APRIL HORTICULTURAL

AND GARDEN TIPS

As Spring begins to spring into action, the list of gardening and landscaping TO DO's grows. Some of them (Fruit & Nut, Trees & Shrubs, Flowers, Vegetables, Lawn, and Landscape) are highlighted in this month's tips. So, to learn about what can be done in APRIL, click on GARDEN TIPS.

Complements of "the little shine.com"

ANOTHER TERRIFIC LINE-UP OF LUNCH-N-LEARNS CONTINUING

THIS MONTH

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

TO COME AND SEE US

TULSA MASTER GARDENERS

ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR IS COMING

2025 MG Garden Tour: June 7th - 8th

We are looking forward to the Annual Master Gardener "Urban Oasis" Garden Tour. Four homes are are on tour and you can visit them at your leisure over the first weekend in June. All of the homes are old mid-town properties that have hardly changed over the years. Some are with original features in the garden; some are changes due to modern lifestyles. The gardens illustrate a wide variety of personality together with successful plantings and old trees. You will surely be able to take home ideas to implement in your own gardens.

Master Gardeners will be in the gardens to answer any questions you may have. These gardens are all tended by the homeowner and they are happy to share their successes and challenges.

The Tulsa County Extension Office Demonstration Garden will also be on tour this year. This is where you will learn more about Oklahoma Proven and native plants. There will be presentations held as well as tool sharpening for small garden tools.

The Tulsa Master Gardener organization is totally self-funded. As such, the Garden Tour is a fundraiser enabling us to carry out all our volunteerism including communities events, areas of teaching, the Seed to Supper Farm . . . and much more.

Tickets will be available online and at the Tulsa County Extension Office in May. And, more details about each home will be provided in next month's e-newsletter, so be sure to come back to learn more then. We look forward to seeing you at the tour and sharing our ideas and knowledge with you.

The Compost Connection

From Green Country Master Composters

Most gardeners newly interested in composting find themselves researching for more information that is both accessible and easily incorporated with their established gardening routine. If this sounds familiar, perhaps you have been bitten by the “composting bug.” It is common for those with new interests or those expanding established interests. It is all about discovering that there is more to learn. If your interest is fishing, sewing, woodworking, photography, birdwatching, etc. you are likely always looking for more information to expand your knowledge on that subject.

As you find more areas to explore, and opportunities to gain knowledge, you are adding to what you already know. So, this is a good time to review the resources you have already used. It might be that the knowledge you are seeking is info that you already have in the resources that you have accumulated. That might be in the form of books, internet sources, YouTube videos, podcasts, workshops, and more. There is so much composting information available, presented in so many forms, that you constantly add to your knowledge bank. So, how do you manage, gather, or organize your resources? It is common to return to trusted resources. The more you research, the more resources you find. Your method of organizing your information is your choice.

If you are reading this article, you are actually using a resource now - it is the Tulsa County Master Gardeners' monthly e-Newsletter. Now is a good time to review compost information shared over the last several months, even years. It is always readily available in these issues. We maintain an archive of all previous newsletter which contain Compost Connection articles. Here's how . . . go to the main menu of the Tulsa Master Gardeners website at tulsamastergardeners.org. On the main page, scroll down and click on the rectangle for Articles & e-Newsletter. That takes you to a page on which you will find access to all past Master Gardeners Tulsa World Newspaper articles. Below that, on the same page, you will see the link for the e-Newsletter. Scroll down to select any month which will pull up the Newsletter and you will find the Compost Connection for that month.

Here is the link shared last month to a very good resource from the Natural Resources Defense Council. You will find many tips and links for resources to be reviewed time and again:

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101

There is no shortage of resources you may find useful. All upcoming Master Gardeners’ workshops, information, and content can be found on our website shown in above paragraph. In addition, you will find gardening information, resources, and links to hundreds of Oklahoma State University Fact Sheets which are all available through the Lawn & Garden link on the main page of the Tulsa Master Gardeners website. Select that link, scroll to the bottom of the page to find the link that reads "Search our Fact Sheet Database".

Finally, for more compost information, click on the Lawn & Garden link on the Tulsa Master Gardeners website main page. Scroll down to Tips & Techniques 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

(FAIRLY) NEW GARDENING ZONES

Want proof of global warming? Last year the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plant hardiness zone map was 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 (zero to 10 below zero), now most of the state is in zone 7, which includes plants that can survive temperatures as low as 0 to 10 degrees above zero.

