JUNE HORTICULTURAL

AND GARDEN TIPS

Now that Summer is almost here, the list of gardening and landscaping TO DO's grows. Some of them (Turfgrass, Fruits & Nuts, Trees & Shrubs, Flowers, and more) are highlighted in this month's tips. So, to learn about what can be done in JUNE, click on GARDEN TIPS.

Complements of "the little shine.com"

HEAR YE! HEAR YE!



TULSA MASTER GARDENERS

ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR

IS THIS WEEKEND

We are looking forward to this year's annual Tulsa Master Gardeners (TMG) Garden Tour with the theme of "Urban Oasis". Four private homes will be on tour in the Tulsa midtown area and you can visit them at your leisure over the first weekend in June. The gardens illustrate a wide variety of personality together with successful plantings and old trees. These gardens are all tended by the homeowner and they are happy to share their successes and challenges. Additionally, Master Gardeners will be in the gardens to answer any questions you may have. You will surely be able to take home ideas to implement in your own gardens.

The Tulsa County Extension Office Demonstration Garden will also be on tour this year. TMGs will be on duty giving presentations and sharing their extensive knowledge of pond management, drip irritation, composting, and much more. This is also where you will learn more about Oklahoma Proven and native plants. Small garden tool sharpening services will be offered for a donation to TMG.

The Tulsa Master Gardener organization is a 501(c)(3) and, as such, is totally self-funded. This annual Garden Tour is a fundraiser enabling us to carry out all our volunteerism including community events, areas of teaching, and much more as noted below.

Tickets are available online at tulsamastergardeners.org and at the Tulsa County Extension Office. Exact addresses are provided on your ticket. Advance ticket price is $10, or $15 on the tour days.

Rain or shine . . . come see us!

A Sneak Peek At This Year's Garden Tour Midtown Homes & Demonstration Garden

If you are interested in knowing how to become a Tulsa County Master Gardener, click on tulsamastergardeners.org to register and receive an e-mail reminder of the upcoming informational meetings.

Then, be sure to mark your calendar for upcoming one-hour information sessions as follows (you only need to attend one):

Wednesday, August 6th @ 1 p.m.

OR

Wednesday, August 13th @ 10 a.m.



Held at the Tulsa County OSU Extension Office

4116 East 15th Street, Tulsa

For a sneak peek of the fun, check out the video:

"What I Like About Being

A Master Gardener"

The Compost Connection

From Green Country Master Composters

WHERE TO FIND COMPOSTING INFORMATION

The Compost Connection's May article centered on locating compost information for backyard composters. There are many resources for locating this information. There is the Tulsa Master Gardeners website at tulsamastergardeners.org. Oklahoma State University Fact Sheets can also be found on that website. On composting specifically, they can be found by clicking on the LAWN & GARDEN HELP section on the Main page of our website, then clicking on COMPOSTING. One excellent basic guide Fact Sheet is Backyard Composting in Oklahoma, reference number, HLA-6448. Other resources may include YouTube videos but be certain your reference is experienced, knowledgeable, and connected with a reputable land grant research university, preferably within our USDA Hardiness Climate Zone 7. You may search on the Internet but be mindful of your resources and try to narrow your search field. Also, try to be specific with search questions. Try to find local classes about composting. Your County Cooperative Extension Service is a good resource.

Below are some helpful hints about basic backyard composting to help make it easier to implement.

20 Things You Need to Know Before You Start Composing at Home:

https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/a43043/composting/?

Country Living:

https://www.countryliving.com/ 

____________________________________________

SOME USELESS TRIVIA THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Who was the first to compost?

A set of clay tablets contains the first “written account” of making compost. It was carved during the Akkadian Dynasty, during the reign of King Sargon. His reign lasted about 160 years, between 2320 BC and 2120 BC. 

WEATHERING YOUR GARDEN

THE BENEFITS OF KNOWING SOIL TEMPERATURE

Soil temperature, especially in Oklahoma, is a crucial yet often overlooked factor in gardening success. Understanding it can make the difference between thriving plants and a frustrating growing season. Here are some key benefits of monitoring soil temperature:

1.     Optimal Planting Time: Different plants have specific soil temperature requirements for germination. Seeds planted in soil that is too cold may not sprout, while those in overly warm soil could struggle. Knowing the soil temperature ensures that gardeners plant at the ideal time for strong growth.

2.     Improved Nutrient Uptake: Soil temperature influences how plants absorb nutrients. For example, microbial activity that helps break down organic matter and release nutrients increases in warmer soil. If the temperature is too low, nutrient absorption can slow down, affecting plant health.

3.     Pest and Disease Management: Many pests and diseases thrive in certain temperature ranges. Being aware of your soil temperature can help anticipate and prevent outbreaks. Examples are root rot in overly damp, cool soil; harmful insect activity in warmer conditions.

4.     Efficient Water Management: Soil temperature affects moisture retention. Warmer soil tends to dry out faster, while cooler soil holds moisture longer. This information helps gardeners adjust their watering schedules to prevent drought stress or waterlogging.

5.     Season Extension Opportunities: Gardeners looking to grow crops earlier or later in the season can use soil temperature readings to make informed decisions. Techniques like mulching or using row covers can help regulate temperature for an extended growing period.

Here are some great tools for measuring soil temperature:

• Premium Soil Meter Thermometer – A simple and effective tool for monitoring soil temperature, suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants.

• CHICIRIS Soil Thermometer – A durable thermometer with a plastic and glass design.

• YIGSECU 2-in-1 Soil Temperature Meter – An electronic tester that measures both soil temperature and humidity, ideal for garden use.

• Compost Soil Tester Meter – A stainless steel probe thermometer designed for monitoring compost and soil temperature.

