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Designing a master Integrated Pest Management plan

November 24, 2024

Learn about creating an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) master plan and sustainable pest control tactics such as cultural methods, proper garden maintenance, crop rotation, and more.

Can Pets and A Nice Landscape Co-Exist?

November 10, 2024

Embrace the joy of having a dog without sacrificing your landscape. Find expert advice on maintaining aesthetics while ensuring a happy home for your pet.

The Gardening Off-Season is a Good Time to Work on Soil Quality

November 3, 2024

Achieve a thriving garden by prioritizing healthy soil. Understand the importance of soil tests in determining the right nutrients for your plants' growth.

Proper Storage of Garden Tools Will Make Spring Gardening Easier

October 27, 2024

Maximize your gardening efficiency by learning the best practices for storing tools. Prepare for winter to set the stage for a thriving spring gardening experience.

Autumn in Oklahoma

October 20, 2024

Autumn in Oklahoma brings crisp mornings and sunny days, drawing attention to the outdoors to enjoy the fall foliage along the renowned Talimena National Scenic Byway in the Ouachita National Forest.

Plan Now for Spring-flowering Bulbs

September 22, 2024

Start preparing and thinking ahead for spring-flowering bulbs to ensure the best selections for your garden.

Build Healthy Soil in Gardening’s Off-Season

September 15, 2024

Ensure your garden thrives next fall by assessing and enhancing your soil health now. Explore our resources for a lush landscape filled with vibrant blooms.

Ornamental peppers are great for adding color, but not flavor

September 8, 2024

Learn how ornamental peppers are great for adding color, but not flavor.

Temperate Fall Weather is Great for Gardening Enthusiasts

September 1, 2024

Discover how to prepare your garden for fall in Oklahoma. Learn about planting cool-season vegetables and extending your warm-season crops for optimal growth.

Fall Webworms are Making Their Presence Known

August 25, 2024

Information about fall webworms, which are caterpillars that create webs on the ends of tree branches. They are common in Oklahoma and can be seen in trees and shrubs covered in webbing.

Plants Feeling the Heat During the Summer Months

August 18, 2024

Learn how to protect your landscape from summer heat. Prioritize established trees and shrubs while managing irrigation for a thriving garden throughout the season.

Alternative ways to control insects in the landscape

August 11, 2024

This week's article continues our exploration of alternatives to synthetic insecticides for controlling garden pests.

Controlling Insects in the Landscape

August 4, 2024

Learn about eco-friendly ways to control pests in your garden, such as handpicking insects and egg masses, using exclusion devices like nets and row covers, and setting traps and attractants to lower plant damage.

Turfgrass Requires More Than Turning on the Sprinkler

July 28, 2024

Maintain a healthy lawn with the right watering techniques. Learn how to water different types of turfgrass and soil to keep your lawn looking vibrant and green.

Much Needed Rain Also Brings Pesky Mosquitoes

July 21, 2024

Discover how to manage stagnant water and prevent mosquito breeding in Oklahoma effectively.

Dealing With Fleas and Ticks in the Landscape

July 14, 2024

Protect yourself and your pets from flea and tick season in Oklahoma with our comprehensive prevention and treatment methods, including chemical and non-chemical options.

Sustainable landscaping makes sense, conserves resources

July 3, 2024

Learn about sustainable landscaping and conserves resources.

Edible Plants Serve a Dual Purpose in the Landscape

June 23, 2024

When it comes to tasty things to eat from the garden, think beyond tomatoes, cucumbers, squash or green beans. Colorful flowers add beauty to the space, but did you know some beautiful flowers are edible and can serve a dual purpose in the garden?

Growing ferns in Oklahoma

June 20, 2024

Gardeners looking for something a little different to grow can consider growing ferns. Why? Because ferns provide a delicate and airy quality to a shade garden.