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 than it was just 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. For the homeowner, this will become more noticeable 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.

DAFFODILS

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.

TULIPS

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.

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

VEGGIE GARDENING

FOR APRIL

The month of April allows vegetable gardeners to start a broader array of seeds and transplants. So, for this month (and into early next month), some of the more popular veggies that are safe to plant are:

CRABGRASS TREATMENT & TIMING:

A LITTLE TRICKY BUT DEFINITELY WORTH THE EFFORT

This article is a re-run from last month. It's not too late (but almost) to get started on this weed control measure for this season.

Crabgrass is a pervasive annual grassy weed that poses significant challenges to maintaining healthy lawns and pastures in Oklahoma. We all hate it! Its rapid growth and prolific seed production enable it to outcompete desirable turfgrasses, leading to unsightly and weakened lawns.

Effective crabgrass management hinges on the strategic use of pre-emergent herbicides, which prevent the weed's seeds from germinating and establishing. But, even more than that, the timing of application is also key. Click on CRABGRASS to learn more about why this treatment is worth the time, expense, and effort and when to apply it (hint: now, if you have not already).

IPM:

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

CULTURAL & GENETIC CONTROLS (PART 2)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to managing pests in the home landscape. By combining multiple control methods, IPM reduces the need for chemical pesticides while maintaining plant health. The five main IPM controls—cultural, genetic, mechanical, biological, and chemical—work together to prevent and manage pest issues effectively.

Cultural and genetic control are the foundation of IPM, as they focus 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 last month's article (the first one in this series), click on IPM to start learning about this intriguing and environmentally-friendly approach to pest management.

HERBS:

SMELLS GOOD AND GOOD FOR YOU!

Everyone knows that most herbs smell good and can be used to enhance food in recipes. But, did you know that many of the more popular herbs also have various health benefits?

The good news is that many of these health-enhancing plants can be grown in Oklahoma. So, click on HEALTHY HERBS to learn about the health advantages of herbs that can be grown almost anywhere.

SPRING LAWN CARE MADE SIMPLE

Spring in Oklahoma heralds the revival of lawns, making it an opportune time to implement essential maintenance practices to ensure a lush, healthy turf throughout the growing season. Key aspects of spring lawn care include mowing, fertilizing, dethatching, aerating, and watering.

These practices play a vital role in promoting vigorous growth and resilience against environmental stresses. Click on SPRING LAWN CARE to learn the details about each lawn maintenance aspect.

SPRING DEAD SPOT IN OKLAHOMA'S BERMUDAGRASS

Spring Dead Spot (SDS) is a significant disease affecting Oklahoma's bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.), particularly in highly managed residential, commercial, and recreational lawns. This disease manifests prominently during the spring as bermudagrass emerges from dormancy, leading to unsightly and potentially damaging patches in turfgrass.

Click on SPRING DEAD SPOT to learn more about the many ways you can prevent this as well as management control strategies if you do get attacked by it.

OKLAHOMA PROVEN SELECTIONS FOR 2025

Spring has officially sprung! Old Man Winter is finally done and now it is time to get growing! Oklahoma Proven Selections is a great place to start.

Oklahoma Proven is a plant testing and promotion program coordinated by the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University. Since 1999, their goal is to find and test plants that will survive and thrive in Oklahoma. Each year they recommend a tree, a shrub, a perennial, and an annual that are well adapted for our ever-changing and often-challenging weather.

Click on OKLAHOMA PROVEN to read about what the selections are for 2025. And, for even more info, click on PLANT PROFILES to view the last 25 years of all selections as well.

RAINWATER COLLECTION

People have collected rainwater since ancient times. It is an old skill that is still relevant today. An average residential roof will produce a large amount of runoff even with very little rainfall. Even with just a 1" rainfall you can collect over a 1/2 gallon of water for each square foot of roof. That's about 60 gallons for every 100 square feet.

So, not only is that a lot of water, but lightning can also play a role in the formation of nitrates in the atmosphere, which then fall to earth in rain, thus potentially enriching the soil. For more information on designing a rainwater collection system, click on RAINWATER.

ROSE PRUNING TIPS

Complements 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.

A big THANK YOU goes out to

our recent contributors:

MARCH

Julienne Lovelace

APRIL

Maple Ridge Garden Club

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