Article Archive
Pansies
If it’s fall, that must mean that it’s time to plant pansies. Because of that, your favorite garden center should have a good selection of pansies available...
Extending Fall Gardens
This is the time of year people ask us if it’s too late to plant vegetables for their fall gardens. My answer is a definite… ok, it’s impossible to give...
Mums
If you have been to your favorite garden center lately, you could not have helped noticing they are packed with mums. Mums are a fall favorite and come...
Planting Trees and Shrubs
The weather has been pretty rough on our plants this year. Because of that, a lot of us are likely thinking about replacing those damaged trees or shrubs....
Growing Garlic
Whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned pro, garlic is a fairly easy crop to grow and now is the time to start planting your garlic for a harvest...
Praying Mantids
Praying Mantids in your garden.
The first thing many of you are thinking as you’re reading this is something like the following. Praying mantid? I...
Reseeding Fescue Lawns
It’s time to reseed your fescue lawns.
Oftentimes your will hear fescue being called a “shade” grass but the reality is that all grass needs the sun...
Fall Gardens - Last Call
Now that it’s cooling down a bit, my enthusiasm for my vegetable garden is coming back. Is it too late to plant this year? EG
Many of us feel your...
Leaf Scorch
With all this heat, many of the leaves on my dogwood tree are brown. Is it dying? TL
Your tree is likely not dying but suffering from something called...
Dragonflies
I went to the lake last weekend and saw quite a few dragonflies. I don’t remember the last time I saw one at home. Is there a reason for that? RK
Now...
Stink bugs
I have something on my tomato plant that looks kind of like a squash bug but I don’t think it’s a squash bug. What in the world is it? KD
Odds are...
Moles and Gophers
I am getting these mounds of dirt in my yard. Something must be digging. Do I have moles, and if so, how do I get rid of them? LS
Pocket gophers leave...
Are your plants getting enough water?
In our recent hot afternoons, some of my plants are drooping and look like they need to be watered. How do I know if I am watering them enough because...
Twig Girdlers
I am seeing some small branches from the trees in my yard that look like they have been chewed off. What’s going on here? KL
Sounds like the cause...
Dividing Iris
You all posted online that now was the time to divide and replant crowded iris. How do I do that? RW
The first exposure to iris for a lot of us was...
Milkweed Tussock Moth
This year I planted a bunch of milkweed for the migrating monarch butterflies, but there’s some kind of fuzzy orange, black, and white caterpillar eating...
Slugs
I love my hostas, but something is chewing on them. Suggestions? AG
While there are several options for what is chewing on your hostas, I am going...
Becoming a Master Gardener
I read your articles in the newspaper but am wondering what is a Master Gardener and what do you need to do to become one? CS
During the educational...
Irrigation Audit
I have been watering my lawn using our sprinkler system, but how do I know how long to run my sprinkler? DT
Sprinkler systems are a wonderful invention...
Spider Mites
The leaves on my tomato plants look like they have tiny light-colored dots all over them. Now they are turning brown. I also see something that looks...
Chewing Damage on Vegetable Plants
Some type of insect is eating holes in the leaves of my vegetables, but I don’t see them. What insect is causing this damage and how can I defend against...
Summertime is Crapemyrtle Time
I’m always so jealous of my neighbors who have crapemyrtles. They get flowers all season long. When is the best time to plant crapemyrtles? SF
Crapemyrtles...
Cicadas
I am new to Tulsa and am amazed by how loud those insect sounds are that are coming from the trees? I assume they are insects. Right? SP
You are correct,...
Starting Your Fall Vegetable Garden
I’ve really been enjoying my vegetable garden this year. I’ve harvested potatoes and onions and now I’m getting tomatoes and cucumbers. I hate to see...
Using Fireplace ashes in Your Garden
I’ve seen several posts online about how ashes from the fireplace can keep insects away from my plants. If this is true, how much should I use? TD
The...
Mulberryweed
I went on vacation and returned to find a bunch of weeds growing in my garden and yard. They look like little trees, but also seem to have tiny little...
Powdery Mildew
My peonies are covered in what looks like a white powder. What is that and will it hurt my plant? PF
Peonies are susceptible to powdery mildew and...
Pillbugs aka Roly-polies
Roly-polies are devouring some of my outdoor plants and if that wasn’t enough, they are also coming inside the house. What can I do to get rid of them?...
Integrated Pest Management Part 2
In last Tuesday’s article we began a discussion about how to have your healthiest, most productive garden yet by utilizing a multi-step process called...
Environmental Tomato Issues
Last year I had something weird happen to my tomatoes - the end of some of them turned brown and looked rotten. Tomatoes that were produced after that...
Integrated Pest Management Part 1
In last Tuesday’s article we began a discussion about how to have your healthiest, most productive garden yet by utilizing a multi-step process called...
Soil Testing
I’ve heard you all talking a lot about getting a soil test. How do I do that? WG
Getting a soil test is one of the best things you can do for your...
Galls
I have some weird, seemingly hollow, green, round balls falling from my oak tree. What in the world are these things? SY
You are describing an interesting...
