HANG IN THERE . . . FALL IS
JUST AROUND THE CORNER
2023 / VOLUME #198
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SEPTEMBER HORTICULTURAL
AND GARDEN TIPS
A few topics (Landscape, Vegetables, and Lawn) are highlighted this month. So, to learn about what you should be doing in the month of SEPTEMBER click on GARDEN TIPS.
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From time to time, your Tulsa Master Gardeners partner with our marketing consulting firm to create videos highlighting what we do and why we love doing it.
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WEATHERING YOUR GARDEN:
HI (Heat Index or
Apparent Temperature)
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“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” is a common phrase to describe summer in Oklahoma. That combination of air temperature and relative humidity is called the Heat Index. It’s also referred to as the “apparent temperature.” Like wind chill, it’s a way to describe what it feels like to the human body.
Warm air can handle more humidity, aka moisture, than cold air. The problem is when you get hot and begin to perspire, the moisture in the air prevents your sweat from evaporating. That prevents you from cooling off and your body feels warmer than it actually is. Therefore, there is a direct relationship between the air temperature and relative humidity.
In Oklahoma.
It becomes dangerous when the air temperature is as low as 85 degrees and the humidity is 65% producing a heat index of 91. That’s when heat illnesses are likely and heat stroke is possible. The longer you stay outside, the chances of you getting heat-sick increases.
To figure out the heat index you can do this calculation: -42.379 + 2.04901523T + 10.14333127R - 0.22475541TR - 6.83783 x 10-3T2 - 5.481717 x 10-2R2 + 1.22874 x 10-3T2R + 8.5282 x 10-4TR2 - 1.99 x 10-6T2R2
T - air temperature (F)
R - relative humidity (percentage)
Or, much better yet, you can use this chart. For example, if the air temperature is 100 (like it was not too long ago) and the humidity is 55%, the heat index can be as high as 124, thus increasing your chances of heat stroke! And don’t forget those calculations are done in the shade. You would have to add 10-15 degrees to calculate for sunshine. It’s a little-known fact that heat causes more weather-related deaths than anything else. There are only 2 ways to beat the heat:
1. Drink plenty of water up to 24 hours BEFORE you go outside.
2. Stay inside. Be aware and take care!
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SUMMER INVADERS:
BENEFICIALS vs PESTS
(the good guys vs the bad guys)
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Parasitoid Wasp (Good Guy) |
Insects are the most successful animals on earth considering the number of individuals, number of species, and range of habitats. There are nearly a million known species that occupy almost every terrestrial habitat. Most insects are either beneficial or neutral and serve a variety of important functions, such as pollinators, predators, parasites, and decomposers. Actually, less than 2% of all insect species are classified as pests.
So, given that, let's explore the world of beneficial insects vs pests in the garden and flower beds by clicking on GOOD GUYS VS BAD GUYS.
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Planting Spring-Flowering Bulbs |
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
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RED TIP PHOTINIA DAMAGE:
"A FUNGUS AMONG US"
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Red Tip Photinia is certainly a popular ornamental shrub prized for its vibrant red new growth that adds a splash of color to landscapes. However, like virtually all plants, Red Tip Photinia is susceptible to various diseases that can impact its health and aesthetic appeal. One such disease that gardeners and landscapers need to be aware of is Red Tip Photinia disease, scientifically known as Entomosporium leaf spot.
In this article, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Red Tip Photinia disease. Just click on RED TIP PHOTINIA DAMAGE.
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It’s almost fall y’all, and that means it is time to plant cool season grasses. Here in Green Country the most popular cool season grass is Tall Fescue. September through October when the nights are longer and the daytime highs are not quite so hot is the best time to plant such.
Click on FESCUE to get the "low-down" on seeding or reseeding this beautiful grass. You'll have a green yard all winter long.
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FALL CLOVER SEEDING:
AN EARTH-KIND WAY TO
SUPPLEMENT FESCUE
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So, if you have decided to seed or reseed with fescue this fall, here is an Earth-Kind way to supplement your fescue. Consider adding clover to the mix. Yes, it will have a white flower head in the Spring, but it will also help to "green up" your yard all winter. Did you know that clover was actually added to grass seed mixes until the 1950's when herbicides for homeowners became popular?
There are multiple advantages to adding clover to your fall seeding/reseeding program. Click on WINTER CLOVER to learn more about those advantages. At least give it a look . . . you may be surprised!
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NOW IS THE TIME TO PREP THAT FALL VEGETABLE GARDEN |
Repeating this one just in case you missed it last month . . . or thought it was too hot (some days, it was!) or just too early to prep.
Some of the best quality garden vegetables in Oklahoma are produced and harvested in the fall when warm, sunny days are followed by cool, humid nights. Under these conditions plant soil metabolism is lower so more of the food produced by the plant becomes a high-quality vegetable product.
But NOW is the time to get started, even if it is still hot. To learn more about how to prepare a fall garden, click on FALL GARDENING. You won't be sorry you did!
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POTTING SOIL VS POTTING MIX:
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
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What’s the difference between potting soil and potting mix? It turns out that we may not know “dirt” about it. Though these terms are used interchangeably, there is a difference.
To learn more about the differences as well as the pros and cons for each, click on SOIL vs MIX.
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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
If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the Tulsa Master Gardener program's annual expenses, click on
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!
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========================================================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
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