Urban Gardener Podcast

In this episode of The Urban Gardener Podcast, Julia, Andrew, and Mason dive into practical and science-backed best management practices to improve soil health and conserve water across a variety of landscapes. Whether you're tending a backyard lawn, cultivating a community garden, or managing a small-acreage farm. From boosting organic matter and using compost to mulching techniques and moisture retention strategies, the trio explores how simple soil care can lead to big water savings. Tune in to learn how healthy soil is the foundation for resilient, water-wise landscapes.Featured Fact Sheets:E-1039: Oklahoma Soil Fertility HandbookPSS-2257: Building Soil Organic Matter for a Sustainable Organic Crop ProductionPSS-2267: Organic Matter in No-Till Production SystemsHLA-6436: Healthy Garden SoilsPSS-2792: Cover Crops for Weed Management in OklahomaPSS-2161: Benefits of Using Cover Crops in Oklahoma No-Till

On this episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason discuss tips & tricks to prepare your lawn and garden for springtime. Feature Fact Sheets:Soil TestingUnderstanding Your Irrigation Sample ResultsBackyard Composting

In this episode, Julia, Mason, and the former program assistant, now Water Conservation Educator, Andrew discuss the future of water conservation education with OK County OSU Extension. They also discuss how the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust (OCWUT), Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (OK-DEQ), and the Oklahoma Water Resource Board (OWRB) manage water. Related Fact Sheets: AGEC-1018: "Understanding the Different Kinds of Water Addressed by Oklahoma's Water Law" CR-1016: "Economic Impact of Conservation Dollars in Oklahoma" WREC-1017: "Considering Water Quality in Oklahoma" WREC-104: "Introduction to Groundwater Hydrology and Management" L-346: "Responsible Lawn Care" L-458: "Water-Wise Landscape Principles for Oklahoma" HLA-6615: "Simple Irrigation Checkup for Home Sprinkler Systems" BAE-1511: "Drip Irrigation Systems" BAE-1757: "Design of Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Oklahoma" PSS-2902: "What Soil, Forage, or Water Test Do You Need?" HLA-6444: "Drought Tolerant Plant Selections for Oklahoma"

On this special holiday episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason discuss the history, care, and legends on the poinsettia. Related fact sheets and articles: HLA-6413: Poinsettia Care Poinsettias are a long-time holiday favorite Care for poinsettias during the holiday season

On today's spooky episode, Julia and Andrew welcome a new addition to The Urban Gardener Podcast: Mason Huddleston, the new Urban Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator at OK County OSU Extension. Julia, Andrew, and Mason discuss their favorite wicked plants and how the difference between medicine and poison is all in the dose.

On this episode we have a special guest: Ms. Sophia Darrow! Sophia is a student at Oklahoma State working towards her Masters in Horticulture. She is the manager of the Giving Garden at the OK County OSU Extension Office. Her, Julia, and Andrew discuss the benefits of community gardens. Related Fact Sheets: Raised Bed Gardening Oklahoma Garden Planning Guide

Today's episode features a special guest: Sophia Darrow. Sophia is a student at OSU working on her masters degree in horticulture. She was first employee of the OSU Student Farm, and now she has been cultivating the Giving Garden at OK County OSU Extension. Related OSU Fact Sheets and Topics: OSU Student Farm HLA-Oklahoma Garden Planning Guide Raised Bed Gardening

On this episode, Julia, Lili, and Andrew discuss the tricks to growing herbs in Oklahoma. Featured Fact Sheets: HLA: 6037---Culinary Herbs for Oklahoma Gardens HLA: 6004---Oklahoma Garden Planning Guide HLA: 6009---Fall Gardening

Julia, Lili, and Andrew discuss the art of harvesting vegetables and other expert tips on how to bring your vegetables to the table. Featured Oklahoma State University Fact Sheets: HLA-6004: Oklahoma Garden Planning Guide HLA-6012: Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden HLA-6026: Squash and Pumpkin Production HLA-6028: Potato Production