MIgrating Moths
We have a ton of moths this year. I don’t remember a year like this. What’s going on? JD
We have been getting quite a few calls from not only homeowners...
Garden Tour / Urban Gardener
While we don’t have a specific question this week, one thing that people oftentimes ask us is, “Do you have any classes coming up?” The answer depends...
Bagworms
I’ve seen some bagworms on one of my evergreens. How do I get rid of them? AP
Some years, it seems like bagworms are everywhere. This year so far...
Growing Beans
I was hoping to grow some beans this year, but have I waited too long to plant? BG
Beans are pretty easy to grow. At our Seed to Supper Farm where...
Controlling Nutsedge
I have a weed in my yard that I am told is nutsedge. How can I tell what it is for sure and then how do I get rid of it? GF
Essentially, we have two...
Growing Squash
Fresh squash is one of my summer favorites, but I hear growing squash successfully can be tricky. What do I need to know before planting some squash...
Mycorrhizae
I saw a post on social media about the importance of mycorrhizae in the soil. Why is it important? RG
As we learn more and more about soil, we become...
Growing Peonies
It seems like everyone’s peonies look so nice this year. I would like to get some for my garden, but I don’t know anything about them except they are...
Crapemyrtles
I love seeing the beautiful crapemyrtles around town. Are they hard to grow? PL
What’s not to love about crapemyrtles? Well, the freeze damage they...
Earthworms
I see a lot online about how important worms are for our gardens. Why is that? PM
I like how in 1881, Charles Darwin helped put the worms place in...
Watering Your Garden
I’ve expanded my raised beds this year and am wondering about the best way to provide these plants with water. I usually water by hand, but now that...
Gardening for Birds
I love listening to the birds in the morning when I get up. How can I attract more birds to my yard so I can enjoy them every day? AT
I am typically...
Dealing With Winter Plant Damage
I have some shrubs that are not greening up this spring. Are they done? WT
It feels like it’s getting a little redundant each year to talk about the...
Growing Vegetables with a Garden
I would love to try to grow some of my own vegetables, but I live in an apartment. Any suggestions on how I can still grow some tomatoes? SR
This...
Xeriscape Gardens
As I remember last year’s garden, it seems like I was shocked by my water bill. Is there some kind of garden that wouldn’t require all that water? TK
Water...
Growing Tomatoes
I’ve grown some herbs in the past but would like to add vegetables to my garden. My favorite would be tomatoes. Are they hard to grow? RG
Who doesn’t...
Hardening Off Transplants
It seems like last year I lost about half of my vegetable transplants I grew from seed shortly after I planted them. How do I keep that from happening...
Lady Beetles
My granddaughter loves ladybugs. I assume they are good for the garden, but how can I attract ladybugs to our garden so she can enjoy them? AT
I’m...
Fertilizer Explained
I wasn’t really happy with the way my plants grew last year. Do you think I need to add fertilizer and if so, what kind, and how much? DR
There are...
Hummingbirds in the Garden
I am always jealous of my friends when I am over at their homes and see the hummingbirds flying around their garden. They are just so interesting. How...
Growing Sunflowers
I was thinking of adding some sunflowers to my garden this year. Are they difficult to grow? TL
Sunflowers are a great addition to gardens. It’s challenging...
Pollinator Gardens
As vegetable gardeners are getting excited and prepared for this year’s growing season, let’s not forget how important flowers are for our pollinating...
Container Gardens
I am going to start growing some vegetables this year for the first time, how do you suggest I get started? PL
First of all, congratulations on becoming...
Building Your Raised Bed
I’ve been growing my own vegetables in containers for several years, but I think I am ready to build a raised bed. What do I need to know before I do...
Planting Time
With the warm temperatures, I see a lot of the plants in my garden starting to green up. Do I really need to wait till April 15th to plant my vegetables?...
Growing Herbs
Every year I enjoy my vegetable garden, but this year I am thinking of adding some herbs. Do you have any suggestions? PD
One of the great things...
Rust Disease
Last year in one of your articles you talked about rust disease on plants and as I remember, you mentioned there was something we could do in the spring...
Oklahoma Proven 2023
We are asked this questions hundreds of times a year - what kind of plant would you recommend for (fill in the blank)? It’s always a tricky question...
Growing Zones
I was vacationing in Arizona last year and saw some interesting plants. Will they grow here in Oklahoma? KF
While you don’t mention a specific plant,...
Starting Your Seeds
I don’t know why, but I can’t wait to get my garden started. Usually, I purchase transplants from around town, but this year I would like to start some...
Growing Strawberries
I used to love visiting my grandpa’s garden when I was a kid. He always had strawberries and let me help pick them. Are strawberries hard to grow? SE
Strawberries...
Improving Garden Soil
So much of gardening seems to depend on the soil and I’m not convinced the soil in my garden is great. What are some things I can do to make it better?...
Exending the Growing Season
I know it’s only January but I am thinking about a greenhouse or something so I can extend my growing season for vegetables. Any suggestions? AL
In...
Cool Season Crops
I’m itching to get out in the yard and get my vegetable garden fired up for the season. I have sleet on the ground right now, but when can I start to...
