Compliments of Damon's Droneography

MAY HORTICULTURAL

AND GARDEN TIPS

A variety of topics (Trees & Shrubs, Turfgrass, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, and Water Gardens) are highlighted this month. So, to learn about what should be done in the month of MAY, click on GARDEN TIPS

DON'T FORGET TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THIS YEAR'S GARDEN TOUR

Saturday, June 8th - Sunday, June 9th

(but wait . . . more details coming soon)

We celebrate our annual Master Gardeners Garden Tour on Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th with five (5) Master Gardener’s private homes on tour. The home owners, just like us all, have had Oklahoma weather to contend with and especially with various windstorms over the past year. We are kept on our toes!

The gardens are all maintained by the homeowners themselves and each has their own unique style. All have inviting outdoor living spaces - some with lawns and some with no lawn at all.

Master Gardeners will be present in the gardens and able to answer any and all questions you may have. Presentations will be given at one of the homes during the tour (details will be printed on the ticket). For driving convenience, all the homes are in close proximity to one another (South Tulsa).

You may buy tickets at the OSU County Extension Office (4116 East 15th Street) or on line at our website located at tulsamastergardeners.org.

Come along and enjoy seeing these gardens which are all so lovingly cared for. We guarantee that you will be able to take home some ideas to incorporate and/or plants that you will want to acquire!

Your Tulsa Master Gardeners getting gardens ready for this year's Garden Tour

The Compost Connection

From Green Country Master Gardeners

WHERE TO FIND COMPOSTING INFORMATION

A key element of Tulsa Master Gardeners’ programs and the monthly MG e-Newsletter is to educate residential gardeners on how and where to find gardening information they want, or that in which they are interested. A main goal for us is helping gardeners find their own information and answers. There are hundreds of garden-related resources, home and professional how-to videos, books, products, tools, gardening methods, self-declared experts, researchers, and beginning gardeners who gladly share the fruits of their labors as well as the lessons in their failures. It is hoped the content of our May Compost Connections will help our readers pinpoint focus and save time searching.

The Compost Connections article became a monthly addition to the Master Gardener e-Newsletter in October, 2020. You can find all past Compost Connections in monthly e-Newsletter articles on our website at tulsamastergardeners.org. On the main menu page, scroll down to the section labelled "Articles & e-Newsletter". In this section, you will find all past e-Newsletters back to February, 2010. To find only Compost Connections, start searching from the October, 2020 edition onward.

Are you aware that on our Tulsa Master Gardener website, you can access all Oklahoma State University (OSU) Agricultural Fact Sheets? Certainly, we like welcoming visitors to the OSU Extension Center at 4116 East 15th Street (between Yale and Harvard) at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds Gate #6. If you would rather access hundreds of research-based OSU Fact Sheets from your home computer or your cell phone device, here is the way to do it. On the main page of our website, scroll down to "Lawn & Garden Help", click on that link and scroll to the bottom of that page. At the very bottom of that page just above the Oklahoma State University extension address in a green rectangle, you’ll see the prompt, “Didn’t Find Your Answer? Search our Fact Sheet Database” When you click on and open that link, it will take you to an OSU website: extension.okstate.edu. That "edu." at the end of the web address tells you that information is from a research-based source.

You will find an extensive list of topics and another link to search extension fact sheets from across the country. However, for purposes of finding information on your residential garden, soil, compost, and plants, you will want to find Oklahoma information, research, and resources that pertains to our Hardiness Zones 7a and 7b.

If you have not had the time or taken the time to peruse the Tulsa Master Gardeners website, please do so. It is a wealth of interesting, fascinating, and often nerdy topics. We like the nerdy topics. For purposes of COMPOSTING, in the "Lawn & Garden" section, you will find Tips & Techniques in a smaller gold rectangle subheading. Under that section you will find COMPOSTING. For your information, there are videos, articles, and more.