Fresh herbs are a great way to add a punch of flavor to foods

June 16, 2024

Growing fresh herbs adds flavor to food and requires good quality soil, proper spacing and insect control. Herbs are easy to grow and can be used as garnishes.

Avoid Wasting Water in the Landscape

June 9, 2024

Discover effective ways to conserve water in your landscape. Adjust your irrigation system to meet different needs and prevent wasteful water usage. Avoid watering during the heat of the day to minimize evaporation. Optimize your watering schedule for maximum efficiency.

Be Aware Of Poisonous Plants in the Landscape

June 2, 2024

Protect your family from the dangers of poisonous plants. Learn about the risks they pose and how to prevent accidents. Be prepared for emergencies with these first aid steps and keep the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information's number, (800) 222-1222, handy.

Don’t Make Your Veggies Compete With Weeds

May 26, 2024

Uncover the importance of weed control in your garden. Find out how weeds can hinder vegetable growth and attract pests, and learn valuable tips on preventing weeds through soil preparation

Nip Rose Black Spot in the Bud

May 19, 2024

Keep your rose garden healthy and vibrant by learning how to identify, prevent, and treat black spot disease caused by Diplocarpon rosae.

Add Color to the Landscape with Summer Bulbs

May 12, 2024

Summer-blooming bulbs are a great way to add color and scent to your garden. They are easy to grow and best planted when the soil temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

International Compost Awareness Week slated May 5-11

May 5, 2024

Be part of International Compost Awareness Week, May 5-11, and promote the benefits of composting. Explore how composting organic materials can lead to healthier soil and a greener planet. Theme: COMPOST … Nature’s Climate Champion.

Backyard Bird Bath Basics

April 28, 2024

Create a bird-friendly oasis in your backyard with our guide to bird bath basics. Attract a diverse range of feathered visitors and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Landscaping Can Help Improve Erosion

April 21, 2024

Despite being a land-locked state, Oklahoma has nearly 56,000 miles of shoreline along lakes and ponds which equals about 1,400 square miles of water area. With this much water, it’s vital to the environment to keep it clean.

Keeping The Water Garden In Balance

April 14, 2024

Learn how to properly care for and maintain a springtime water garden.

Be on the Lookout for Diseases in the Garden

April 7, 2024

April is the month for many diseases to appear, including powdery mildew, leaf spot and crown rot, which are forms of fungus.

Insect Pests Start to Become Active at This Time of Year

March 31, 2024

As the weather begins to warm, gardeners may start noticing some movement in the landscape, and it’s not plants sprouting from the soil. Many garden insect pests become active this time of year, so be on the lookout.

Oklahoma Set to Observe Arbor Week March 24-30

March 24, 2024

While most of the country will observe Arbor Day on April 26, Oklahomans will get a jump start on the celebration by observing Arbor Week March 24-30.

Pruning Roses is a Spring Gardening Chore

March 17, 2024

Flower gardening is popular in Oklahoma and roses continue to top the list of the most popular plants grown each year. Some rose varieties are considered to be high maintenance while other species are more carefree for gardeners.

Tent Caterpillars Will Be Appearing Soon

March 10, 2024

Tent caterpillars use branch forks and trees or shrubs to spin a ten-like web. They are active this time of year along the roads.

Sharpen the Shears...It’s Time to Prune Grapes

March 3, 2024

The best time to prune grapevines is in the dormant season. Gardeners should be preparing to prune now for good fruit production later in the year.

Dealing With Grape Diseases

February 25, 2024

Learn about grape diseases, like black rot, and how to combat them.

Growing Grapes Has a Dual Purpose for Gardeners

February 18, 2024

Grapes are not only a tasty fruit, but they make a great addition to the landscape, but proper variety selection is important.

Growing Strawberries in Oklahoma

February 11, 2024

Is there anything that tastes better than a fresh-picked strawberry? Gardeners who are looking forward to savoring that flavor know how rewarding it is to grow strawberries. Because Oklahoma tends to be quite sunny in the summer, strawberries are a good choice for the garden.