MG Plant Sale/Fundraiser
One of the questions we get asked quite often, in a variety of ways, is a question asking us what flower or vegetable we would recommend for a homeowner’s...
Winter Shrub Damage
We have been getting a lot of calls from people concerned about their shrubs and trees not looking right for this time of year… essentially thinking...
Vegetable Garden Basics
I want to start growing a few vegetables this spring, but I really don’t know how to start. Where do I begin? MP
Congratulations on making the decision...
Urban Gardener / Lunch and Learn
Each year people ask us when we plan to teach our gardening classes so here’s what we have planned so far.
First up is our Seed to Supper/Urban Gardener...
Rose Rosette Disease
My roses were looking kind of funky last year and I am concerned about rose rosette disease. How would I know if they have rose rosette disease? CT
Rose...
Overwintering Plants Indoors
I brought my tropical plants indoors for the winter and some of them don’t seem to be doing great. Any suggestions? MK
First of all, you can expect...
Seed Catalogs
I’ve gotten several seed catalogs and am preparing to make my seed order for this year’s vegetable garden. Any suggestions? DR
Seed catalog season...
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale
This is a
It seems like I remember you talking about how to treat for Crapemyrtle Bark Scale but can you refresh my memory? AT
Crapemyrtle bark...
New Year's Resolutions
Well, here we are in the first week of the new year and that means it’s time to work on our gardener resolutions. You know we all have them or should...
Overwintering Insects
I’ve seen quite a bit of info on social media suggesting we don’t clean up our gardens in the fall but wait till spring instead as a way to help insects....
Growing Cannas
I know it’s cold outside, but I am already thinking about what I want to plant in my flower garden next year. I love cannas when I see them. Are they...
Poinsettias
As part of our holiday tradition, we always purchase a poinsettia or two. They are just so beautiful. Is there a way to keep them from year to year?...
Mistletoe
There are a couple of trees in my yard that have dropped all their leaves, but I am noticing a kind of green, leafy growth on some of the branches. Any...
Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers
I love my large holly, but I looked at it the other day and noticed a bunch of very organized holes in one area of the trunk, maybe 50 or so. The holes...
Holiday Gift Ideas
My spouse is an avid gardener, and I would like to get them something for Christmas they can use in the garden. Any suggestions? JP
Good question....
Clinging Fall Leaves
Today we break with protocol and rather that answer one of your questions we are going to answer one of mine… yes, I still have questions… lots of them....
Growing Pecans
I love getting the fresh pecans each fall and am considering planting my own pecan trees. What do I need to know? LS
Growing pecans comes with both...
Southwest Tree Injury
I’ve wanted a red maple tree for years and just finished planting one in our yard. I followed your planting recommendations. What should I know to help...
Christmas Cactus
I’ve had a Christmas Cactus for several years and enjoy it very much. However, this year I don’t see any indication that it is going to flower. What...
Christmas Trees
I just moved into my first home this year and am getting ready to purchase my first Christmas tree. What do I need to know? DA
Congratulations! There...
Growing Organically
I’ve been growing my own vegetables for a couple of years now and it seems to be going pretty well. But next year I would like to shift to more organic...
Pruning
I kind of let some of my shrubs get overgrown this year. Is now a good time to prune these shrubs? SH
With the heat we experienced last summer, it...
Winter Plant Care
Now that winter is approaching, I remember the deep freeze of February 2021 and want to do my best to help my plants survive if that happens again this...
Brown Evergreen Needles
My pine tree has me concerned. There are a bunch of needles that are turning brown. Is something wrong? SH
Browning needles are not usually cause...
Earthworms
I hear people talk all the time about how important worms are for your garden, but what do they actually do? RK
As we think and talk about the importance...
Bermuda Freeze Damage
My bermudagrass has some pretty crazy patterns in it currently. I’m not really sure how to even describe it…kind of swirly patterns of green and brown....
Leave the Leaves
With the leaves already starting to fall, I am starting to dread spending every spare minute out in the yard raking and bagging leaves. Any suggestions?...
Fireplace Ashes
One of my gardener friends swears by adding ashes from the fireplace to their garden soil, but I am hesitant. Should I engage in this practice or take...
Winter Garden Prep
As our vegetable gardening season comes to a close, what are some things I can do to prepare for next year? JW
It’s always a sad day when we must...
Invasive Plants
I hear people talking about various plants and saying it’s a bad plant because it’s invasive. What does this mean and what are some invasive plants I...
Cold Frames
My vegetable garden is starting to slow down. I know the end is coming, but how can I extend my growing season so I can enjoy fresh vegetables a little...
Bringing Plants Indoors for Winter
I have a bunch of tropical plants outside in pots. When should I bring them indoors? LK
It’s about time to think about bringing your tropical plants...
Planting Bulbs
I love seeing all the tulips blooming in the spring, but I never get organized in time to plant them in the fall. This year is going to be different....
Fall soil Testing
My garden didn’t do very well this year even though I did everything like I usually do. What could be going on?
First of all, a lot of our gardens...