You can reach our MG volunteers in our “Diagnostic Center” at 918-746-3701 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. You can also reach your Tulsa Master Gardeners by e-mail at mg@tulsamastergardeners.org. Photos and images help us if you are asking questions about your lawn, plants, garden area, or a pesky bug.

WEATHERING YOUR GARDEN:

USDA PLANT HARDINESS ZONES

WELCOME TO THE NEW GARDENING ZONE

Want proof of global warming? The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plant hardiness zone map has been changed for the first time in a decade, showing the impact climate change has had on our gardens.

The new map will give guidance to gardeners about which flowers, vegetables and shrubs are most likely to thrive in a particular region. For instance, where most of Oklahoma used to be in zone 6, now most of the state is in zone 7. Zone 7 includes plants that can survive temperatures as low as 0 to 10 degrees.

This change accounts for a 2.5 degree increase in temperatures compared to what was considered normal. In fact, half of the U.S. has shifted to a warmer climate zone that it was 10 years ago. The change in zones came about when growers observed plants surviving without extensive steps to protect them from winter cold and frost damage. You will notice this more during the winter and evenings as opposed to summer.

For some Oklahoma horticulturalists, the shifts could result in the ability to grow some plants that are adapted for warmer climates. So, the next time you pick up a package of seeds, check to make sure the plant is fit for zone 7.

Remember: Don’t Cut Back

Spring Flowering Bulbs too Early!

As spring flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and the like finish blooming, allow the foliage to turn yellow and die back. When they have completely died back the leaves will be easy removed by just tugging on them. Allowing the leaves to remain on the plant until they turn yellow allows the photosynthesis process in the green leaves to replenish the bulb with plenty of energy for next year’s blossoms. Removing them too early robs the plant of food needed to produce spectacular blooms.

In Oklahoma, most tulip bulbs are treated as annuals, meaning they are replanted every year. The high heat and humidity along with heavy clay soils makes it difficult to maintain most tulips as a perennial plant in the garden. A gardener interested in a challenge could dig them up after the leaves have turned yellow and store them in a cool, dark area and then replant them in the fall.

Daffodils are one of our most reliable species that is perennial in Oklahoma and typically needs little care. Locating daffodils in an area such as a perennial border or shrub and groundcover area where they can be left to die back after flowering is best. Occasionally they will need to be thinned out to encourage vigorous growth and lots of blooms.

Giving your spring flowering bulbs a light feeding after flowering, but before leaves turn brown will help in developing stronger plants.

Credit; David Hillock

CONTAINER SOIL: WHAT'S BEST?

It seems that no matter what type of gardening we do, whether flower or vegetable, there is always an opportunity to plant something in a container. And, as with any plantings, the proper soil is tantamount to success. It has everything to do with healthy plants and how much they yield.

So, to learn more about how to improve container-grown plant success, click on CONTAINER SOIL.

SOME OF OUR "FAVORITE"

PESTS FOR MAY

LACE BUG

CUTWORM

With spring in full force and summer on our doorstep, plants have emerged and exploded with new growth . . . and so has the insect population. The following insects are quite active this month:

• Lace Bugs
• Termite Swarmers
• Peach Tree Borers
• Cutworms

To learn more about these insects and their life cycles, how damage symptoms manifest on their hosts, and which control measures are recommended to keep your garden plants healthy, click on OKLAHOMA PESTS. 

NOTE: Be sure to check out the "RESOURCES" at the end of the article. Some very helpful additional information available on each pest, and more.

AND, SPEAKING OF PESTS . . .

Bagworms are a very common and a most damaging nuisance for Oklahoma gardeners. They start out small and harmless, then quickly grow and multiply into a pest that is destructive to the point of killing its host tree or shrub. Fortunately, you can get ahead of this issue if you take action within the next 30 days. In late May/early June the caterpillars are small and susceptible to control; after that they are in their own "Fort Knox" and are much harder to manage.