In this episode, Julia, Lili, and Andrew discuss the secrets of how to create flourishing combo pots and how to incorporate a thriller, filler, and spiller plant. Fact sheets for this episode: HLA-6458: Container Gardening HLA-6451: Dish Gardening

On this episode of the Urban Gardener Podcast, Julia, Lili, and Andrew discuss tips and tricks for transplanting tomatoes in Oklahoma. Episode's Fact Sheets: HLA-6020: Growing Vegetable Transplants L-249: Soil Testing, The Right First Step Toward Proper Care of Your Lawn and Garden PSS-2207: How to Get a Good Soil Sample PSS-2228: Fertilizer Nutrients with Animal Manure HLA-6032: Vegetable Varieties for the Home Garden in Oklahoma

Julia, Lili, and Andrew discuss tips and tricks on how to prepare for and maintain your summer vegetable garden. Fact Sheets for the episode: HLA-6032: Vegetable Varieties for the Home Garden in Oklahoma HLA-6013: Summer Care of the Home Vegetable Garden HLA-6020: Growing Vegetable Transplants HLA-6004: Oklahoma Garden Planning Guide HLA-6436: Healthy Garden Soils

On this episode, Julia, Lili, and Andrew discuss the benefits of transplanting or using seeds for your garden plants.

On this episode, Julia, Andrew, and Lili take on the secrets of the soil. They discuss proper soil testing, how to improve your soil, and a little bit of soil chemistry (don't be scared!). Fact sheets mentioned on the episode and related fact sheets: Improving Garden Soil Fertility Oklahoma Agricultural Soil Test Summary: 2018-2022 How to Get a Good Soil Sample The Importance of Sampling Depth for Soil Health Assessment OSU Soil Test Interpretations Soil Test Interpretations for Vegetable Crops Soil pH and Buffer Index Healthy Garden Soils Oklahoma Soil Fertility Handbook Backyard Composting in Oklahoma

On today's episode, Julia, Lili, and Andrew discuss types of ornamental plants which will keep their lush green color al through the winter. Fact Sheets for today's episode: Pine Wilt Disease: EPP-7674 Fertilizing Shade and Ornamental Trees and Shrubs: HLA-6412 Oklahoma Proven: Plant Selections for Oklahoma (1999-2023) How to Get a Good Soil Sample: PSS-2207

This episode officially welcomes two new co-hosts: Andrew Fleet and Liliana LeClaire. They join our horticulture expert, Julia Laughlin, as she discusses how to properly prune your trees, shrubs, and other ornamentals as we begin to emerge from winter. Fact sheets for this episode: HLA-6403: Roses in Oklahoma HLA-6408: Landscape Maintenance Schedule HLA-6409: Pruning Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, and Vines HLA-6415: Training Young Shade and Ornamental Trees HLA-6228: Annual Pruning of Fruit Trees

In this episode, Josh, Julia, and Andrew discuss some of the legends and lore surrounding our favorite Christmas plants. Mentioned in the episode: Fact Sheet: Poinsettia Care HLA-6413 Other Information: Christmas Plants

In this episode, Josh and Julia discuss ways to prepare your landscape for the colder winter months, including tips for protecting plants, winterizing irrigation systems and more. Mentioned in the episode: Fact Sheet - Winter Protection for Landscape Plants 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

In this episode, Josh and Julia discuss why fall is a great time for composting and some tips fro getting started with compsting. Backyard Composting in Oklahoma Fall Leaf Composting Compost Turning: The Key to Quick Composting Compost Type Quiz

In this episode, Josh and Julia discuss what conditions are needed to have beautiful fall leaf colors and some of the best trees and shrubs to plant for capturing the beauty of fall in your landscape. Oklahoma Proven Trees The magic of autumn in Oklahoma Selecting Deciduous Trees for Oklahoma