Fall Webworms
It doesn’t seem as bad as last year, but the fall webworms are back on my trees. What should I do? SF
It’s always a bit of a mystery why some years...
Acorns
My driveway is covered in what I assume are partially eaten acorns. What’s going on? LP
Acorn debris is a sign that the squirrels populating your...
Katydids
I have this giant grasshopper looking leaf insect on my window screen. Is this a good insect or a back insect? NM
It sounds like you are describing...
Leaf Scorch
The leaves on a couple of my trees are starting to turn brown around the edges. Should I be concerned? RW
The problem you are describing is likely...
Fall Flowers
I love my beautiful annuals, but I know with fall just around the corner, their days are numbered. Any suggestions for flowers that will give me a little...
Reseeding Fescue
I love my fescue lawn, but this summer was tough on it. I probably need to reseed. When should I do that? GR
We primarily think of fescue around here...
Moles and Gophers
Something is digging in my yard because I have these mounds of dirt showing up everywhere. Do I have moles? JD
You definitely have something working...
Fall Learning Opportunities
One of the primary purposes for the Tulsa County Master Gardeners is to share horticultural information with area residents. We do a variety of other...
Garden Myths
I have seen a lot of posts on social media talking about using Epsom salt in vegetable gardens. The claims seem almost too good to be true. Is Epsom...
Fall Armyworms
There are a bunch of caterpillars eating my turfgrass. How do I get rid of them? GS
Sounds like you are talking about armyworms. Last year it seems...
Fall Gardens / Garlic
I wanted to plant a fall garden but haven’t yet. Do I just need to wait till next spring? LR
You’ve probably missed the window for some fall crops,...
Blister Beetles
I went out to my garden to look at my tomatoes today and they were a ton of striped insects all over them. They are destroying my tomatoes. What do I...
Planting Trees and Shrubs
I want to add a couple of shrubs to my yard. When is the best time to plant? MD
While it may seem counter-intuitive, fall is the best time to plant...
Transpiration in Plants
In this heat, it seems like no matter how much I water some of my plants, they get wilted and droopy during the heat of the day. What am I doing wrong?...
Monarch Butterflies
I saw in the news that the monarch butterfly is now on the list of endangered species. What does this mean and how can we help? AT
Endangered is a...
Dividing Iris
Many of my iris didn’t bloom this year. Was it the heat or something else? CR
Iris have an interesting origin story. Their name traces back to Greek...
Beneficial Wasps
It seems like I am seeing more wasps than usual buzzing around my garden. I don’t remember this being the case before. Do I have a problem? BG
I have...
Red Velvet Ants
I just saw this giant red and black ant in my garden. It almost didn’t look real. Are they dangerous? BH
I’m pretty sure you are referring to an insect...
Become a Master Gardener
I read and enjoy your articles and have called the Tulsa Master Gardener office several times with questions, but what is a Master Gardener, and would...
Xeriscaping
I’ve been using so much water to keep my plants alive. I’ve heard xeriscape gardens don’t use much water but what is a xeriscape garden? WL
Many Tulsans...
Spider Mites
My tomato plant’s leaves are turning brown, and I am seeing some webs. What’s going on? SP
Your description and the presence of webbing suggests you...
Identify Pest Damage
Something is eating what looks like jagged holes in the leaves of my vegetables. What can I do about this organically? CK
This time of year, there...
Fungal Disease in Tomatoes
I have several tomato plants in my home garden. They were all doing great but then two of them just turned brown and died. I know it’s not a watering...
Asian Jumping Worms
I am hearing a lot about Asian Jumping Worms being a problem. What are they and what damage do they cause? SM
As gardeners, we know earthworms are...
Crapemyrtle Planting Time
I love crapemyrtles and have been told that summer is the best time to plant them. Is this true? PJ
Crapemyrtles have become a standard landscape...
Mulberryweed
I have a small weed popping up everywhere in my garden. They grow to about a foot tall and have these little seed pods/flowers. I pull them up but that...
Starting Your Fall Vegetable Garden
I have friends who have been gardening a long time and it seems like they all look forward to starting their fall vegetable garden. In fact, they are...
Common Tomato Problems
My tomatoes are not producing any fruit. What’s wrong? CO
Tomatoes are kind of the prima-donnas of the garden. Unless everything is just right, they...
Watering Wise
At this point in the summer, I am trying not to go broke from watering my lawn and landscape. What can I do to minimize my water usage? BF
Water usage...
Mychorrizae in the Soil
I’ve been hearing a lot about a fungus called mycorrhizae that everyone seems to think I need to add to my garden soil. What is it and do I need to add...
Powdery Mildew
The leaves on my tall garden phlox are covered with something white and they are looking bad. What can I do about this? NK
Sounds like your phlox...
Poison Hemlock
I’ve seen people posting about poison hemlock and am seeing a lot of contradictory information. What do I need to know about poison hemlock in Tulsa?...
Integrated Pest Management Part 2
Last week we talked about two aspects of a comprehensive pest management strategy called Integrated Pest Management. This week we build on that by discussing...
