Tulsa Master Gardeners

Video Podcasts

(FAIRLY)  NEW!

The core mission of the Tulsa Master Gardeners is to provide OSU Extension research-based horticultural information to the local home gardeners and the community.  To that end, we try to reach as many folks as possible through multiple media platforms such as TV, radio, newspaper, magazine, and this e-newsletter. And, as a part of our social media push, we can also be found on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. To supplement all of these wonderful ways to communicate, we have now added a new feature - video podcasts.  It is called Garden Talk and we invite  you to check it out.

In each episode we talk about a current pest problem, highlight a plant of interest, discuss what we should be doing right now in our lawns and gardens, and answer your questions.

So far we've talked about crape myrtle bark scale, moles and gophers, twig girdlers, re-seeding fescue, bark disease on trees, pansies, spring bulbs, and a lot more.

You can click the link below to subscribe to the youtube channel and watch the videos. Or, you can find them on our website by clicking on:

MG Podcast 005 11/1/91

One of the most famous and beloved pollinators in the world, the monarch butterfly ( Danaus

plexippus ) has experienced a virtual population collapse over the last two decades, according to

surveys taken at overwintering sites in both the eastern and western United States. Similarly,

the populations of milkweed ( Asclepias spp. ), the host plant for the monarch, have declined,

especially in the Midwestern United States. 

While monarch butterflies are generalists that may  feed on many nectar sources, their caterpillars

are specific - only feeding on the leaves of the  milkweed plant. Without milkweed, this critical

food source slows breeding activity and the life cycle  cannot complete.

So, the obvious question arises.  How can we as individuals help to maintain the monarch population through maintaining its critical food source, the milkweed plant.  Good question.  To find out what can be done to help reverse this saddening issue,  click on SAVING MILKWEED SEEDS. .

So, most of us know by now (and was just illustrated in the above article) there is a decline in the monarch butterfly population.  When we became aware of the plunge, some started planting milkweed in our gardens. Who does that? Previous generations tried to eradicate milkweed. But we discovered that Monarchs only lay their eggs on milkweed species - that's the only plant the caterpillars will eat. So, now we actually plant in our gardens what was once considered a nuisance species.

Now, word is spreading that bees, our champion pollinators, are declining at very concerning rates as well. Some are even perilously threatened.  Studies continue showing that bee populations are in trouble. Since 2006, beekeepers in the United States have reported colony loss rates averaging 30% each winter where historically the losses have only been 10 - 15%.

Now we know that native bee species are in trouble as well. Some 1,500 bees have been studied closely and, of those, the population has declined by more than 30% from 2005-2015. And, 24% of native bees are in serious peril. Other bees, such as the rusty patched bumble bee (native to Ohio) has suffered such a serious decline that it was placed on the endangered species list in 2017.    

So, for more information on this issue and what you can do to help reverse the decline issue, click on NATIVE BEE DECLINE..

So, just why is soil testing important?  Soil testing provides important information about soil nutrients, fertility and pH, all of which is vital information in determining what fertilizers may be necessary to support the optimum health, growth and productivity we expect from our lawns and gardens.  And, now is the best time to test and receive results so you have plenty of time to make any necessary nutrient corrections before next year's growing season.

For concise instructions on exactly how to obtain an accurate soil sample, click on OSU Fact Sheet PSS-2207.  For additional information on soils, testing, etc., click on SOIL TESTING.

A Few Pests To Watch For This Time Of Year

We love our garlic. Garlic is a common seasoning worldwide and it's not hard to understand why as the smell of garlic cooking makes almost any meal seem better.  And, growing your own garlic is pretty simple. 

Seven great reasons to grow garlic: 1) it's super low maintenance - once you plant and mulch your garlic in the fall, there is very little to do until harvesting such the following summer, 2) garlic loves cold climates, 3) garlic attracts minimal pests and diseases (what insect would want to eat on raw garlic?), 4) you can plant a lot of garlic in a relatively small space, 5) garlic stores for a long time, and (drum roll, please), 7) it's fun!

Interested?  If so, click on GROWING GARLIC for more information.

There are basically three kinds of mulch - either organic, mineral, or synthetic.  Common organics include shredded bark of various types, shredded leaves available at this time of year, hay or straw, various paper products and others. Some of the mineral and synthetics are pebbles, rocks, plastic, and shredded tires.  For most types of gardening, there is nothing better you can do for your plants than add some variety of mulch.

Mulches help with moderating temperature extremes, conserving water, and preventing weed growth. Around trees, they help prevent damage associated with lawn equipment. The organic mulches have another benefit in that they add significant amounts of beneficial nutrients to the soil as they decompose.  A disadvantage of the mineral or synthetic mulches is that they do not contribute to soil fertility and are often messy when they get strewn about.

Ideally, most mulching in fall should be done after the soil has cooled.  This allows plants to go into dormancy and develop the needed hardiness to cope with winter.  In Spring, the mulch may be removed early in the season to speed up the warming of the soil, which helps give plants a start of early spring growth.  

 

A 3-inch layer of mulch is usually adequate to provide the needed protection. The layer should be loose so air can penetrate into the soil.  Through the winter, some of the mulch decomposes and, by spring, the soil is clear enough for plants to sprout yet still sufficiently covered for protection from drying and weed encroachment.

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. 

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 East 15th Street (Gate 6 at the Fairgrounds)

Phone: (918) 746-3701