For more information on their life cycle, control management strategies and the timing thereof, click on a white paper on BAGWORMS. And, for a plethora of pictures and additional descriptions be sure to click on the hyperlink at the end of the article. Lots of good stuff in there - you'll surely be a bagworm expert after reading all of this!

And, if that ain't enough for ya, check this out:

https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef440

https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-27/E-27.html

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1237

WHEW!

LASAGNA GARDENING:

SOUNDS DELICIOUS!

Lasagna gardening, also known as sheet composting or sheet mulching, is an organic gardening method that results in rich soil with very little effort. It is a no-till method that uses yard waste, kitchen scraps, and other compostable items that would often be thrown away.

The name “lasagna gardening” refers to the layers of “brown” and “green” organic materials that break down to create nutrient rich soil to help your plants thrive. To learn more about this "easier" way of gardening, click on LASAGNA GARDENING.

LEAVES OF THREE: LEAVE THEM BE

"Leaves of three, leave them be" is a simple way to avoid the Big 3 culprits that cause a miserable, red, itchy rash. All parts of these plants are toxic all year round. Urushiol, the toxic oil that we react to, is found in all parts of these plants.

Click on BIG 3 for more information on Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac. They can be sneaky by looking like other plants, so you'll be glad you did!

GROWING AN HERB GARDEN:

IT'S FUN & EASY!

Growing an herb garden can be a fun and rewarding opportunity for both experienced and new gardeners. A variety of herbs make fragrant and beautiful additions to landscapes and gardens and come In an assortment of colors, textures, smells, and sizes.

So, why grow an herb garden?

1. Herbs are our flexible friends and can be grown indoors or outdoors.
2. Growing herbs for culinary purposes can add extra variety and flavor to many dishes - taste better than store-bought.
3. Can be grown for their medicinal purposes - incorporate them into gardens for their healing properties.
4. Can offer a wonderful gardening experience for both the young and old

So, let's get started. Click on HERB GARDENING to learn more about herb selection, planting location, harvesting, pest control, and much more. It's fun!

GETTING A HEADSTART ON SPRING VEGGIE GARDENING:



PART 4 - THE MAINTAINTING STAGE

PART 1: PLANNING STAGE - FEBRUARY

PART 2: BUILDING STAGE - MARCH

PART 3: PLANTING STAGE - APRIL

PART 4: MAINTAINING STAGE - MAY

Welcome to the fourth installment of our four-part vegetable gardening series.

In February we covered the PLANNING stage of a new vegetable garden, including site selection, garden sizing, sketching a garden plan, and learning about plant dates based on maturity and frost classification. Click on PLANNING A GARDEN if you missed it or need a refresher.

In March, we covered the BUILDING stage. So, once you have got a plan in place, this is the next phase. Click on BUILDING A GARDEN if you missed it or need a refresher.

In April, we covered the PLANTING stage including what types of veggies to plant and when, plus tips on how to plant. Click on PLANTING A GARDEN if you missed it or need a refresher.

This month we conclude this series with MAINTAINING A GARDEN.

HUMMERS IN YOUR GARDEN

Hummingbirds are enchanting creatures that bring joy and beauty to any garden. Attracting and caring for these delightful birds requires a blend of understanding their needs, providing suitable habitats, and selecting the right plants.

Oklahoma is blessed with a variety of hummingbird species Click on HUMMINGBIRDS to find out which ones we have, to learn more about these beauties of the garden, and how best to attract these aerial acrobats to your landscape.

BUTTERFLY GARDENS IN OKLAHOMA

Butterfly gardens are not only beautiful additions to your landscape but also serve as vital habitats for these delicate and important pollinators. In Oklahoma, creating a butterfly garden can be a rewarding endeavor, attracting a variety of native butterfly species while contributing to the overall health of local ecosystems.

To establish and maintain a successful butterfly garden in this region, several key factors must be considered. Click on BUTTERFLY GARDEN to find out what these key factors are.

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.

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

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