Integrated Pest Management Part 1
I am struggling to find a balanced approach to pests in my garden. I don’t want to kill them all, but I also don’t want them to destroy my garden. Any...
Dealing with Too Much Water
We have gotten a lot of rain recently and some of my vegetable plants don’t look great, especially the tomatoes. Should I be concerned? CG
You are...
Bagworm
As I remember, I had a large quantity of bagworms last year. How do I prevent that this year? AP
You are correct, last year we had what some called...
Garden Tour and Urban Gardener Classes
As many of you know, horticultural education is one of the prime directives, for not only the Tulsa County OSU Extension but also for the Tulsa Master...
Growing Sunflowers
I have always loved sunflowers but have never grown them. Anything I should know first? AR
Sunflowers are a great addition to any garden. Birds will...
Growing Beans
I love beans of just about all types and would like to grow some in my garden. What should I know to get started? OS
One of the great things about...
Growing Peonies
I planted some peonies a couple of years ago. They are blooming for the first time this year, but the flower buds have ants all over them. What should...
Growing Seedless Watermelons
I’ve always loved seedless watermelons, but if they don’t produce seeds, how in the world do you grow them? SJ
That’s a very good question, especially...
Using Mulch in the GArden
I was able to plant all my flowers and vegetables last weekend and they are looking great. I remember you talking about mulch quite a bit, but I have...
Container Gardening
I enjoy reading your articles, but most of the information is for people who have a yard. I live in an apartment, but I would still like to grow a few...
Tent Caterpillars
The tree in my yard has webbing in some of the branches and I think I see caterpillars. What should I do? KW
The webs you are describing are probably...
Growing Squash
I love squash and would love to grow some in my garden but so many of my gardener friends have given up on growing squash. Any suggestions to help keep...
Growing Tomatoes
I am new to gardening, and I want to start growing some vegetables. I was thinking of starting with tomatoes in containers. Any suggestions? SC
It’s...
Fertilizer Explained
I assume my soil needs some type of fertilizer but how do I know which fertilizer to choose and how much to apply. FM
Fertilizer can be an intimidating...
Growing Herbs
I am new to edible gardening and was thinking of starting to grow some herbs. Any suggestions? TS
In reality, herbs are some of my favorite things...
Rust Disease
I remember last year the leaves on my Bradford pear were covered with these strange looking orange growths. How can I prevent that this year? AR
What...
Oklahoma Proven 2022
Master Gardeners are often asked for plant recommendations. There are so many options and so many Master Gardeners that you will likely get a different...
Pollinator Gardens
One question posed to Master Gardener’s quite often concerns plant recommendations. There are so many options and so many Master Gardeners that you will...
Planting Dates
It seems like every year it gets harder and harder for me to wait until April 15th to plant my warm season vegetables. Do I really need to wait until...
Raised Bed Gardens
Last Tuesday we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of in-ground vs raised bed gardens. This week let’s talk about how to construct a raised...
Types of Gardens
I would like to start a vegetable garden, but I don’t have a lot of space. How do I decide what type of garden is best for me? CW
First of all, congratulations...
Growing Strawberries
I am always so jealous of my friends who grow strawberries. When is the best time to plant strawberries? RC
I agree. I love strawberries and our granddaughter...
Seed Germination
Sometimes I collect seeds from my flowers in the fall and plant them in the spring. Some sprout and some don’t. What am I doing wrong? SB
Seed dormancy...
Burls and Lichens
An oak tree in my yard has a large growth on it. It doesn’t seem to be hurting the tree, but should I be concerned? BI
It’s sounds like you are describing...
MG Plant Sale
Each year, many people ask us for recommendations on which plants to purchase and where to find them. We are fortunate to have several good garden centers...
Greenhouses and High Tunnels
Since I miss my home grown vegetables in the winter, I am considering getting a greenhouse. What do I need to know before starting this project? NM
This...
Winter Watering
It’s been cold and we haven’t had much rain, anything I should be doing to help my plants to survive the winter? AW
Many of us don’t really think...
Garden Gnomes
I know this isn’t technically a “garden question” but I am curious. How did the tradition of having a gnome in the garden get started? JM
Personally,...
Starting Seeds
This year, rather than purchase vegetable plants, I want to start them from seeds. What do I need to know to be able to do that? JP
Believe it or...
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale
I had a problem with black leaves on my crapemyrtle last year. How do I prevent that this year? JW
First of all, congratulations on having a crapemyrtle...
Seed Catalogs
I’ve been getting seed catalogs in the mail, and I am wanting to get my seeds ordered. Any recommendations? NT
The day seed catalogs start to arrive...
Oklahoma Spiders
While I am not a big fan of spiders, I know some of them are considered “good guys.” Which spiders should I be concerned about? CR
Spiders are part...
Urban Gardener
First of all, Happy New Year! With all the events of the past couple of years, it feels like just making it this far is worthy of celebration. So, today’s...
Gardener Resolutions
As a kid, I remember we always had mistletoe hanging in the doorway this time of year. Any idea where this tradition comes from? AR
The hanging of...
