SPRING IS HERE
SUMMER IS COMING
LET'S GET TO GARDENING!
MAY 2022 / VOLUME 182
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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY Y'ALL! |
THE TULSA MASTER GARDENERS
ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR
IS ALWAYS A BIG HIT!
YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS IT
JUNE 4-5, 2022
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Luxury Landscapes
Each year your Tulsa Master Gardeners feature a home Garden Tour - a major fundraiser that helps to keep our outreach programs fully funded year after year.
This year, like most years in the past, five Master Gardeners' gardens are on public display to the public. Each garden shows the personality of the homeowner offering a variety of landscapes. For 2022:
Garden #1
This garden has a fabulous display of colorful containers dotted throughout the garden. A pond is close to the patio offering the perfect spot for a relaxing summer evening with the soothing sound of water.
Garden #2
This garden features Hugelkultur. If you haven't heard of it, this is your opportunity to learn the how and why. Plus, state-of-the-art composting bins are featured along with a large pollinator garden filled with native perennials.
Garden #3
This garden is your dream stop for any vegetable gardener. You can learn about the finest details of growing vegetables, from sprouting seeds to preserving the produce - a true master of vegetables.
Garden #4
This garden is a total shade garden creating a perfect resort feeling in our summer heat. Seek out the fig tree which has its origins in Greece. And learn about plants we all have in our homes and gardens that are actually toxic or poisonous to humans and pets.
Garden #5
This garden features heirlooms. How many plants do you have from your grandmothers garden? Today's pollinators have the same appetite as they did decades ago. There is a large variety of plants and garden décor with special meaning to the homeowner.
or $15 on the day of the tour.
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MAY HORTICULTURAL
AND GARDEN TIPS
A variety of topics (Trees & Shrubs, Turfgrass, Flowers, Water Gardens, Fruits & Vegetables) are highlighted this month. So, learn about what you should be doing in the month of MAY by clicking on GARDEN TIPS.
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FROM GREEN COUNTRY MASTER COMPOSTERS |
Hello! My name is Professor Regenwurm. I’m one of the lecturers at Basaltville College. The mayor has asked me to talk to you about the carbon sequestration projects we’ve started here in our community, in simple terms even humans should be able to understand (not an easy task I might add).
First things first. Let’s define what carbon is and why we are trying to sequester, or isolate, it.
Carbon is a chemical element, like nitrogen, that is a basic component of all life on Earth. It exists in solid, dissolved, and gaseous forms. A diamond is an example of carbon in its solid state, while carbon dioxide (formed when carbon and oxygen atoms combine) can be either liquid or gas.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a colorless gas having a faint sharp odor and a sour taste. It has many commercial uses including being a refrigerant, used in fire extinguishers, used for inflating life rafts and life jackets, and even found in carbonated beverages.
It is also the most common greenhouse gas. There are two primary sources of carbon dioxide -- natural sources and human activities.
Natural sources: Most animals exhale carbon dioxide as a waste product.
Human activities: Create carbon dioxide emissions, primarily through energy production processes that burns coal, oil, or natural gas.
Greenhouse Gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) absorb infrared radiation in the atmosphere. This process keeps some of the radiant energy in the atmosphere from being returned to space which, in turn, contributes to global warming.
Since the Earth’s warming has dire effects on plants, animals, and their habitats, many groups are attempting to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow down global warming. This process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon is called carbon sequestration.
Protecting our environment is why we here in Basaltville have created several carbon sequestration projects. Our projects fall into two categories:
Geologic – which consist of processes used to store carbon dioxide (CO2) in underground geologic formations.
Biologic – which involves storing carbon dioxide in soils, plants, trees, and aquatic environments.
We are currently utilizing both methods:
Since our area is rich in basalt rock, we pressurize carbon dioxide until it becomes a liquid, and then inject it deep into our porous underground rock formations.
Our farmers grind basalt rock into a dust as an amendment for the soil which makes it more productive, improves drainage and reduces acidity levels. In addition, spreading it across their fields speeds up the chemical weathering process and draws down more carbon. This is referred to as enhanced weathering.1
Our master gardener group is planting trees and increasing the ground cover to minimize soil erosion and encourage the trapped carbon to stay in the soil.
The entire community has started composting leaves and other organic materials instead of burning them. The compost is used to enrich the soil which helps grow more, healthy plants that transfer carbon naturally into the soil through photosynthesis and to encourage the trapped carbon to move into, and stay in, the soil.
The parks department has worked to vegetate our ponds naturally with thick moss swards and aquatic grasses to make them more efficient at sequestering carbon dioxide.
Our industrial community now uses carbon dioxide as a raw material to produce graphene. Graphene is used to create smart phone screens and other tech devices. They also have increased the use of carbon-rich wood products for construction to extend the time the carbon is stored in the wood.
We’re so proud of what our small community has done so far and I hope you will want to learn more and share this information with others. Just imagine what you could accomplish in your own communities. For more information on this subject, click on CARBON SEQUESTRATION.
1 Physicsworld; Climate Research Update; Sprinkling basalt over soil could remove huge amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, Aug. 01, 2021 James Dacey
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TOOL OF THE MONTH:
HIP HOLSTER TOOL BELT
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It's that time of year when we all start getting outside to do our gardening chores. And, when we do we typically carry with us an array of tools to get the job done. But, what's the easiest way to carry those tools? Well, there are many tool belts on the market these days. Here is just one to illustrate it's handiness.