It's Still Cold But Green Peas Should Go in the Ground Soon

February 4, 2024

The weather is still cold and most gardening activities are on hold, but gardeners should be thinking about planting green peas soon.

Lighting Can Be Tricky When Starting Seeds Indoors

January 23, 2024

Although much of Oklahoma has been experiencing a deep freeze recently, gardeners are gearing up for the growing season by starting seeds indoors. Adequate lighting is a must and can be tricky for gardeners who don’t have access to a greenhouse or sunroom environment. Supplemental lighting is important to get seeds off to a good start.

Deicing Products May Damage Plants and Hardscapes

January 21, 2024

Manually removing ice and snow is effective and environmentally friendly. The less ice and snow present means less deicing material is needed. However, manual removal isn’t always feasible, so other methods need to be considered. Sand is also environmentally friendly, but while providing traction, it doesn’t melt ice.

Oklahoma Proven Celebrates 25 Years of Assisting Landscape Decisions

January 14, 2024

For a quarter of a century, the Oklahoma Proven program has helped guide gardeners in making smart decisions regarding which trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals are well adapted to an Oklahoma landscape.

Birds can Benefit from Recycled Christmas Trees

December 24, 2023

Fresh trees that have fulfilled their duty as the centerpiece of holiday decorations can now provide food and shelter for the birds in the landscape.

Topiaries Add Color and Texture to Interior Design

December 10, 2023

With some 10- to 12-gauge wire, a flower pot, wire cutters, pliers, smaller wire, a little patience and a few other household items, gardeners who enjoy topiaries can make them on a smaller scale to enhance the interior décor of their home.

Wreaths Add Festiveness to Holiday Decor

December 3, 2023

A prominent smell indicative of the holiday season is evergreens. Decorating with greenery is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Homeowners with evergreens on their property can do a little pruning and turn the greenery into a wreath.

Don’t Fear if the Leaves on your Ficus are Falling

November 26, 2023

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) and other Ficus species are popular houseplants that are relatively easy to care for, but gardeners may notice they tend to drop a fair number of leaves when moved indoors. Don’t worry about the falling leaves as this is just part of the moving process.

Herbs are Easy to Grow Indoors in the Winter

November 19, 2023

A quick and easy way to add flavor to some of your favorite dishes is to incorporate fresh herbs. Rosemary, thyme, mint, chives, basil, parsley and oregano adapt well to indoor growing conditions.

Lighting in the Landscape has Multiple Benefits

November 12, 2023

While trees, shrubs and flowers are the main attraction, lighting can also play a big role in the aesthetics of the landscape. Lighting not only can expand the amount of time homeowners can spend in the landscape, but it also adds an element of home security and safety.

Landscaping is More Than Just Plants – It’s Birdlife, Too

October 29, 2023

While the obvious elements of a landscape are trees, shrubs and flowers, these elements can serve a dual purpose. Landscaping to attract birds provides year-round enjoyment.

Twig Girdlers are Not a Tree’s Best Friend

October 22, 2023

If homeowners are finding an abundance of small branches and twigs on the ground, this is a good indicator that there are visitors in the tree known as twig girdlers.

Wrapping Tree Trunks Helps Boost Tree Health

October 15, 2023

It won’t be long until it’s time to wrap holiday gifts, but until then, consider wrapping the trunks of the trees in the landscape to boost tree health.

Spring-flowering Bulbs Should Be Planted Soon

October 8, 2023

Many people may be thinking about carving pumpkins and what kind of Halloween candy to buy during this time of the year, but gardening enthusiasts know it’s time to get spring-flowering bulbs in the ground before freezing temperatures arrive.

There’s More to the Fall Season than Pumpkins and Mums

October 1, 2023

Even though we’ll still experience some summer-like temperatures, the fall season is a good time to get new trees and shrubs in the ground.