Mistletoe
As a kid, I remember we always had mistletoe hanging in the doorway this time of year. Any idea where this tradition comes from? AR
The hanging of...
Southwest Tree Injury
I planted what I hoped would become a big, beautiful maple tree someday, but a year after planting, the bark on the trunk has a huge split in it. Is...
Christmas Gift Ideas
I’m wondering if you have any unique Christmas gift ideas for the gardeners in my life. PC
Gardeners can be a difficult group to shop for; primarily...
The Buzz on Bees
I understand the importance of honeybees for pollination, but I saw a variety of bees in my garden this year. What are some other bees we have in Oklahoma?...
Christmas Trees
I ‘m looking forward to selecting my Christmas tree this year. How can I know which tree is best and how do I keep it looking it’s best until Christmas?...
Osage Orange
As a kid on the farm, I remember seeing a lot of what we called hedge apple trees. Are those still around? JH
Yes, hedge apples are still around....
Locally Sourced Christmas Wreaths
Last weekend, our youngest daughter came over to the house to finish a project she actually started on Father’s Day. You see, on Father’s Day she gave...
Fireplace Ashes
I read in an online gardening group that I should spread my fireplace ashes around our garden. Is that a good idea? LT
Utilizing fireplace ashes in...
Preparing Your Plants for Winter
Last year’s winter was brutal on my plants. Do you have any suggestions that can help keep this from happening again this year? LS
Oh, if we only...
Leave the leaves
The leaves on my trees are starting to fall. Every year I dread all the raking and bagging. Is there a better solution for all these leaves? RK
Yes,...
Pine Tree Disease
My pine tree has some needles that are turning brown. What could be wrong? SW
This time of year, we tend to get a variety of calls about pines or...
Growing Organically
I hear and see the term “organic” all the time, but what does that mean? KW
We do see the term “organic” quite a bit these days and many of us probably...
Pollination & Pollinators
I hear people talk about pollinators and pollinations, but I find it confusing. Can you help me understand? OD
Pollination is the process of moving...
Fall Soil Testing
I have been told I should get a soil test. Should I wait to do that until the spring growing season? MM
Soil testing to find out your soil nutrient...
Growing Azaleas
I have always enjoyed azaleas and would love to have some in my landscape, but I’ve heard they are a lot of trouble. Is that true? BK
Oklahoma’s hot...
Planting Bulbs
Every year I enjoy the tulips I see around town in the spring. When do I need to plant those? LW
Tulip bulbs (among others) should be planted in the...
Gophers
There are mounds of dirt appearing in my yard like something is digging. How do I stop this? SH
Your problem can probably be traced back to gophers;...
Praying Mantids
I have several praying mantids in my garden. Do I need to be concerned? EW
Praying mantids are part of the order Mantodea which is where the mantid...
Cold Frames
Now that the weather is cooling down, what is a good way to extend my vegetable growing season? NB
Many of us have been enjoying fresh vegetables...
Stink Bugs
Some sort of insect is damaging my tomatoes. My neighbor told me they are stink bugs. What should I do? AR
Stink bugs are at their peak about now,...
Trees for Tulsa
In a previous article you talked about fall being the best time to plant trees. Which trees do you recommend for our area? KW
Yes, fall is the best...
Dragonflies
As a kid I remember seeing dragonflies all the time, but now I never see them. Do we still have dragonflies? TK
Yes, we still have dragonflies, depending...
Reseeding Fescue
My fescue took a beating this year in the heat. Should I reseed in the fall or the spring? AC
Fescue is our primary grass for shady areas here in...
Fall Gardens / Planting Garlic
Is it too late to start my fall vegetable garden? DT
It’s probably too late to start some crops from seed but there are still a lot of vegetables...
Planting Trees & Shrubs
I’ve heard that fall is the best time to plant trees. Is that true? DB
Oftentimes when we tell people that the best time to plant trees and shrubs...
Mulberry Weed
My garden is being taken over by weeds that are growing to about a foot tall. They look like a seedling from a tree, but they don’t get any taller. They...
Twig Girdler
While mowing the yard I saw several small branches on the ground that looked like they had been chewed off. What kind of insect “chews” off branches?...
Milkweed Tussock Moth
The milkweed in my garden is doing great this year. It is taller than usual, and I can’t wait for the Monarch butterflies to find it this fall, but I...
armyworms
It looks like my yard has been invaded with these inch long caterpillars that are devouring my turf and some of my plants. How do I get rid of them?...
Blossom Drop in Tomatoes
My tomatoes were producing a lot of fruit but now they just stopped. Are they done for the year? BM
This is a great question for this time of year...
Bagworms
I have what appears to be bagworms on my juniper. Will they damage by shrub? LH
Bagworms are out in full force this year. I received an email from...
Become a Master Gardener
Well, it’s that time of year again. Time for our yearly Master Gardener training. But you may ask “What is a Master Gardener?"
In 1862 federal legislation...
Spider Mites
The leaves on some of my plants have small spots on them and are starting to turn brown. I also see some webbing. What is causing this? DH
From your...
Fungal Disease in Tomatoes
My tomatoes have brown spots on them. Can I save them? BV
The hot, wet conditions we have been experiencing are perfect for the development of fungal...