In this episode, Josh and Julia discuss the transition from summer to fall in the landscape and ways to take cuttings from your favorite annual plants so that you can enjoy them again next year. Landscape Maintenance Schedule Fact Sheet Houseplant Care Fact Sheet

In this episode Josh and Julia talk about Hügelkultur Gardening and how to use it as a sustainable landscape practice. Creating a Hügelkultur for Gardening with Stormwater Management Benefits

In this episode, Josh and Julia discuss getting started with fall gardening and what you need to know to have success. Fall Gardening Fact Sheet

In this episode, Josh and Julia discuss best practices for watering your garden and landscape in the heat of summer, including Smart Irrigation technology to make you more efficient with your water use. July is Smart Irrigation Month EPA Water Sense OSU Fact Sheets: Smart Irrigation Technology: Controllers and Sensors Managing Pressure in the Home Irrigation System

In this episode, we dig into some tips for diagnosing pest, disease and environmental problems with plants in your landscape. Josh and Julia share some common problems to look for and how to get help addressing these issues. Resources mentioned: PLANT DISEASE AND INSECT DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the Home Landscape Ornamental and Lawn Pest Control (For Homeowners)

Creating a water-efficient landscape has environmental benefits, but may also help you save money by reducing your monthly water bill. In this episode, OK County OSU Extension educators, Joshua Campbell and Julia Laughlin discuss how to establish a water-efficient landscape by making improvements to the soil, utilizing the best plants, and irrigating efficiently. Water-Efficient Landscapes for Oklahoma Oklahoma Proven: Plant Selections for Oklahoma Mulching Garden Soils

It's the time of year people may be thinking about adding new vegetable gardens or expanding existing flower beds. Regardless of what you're doing, you'll need to start by removing the existing turfgrass. In Oklahoma, this most likely means Bermudagrass. OK County OSU Extension educators, Joshua Campbell and Julia Laughlin, along with Urban Agriculture Program Assistant Kate Reynolds share several methods for suppressing bermudagrass, and talk through the pros and cons.  Bermudagrass Suppression Methods for Oklahoma Home Gardens Turfgrass Eradication Research Cover Crops for Weed Management in Oklahoma

International Compost Awareness week falls during the month of May and we're celebrating by talking all about vermicomposting! While composting with worms is just one method of composting, it certainly can play a big role in organic waste reduction and providing nutrition for your garden. OK County OSU Extension educators, Joshua Campbell and Julia Laughlin, along with Urban Agriculture Program Assistant Kate Reynolds share how to set up a vermicomposting bin and which worms are best for this method.  Vermicomposting - Composting With Worms The Basics of Vermicomposting

Whether you're trying to increase your real estate value, lower your energy consumption, or add beauty to your yard, trees are a great choice. Unlike small herbaceous plants though, trees require some extra care to establish and grow optimally. OK County OSU Extension educators, Joshua Campbell and Julia Laughlin, along with Urban Agriculture Program Assistant Kate Reynolds, share the dos and don'ts of tree planting, and talk about our favorite species. Planting Trees and Shrubs Fertilizing Shade and Ornamental Trees and Shrubs Pruning Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, and Vines Oklahoma Proven Trees

Join us as we talk about everyone's favorite veggie to grow: tomatoes! Whether you're growing on a small scale or a large scale, tomatoes are one of those go-to staples we see people wanting to plant year after year. OK County OSU Extension educators, Joshua Campbell and Julia Laughlin, along with Urban Agriculture Program Assistant Kate Reynolds, share our best-kept secrets to tomato success and talk about our favorite varieties.  Resources: Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden Commercial Production of Fresh Market Tomatoes Common Diseases of Tomatoes: Part I. Diseases Caused by Fungi Common Diseases of Tomatoes: Part II. Diseases Caused by Bacteria, Viruses, and Nematodes Common Diseases of Tomatoes: Part III. Non-Infectious Diseases

