Urban Gardener Podcast

On today's festive episode, Julia, Mason, and Andrew discuss the mysteries of mistletoe. What is its significance in Oklahoma? Why was it important in various points in history? How do you get it off your backyard tree? Tune in to find out!

Related Articles and Fact Sheets:

Mistletoe Science and Folklore

Drualus (Mistletoe): The Sacred Plant of Druids

Mystical Mistletoe (Norfolk Botanical Garden)

Mistletoes (University of California)

Mistletoe (Oklahoma Historical Society)

Mistletoe (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

On today’s special episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason discussed algae and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and how they impact local water quality. They explained what causes harmful algal blooms and shared practical best management practices including reducing excess fertilizer, managing runoff, and protecting vegetated buffers.. The team emphasized how simple, research-based actions can make a big difference in keeping our waterways healthy.

Related Fact Sheets:

NREM-9213: Toxic Blue-Green Algal Blooms

NREM-9223: Fish Kills

NREM-9211: Pond Plants

NREM-9206: Common Pond Problems

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: Au...

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:

HLA-6411: Houseplant Care

HLA-6458: Container Gardening

HLA-6461: Basic Plant Care

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 challeng...

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

...

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

HLA-6421: Controlling Weeds in Home Lawns

Roadside Vegetation Management Guidelines 4th Edition

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

HLA-6430: Landscaping to Attract Butterflies and Moths

EPP-7155: Nectar and...

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...

On this episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason discuss tips & tricks to prepare your lawn and garden for springtime.

Feature Fact Sheets:

Soil Testing

Understanding Your Irrigation Sample Results

Backyard 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...

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:

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.

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. Disea...

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!

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!

In this episode OK County Extension Educators Joshua Campbell and Julia Laughlin talk through what is needed to plant root crops.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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:

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: 

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

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