Slugs in the Garden
Something is chewing on my hostas, but I don’t see anything. Any suggestions? MM
There are several insects that could be causing your trouble, but...
Ornamental Grasses
My flower garden is in pretty good shape, but it needs something. Any suggestions? RH
Many a gardener finds themselves in this dilemma. We did our...
Replacing Crapemyrtles
There are still no signs of life on my crapemyrtles. I was thinking of planting something else where the crapemyrtles used to be. What would you suggest?...
Fall Gardens
It’s the Fourth of July and we know what’s on every gardener’s mind: when can I start my fall garden?
Ok, maybe right now we are thinking about watermelon...
Water Management in the Garden
We had too much rain for so long and now that we are entering summer, the rain has kind of stopped. How do I know how much to water my garden? KS
This...
Caterpillars in the Garden
I have a ton of little black caterpillars devouring my echinacea. I am afraid they will kill the flower, but I feel bad about trying to kill them all....
Powdery Mildew
I went away for the weekend and came home to find some my plants covered with what looks like a white powder. What should I do? LH
It sounds like...
Water Damage to Tomatoes
My tomato plants are starting to get some yellow leaves. What am I doing wrong? VS
This is a question we have been getting a lot recently and the...
Tomato Garden Myths
I am a member of several online garden groups and am seeing a lot of recommendations from people suggesting I should add antacids or eggshells or Epsom...
Crapemyrtle Freeze Damage
We are getting a lot of questions about this topic, and it also seems like every other post in social media garden sites are asking what to do about...
Oak Galls
Some branches on my oak tree have these unusual growths on them. They are green and about the size of a golf ball. What in the world are these things?...
Garden Tour
I love going to the garden centers to look at the flowers, but it’s hard for me to decide what I want in my garden. Is there any place I can go to visit...
Earthworms in the Garden
I was digging in my garden the other day and I found quite a few earthworms. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? LK
It’s hard to understate the importance...
Container Gardens
I really want to grow some vegetables, but I live in an apartment. Do you have any suggestions? RC
Growing your own vegetables is quite satisfying....
Cicadas
I am seeing a lot of news about a huge quantity of cicadas emerging this year. Is this cause for concern? DK
You are correct, there have been a lot...
Oklahoma Proven
I need to redo some of my landscape because the deep-freeze we experienced killed some of my favorites. How do I figure out which plants will do well...
Waterwise Landscaping
I have heard people talking about xeriscape gardens. What are those and why would we want a xeriscape garden? BC
Xeriscaping is a practice designed...
Squash Insects
I love to grow squash, but it seems like every year the insects get them. How can I stop this from happening? SB
There are two main insects that are...
Growing Tomatoes
I love growing tomatoes and plant them every year, but my plants never seem to have the fruit production I hope for. Any suggestions? JD
Tomatoes...
Gardening for Birds
It seems like the older I get, the more interest I have in birds. They are so beautiful and fun to watch. What can I do in my yard to attract more birds?...
Eastern Tent Caterpillars
I am seeing webs of some kind of insect in my tree where the branches join. What are these and what should I do about them? EC
It sounds like you...
Lady Beetles
I really love ladybugs and I’ve heard they are good for your garden. Is that true? JG
Ladybugs have to be one of our favorite garden visitors: right...
Hummingbirds
I love watching and listening to the hummingbirds in my garden. When should I put my hummingbird feeder out? CC
I agree. I love hummingbirds. My wife...
Planting Dates
In this week’s Ask a Master Gardener article we are going to discuss one question, and it’s one question we get thousands of times: “Is it too early...
Rust Disease and Bradford Pears
Last year my Bradford Pear’s leaves were covered with rust fungus. What can I do this year to prevent that from happening again? CS
You are correct....
Pollinator Gardens
I read your article on Monarch butterflies and milkweed. What do I need to know if I want to make my flower garden more attractive to all pollinators?...
Educational Opportunities
Don’t you all usually have some gardening classes in the spring? How do I find out about those? PJ
Yes, we usually have several educational opportunities...
Monarchs and Milkweed
I’ve seen posts on social media about how important it is for us to plant milkweed for the Monarch butterflies. What is the big deal? BF
I am glad...
Raised Beds
I am wondering if the flowers in my garden will survive the deep-freeze we just endured. Should my perennials survive or am I looking at having to replace...
Growing Zones
I am wondering if the flowers in my garden will survive the deep-freeze we just endured. Should my perennials survive or am I looking at having to replace...
Growing Potatoes
I want to try my hand at growing potatoes this year. Where do I get them and how do I take care of them? SJ
I love growing potatoes. They are pretty...
Master Gardener Plant Sale
I really want to expand my flower and vegetable gardens this year but I’m not sure where to start. What do you suggest? CS
Congratulations on wanting...
Fertilizer Basics
All the numbers on bags of fertilizer are confusing. Can you explain what they mean? MR
Understanding the numbers on the fertilizer bags is essential...
Rose Rosette
It seems like I see so many posts on social media about rose rosette disease, how can I tell if my roses are infected? GM
Diagnosis is critical because...