• Soil Meter Thermometer Temperature Tester – A high-accuracy tool that requires no batteries, making it convenient for gardeners.

LEAVES OF THREE . . . LEAVE THEM BE!

We are all just itching to get back outside after so much rain. But beware! All this rain has been great for something outside that will make you itch. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac.

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. It can get on skin, clothes, shoes and pet fur.

To learn more about these plants and some control measures , click on LEAVES OF THREE.

IPM:

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS (PART 4)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive and environmentally conscious approach to pest control that prioritizes long-term prevention and minimal use of chemical treatments. It incorporates five core key strategies: cultural, genetic, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls to manage pests effectively in home landscapes. Each method contributes to a balanced ecosystem, reducing reliance on pesticides and promoting plant health.

This month's article explores the 4th control method (Biological Control) which uses living organisms to manage pest populations naturally. Click on BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS to learn more about this most important principal of IPM. It's the last one before we resort to chemicals!

In case you missed last month's article on Mechanical Controls: Part 3 (a straightforward and often highly effective way to reduce pest populations without the use of chemicals), click on MECHANICAL CONTROLS to learn much more about this part of an integrated pest management approach to gardening.

In case you missed the previous month's article on Cultural and Genetic Controls: Part 2 (focusing on creating an environment that discourages pests from becoming a problem in the first place), click on CULTURAL CONTROLS to learn more about this key foundational principle of IPM.

In case you missed the first article in March, click on IPM to start learning about this intriguing and environmentally-friendly approach to pest management.

PLANTING FOR POLLINATORS

In the summertime, when the weather is high you can stretch right up and touch the sky. When the weather’s fine, you got flowers, you got flowers on your mind! Grab your glass of iced tea and let’s talk about planting for pollinators to enjoy in the beautiful Oklahoma summer!

Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping plants reproduce. Creating a garden that attracts these creatures can promote biodiversity and ensure the health of local flora. Choosing the right plants is essential to developing a thriving pollinator-friendly garden.

Click on POLLINATOR PLANTING to learn (more) about this cool way to be "one" with nature including plant selection, garden design, and area maintenance. 

PLANTS THAT THRIVE IN OKLAHOMA HEAT

Baby it’s hot outside! Oklahoma is known for its scorching summer temperatures. Therefore, gardeners in this state must carefully select plants that can withstand the intense heat and often dry conditions.

Fortunately, there are many resilient and beautiful plants well-suited to thrive in Oklahoma's challenging climate. Click on HOT PLANTS to explore some of the best options for your garden.  

STINGING INSECTS - OUCH!

Stinging insects, particularly bees and wasps, are fascinating creatures that play essential roles in our ecosystems. How can something so beneficial to our livelihood cause such pain? They sting to catch prey or defend themselves. 

The good news is not all of the over 35,000 species sting or even have stingers. Click on STINGERS to learn more about the various stinging insects that we may encounter, what to do if stung, and preventative measures.  

PLANTS THAT ARE

DEER RESISTANT

Deer-Resistant Plant Types:

• Fragrant Plants: Deer generally dislike strong scents. This includes herbs like lavender, sage, thyme, rosemary, and mint. 

• Fuzzy or Textured Plants: Deer prefer smoother, more palatable leaves. Plants with fuzzy or rough textures are often left alone. 

• Toxic or Unpalatable Plants: Some plants contain compounds that are toxic or unappetizing to deer, like foxglove and flowering tobacco. 

• Fine-Textured Plants: Deer tend to avoid plants with fine, delicate foliage. 

• Ornamental Grasses: Some ornamental grasses are deer-resistant. 

Specific Deer-Resistant Plants:

• Alliums (ornamental onions)
• Astilbe
• Bearded Iris
• Beebalm (Monarda)
• Boxwood (Buxus)
• Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)
• Catmint
• Cinquefoil (Potentilla)
• Coneflower (Echinacea)
• Coreopsis
• Dusty Miller (Senecio)
• Forsythia
• Foxglove (Digitalis)
• Goatsbeard (Aconogonon)
• Lavender (Lavandula)
• Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
• Marigolds (Tagetes)
• Meadow Rue (Thalictrum)
• Nasturtiums
• Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus)
• Russian Sage (Perovskia)
• Zinnias

ROSE PRUNING TIPS

(a re-run)

A REComplements of Frenchie Gardener

Rose pruning is not difficult but there is a bit of an art to it. A 7-step guide to beautiful rose bushes:

1. Choose the Right Time

Prune in late winter or early spring, just as new growth begins, typically after the last frost when buds start to swell.

2. Gather Your Tools

Use sharp bypass pruners, long-handled loppers, gardening gloves, and disinfectant for clean and safe pruning.

3. Think DDD

Identify and remove all Dead, Damaged, or Diseased wood. Dead wood is brown and dry; healthy wood is green inside. Cut back to healthy tissue.

4. Cut Back to Outward-Facing Buds

Make cuts 1/4" above an outward-facing bud at a 45-degree angle to encourage outward growth and prevent water retention.

5. Thin Out Crowded Areas

Remove crossing or rubbing branches to improve airflow and light penetration. Aim for an open, vase-like shape.

6. Shape the Plant

Prune for a balanced, symmetrical form, removing weak or spindly growth to focus energy on stronger branches.

7. Feed and Mulch

After pruning, feed roses with balanced fertilizer and apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Additional Tips for Success

Prune Regularly

Remove spent blooms throughout the growing season to encourage continuous flowering.

Know Your Rose Type

Different roses require different pruning techniques (i.e., hybrid teas need more severe pruning than climbers).

Disinfect Tools

Clean tools with disinfectant between cuts to prevent pathogen spread, especially when dealing with diseased plants.

    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