|
|
|
|
Spring Has Truly Sprung
April 2019 / Volume 145
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Know what you should be doing in the month of April. A selection of garden tips (fruit & nut, tree & shrub, flowers, vegetables, landscape, lawn and much more) can be found by clicking GARDEN TIPS.
|
|
2019 Tulsa Master Gardener
One Day Only Spring Plant Sale
|
A big thanks to many of you that pre-ordered plants from the Tulsa Master Gardeners (again) this year. This plant sale is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Without your support, we could not do all of the good things we do throughout the year around the Tulsa community.
Although the time to pre-order has now passed, there is still an opportunity to make your landscape look great while supporting us. On Thursday, April 18th, we will once again have our one-day plant sale. This year we are calling it a "Pop Up Plant Sale" and it will again feature some of the best plants of the season.
It will be held in the Exchange Center on the fairgrounds starting at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Enter from 21st street. Be sure to come early for the best selection as many of the more popular plant varieties tend to sell quickly. See you there! |
|
|
Veggies To Plant In April
April: All of the ones you have not already planted, except those listed below
May (Looking Ahead)
Cantaloupe
Southern Pea
Winter Squash
Sweet Potato
Watermelon
For the full Oklahoma Garden Planning Guide, click on
HLA-6004.
|
The (Hidden)
Benefits Of Weeds
|
So, you missed applying the pre-emergent again last fall and weeds are growing up everywhere! It appears they do not grow so much faster because they are weeds, but . . .they are weeds because they grow so fast!
The culprits we call weeds or things that we don't plant and grow like weeds are considered as a "symptom" of a flawed situation rather than the problem.
Actually, weeds aren't all that bad but, rather, simply misunderstood plants that have somehow fallen out of favor! While weeds are known for reduction in crop yields when they compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight, there are several positive factors that favor having weeds around . . . at least, for a while. One of those is Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
It's a rather interesting way to look at weeds. If it interests you, c
lick on
BENEFITS OF WEEDS
to learn more about this "out of the box" thinking.
|
|
Monarchs & Milkweed In Spring
|
It's spring, and the Monarchs are migrating. Yes, Monarchs migrate in the autumn and spring. In fact, spring migration may be even more important than autumn migration in determining the success of the Monarch population.
Most gardeners are familiar with the autumn migration of Monarchs. We note the passage of these beloved butterflies through our gardens as they funnel south from Canada and the northern states through the central states. Then, they flood through Texas and into their wintering grounds in the mountains near Mexico City.
From Tulsa, that's a distance of some 1,350 miles. Quite a trek for such a delicate-seeming creature!
Even more astounding, though, that same generation of Monarchs that made the journey to Mexico some 4-5 months ago, now begins its northward migration. Beginning late February to mid-March, this additional 600-1,000 mile journey is timed to match the succession of spring-blooming nectar plants (mostly native wildflowers and trees) that feed the Monarchs, and the growth of milkweed on which they lay their eggs.
So, planting certain plants (milkweed) will not only fill your garden with the graceful fluttering of Monarchs but will help their population grow for your children and grandchildren to enjoy. Click on MONARCHS & MILKWEED to learn more about their migration as well as plants (and certain weeds) that benefit these beautiful creatures.
|
|
Six Pre-Emergent Myths Busted
(Re-Run From March - Still Applicable)
#1 No prior crabgrass issues = no need for pre-emergents
Crabgrass seeds can be transported great distances, by the wind or by animals. And, weed seeds are viable for a long time in the soil. Best
to treat the yard every year.
#2 Thick lawns don't need to be treated
#3 Soil aeration breaks the pre-emergent control barrier
Because pre-emergent herbicides create a barrier in the soil, it is a commonly-held belief that aeration will disrupt this layer. T
here have been several published research articles that demonstrate no reduction of weed control with spring aeration.
#4 Spot-treating is more effective
The consensus among scientists is that this method is ineffective.
It is better to treat the entire yard with a pre-emergent herbicide to create a complete soil barrier.
#5 Post-emergent herbicides are better
Pre-emergent herbicides have very little chance of affecting the established turf and require far fewer applications. P
re-emergent applications are easier to schedule because the products won't degrade if applied early. For
the cheaper and easier option for
controlling crabgrass
, beating it to the punch by putting down a pre-emergent is the preferred method
#6 Pre-emergents must be applied at an exact time
There are several timing factors that people tend to go by, either waiting for a specific month depending on their region, or monitoring soil temperatures. Crabgrass starts to germinate when the soil temperature has been above 50 degrees for several days.
The most important thing is to remember that it is better to apply early than too late.
|
 
|
|
The dream of almost every garden enthusiast is to have a picturesque and editorial ready outdoor space with lush green, bounding flowers, and fresh garden produce ready to pick and eat. As gardeners, we spend labor intensive weekends, hours of planning, prepping, planting and fine-tuning to make this dream a reality.
