MAY HORTICULTURAL

AND GARDEN TIPS

Now that Spring has sprung into action, the list of gardening and landscaping TO DO's grows. Some of them (Trees & Shrubs, Turfgrass, Flowers, Water Gardens, Fruits & Vegetables) are highlighted in this month's tips. So, to learn about what can be done in MAY, click on GARDEN TIPS.

Complements of "the little shine.com"

TULSA MASTER GARDENERS

ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR IS COMING

We are looking forward to this year's annual Tulsa Master Gardener (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. You will surely be able to take home ideas to implement in your own gardens.

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.

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 totally self-funded. As such, the 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 will be available online and at the Tulsa County Extension Office in May. And, more descriptive details and pictures of each individual home will be provided later this month in a special edition of this newsletter, so be sure to watch for that note in your inbox.

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

COMPOST, the word, can be used as a noun or a verb. In the sentence, “Smith’s Compost is sold in 10 and 20 pound bags,” it’s the name of an object, a noun. In the sentence, “Don’t compost diseased plants for use as soil amendments,” it’s used to describe action, as a verb. While recently searching online for more uses of finished compost product, this writer found BLOGS related to composting.

“Blog” is short for weblog, meaning a website, with regular content updates about a specific topic. The first one encountered, The Compost Gardener Blog, provided a menu for quick reference to the information and examples.

https://www.the-compost-gardener.com/Compost-blog.html 

That’s fortunate because this blog offers a lot of practical information in an organized way. The Compost Connection should be a reliable source of information for related topics. A trusted way to help readers is to bring good compost information to their attention. This made the author spend so much time researching, finding good information to share with Compost Connection readers, that dividing blogs and sites into another article for the upcoming June e-Newsletter is warranted.

However, it is important to “do your own research” when you are new to any type of gardening, whether it is a flowerbed for cut flowers, pollinator plants for the environment, or vegetables for growing your own food. In this case, it would be for generating compost to be used as soil amendments in your gardens, on your lawn, or just to keep leaves, branches, twigs, yard waste, and kitchen scraps out of local landfills. Several hours later, after perusing more blogs, this writer has even more different topics to share.

Most gardeners eventually think of ways to expand and improve their garden for the next season. It may be for more flower beds, a bigger vegetable garden, planting more herbs, adding fruit trees, more compost bins, or trying different composting techniques.

The article, 30 Best Compost Blogs and Websites in 2025, is full of advice with a wide variety of topics. The 30 article references themselves are brief, with a description of content for that article. But, there are many links to quickly get to information that might pique your compost interest or need. 

https://bloggers.feedspot.com/

There is a link to The Compost Magazine on the 30 Best Blogs and Websites in 2025 page. You may be interested in the range of topics in which lots of vocabulary and compost techniques are explained and referenced. The Compost Magazine offers compost tips, advice, and science related to the subject. 

https://www.compostmagazine.com/ 

There are links to Vermicomposting (worms), Common Ground sites, more links to compost materials, tools, new trends, and many blog links. 

Finding all past Compost Connection articles: 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 and select any month which will pull up the Newsletter and you will find the Compost Connection for that month.

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".

And finally, for even 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

WHY DO APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS?

The phrase "April showers bring May flowers" comes from the simple idea that spring rain helps nourish the earth, making way for blooming flowers in May. As temperatures rise, the moisture from April's rainfall hydrates the soil, allowing seeds to sprout and plants to grow. This cycle of renewal is a beautiful example of how nature prepares itself for the vibrant beauty of late spring!

While April in Oklahoma often sees a lot of rain due to a combination of factors, including seasonal weather patterns, atmospheric conditions, and the location of the jet stream, this year the Tulsa area, has seen multiple rounds of heavy rainfall.

This has led to significant rainfall records being broken in various locations, including Tulsa and Oklahoma City, making it the wettest April in the state's history. Several factors contributed to this extreme weather, including persistent storm systems and higher-than-average moisture levels. Oklahoma City alone received 12.55" of rain, far surpassing its usual April average of 4"

While this heavy rainfall has caused flooding and infrastructure challenges, it also brings benefits for plants and flowers in May. The abundant moisture will help replenish soil nutrients, leading to lush vegetation and vibrant blooms. Crops like wheat and early-planted corn will likely thrive due to improved soil conditions. However, excessive rain can also pose risks, such as root rot and fungal diseases, especially if drainage is poor. Not to mention, all the greenery from April showers can help keep temperatures down this summer.

If the saying holds true, Oklahoma is set for a spectacular display of May flowers!