It's an adjustable nylon belt with quick-release buckle. It's material is made of water, dirt, and mildew-resistant fabric with a front clip for gloves or an essential tool. It's also lightweight and washable. This tool belt holds just enough to make your work easier, but not so much that it weighs you down. The tough, reinforced main pocket, is designed to resist the sharp edges of your most robust tools and an additional pocket holds other essentials.
This particular tool belt is made of polyester & PVC mesh. It adjusts from a 31" to a 45" waist. The holster measures 9" wide x 10" high x 3" deep; the main pocket measures approximately 7-1/2" wide x 8-3/4" high.
While we don't specially support any particular tool brand or retail outlet, various versions of this handy-dandy tool belt can be found at Gardeners Supply Company or Amazon for about 20 to 30 bucks.
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WATER GARDENING:
OPENING UP FOR THE SEASON
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Maybe you already have a water feature and it has been covered all winter or you're considering starting a water garden. Either way, there are a few things to consider when opening such up for spring including, but not limited to, water temperature. Click on WATER GARDENS for some information to consider as both the water temperature and human inclination increases to get 'er going.
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BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR
SWARMING INSECTS IN THE SPRING
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It's that time of year that insects start moving about . . . crawling, flying, even swarming. Speaking of swarming, spring is when swarming termites can be seen. Seeing these massive flying termite swarms can be quite terrifying when, in reality, the swarmers do not cause any structural damage. Swarming usually occurs during the daytime and is simply nature's way of reminding you that termites are nearby.
While termites live in virtually all of our soils, most of us are familiar with them and treat for them around our homes in some form or fashion. So, for more information, click on SWARMING INSECTS to learn the difference between termites and ants and/or click on TERMITE SWARMS to learn how to identify these insects in the spring as well as some preventative measures that every homeowner can take to help prevent home damage.
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INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT:
A MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE APPROACH
TO PEST CONTROL
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Here in Green Country everything is starting to green up. Spring has sprung and it’s time to plant! Along with all of the pretty stuff, garden pests are also here. So, it’s time to start thinking about them, too.
There are several ways to deal with pests . . . from nuking them with very strong pesticides to much more environmentally sound ways. The former is a really good way to kill both bad AND good bugs - we don't want to do that. A much more environmentally conscious strategy to prevent, avoid or reduce a pest problem in our lawns, vegetable and flower gardens, trees and shrubs is to employ a technique called Integrated Pest Management, also known by the acronym IPM.
Knowledge is the key to IPM so click on INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT to learn about the four most common IPM methods that you can employ around your home this season.
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LAWN CRABGRASS:
PRE-EMERGENT MYTH BUSTERS
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#1 No prior crabgrass issues = no need for pre-emergent
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. There 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. Pre-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-emergent 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.
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ROSE DISEASES:
GET AHEAD OF IT
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With the massive amount of rains lately, and now turning hot and humid, everything will start to grow quickly . . . . including diseases. Roses are one of our favorites but they can harbor some diseases that can be tough to manage or control. So, it's best to stay ahead of the issue.
For detailed info on rose diseases and how best to prevent and/or manage them, click on ROSE DISEASES for some prime information.
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ALL ABOUT JAPANESE MAPLES |
In Japan, the cultural appreciation and enthusiasm for maple trees has been expressed in music, paintings and writings for centuries. Today, hundreds of Japanese maple cultivars are enjoyed by people of all ages and grace gardens not only in Japan, but worldwide.
In Oklahoma, Japanese maples are available in nurseries and offer unlimited choices for the creative gardener. Their exotic good looks define this timeless variety. Because it is known for its blazing hues that last for months at a time, you will get more than just a splash of color with Japanese maples for multiple seasons.
For more information on the various types of these beauties as well as site selection, care, pruning, and problems/disease, click on JAPANESE MAPLES. Read, learn, then enjoy!
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TOMATOES: A SUMMERTIME TREAT |
Hard to argue that tomatoes are one of our favorite vegetables (actually fruits) to grow in Oklahoma. While our weather does not always play well with out tomatoes, many gardeners have great success in growing them here.
For May, to get you started towards success with these beauties here is a PowerPoint slide presentation that has been given at the Downtown Library Lunch-N-Learns several times. Then, next month, we will delve into various tomato diseases and how to properly handle them. While we do struggle with many tomato diseases and pests here in Oklahoma, we do have ways to manage them. For starters, there are many disease-resistant varieties on the market today.
For this month, click on TOMATOES 101 to get you started on the right path to success. Then, next month, come on back for more info on tomato maintenance.
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VEGETABLE GARDENING 101:
THE MAINTAINING PHASE
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Several requests have been made recently to run a series of basic vegetable gardening articles. We heard you and so here 'tis. Here's how the 4-part series will go:
- February: Planning a Vegetable Garden
- March: Building a Vegetable Garden
- April: Planting a Vegetable Garden
- May: Maintaining a Vegetable Garden
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LOOK OUT FOR POISON IVY
AND IT'S COUSINS
"LEAVES OF THREE . . . LET IT BE!"
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As we've stated above, it's time to get outside and start gardening and landscaping. For many, that means puttering around in an urban garden bed for which you are familiar. But, for some, it may mean working in a more rural setting, a forest-like environment, or a location for which you are simply unfamiliar.
While poison ivy can grow in most any backyard, it's more likely found "out in the woods". It can come in different colors of green and be found year round. But, it'll always have three leaves. So, for more information on how to identify this pesky plant, preventative measures to take beforehand, as well as remedy tips if you think you've been exposed, click on POISON IVY.
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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 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
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
If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the Tulsa Master Gardener program's annual expenses, click on
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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TULSA MASTER GARDENERS
4116 East 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74112
918-746-3701
mg@tulsamastergardeners.org
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