Extension

Minute by minute, the days are staying lighter just a bit longer. That means gardeners are that much closer to spring gardening activity. In the meantime, gardeners can use these cold winter days to plan their spring and summer gardens. Getting started planning while there’s still a nip in the air will help ensure a productive growing season.

 

Gardeners are likely receiving various seed catalogs in the mail. This is a great time to get seeds and needed gardening tools to avoid possible shortages.

 

Plant selection is important, but gardeners need to match the plants to the planting site. Factors such as sunlight exposure, wind, soil type and irrigation possibilities all play a role. Choosing plants that will grow well in the conditions available will save gardeners money and frustration. Plants placed in a location that meets their needs usually grow well without much extra attention, while a poorly placed plant is more likely to be stressed and more vulnerable to pest problems.

 

Consider things that could be changed to improve the site. If a garden site is near a tree, does the tree provide too much shade? Thinning the tree canopy can help. However, the tree will need continual pruning over time. 

 

Gardeners who are working with less-than-ideal soil can use this time to add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil. This will also help with possible drainage issues. Successful gardening depends on good soil.

 

As you’re planning the garden, use this time to research common pests and diseases for your selected plants. It’s also a good time to prepare row covers to protect seedlings. Speaking of seedlings, start seeds indoors for warm-season plants such as tomatoes, squash and peppers. Check the label on the seed packets for timing and transplanting dates.

 

Another important factor to consider is the USDA Hardiness Zone in which you live. The USDA Hardiness Zone Map is used to identify the average annual minimum temperature for your area. Plants are rated based on the lowest temperatures in which they can survive the winter. Most of Oklahoma falls within Hardiness Zone 7, with the panhandle falling mostly in Zone 6 and the southern portion of the state along the Red River falling into Zone 8. 

 

It's no secret that Oklahoma weather is unpredictable. The possibilities of more snow, freezing temperatures or even an ice storm are real; however, it won’t be too long until gardeners will be getting a little dirt under their nails as a new gardening season begins.