Tips for Successful Tomato Ripening and Holding

September 24, 2023

Oklahoma likely has seen the last of the triple-digit heat for 2023, but what should gardeners do about the tomatoes that are still on the vine?

Now is the Time to Treat for Winter Annual Weeds

September 17, 2023

With the official start of the fall season just a few days away, homeowners need to be thinking about controlling winter annual weeds.

Harvesting and Roasting Sunflowers

September 10, 2023

Gardeners won’t find them in dill pickle, barbecue or even pizza flavors in their garden, but the seeds from their sunflower plants still can be a tasty treat.

Principles of Design Provide a Framework for Design Elements

September 3, 2023

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve talked about the importance of developing a landscape plan and the elements of a landscape. This week I’m going to share information about the principles of design.

Elements of a Landscape Design

August 27, 2023

In last week’s column, I talked about the importance of having a landscape design plan when building a new home or updating the look of your current residence. Today’s column is geared toward the elements of your design plan.

New Build or Renovation Requires a Detailed Landscape Plan

August 20, 2023

Whether you’re building a new home or simply want to spruce up the current landscape, it’s important to get a plan in place. The landscape is more than plants – it’s also landforms and man- made structures. Fences, garden bed borders and lighting are just as important as the trees, shrubs and turf.

Avoid Physical Injury While Gardening

August 13, 2023

Although it’s considered a leisure activity, gardening can be a somewhat strenuous physical activity, but being careful can help prevent injuries.

The Heat is On … and Gardeners Should take Precautions

August 6, 2023

High temperatures have arrived, and the weather professionals are indicating it may stay that way for a while. While succulents can thrive in this hot weather, it’s vital for gardeners to use the proper precautions when working outside in the heat.

Call on Professionals for Irrigation System Installation

July 30, 2023

As Smart Irrigation Month ends, some homeowners across the state may have decided their landscape would benefit from the installation of an irrigation system. Before reaching out to your neighbor for help with this process, keep in mind an irrigation system is an investment in the property and should be installed by professionals.

The Benefits of a Smart Irrigation System

July 23, 2023

Some people don’t realize how technology can be involved when irrigating a home landscape, especially if they irrigate with a sprinkler hooked to a water hose.

Maintenance is Key for Irrigation System

July 9, 2023

For those with an irrigation system in the landscape, regular maintenance will help keep the system running in tip- top shape.

Compost is a Gardener’s Best Friend

June 25, 2023

Compost is a term that’s used liberally in the gardening world, but what exactly is it? Compost is a mixture of ingredients used as a plant fertilizer, as well as to improve soil’s physical, chemical and biological properties.

Celebrate Pollinators during Pollinator Week June 19-25

June 18, 2023

Pollinator numbers have been declining over the past several years so it’s important to raise awareness of the role pollinators play in gardening and what can be done to protect them.

Landscapes Also Serve as a Luxury Resort for Insects

June 11, 2023

There are a number of benefits to having an insect hotel in the yard, including increasing the natural balance of insects, providing more opportunities to teach children about insects, attracting insects that help control pest insects, attracting more pollinators, using up recycled materials and more.

Choosing an Environmentally Friendly Pest Control Method

May 28, 2023

Gardeners who choose organic and traditional gardening and landscape principles follow the objectives of Earth-Kind landscaping. This helps create a horticultural system that is based on real-world effectiveness and environmentally responsible actions.

Mulch has an Important Job in the Garden

May 21, 2023

Gardening requires a few tools such as a rake, a trowel, loppers or a lawnmower, but keep in mind that mulch is also an important gardening tool.

Repairing Tree Injury is Important for Overall Tree Health

May 14, 2023

Trees not only look good and provide visual interest, but they also provide shade in the summer and can block cold winter winds. Because of these benefits, it’s in a homeowner’s best interest to take proper care of them.

