APRIL HORTICULTURAL

AND GARDEN TIPS

A variety of topics (Fruit & Nut, Tree & Shrub, Flowers, Lawn, Veggies, and General Landscape) are highlighted this month. So, to learn about what can be done in the month of APRIL (including what veggies to plant), click on GARDEN TIPS.

THREE MORE WEEKS LEFT

FOR THIS SPRING'S L&L:

COME JOIN US!

TUESDAYS @ DOWNTOWN LIBRARY

THURSDAYS @ HARDESTY LIBRARY

(details below)

The shopping cart is closed. Now, just don't forget to pick up your plants in a couple of weeks . . . mark your calendars.

Plant pick-up is on Thursday,

April 18th, 7am - 7pm at the Exchange

Center on the fairgrounds

(any unclaimed orders not picked up by 7 p.m.

will become donations to Master Gardener programs)

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

(details of each yard upcoming in the May edition)

The Compost Connection

From Green Country Master Gardeners

TO SIFT OR NOT TO SIFT - THAT IS THE QUESTION

This month’s Compost Connection article was supposed to center on sifting finished home compost product for use in home gardens, flowerbeds, or on lawns. Researching information and sources lead this writer to look further for documentation definitively stating that sifting was the answer in determining WHEN compost was ready for use. But, that was not the case. It was apparent after viewing videos, reading fact sheets, even searching Internet, the best answer was not easily determined. The answer must be that each composter decides for themself!

So, in order to help composters decide, we will offer short videos, Oklahoma State University Fact Sheets, even ideas for equipment to assist in your decision making process. Gardeners are always encouraged to research for more information. 

A point was made that compost has many uses and that might be one of the first decisions. You would need different forms of compost to add as amendments to lawns, for seed starters, adding to potted plants, using as mulch for flowerbeds, and other uses. Starting seeds would need fine compost with little to no debris in it. On the other hand, using compost as mulch for flowerbeds does not need as much sifting (if any) to retain moisture and the structure of the soil.

Ideas on how to build your own compost sifter can be found at:

BUILDING A DIY COMPOST SIFTER

A good video on how to use a compost sieve can be found at: USING A COMPOST SIEVE

A good article with examples for sifting or not sifting can be found in:

https://therot.substack.com/p/to-sift-or-not-to-sift

Another video details why the compost pile does not need to be sifted and shows the viewer why non-sifted compost is the best choice for many everyday compost uses, as titled "Why You Shouldn’t Sift Finished Compost!". The short (less than 9- minute) video below has excellent real compost examples of larger particles retaining moisture - it is ready for use and is fully composted:

 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6gm2L5oCc

An OSU Fact Sheet, Backyard Composting, HLA-6448, for reference, is full of general information for all composters, especially beginners. Another resource found during research for this article was on the OSU Extension Fact Sheet Search page. Go to extension.okstate.edu and merely type in the phrase "composting resources" in the search icon. That will take you to some additional great resources (listed as part of OSU’s resources on solid waste management). 

Sift, sieve, separating compost are all terms that typically refer to the same thing. There are many articles and videos put out by so-called experts and some just as knowledgeable (and usually shorter) by home DIY (Do It Yourself) composters. Physical strength and stamina might also be a factor in selecting tools, equipment, and the size of your compost pile.

Do not go to great expense for your sifter or sieve. Many can be found on Internet, including how to make your own. Make sure composting is something you will be interested in before you invest in expensive equipment. Remember what this composter came to realize . . . that it is okay to change your mind, routine, and philosophy about the gardening and composting obsession!

WEATHERING YOUR GARDEN:

AVERAGE LAST FREEZE

WHEN FROST AND TAXES COLLIDE

Did you know that there is an intriguing connection between the last frost of spring and Tax Day? In most of Oklahoma, the average last freeze typically arrives from March 30^th to April 15th. This date marks the moment when tender plants shiver and frost-kissed leaves cling to life. But why does it matter? Well, it turns out that this frosty finale often coincides with another annual event: Tax Day.

Ah, Tax Day — the deadline for filing income tax returns. As Americans gather their receipts, W-2s, and deductions, they also keep an eye on the weather. Why? Because Mother Nature has a way of surprising us, even when we're busy crunching numbers.

Picture this: Accountants huddled over spreadsheets, gardeners peeking at budding tulips, and meteorologists tracking temperature trends. As April unfolds, Oklahomans balance tax forms and frost warnings. It's a delicate dance —one foot in the financial realm, the other in the garden soil.

Remember, these dates are averages. Some years, spring arrives early, and the last freeze retreats sooner. Other years, winter clings stubbornly, delaying the thaw. But Oklahomans adapt. They cover delicate blooms, adjust withholding allowances, and sip warm cocoa while contemplating deductions.

So, the next time you are pouring over tax forms, spare a thought for those brave daffodils and budding dogwoods. They endure the whims of weather, just as taxpayers navigate the complexities of the IRS. And perhaps, as you sign your return, you will glance out the window and wonder: Will the frost relent or will Tax Day dawn with a chilly embrace?