Join us as we move away from veggies and dial in on lawn care, specifically the tricky question of how to establish turfgrass in the shade. Many of us enjoy a healthy lawn, but many of our go-to grasses won't grow in the shade. OK County OSU Extension educators, Joshua Campbell and Julia Laughlin, along with Urban Agriculture Program Assistant Kate Reynolds, tackle this tough issue. In this episode, we'll cover shade removal, plant selection, fertilization, mowing height, irrigation, and more! Managing Turfgrass in the Shade Cool Season Lawn Management Calendar Bermudagrass Lawn Management Calendar Lawn Management in Oklahoma

Everyone loves a spring salad garden, and it's easier to pull off than you might think. BUT starting at the wrong time, or with the wrong plant varieties can set you back for a season. OK County OSU Extension educators, Joshua Campbell and Julia Laughlin, along with Urban Agriculture Program Assistant Kate Reynolds, are here to help you start off right. In this episode, we jump into the topic of planting cole crops and leafy greens and cover how we plant them, how we care for them, and more! Cool Season Greens Production Cole Crop Production Commercial Vegetable Varieties for Oklahoma Oklahoma Garden Planning Guide

In this episode OK County Extension Educators Joshua Campbell and Julia Laughlin talk through what is needed to plant root crops. 1:14 - What are root crops? 2:55 - Nutritional Benefits 4:04 - Sowing and Harvesting 8:17 - Secrets of Beets and Carrots 13:16 - Care and Cultivation 15:32 - Root Crops in Raised Beds or Containers Fact Sheets: Root Crops, Oklahoma Garden Planning Guide, Fall Gardening

Take a deep dive into pruning in urban landscapes with OK County OSU Extension Educators, Joshua Campbell, Julia Laughlin and Urban Ag Program Assistant, Kate Reynolds. They look at the benefits of pruning, how to prune, when to prune, and how to manage your tools. Why Prune (0:55) When to Prune (7:23) How to Prune (11:04) Myths and Questions (14:26) Factsheet: Pruning Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, and Vines

The year is winding down, and so are the OK County OSU Extension educators, Josh Campbell and Julia Laughlin and their Program Assistant, Kate Reynolds. Wind down with them, and learn how to recognize and protect against winter injury on trees and shrubs. If you're tired of working outside but looking for distractions, keep listening for an overview of how to winter sow transplants and the neat things you can find in seed catalogs! Resources Winter Protection for Landscape Plants Winter Desiccation Injury of Evergreen Shrubs and Trees Preventing southwest injury in landscape trees Growing Vegetable Transplants Ready, Set, Plant - Starting Seeds the Easy Way Bermudagrass Suppression Methods for Oklahoma Home Gardens

OK County OSU Extension educators, Josh Campbell and Julia Laughlin and their Program Assistant, Kate Reynolds, look at winter protection of the home landscape, decorating for the holidays with plants, and our dreams for spring. Resources Winter Protection for Landscape Plants Selection and Care of Christmas Trees Poinsettia Care History of Poinsettia

Your tools are ready for cleaning after a hard season's work and your automatic irrigation systems need to be prepped for winter, plus you may have some seeds you want to save. For our second episode of November, OK County Extension educators, Josh Campbell and Julia Laughlin and their Program Assistant, Kate Reynolds, share our best methods for tackling this work for urban gardeners. Resources Seed Saving Basics Storing Vegetable and Flower Seeds Winterizing Your Garden Tools Yard Equipment Maintenance Tips Irrigation System Winterizing Tips Winterizing Lawn and Garden Irrigation Systems Worth the Effort

OK County OSU Extension educators, Josh Campbell and Julia Laughlin and their Program Assistant, Kate Reynolds, look at the key things you'll want to know this month in regards to turfgrass, natural resource conservation, and garden ornamentals. Plus, Josh gives us the scoop on sandbur problems, and Julia gives us the scoop on the significance of pecan trees in Oklahoma. Resources Cool Season Lawn Management Calendar Controlling Broadleaf Weeds in Home Lawns Sandbur Control in Bermudagrass Pasture Controlling Sandburs in Grass Areas Brian Pugh - Sandbur Control Planting Trees and Shrubs

