WELCOME, WINTER!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
DECEMBER 2022 / VOLUME 189
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DECEMBER HORTICULTURAL
AND GARDEN TIPS
A variety of topics (Lawn & Turf, Tree & Shrub, Flowers, Fruits & Nuts, and more) are highlighted this month. So, learn about what you should be doing in the month of DECEMBER by clicking on GARDEN TIPS.
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FROM GREEN COUNTRY MASTER COMPOSTERS |
Here we are, nearing the close of another calendar year. There are chores and tasks to complete in our yards that allow for rest and rejuvenation of lawns, trees, gardens, bushes, shrubs, and compost bins.
Looking back on 2022, please take a few moments to review monthly Compost Connections in the e-Newsletter section of the Tulsamastergardeners.org website.
Speaking of compost, here are a few reminders for winter maintenance:
1. Aerate by turning your bin periodically or every time ingredients are added throughout winter.
2. The moisture of a healthy bin should be that similar to a wrung-out sponge. Add water when needed.
3. Add greens (food, kitchen scraps, fresh leaves) and browns (plain cardboard, shredded newspaper, small twigs, dried leaves) at a ratio of 3-4 green parts to one (1) brown part.
Pumpkins can still be composted. If you compost with seeds, you might be weeding your compost if the temperature does not rise enough to kill the seeds.
Do NOT add meats, fats, gravies, or bones to a compost bin.
Use pine needles for mulch, not compost. Research before composting any live Christmas tree, holly, berries, or greenery.
Most towns and cities with composting facilities will have guidelines for Composting Do's and Don'ts. See cityoftulsa.org and Mulch Site.
The Compost Connection wishes you a healthy and happy holiday season. We'll see ya around the corner in the New Year!
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YEAR-END GIVING OPPORTUNITY
FOR YOUR
TULSA MASTER GARDENERS
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For almost four decades (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-area community outreach programs. Instead, ALL of the Tulsa Master Gardener programs are self-funded by its own fundraisers and from member and public donations.
Because of the size of our Foundation membership, the number/diversity/ activity level of our various community outreach programs, and our overall financial strength your Tulsa Master Gardener organization is considered to be one of the top five Master Gardener County programs in the entire nation.
Tulsa Master Gardeners offer two annual opportunities for the community to donate to "the cause": the April Plant Sale and the June Garden Tour. We strive to keep all of our programs fully funded year-in and year- out so, in addition to these two programs, we also offer a donation opportunity at year end. There are two ways to donate: an Agency Fund (for annual expenses) and an Endowment Fund (for long-term viability).
If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the annual expenses of the Tulsa Master Gardener program, click on
(find us in the drop-down box under "I want to support")
If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the long-term success of the Tulsa Master Gardener program, click on
(find us in the drop-down box under "I want to support")
We thank ALL of you for having been such faithful contributors in the past. And we thank you for your future consideration and participation. We are so proud to be a part of the Tulsa area - such a giving community!
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OVERWINTERING ELEPHANT'S
EAR AND CALADIUMS
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When the growing season winds down, planning for spring gardening begins. Part of planning for spring involves lifting and storing the tender bulbs that will not survive cold temperatures. This includes caladiums and elephant’s-ears. While they can be left in the ground properly mulched in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10, Tulsa falls in Zone 7a so these will not survive at our average winter low temperatures (0-5 degrees).
Leaving them in the ground under a heavy mound of leaves, mulch, and grass clippings may suffice if gambling on a mild winter. But, if gambling and rebuying new plant material every year is not in the budget, digging up and storing tender bulbs might be your best option.
Is it too late to dig and store? The Bixby Mesonet indicates current ground temps (@ 2", 4", and 10") are all in the mid to upper 40's, so there is still time to take care of this business . . . but hurry. A big cold snap is on the horizon. To learn how to properly dig up and overwinter these beauties, click on OVERWINTERING BULBS.
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WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW . . . ABOUT MISTLETOE? |
Mistletoe - it's a Christmas decoration, it's a state flower, it's a plant, it's a tree parasite and, over the ages, myths have also categorized it as an aphrodisiac that could provide life-giving powers and protect against poisons. It's even been hung over doorways to prevent evil spirits from entering. Wow, that's a lot for such a small plant!
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WINTER BIRD / WILDLIFE
SURVIVAL TIPS & TECHNIQUES
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Granted, birds have successfully coped with winters without our help for ages. However, with the advent of urbanization of towns and cities mankind has altered their environments to the extent that winter survival has become more stressful for them. But the good news is the chances of survival has greatly improved with our assistance.