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

(LOVELY) SPRING ALLERGIES

With lovely spring blooms come the dreaded seasonal allergies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that approximately 25% of Americans have seasonal allergies. And, unfortunately, Tulsa is currently listed as the 6th worst place for people suffering from seasonal allergies according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation.

Like most locations in the United States, spring is by far the biggest allergy season in Oklahoma. So, to learn more about this dreaded issue and how to differentiate it from colds, flus, and even COVID, and some measures you can take to fight back, click on SPRING ALLERGIES.

MONARCHS PREFER MILKWEED

The Monarch Butterfly is one of the most recognizable and well studied butterflies on the planet. Its orange wings are laced with a black and white border and covered with black veins. And, without a doubt, milkweeds are the monarch butterfly's most favorite plant. Why you ask? Well, . . .

Monarch butterflies only lay eggs on milkweed and monarch caterpillars only feed on milkweed leaves. The key to this specialized relationship is found in the milky latex produced by the plant, which contains compounds called cardiac glycosides that are poisonous to most other animals. Interesting!

So, to learn more about this special relationship, its amazing annual 2,500-mile journey, and what you can do to help protect this almost endangered species, click on MONARCHS & MILKWEEDS.

PLANTS THAT ARE HARMFUL TO OUR 4-LEGGED LOVE ONES

Landscaping with plants enhances the beauty of our surroundings. However, it is still crucial to be mindful of the potential dangers that some plants pose to animals (especially in regions like Oklahoma) where certain toxic species thrive. By understanding these toxic plants and taking appropriate precautions, gardeners can create safe and vibrant landscapes for humans and animals.

To learn about a few of the more common poisonous plants to both farmers and homeowners, and the symptoms if ingested, click on TOXIC PLANTS.

THE VITAL ROLE OF BEES:

WHY AND HOW TO PROTECT THEM

Bees are often hailed as the unsung heroes of the natural world, playing a pivotal role in the pollination of crops and wildflowers alike. Their importance to ecosystems and agriculture cannot be overstated.

Of the 100 crops that provide 90% of the world's food, 71 are pollinated by bees. And honey bees alone pollinate 95 kinds of fruit in North America. So, you might say they are vital to our own survival.

To learn more about these amazing creatures, the critical roles they play at home and around the world, why they are being threatened, and what we can do to help, click on INCREDIBLE BEES.

MULCHING: EASY AND REWARDING

NO, DO NOT DO THIS!

YES, DO IT THIS WAY!

As you look around town, you will find so many opportunities to provide trees, shrubs and flower beds mulch. Although mulching has many benefits, such as helping to reduce soil moisture loss and minimizing weed germination, there can be a tendency to misuse this beneficial landscaping resource.

So, click on PROPER MULCHING to learn about the DO's and DO NOT's.

WHAT IS THIS WHITE STUFF

ON MY CRAPEMYRTLES?

IT'S CMBS

The answer is simple - CMBS (Crapemyrtle Bark Scale). Since the initial sighting in 2004, the Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (CMBS) insect has been spreading at an alarming rate across the Southwest. First noted in Texas, it has since spread Oklahoma and Louisiana.

Since there is a good chance you have one of these lovely trees in your landscape, you have and/or will likely have to deal with this pest.

So, what is it all about, how do I identify it, and how do I deal with it? Click on CMBS to find out a lot more about this pest.

GETTING A HEADSTART ON SPRING VEGGIE GARDENING:



PART 3 - THE PLANTING STAGE

PART 1: PLANNING STAGE - FEBRUARY

PART 2: BUILDING STAGE - MARCH

PART 3: PLANTING STAGE - APRIL

PART 4: MAINTAINING STAGE - MAY

Welcome to the third 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.

Then, last month, 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 reefresher.

This month we will focus on the PLANTING stage including what types of veggies to plant and when, plus tips on how to plant. Click on PLANTING A GARDEN to learn about this phase.

Next month we will conclude this series with MAINTAINING a garden.

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED

WEEDS TO HELP POLLINATORS?

Many of us put a lot of time, money and hard work into the lawn surrounding our homes. We seed, we feed, and we weed, and apply various chemicals throughout the year to create a uniform, green space that is free of “weeds”. But have you ever considered a weed as a plant to keep? No?

Click on POLLINATOR WEEDS to take a more “Earth Kind” look at four common “weeds” you will see blooming here in NE Oklahoma about now and "may" accept in your landscape. Get to know your weeds - your pollinators (bees, butterflies, etc.) will be glad you did!

SPRING DEAD SPOT IN BERMUDA? YIKES!

Spring is officially here and the Bermudagrass is starting to green up. If you are seeing dead, brown patches amongst the lovely spring green of your Bermudagrass lawn you may have a case of Spring Dead Spot. It usually appears in overly fertilized lawns, so the “more is not better” rule of fertilizer rule definitely applies here.

Click on SPRING DEAD SPOT to learn more about causes this lawn fungus, how you can avoid it, and what to do if you get hit with it.

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  

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