In this creepy and crawly episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason dig into the world of common garden pests. From insects that nibble on leaves to critters that sneak into houseplants, they share practical, research-based strategies for identifying problems early and managing pests in ways that protect both your plants and the environment. Whether it’s preventing infestations, encouraging beneficial insects, or exploring eco-friendly control options, this conversation offers simple steps gardeners can take to keep their landscapes healthy without relying on harsh chemicals.
Related Fact Sheets:
HLA-6432: Mechanical Pest Controls
HLA-6446: Augmentation Biological Control Practices for the Home Landscape
HLA-6433: Botanical Pest Controls
HLA-6431: Cultural Control Practices
HLA-6447: Conservation for the Home Landscape
EPP-7306: Ornamental and Lawn Pest Control
In this episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason sit down to share practical tips and tricks for helping plants make the seasonal transition from outdoors to indoors. They discuss the importance of timing, such as bringing plants in not too early and not too late, and offer guidance on keeping them healthy through shorter days, lower humidity, cooler temperatures, and watering adjustments.
Related Fact Sheets:
On the first-ever two-part episode for the podcast, Andrew, Julia, and Mason continue their conversation on helping your lawn beat the heat. In this installment, they focus on turfgrass. They share some tips on how to keep your yard healthy and resilient while staying mindful of water conservation.
Related Fact Sheets:
HLA-6476: Preparing Your Lawn for Drought
CCR-6609: Commercial Source of Buffalograss Seed, Sod and Plugs
L-437: Turfgrass Management in Oklahoma
HLA-6418: Selecting a Lawn Grass for Oklahoma
HLA-6419: Establishing a Lawn in Oklahoma
The 50th episode of the Urban Gardener Podcast is here, and we’ve got a special treat to celebrate!
Julia, Andrew, and Mason are marking this milestone with a two-part series you won’t want to miss. In part one, the trio dives into the colorful world of drought-tolerant ornamentals. These plants bring beauty, texture, and year-round interest to your landscape while sipping far less water than traditional choices.
They’ll share a mix of tried-and-true favorites and exciting new finds, highlighting what makes each plant special, how they perform in Oklahoma’s challenging climate, and how to design with them for maximum impact. From sun-loving perennials with vibrant blooms to shrubs that thrive in heat and poor soil, you’ll get practical advice for selecting, planting, and caring for ornamentals that can stand up to long, dry summers without losing their charm.
Related Fact Sheets:
HLA-6444: Drought-Tolerant Plant Selections for OklahomaOklahoma Proven: Plant Selections for Oklahoma (1999-2024)
In this episode of The Urban Gardener Podcast, Julia, Andrew, and Mason dig into the critical role that water pressure plays in irrigation systems. From uneven watering to system damage, the trio explains how too much, or too little, pressure can spell trouble for your landscape. Tune in to learn how to identify pressure problems, adjust your system, and keep your garden thriving with efficient, balanced irrigation.
Related Fact Sheets:
HLA-6617: Managing Pressure in the Home Irrigation System
HLA-6462: The Effects of Wind Speed and Water Pressure on Home Sprinkler Systems
BAE-1511: Drip Irrigation Systems
Don’t get lost in the weeds!
On today’s episode, Julia, Mason, and Andrew dive into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating!) world of common weeds in Oklahoma. They’ll explore which weeds you’re most likely to encounter in your lawn, garden, or pasture. From stubborn invaders like thistles and crabgrass to thorny troublemakers like sandburs and sticker weeds.
Additional Information:
PSS-2750: Guide to Effective Weed Control
From bird to bees to bats! On this episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason discuss pollinators found in Oklahoma, their importance in our daily lives, and how we can encourage their presence in our landscapes.
Additional Resources:
Video - How to Design a Pollinator Garden
Video- Pollinators in a Native Garden
HLA-6464: Wildflower Gardening in Oklahoma
HLA-6454: Designing a Rain Garden for a Residential Property
Oklahoma Proven: Plant Selections for Oklahoma
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 Handbook
PSS-2257: Building Soil Organic Matter for a Sustainable Organic Crop Production
PSS-2267: Organic Matter in No-Till Production Systems
HLA-6436: Healthy Garden Soils
On this episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason discuss tips & tricks to prepare your lawn and garden for springtime.
Feature Fact Sheets:
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:
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:
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
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
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:
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
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:
