our newer readers . . . that is, what NOT to do with your spent fireplace ashes. Click on FIREPLACE ASHES to learn about the science behind this.

SOIL SAMPLING & TESTING - NOW IS A GOOD TIME

Well, it’s officially winter now and all those gorgeous, glossy catalogs from the seed and plant nursery companies are starting to arrive. Now is a good time to plan for next year’s garden. There is something you can do to now to get a head start on your spring planting. It is the perfect time to get your soil tested! 

A basic soil test will tell you what nutrients might be deficient in your soil and what you need to add to get the best results in your lawn and gardens.

So, if it has been three years or more since your soil was tested, having a new test performed would be wise. And, it is not too late in the season to do this as long as the soil is not frozen. There are recommended ways to take samples properly so click on SOIL TEST to learn the best way to achieve the most accurate results.

STARTING SPRING

SEEDLINGS INDOORS

Starting garden plants from seeds indoors can be an enjoyable project for any gardener - beginner or seasoned. It is an inexpensive way to grow a wide variety of plants and many garden favorites are found in a greater variety of colors, sizes, and growth habits as seeds, rather than as started plants.

Seeds are available from many sources, ranging from your local building supply store to garden centers and mail order catalogs . . . but their prices can vary greatly so shop wisely.

So, if you are wanting something to do on these cold, winter days, consider starting your spring garden early . . . indoors. Click on SPRING SEEDLINGS to learn a good way to do this.

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 two main annual Tulsa Master Gardener fundraisers are its Spring Plant Sale in April and the Garden Tour that is usually the first weekend 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.

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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