Growing Strawberries
I’ve always wanted strawberries in my garden. What do I need to know? DK
Strawberries are the number one fruit crop in Oklahoma home gardens. It’s...
Pollination
I remember that my squash plants last year had a lot of blooms but produced very little squash. What do you think caused that? MW
We receive quite...
Water Conservation Basics
I love my lawn and garden, but in the summer my water bill is painful. Any suggestions on how I can reduce my water usage while having a beautiful yard...
Starting Your Vegetable Garden
One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to start a vegetable garden. When can I start to plant? AG
Even though we just recently crossed over into 2021,...
Pruning Guide
Some of my shrubs are out of control. When is the best time to prune? JD
If there were only a simple answer to that question. Let’s unpack pruning...
Cool Season Vegetable Gardens
One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to start a vegetable garden. When can I start to plant? AG
Even though we just recently crossed over into 2021,...
House Plants
I have quite a few tropicals that I brought in when it got cold. Any tips on how to keep them healthy till they can go back outside? GM
Indoor plants...
Integrated Pest Management Pt 2
Last Tuesday we talked about two aspects of Integrated Pest Management (IPM): cultural and biological controls. This week we continue the discussion...
Integrated Pest Management Pt 1
In a recent article you mentioned Integrated Pest Management. Can you tell us more about that? JG
Integrated Pest Management or IPM is an environmentally...
Seed Catalogs
Whenever I get my seed catalogs, I tend to choose seeds based on the photo of the vegetable. What should I really be looking for? CW
’Tis the season...
Gardener Resolutions
As we are days away from embarking on a journey toward whatever 2021 holds for us, now is a good time to reflect on our 2020 garden; to think about what...
Vegetable Garden First Steps
I’ve never grown vegetables before, but I want to start next year. Any advice? SH
Congratulations on wanting to become a vegetable gardener. I know...
Caring for Newly Planted Trees
I planted several trees this fall. Anything I should do to help them get established? JB
If you planted a soft barked tree like a maple, cherry, weeping...
Moles & Gophers
Gophers appear to be active again in my yard. I also think I have moles. What can I do about them? SH
Gophers are the most active in the spring and...
Veg. Garden Tips
I was disappointed with my vegetable garden this year. Not sure what I did wrong. What are some of the main things I could do to help me have a more...
Christmas Trees
It seems like every year I put off getting a Christmas tree until the last minute, not this year. Any suggestions on which kind of live tree is best?...
Winter Plant Care
Each year it seems like some of my plants that were fine, did not come back in the spring. How can I help them survive the winter? MW
I will admit,...
Fall Leaves
Each year I have less and less enthusiasm for raking and bagging my leaves. I love my trees but dealing with the leaves is brutal. Any suggestions? KT
Many...
Fireplace Ashes
I read on the internet that fireplace ashes are great for your garden. Should I save my fireplace ashes to add to my garden? AR
On this question,...
Earthworms
I was cleaning up my garden for winter and I noticed a lot of earthworms. Is this a problem or a good thing? SW
Up until about March of this year,...
Crape Myrtle Bark Scale
My crape myrtle has white spots on the bark and a lot of black leaves. What is going on? OS
What you are describing are classic symptoms of crape...
Armyworms
I’ve got these inch-long caterpillars devouring my turf and some of my plants. What are these things and how do I get rid of them? PJ
The insect you...
Fall Webworms
Every year I seem to get these caterpillars with large webs in my trees. What can I do to get rid of them? JK
The insect you are describing is known...
Fall Bulbs for Spring Color
Each spring I see the beautiful tulips and regret not planting them the previous fall. Any suggestion on how I should start gardening with bulbs? AR
I...
Re-seeding Fescue
It seems like my fescue does great during the winter and spring, but then struggles during the summer? What am I doing wrong? MW
Actually, you are...
Flowers for Fall
I have loved my summer annuals and would like to keep the color going. What would you recommend? JD
Now is about the time when many of our annuals...
Beneficial Wasps
My husband says I have an irrational fear of wasps and that some are “beneficial.” Is there really such a thing as a good wasp? SC
A lot of people...
Planting Trees and Shrubs
I am wanting to add some more trees and shrubs to my landscape, and someone told me that Fall was the best time to plant those. Is that true? JD
It...
Using Pre-Emergents in Your Lawn
I had so much crab grass in my lawn this year. Is there anything I can do now to help with that problem for next year? MC
Weeds can be so frustrating...
Remembering Bill Sevier
When I first became a Master Gardener, I really didn’t know what I was getting into or what to expect. This is probably true with most Master Gardeners...
Dividing Iris
I’ve had iris for several years, but they didn’t seem to bloom as much this year as usual. Any suggestions? GM
There are some 200 to 300 varieties...
Cabbage Loopers
My broccoli plants were destroyed this year by a small green caterpillar, actually hundreds of small green caterpillars. How do I prevent this from happening...
Dutch Elm Disease
I have an American Elm that started looking like it had a problem and then died a few weeks later. What in the world happened? JA
The culprit was...