OCTOBER HORTICULTURAL

AND GARDEN TIPS

A few topics (Turfgrass, Ornamentals, Fruits & Vegetables, and Water Gardens) are highlighted this month. So, to learn about what you should be doing in the month of OCTOBER click on GARDEN TIPS.

ONLY ONE MORE SESSION

LEFT THIS FALL

BUT WAIT . . . THERE'S MORE

WE'LL ALSO BE IN SKIATOOK THIS FRIDAY

The Compost Connection

From Green Country Master Gardeners

October is a busy month with something pleasant for everyone. There’s cooler weather, lovely autumn colors, Halloween fun for the kiddos, football games, pumpkin spice everything, and winding down on garden chores. But it is not all roses if you, or your neighbor, has a tree or trees with lots of leaves! There are many uses for those leaves and crowding the local landfills does not have to be one of them.

In Oklahoma, 20% of the landfill waste is from yard debris, which consists mainly of leaves, grass clippings, and woody branches. All of this can be used in your compost pile. Remember, larger branches need to be cut into smaller, manageable parts, or shredded for easier decomposition. Hopefully your compost pile is coming along nicely . . . you know . . . the one you started back in January of this year.

Here are a few suggestions for those leaves:

1. Shred leaves for quicker production in compost
2. Leave whole to use as mulch in your garden, flowerbeds, or at the base of bushes and shrubs
3. Till leaves directly into your garden to decompose over winter
4. Use a mulching mower directly on the leaves where they fall in your yard. Little to no raking needed. This adds nature’s nutrients back into to your turf

It is never too late (or too early) to start your compost pile if you did not get to it back in January. If you need ideas, guidance, or inspiration to plan, please go to tulsamastergardeners.org. Click on "Lawn & Garden Help", then scroll down to the "Tips & Techniques" heading, then keep scrolling to find "Composting" and select that section. Under this section you will find links to several OSU publications on Composting and several short, informative videos.

It is always a good idea to seek information when starting a gardening project. Start with tulsamastergardeners.org or call Tulsa Master Gardeners at 918-746-3701. OSU Fact Sheet resources are: L-252 Recycling Yard Waste: “Don’t Bag It” Leaf Composting and HLA-6448 Backyard Composting In Oklahoma. 

Finally, please compost your fall pumpkins, decorative gourds, and Halloween Jack O’lanterns when you are finished with them. Cut them into smaller pieces. It is okay to compost seeds that are in a gourd if the pile will get hotter than 140° but no hotter than 160°.

WEATHERING YOUR GARDEN:

FALL COLORS ARE HIDDEN

BY SUMMER'S GREEN

Did you know that the vivid colors of fall leaves were there all summer, just masked by green? Or, that the main reason that the leaves change color is NOT due to changing weather?

The main reason for the eye-popping color change is not autumn’s cooler weather, but sunlight - or, rather, the lack of daylight. Day and night are roughly equal in length on the autumnal equinox (first day of fall) in late September. But, afterwards, the nights are growing longer and days are growing shorter. As the autumn days shrink, the reduced daylight tells deciduous plants that it is time to stop gathering energy and get ready for the dormant season - called winter.

All leaves have different types of chemicals in them. One of these chemicals, chlorophyll, is responsible for absorbing sunlight and gives leaves their green color. The combination of reduced light, lack of nutrients, and less water triggers the trees to start the process of breaking down the chlorophyll and the green color fades.

Because the green color was “masking” other color pigments, we start to see the yellows and reds showing through and you see leaves change colors! Of course, not all leaves turn vivid colors in autumn. Only a few of our many species of deciduous trees - notably maple, aspen, birch, oak, and gum - produce truly stellar performances.

While daylight is the main factor that brings on fall foliage, several other factors contribute to how bright fall colors are: temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture. A wet growing season followed by an autumn with lots of sunny days, dry weather, and cold, frostless nights will produce the most vibrant palette of fall colors. If freezing temperatures and a hard frost hit, it can kill the process within the leaves, leading to poor fall color and early leaf drop.

