Companion planting flowers and veggies can boost pollination
Companion planting flowers and veggies can boost pollination
Stop before you lop – a quick guide to winter pruning
By Trisha Gedon By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – To prune or not to prune? That is the question. When Oklahoma experiences warmer weather in the winter months, homeowners may want to take advantage of the milder temperatures and get a head start pruning trees and shrubs in the landscape. The purpose of pruning is to maintain the intended purpose of the plants in the landscape, improve plant appearance and protect people and property. For security purposes,…
How to transition potted plants indoors for winter
By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – The seasons are changing, and gardeners are transitioning their potted plants indoors for the winter. To prevent plants from losing their leaves once inside, Oklahoma State University Extension recommends allowing them time to adjust to their new environment. David Hillock, OSU Extension horticulture specialist, said plants should be moved before night temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, plants will suffer damage if exposed for an extended amount of time. “Don’t make…
Tips homeowners can use to prep landscapes for winter
By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – As the weather cools down, homeowners are likely giving their lawnmowers a bit of a reprieve from summer activity, but don’t put that machine away for the season quite yet. Casey Hentges, host of Oklahoma State University Agriculture’s award-winning television show Oklahoma Gardening, offers some helpful tips for homeowners for preparing their lawns for winter. “There are a few things that people should be doing with their lawns and…
Take a proactive approach to wildfire season
By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – The 2021 wildfire season is here, and while fires rage out west, Oklahomans also need to stay alert. Oklahoma’s official wildfire season runs from November through March when plant life and vegetation lay dormant across the prairie. March is historically the state’s windiest month of the year, but with most counties currently in a drought, drier air and lower humidity levels could fuel a fire across Oklahoma’s parched landscape at any…
OSU mum sale begins with tips for front porch decor
By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – Chrysanthemums get their 15 minutes in the spotlight every fall, but most won’t make it past the month of November. The annual mum sale at The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University is underway, and organizers have some tips when purchasing the perennial flower. Tip No. 1: Don’t buy mums in hot weather. Big box stores begin selling mums in September when Oklahoma temperatures can still reach 100 degrees. Lou Anella, director of The Botanic…
Plant wildflower gardens in the fall
By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Driving across Oklahoma, it’s not unusual to see patches of wildflowers along the highway. The variety of colors and textures makes these patches appealing to the eye. Wildflower gardens are also a great addition to any landscape and recreating this beauty in a public garden or home landscape can create a pleasing aesthetic – provided the right steps are taken in its establishment. Gardeners are concerned with…
The magic of fall is found in the garden
By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – When summer begins to fade, don’t hang up that gardening trowel just yet. A renewed season of fall vegetables awaits in your own backyard. Oklahoma’s mild climate is ideal for fall gardening, and Oklahoma State University Extension provides educational opportunities for both experienced and novice gardeners to extend the growing season. “Small farmers and producers have figured out there’s a successful cool season in the fall, and they’ve really upped their production with…
Producers save money, boost yields with OSU soil testing
By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University is a national leader in soil, water and forage testing. The commercial laboratory processes more than 60,000 samples a year and is accessible to the public through OSU Extension. From cattle ranchers to urban gardeners, the state testing facility helps producers save money, increase yields and protect the environment. In Tulsa County, the OSU Extension office is a seasonal hot spot for vegetable growers and lawn care specialists seeking nutrient analysis of…
Straw bale gardening is great alternative to traditional gardening
By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Gardening is a popular hobby for many people, but obstacles such as poor soil quality, limited space and temporary housing can frustrate even the most dedicated green thumbs. Fortunately, there is an alternative for growing flowers, herbs and vegetables, said Casey Hentges, host of the Oklahoma State University Extension television program Oklahoma Gardening. “Straw bale gardening is great for those who, for whatever reason, are unable to garden in the…