For our second episode of October, OK County Extension educators, Josh Campbell and Julia Laughlin and their Program Assistant, Kate Reynolds, take a deep dive into two time-sensitive projects: migrating your houseplants indoors for the winter, and creating a new garden bed with the help of the lasagna composting method. Resources Backyard Composting in Oklahoma Bermuda Grass Eradication Demonstration - 2022 Different Ways of Bermudagrass Eradication Research on the Best of Oklahoma Gardening

The weather is cooling down and our gardens are looking like fun places to work in again. Join OK County Extension educators, Josh Campbell and Julia Laughlin, and learn what you can plan, harvest, and maintain in your garden this month. Plus, if you're looking to up your gardening game with some new techniques, you'll want to hear all about cover cropping, low tunnels, and solarization. Bermudagrass Lawn Management Calendar Cool Season Lawn Management Calendar Perennial Flowers for Specific Uses in Oklahoma Benefits of Using Cover Crops in Oklahoma No-Till Keep Garden-Fresh Taste Longer with Extended Growing Season Using Compost as a Heat Source for Growing Seedlings on Hot Beds and in Greenhouses

You may not know it, but fall is an amazing time for growing vegetables in Oklahoma! Join our extension educators, Josh and Julia, and learn what you can plant this month to enjoy the rest of the year. Keep listening for tips on ornamental plants you can snag for winter, and how to refresh and share your Iris and Daylilies. It's also the time to take care of your cool season grasses, and Josh offers some advice on ways to refresh and prepare your lawn for the next year. Resources: Fact Sheet Repository Fall Gardening in Oklahoma Cool Season Greens Production (Spinach, Collard, Kale, Mustard, Turnip, Leaf Lettuce) Managing Turfgrass in the Shade in Oklahoma

Learn how to water your lawn in a drought and why you're tomatoes haven't been producing in our latest episode! You'll also discover fun local events such as the County Free Fair, our own Eastside Farmer's Market, as well as our educational workshops. Resources: Fact Sheet Repository Mesonet Bermudagrass Lawn Management Calendar Fall Gardening Home Grown Gardening

In this episode, we share ways to save money on your water bill with smart irrigation technology and highlight tips for gardening success in July. Resources OSU Extension Fact Sheets Website Managing Pressure in the Home Sprinkler System Simple Irrigation Checkup for the Home Sprinkler System Oklahoma County OSU Extension YouTube Channel

In this episode we discuss lawn care tips, controlling bag worms and web worms, watering, mulching, keeping plants blooming and creating habitat for pollinators.

In this episode, we cover tips for successful container gardening with ornamentals and vegetables and discuss how to build a straw bale garden. In this episode, we cover timely early summer gardening tips including how and when to plant certain crops in your vegetable garden, watering, mulching and pest control. OSU Extension Fact Sheets Website Container Gardening Straw Bale Gardening Oklahoma County OSU Extension YouTube Channel

In this episode, we cover timely early summer gardening tips including how and when to plant certain crops in your vegetable garden, watering, mulching and pest control. OSU Extension Fact Sheets Website Garden Planning Guide Oklahoma County OSU Extension YouTube Channel

In this episode we cover timely spring gardening tips including soil sampling, garden planning and tree planting. OSU Extension Fact Sheets Website Garden Planning Guide Soil Testing…the Right First Step Tree Planting Guide Oklahoma County OSU Extension YouTube Channel Market Gardening School Class

We are excited to announce a new Extension podcast bringing you timely tips from OSU Extension educators. Introducing the Urban Gardener Podcast. Join us each episode as we help you turn up your gardening knowledge with timely research-based gardening tips. Visit our website