And, what about those red leaves? Some suggest that the bright red color could deter insect pests from feeding on leaves or that red attracts birds that feed on (and spread) the trees’ fruit.

Finally, as autumn carries on, leaves begin to turn brown once all their nutrients are re-absorbed by the tree. But don’t worry, you still have time to enjoy. The peak of fall foliage in Oklahoma is the last week of October and the first week of November!

MUSHROOMS AND FAIRY RINGS

Mushrooms have long captivated human imagination, often associated with mystical realms and enchanting landscapes. One intriguing phenomenon related to mushrooms is the occurrence of fairy rings. These rings, formed by fungi’s underground growth, have fascinated and puzzled people for centuries. Fairy rings can be both aesthetically pleasing and potentially problematic for turfgrasses.

Click on FAIRY RINGS and let's explore the nature of mushrooms, the phenomenon of fairy rings, safety considerations, and treatment strategies relevant to the Oklahoma landscape.

PLANTING

SPRING-FLOWERING

BULBS

(a re-run from last month in case you missed it)

First, be on the lookout for spring-flowering bulbs showing up at your nursery this month. The time is quickly approaching. It's best to make your selection early to get your pick of the best bulbs.

Next, for the DO's and DONT's of planting spring-flowering bulbs:

1) DO plant generously. It is better to plant tulip bulbs in groups of 20 or more, spaced about a foot apart, than to place them in tight clumps or scatter them all over an area. You'll get more bang for your buck. Daffodils provide a fantastic display when organized in swaths, sort of like a lazy river.

2) DO plan for a longer display of blooms by mixing different species and varieties of species. For example, there are early, mid, and late season blooming varieties of tulips. By choosing some of each you can extend the blooming time over several weeks.

3) DO choose a site with excellent drainage. Bulbs hate soggy conditions, which can be common in Oklahoma clay soils. Plant in raised beds, on slopes, or any other well-drained spot. They also need full sun, at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered light a day.

4) DON’T plant too deep, not even tulips. Plant bulbs no deeper than about 2-3 times the diameter of the bulb. For example, if a bulb is 1" inch in diameter, plant it about 2-3" deep.

5) DON'T plant in straight rows. This looks stiff like tin soldiers standing in a row, and that lovely, massed effect of the bulbs is lost.

6) DON'T expect tulips and hyacinths to last for years and years. Most of the tulip varieties succumb to Oklahoma summers and heavy clay soils. Treat them like an annual and expect to replant again next fall. Though, there are a few species tulips to consider that should last for several years. On the other hand, daffodils, crocuses, grape hyacinths, and others, tend to naturalize or multiply year after year. Old clumps that seem to be declining should be divided! Keep the largest, healthiest bulbs and discard any small, weak or damaged bulbs.

Complements of David Hillock, OSU

BENEFITS OF LANDSCAPING

WITH NATIVE PLANTS

Eastern Redbud

Black-Eyed Susan

Landscaping with native plants in Oklahoma offers a plethora of benefits that go beyond aesthetic appeal. Native plants have evolved over time to thrive in the region's specific climatic and environmental conditions, making them well-suited for landscaping projects. By incorporating native plants into your landscape, you can create a sustainable and resilient outdoor environment that supports local ecosystems and enhances the beauty of your surroundings.

There are many advantages to landscaping with native plants in Oklahoma. Click on LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE PLANTS to learn what they are.

FUN WITH PUMPKINS

Pumpkins have long been a symbol of the fall season, with their vibrant orange hues adorning landscapes and tables alike. In Oklahoma, where the climate can be challenging for gardening, successfully growing, harvesting, and enjoying pumpkins is rewarding. 

So, click on PUMPKINS to find out more about growing and harvesting pumpkins in Oklahoma....and to find out what plant family of which they belong.

SUCCULENTS AND CACTI:

FOR LANDSCAPE AND INDOORS

Succulents and cacti have become increasingly popular in recent years as outdoor landscaping elements and houseplants. Their unique and fascinating characteristics make them attractive for individuals looking to enhance their gardens or indoor spaces with minimal maintenance yet visually appealing plants.