VEGGIE GARDENING

FOR MAY

The month of May allows vegetable gardeners to continue growing a broader array of seeds and transplants. So, for late April and well into May, some of the more popular veggies to plant are:

POTTING SOIL vs POTTING MIX: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Sometimes the words ”potting soil” and “potting mix” are used interchangeably so it can be confusing. Potting soil is for non-container gardening. Potting mix is for everything else. A quality product will list its uses and ingredients, so read the label to be sure it meets your gardening needs.

Using the correct growing medium is the first step to success! Click on PSvsPM to head towards success

IPM:

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

MECHANICAL CONTROLS (PART 3)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a practical, environmentally sound approach to managing pests in the home landscape. It relies on a combination of techniques to prevent and control pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments. IPM focuses on long-term prevention by emphasizing healthy plant care and thoughtful landscape design. The five main control strategies used in IPM are cultural, genetic, mechanical, biological, and chemical.

Mechanical controls (Part 3), the focus of this article, is 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 last 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.

LADY BUGS (aka LADY BEETLES): VERY HELPFUL!

From nursery rhymes to worldwide symbols of good luck, ladybugs are the most well-known beneficial insect in the garden. Ladybugs are actually beetles, which is why they are sometimes referred to as lady beetles.

DID YOU KNOW? Ladybugs eat aphids, scale, and other small, soft-bodied insects, mites, and insect eggs making them a powerhouse of protection for your garden.

DID YOU KNOW? Female ladybugs will lay their eggs on leaves covered in aphids so when their larvae hatch, they have an automatic buffet at the ready.

Guess how many aphids a single ladybug larvae can consume in the two weeks it takes them to fully grow.

Guess how many insects one ladybug can eat in it's lifetime.

Answers to these interesting questions and more can be found by clicking on LADYBUGS.

CONQUERING CRAPEMYRTLE

BARK SCALE (CMBS)

Crape Myrtle (Crapemyrtle) trees, with their vibrant blooms and graceful appearance, are cherished additions to any garden or landscape. However, the threat of Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (CMBS) looms over these beautiful trees, potentially causing significant damage if left unaddressed.

Many of our Tulsa trees will be targeted by this pest. As such we must be vigilant about watching for it and treating it as soon as practical to manage it's outbreak. Click on CMBS to understand its lifecycle, how to ID it with early detection, and effective control strategies.

TECHNIQUES TO KEEP

DEER OUT OF GARDENS

While deer can be a beauty to behold, they can also be a real problem. Deer present a persistent challenge for gardeners in Oklahoma, especially during the spring and summer months when plants are most vulnerable.

Click on DEER to read about the relative effectiveness of deer-resistant strategies including fencing, plant selection, repellents, scare tactics, and more.

THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS

OF GARDENING

Gardening has long been celebrated as a therapeutic and rewarding activity, offering physical, mental, and emotional benefits. In Oklahoma, where the climate and soil provide a generous growing environment, gardening is more than a pastime . . . it is a restorative experience that improves overall well-being.

Whether it is in sprawling rural gardens or small urban plots, many are discovering that tending to the earth can also mean tending to their own health. Click on BENEFITS to learn more.

PLANTING & MAINTAINING TREES

Trees are a long-term investment. In most cases, they add value to a home and property. Treated properly, they can easily last for many decades. So, a few suggestions to planting a tree properly and maintaining its health:

• Plant trees properly: Don't plant too deeply. The root crown of the tree should be at ground level or just above, never below (think "plant high, it'll never die, plant low, it'll never grow".....never say never, but you get the point)
• Plant trees properly: Don't plant a large tree near the house or driveway. While large trees when they are young can look nice near a structure, but over time they can easily overtake that structure and pose a problem. Planting large trees near driveways can develop two problems: 1) the concrete will restrict roots under such from receiving proper water and nutrients and may die prematurely, and 2) large tree roots can crack concrete over time.
• Watering: Trees need more water than lawns. Young trees need more water than mature trees to help their root systems develop. Water deeply and less frequently.
• Planting: The root hole should be deep enough such that the root crown is slightly above grade and is 2-3 times the width of the root ball. Refill the hole with mostly native soil. Avoid large rocks, cement, large limbs, etc. Fertilizing is not necessary until after one year of growth. Once set in the hole, remember to remove twine and wires.
• Staking/Protecting: If necessary to stake a young tree due to wind, remove the stake after one year to let it survive on its own. Remove protective wrap from tree trunks after winter.
• Avoid piling mulch up high on tree trunks or against tree base. This can promote disease.

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:

Cheryl Baker

Martha Carter

Gerald Garrett

Lee Kutner

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