The end goal is to create a sanctuary - our own Garden of Eden and happy place for ourselves, friends, and family to enjoy. However, creating this Dreamscape isn't always practical or obtainable. Physical limitations, lack of property on which to establish a garden, or a non-permanent residence, all serve as barriers for the green-thumbed dreamer who feels stuck without.
The solution? Container gardens! With the ability to bring the earth to a rooftop, balcony, rental property, or moving home, these types of gardens have been growing in popularity with the urban crowd, the the non-permanent resident, the physically limited, and the gardening newbie. The new gardener will benefit from the increased ability to control the soil type, quality, and nutrients, as well as other variables such as the amount of watering and the available mobility to correct for changing sun availability.
Click on CONTAINER GARDENING for much more information on how to be successful at this "new" type of gardening.
|
|
Monthly Pest Alert:
It's The Time Of Year For Ants and Termites To Be Swarmin'
|
During our spring season is the time that homeowners may notice swarming insects in and around their property. In our area you can have BOTH ants and termites beginning to swarm, so you should first make the proper identification between ants and termites before developing an attack plan.
It is more likely that the swarm will be made up of ants; however, it could be termites. If so, that particular swarm needs to be treated sooner rather than later in order to prevent severe damage to building structures. So, before applying any insecticide or pesticide, you should first make a positive identification of the type of swarming insects. This prevents you from applying the wrong insecticide or pesticide application.
Click on SWARMING INSECTS to learn how to properly distinguish between flying ants and flying termites.
|
|
Mulching - It's Worth The Effort
|
 
{Looks Good!} {A Mulch Volcano - A Big No-No!}
|
|
As you look around town, you will find so many opportunities to provide trees, shrubs and flower beds the mulch they desire and need. Although mulching has many benefits, such as helping to reduce soil moisture loss, regulating soil temperature, and minimizing weed germination and growth, there can be a tendency to misuse this beneficial landscaping resource.
Click on MULCH to find out what to do and NOT to do with mulch along with some key application tips.
|
|
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (CMBS)
|
The Crapemyrtle (Lagerstomia indica) has been a longtime favorite ornamental shrub of homeowners as it blooms profusely throughout our very hot summers. The fall color and bark add interest to our fall and winter landscapes.
Do you recall if your crapemyrtles were not looking so great at the end of last fall?
Did the trunks and branches look blackened and the bloom less prolific?
If so, this is likely caused from Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (CMBS). While it likely won't kill the tree, it certainly diminishes the appearance of these wonderful shrubs.
Click on CMBS for more information about this pest that is becoming an annual visitor to our area..
|
Drip Irrigation: A Really Efficient Way To Water
Part 1: Planning The System |
|
It's spring and we're seeing a few 60-70 degree days! Gardening juices are starting to flow and planning a drip irrigation system might be a good way to utilize that extra gardening energy.
Drip irrigation is the most efficient and environmentally friendly watering system. Water is a non-renewable resource that is so readily available and affordable in the Tulsa area that we tend to undervalue it. In Oklahoma, 30-40% of household water is used to maintain our home landscapes. As stewards of the land, it is up to us to make choices that increase efficient water usage. A drip irrigation system enables us to deliver the precise amount of water needed at the time it is needed which in turn provides less runoff, evaporation and easier weed control.
|
|
DID YOU KNOW?
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
Did you know that we have been around for over three decades, since 1983? And, we plan to be around for many more decades. Did you know that
we are one of the top five Master Gardener county programs in the entire nation? We are, indeed, because of the size of our Foundation membership, the diversity and activity level of our 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!
We thank you for having been such faithful contributors both in the past and in advance for your future consideration and participation! The Tulsa area is such a giving community!
GENERAL FUND
John & Tessa Carter
Judy Feuquay
Edna Meziere
Owasso Bouquet of Gardeners
Jacqueline Rago
Bernard & Marcialyn Robinowitz
|
|
Got a Question? Or Maybe a Soil or Plant Sample?
|
|
Our Master Gardeners are on hand to assist you with even the toughest gardening questions. Visit us in person, by phone, via email or online! Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.
Address: 4116 E. 15th Street, Gate 6 at the Fairgrounds
Phone: (918) 746-3701
|
|
|
|
|
|
All about butterfly gardening in Tulsa County.
How to Take a Soil Test
How to collect a good sample of soil from your lawn or garden and get it tested at the OSU lab.
Once you have collected your soil test and gotten the results back, now what? Find out here.
Show and tell.
|
State horticulturists, nurseries and growers pick favorite plants, shrubs and trees for use in the Oklahoma landscape. See the winners for this year and years past.
|
A list of recommended trees with descriptions.
A list of over 60, by size and color.
Visit our demonstration garden on
15th Street, open 7 days a week.
Current and historical source of rainfall, air temperatures, soil temps and much more. Click on Bixby station.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