Three things are necessary for birds and other wildlife to cope with winter weather – food, water, and shelter. Huh . . . kinda like us!
For a brief description of how to properly provide for each of these necessities plus a few very handy fact sheets, click on WINTER BIRD SURVIVAL.
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ICE MELT PRODUCTS:
THE GOOD AND THE BAD
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ROCK SALT DAMAGE TO CONCRETE |
Sometimes we get lucky and don't have to experience heavy ice and snow throughout the winter months in Oklahoma. But then there are times when we get hit with a nor’easter. The effects can have us outside shoveling snow and sprinkling various types of ice melt products to ease the assault of the storm.
But you should know there are bad as well as good ice melt products on the market today. Some are harmless to turf, plants, and pets but others can have devastating effects. Click on ICE MELT PRODUCTS for information on the good and the bad.
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DON'T FORGET . . . IT MAY NOT JUST HARM PLANTS!
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For those interested in knowing more about growing ginseng, we offer Part 2. If you missed Part 1 last month, you can click on GROWING GINSENG PART 1.
Why consider ginseng as a part of your home garden? Well, in addition to a unique, fun, and rewarding experience, it is also possible to generate some revenue without too much care once the plants/beds have become established.
Ginseng grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 - 7. Being in zone 7a we are on the extreme edge of ginseng’s habitat. Therefore, planning and care in selecting a site are quite important factors. There are three major ways to grow ginseng so, to find out about these techniques, click on GROWING GINSENG PART 2.
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The sentiment of the Christmas tree as the focal point of our decorations for the season is certainly understandable. And, if you follow a few simple steps, selecting your perfect tree can be an enjoyable experience.
Where will the tree be displayed?
How much room do you have?
Do you want a pre-cut tree or artificial tree?
These and many other questions and factors may come into play as you make your decision. For a bit of help as well as some tried-and-true tree care techniques, click on CHRISTMAS TREE CARE.
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STORING POTATOES:
A VERY SHORT STORY
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Potatoes stored below 40 degrees F will not sprout and will remain firm for long periods. However, such storage will often lead to starches being converted to sugars which will give tubers an undesirable sweet taste. Placing potatoes at room temperature for 2 - 3 days will allow sugars to be converted back to starches and remove the objectionable taste.
(Ward Upham)
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FIREPLACE ASHES:
A SHORT STORY
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For several years, this article has been published early in the winter season when wood-burning fireplaces are starting to be used. So, if you are a long-time reader, you will recognize this topic. But, for others it may be the first time seeing it.
To get straight to the point, as environmentally sound as it may seem to recycle fireplace ashes in your garden, it is actually a very bad idea to do so. Dispose of them in other ways. Click on FIREPLACE ASHES to learn of the scientific reason.
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TRANSITIONING HOUSEPLANTS FROM OUTDOORS TO INDOORS
(DON'T FORGET THE ENCLOSED PATIO PLANTS)
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It's that time of year again when some of us find ourselves engaged in an annual ritual of preparing our houseplants for the haul back indoors. For most houseplants, this means ending their summer vacation when night temperatures fall below 45–48° F. Waiting beyond this time is flirting with disaster. You have likely already taken care of your plants out in the open air but don't forget about those sitting in enclosed, but non-heated, patios, garages, etc. When the outside air temp falls below freezing these room temps can get pretty chilly as well . . . and tropical plants simply do not like it.
As simple as this task may sound, it turns out that this is a project that requires some pre-planning and organization. Even if you have already brought the plants indoors, there are a few things to do (and not to do!) once inside and cozy. Click on HOUSEPLANTS to learn the few, but important, steps needed to be taken to ensure a successful transition from outdoors to indoors and for proper care all winter long.
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SOME WINTER STUFF FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE |
Thought it wouldn't hurt to share some of the various winter articles from recent years. So, if you're a long-time subscriber, you may recall some of the articles and some may come in handy as a reminder of what can be done during this season. For new time subscribers, it will give you a variety of topics to read on one of those cold, wintery days and maybe inspire you to get outside on a milder day. Enjoy!
And, for all you over-achievers out there, here are some handy winter topics to get you started preparing for next spring.
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AND, ALWAYS REMEMBER . . .
You can get answers to all your gardening questions by:
Calling the Tulsa Master Gardeners Help Line at 918-746-3701
OR come see us at our Diagnostic Center at 4116 E 15th Street, Tulsa
========================================================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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