Community Gardens have Benefits Beyond Fresh Foods

May 7, 2023

Today, that percentage has dropped to a mere 2%. That means the majority of fresh fruits and vegetables are imported from other states or other countries, which can strain the local food system.

Don’t Forget about the Turf in the Landscape

April 30, 2023

As the weather warms up, many homeowners are focused on the colorful flowers and plants they’ve got planned for their garden and landscape. But the base of any landscape is the turf, and it requires proper maintenance to help avoid problems and reduce the need for pesticides.

Squash Bugs – A Gardener’s Nemesis

April 23, 2023

A couple of the most popular summer plants are squash and cucumbers. They’re not only a favorite for people, the squash bug is also fond of them.

Summer Means the Taste of Vine-ripened Tomatoes

April 16, 2023

Summer truly begins when experiencing the taste of the first vine-ripened tomato. No matter how you slice it, there’s not much else that tastes so good.

Garden Planting Starts with Control of Weeds, Insects and Diseases

April 9, 2023

Because of the effort put in to plant a garden or install a new landscape, it can be very disheartening to have it succumb to insects, diseases and weeds.

Training and Pruning Young Trees Pays Off in the Long Run

April 2, 2023

There’s much more to tree care than digging a hole, planting the tree and watering it. To give a tree the best chance at a long and healthy life, training and pruning are essential.

Spring Cleaning Isn’t Just for Inside – Gardens Get Dust Bunnies, Too

March 26, 2023

While some people take time to do traditional spring cleaning inside, gardeners should take some time to clean up their garden spaces.

All-America Selections Announces 2023 Winners

March 19, 2023

All-American Selections 2023 winners offer gardeners reliable new varieties that have proven their superior garden performance across North America.

Black-eyed Susan is a Great Choice for Oklahoma Gardens

March 12, 2023

The Black-eyed Susan is a bright yellow plant with a chocolatey brown center that adds some excitement to the landscape and has been selected as the 2023 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association.

Gardening Tips

March 5, 2023

With Mother Nature sprinkling in some 70-degree days amongst the colder temperatures, gardeners all across Oklahoma are more than ready to get rolling on their gardens. With as much time and effort that gets put into their gardens and landscapes, gardeners want to make sure their efforts are rewarded.

Growing and Caring for Asparagus

February 26, 2023

Gardeners who are looking for a long-time investment in the landscape should consider planting asparagus. An asparagus plant can last up to 15 years, so choosing a spot to grow it should be considered carefully.

The Time has Arrived to Get Bare-Root Plants in the Ground

February 19, 2023

Although many gardening activities remain on hold for a few more weeks, it is the time of year to get bare-root plants in the ground. Bare-root plants are available now and should be planted between mid-February and mid-April.

Weed and Feed Combos May Not be the Best Choice

February 12, 2023

What gardener doesn’t like saving time? But some time-saving measures, such as using an herbicide and fertilizer combo, may be good in theory but not a good solution in all situations.

Fruit Trees Benefit from Application of Dormant Oil

February 5, 2023

Gardeners may not have a lot going on in the landscape during this time of year but applying dormant oil to fruit trees is a task that needs to be done. Dormant oils control scale insects, aphids and mites that are overwintering on the trees.

Pruning is Imperative for Good Tree and Shrub Health

January 29, 2023

Despite it still being coats, hats and gloves weather, there are some outside chores gardeners need to do before spring planting season arrives. Pruning, although not necessary every year, is an important part of tree and shrub health and can improve functionality. It also keeps the landscape looking neat and cared for.

Healthy Plants Need Healthy Soil

January 22, 2023

In gardening, making sure the soil has everything it needs to grow beautiful flowers, shrubs, trees and lawns is key to success.

2023 Oklahoma Proven Selections Announced

January 15, 2023

Gardening can be a challenge, even for the most seasoned growers. Fortunately, the Oklahoma Proven plant selections can help make choosing plants for the garden and landscape more successful.

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