Click on SUCCULENTS & CACTI to learn more about the advantages of choosing these plants and how these beauties can help beautify your garden and home.

AND SPEAKING OF CACTUS:

WHAT ABOUT CHRISTMAS CACTUS?

Did you know that you can train your Christmas cactus to rebloom each year? It takes some patience and proper procedure, but it can pay big dividends. RIGHT NOW is the time to start the procedure.

Click on CHRISTMAS CACTUS to learn how to coax your Christmas cactus into blooming at holiday time.

PROPER TREE PLANTING

It has been another wild weather summer. Storms and very hot, dry weather have taken a heavy toll on our trees this year. If you are thinking about replacing trees and shrubs in your landscape, welcome to fall and cooler weather. It’s tree-planting time!

So, click on PROPER TREE PLANTING to learn what types of trees to plant now and which ones will do better as spring plantings, then learn (or re-fresh) on how best to plant your tree for ultimate success.

OKLAHOMA NATIVE TREES & SHRUBS FOR FALL AND WINTER COLOR AND INTEREST

BEAUTYBERRY

NINEBARK

As autumn ushers in cooler temperatures and shorter days, many gardeners and landscapers seek to maintain interest and vibrancy in the garden by selecting plants that not only provide stunning fall foliage but also offer winter wildlife benefits.

Click on NATIVE FALL COLOR for profiles on six native plant species that stand out for their autumn foliage colors and their contributions to winter landscapes as well as wildlife habitats.

PREPARING WARM WEATHER

GRASS FOR WINTER

Warm weather grass may lose our attention during the coming months. But it shouldn't. The steps we take in the winter months for our warm weather turf will greatly increase its success in the coming year. 

Click on WARM WEATHER GRASS for a short dissertation on a few things we should do during winter to drive success next spring and summer.

TRANSITIONING PLANTS FROM

"OUT OF DOORS" TO "IN OF DOORS"

Every year, many gardeners find themselves involved in the annual ritual of preparing their houseplants for the haul back indoors. For most houseplants, this means ending their summer vacation when night temperatures fall below 45–48° F (Hint: getting close this coming weekend!). Waiting beyond this time is flirting with disaster and you may find many tender tropical leaves dropping or getting a clear, murky surface, thus requiring your immediate attention.

As simple as this task may sound, it turns out that this is a project that needs some organizing. Click on BRINGING PLANTS INDOORS and consider following the steps provided to ensure a successful transition from outdoors to inside the household. 

DID YOU KNOW?

Since 1983, the Tulsa Master Gardeners have been serving the public by offering research-based horticultural information to residents of Tulsa and the surrounding area. 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. 

MG Endowment Fund

The Tulsa Master Gardeners have been around for over three decades and we plan to be around for many more decades. Furthermore, we are considered one of the top five Master Gardener County programs in the entire nation. We are because of the size of our Foundation membership, the number, diversity and activity level of our various community outreach programs, and our overall financial strength! 

So, we are pleased to announce, in partnership with the Tulsa Community Foundation, the Master Gardener Foundation has established an Endowment Fund to ensure our long-term financial strength. Our plans are to build this fund for many years before making any withdrawals from it. Please consider us as you make your annual gift giving as well as longer-term estate planning decisions. Remember, all donations are fully tax deductible! 

If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the long-term success of the Tulsa Master Gardener program, click on  

TULSA MASTER GARDENER ENDOWMENT FUND.

If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the Tulsa Master Gardener program's annual expenses, click on

TULSA MASTER GARDENER AGENCY FUND.

We thank ALL of you for having been such faithful contributors both in the past and in advance for your future consideration and participation! So proud to be a part of the Tulsa area - such a giving community!

=====================================================Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services.

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You can get answers to all of your gardening questions:

TULSA MASTER GARDENERS

4116 East 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74112

918-746-3701

mg@tulsamastergardeners.org