Urban Gardener Podcast

Over the last 10 years, there has been a surge in the number of people who are interested in beekeeping. Check out this latest episode with Julia, Mason, and Andrew to see what all the buzz is about! Relevant fact sheets: EPP-7317: The Africanized Honey Bee in Oklahoma EPP-7155: Nectar and Pollen Plants of Oklahoma AGEC-2002: Beginning Honey Beekeeping Equipment and Associated Costs AGEC-276: Beekeeping Multiproduct Costs and Break-even Calculations

On this water-wise episode, Andrew, Julia, and Mason celebrate Smart Irrigation Month and discuss some basic was people can improve their irrigation efficiency without breaking the bank. Resources: HLA-6445: Smart Irrigation Technology BAE-1543: Soil Moisture-Sensing Systems for Improving Irrigation Scheduling PSS-2417: Using trend values from soil moisture sensors for irrigation decisions HLA-6615: Simple Irrigation Checkup HLA-6617: Managing Pressure in the Home Irrigation System EPA's Water Sense: Find a Pro Irrigation Association NASA's STREAM Tool NASA Acres NASA STELLA

On this special episode, Andrew, Julia, and Mason are joined by Alex Cox from the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to discuss her work as a Farm to School Coordinator and the upcoming School and Community Garden Conference. If you have questions about the Farm to School Program, you can contact Alex at alex.cox@ag.ok.gov Resources: Conference Registration Oklahoma Farm to School Program Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry

On this episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason sit down with OKC Beautiful's Executive Director: Natalie Evans. Learn about OSU Extension and OKC Beautiful's partnership to bring another Sustainable Urban Landscape Conference to OKC, and learn about some of the other fabulous work that OKC Beautiful does in this great city. OKC Beautiful's Site Sustainable Urban Landscape Conference OKC Beautiful's Programs

On this episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason sit down with the current host of Oklahoma Gardening: Casey Hentges! Last year, Oklahoma Gardening celebrated 50 years on the air. Casey talks about this history of the show and how her own past led her to be the show's host. Oklahoma Gardening (PBS) Oklahoma Gardening (YouTube) Oklahoma Gardening (Facebook) Casey Hengtes (Bio and Scholarly Works)

Today's episode is a special one! Julia, Andrew, and Mason are joined by their very first (out of office) special guest: Marcus Long, Urban Soil Conservationist for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. Marcus and the Dream Team discuss why the Conservation Commission formed and some of the services and programs run by the Commission. One of these programs is the incredible Yard-By-Yard program! Earth Kind 2026 Yard-By-Yard: A Community Resiliency Project Oklahoma Conservation Commission History of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission

On today's episode, Julia, Andrew, and special guest Lili LeClaire dive into the language of flowers and how they have been used to communicate throughout history. So grab your Valentine and curl up for this special Valentine's Day episode. Sources Discussed: HLA-6425: Annual Flowers for Specific Uses in Oklahoma HLA-6426: The Handling and Care of Cut Flowers " Valentine's Day and the Gains from Agricultural Trade: Cut Flowers in the US " " Would Valentine's Day exist without the Red Rose "

On today's special episode, Andrew, Julia, and Mason discuss the Oklahoma Mesonet and its importance to Oklahoman's daily life, whether you're in agriculture or not! Oklahoma Mesonet Site Mesonet Irrigation Planner How to Use the Irrigation Planner History of the Mesonet

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: 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 EPP-7312: Household Pest Control EPP-7450: Safe Use of Pesticides in the Home and Garden

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 HLA-6608: Managing Turfgrass in the Shade 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 Oklahoma Oklahoma 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 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 Pollen Plants of 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 PSS-2792: Cover Crops for Weed Management in Oklahoma PSS-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 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 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"