All Tulsa Health Department locations are closed Fri, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. We will reopen on Mon, June 22 at 8:00 a.m.
A thriving garden is the result of good planning, the right resources, and consistent care. If you’ve already read our blogs on knowing your zone and container gardening, you’re off to a great start. Let’s build that foundation with a few simple, practical tips to help you get the most out of your garden.
Before you plant anything, make sure your information is reliable. Research-based guidance can save you time, money, and frustration. Great sources include the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Tulsa County Master Gardeners website under their Lawn & Garden Help section.
Fact sheets and university articles are especially helpful because they offer specific, research-backed advice on plants, soil, and pest management. A quick tip: when searching online, add “.edu” to your query for more reliable results.
This is one of the most important rules in gardening (and something we cover more in our Know Your Zone and get Ready for the Spring Planting Season blog post). Make sure your plants match:
Crowding plants or placing them in the wrong light conditions can limit their potential right from the start.
Good gardens start from the ground up. Remember that soil is not dirt,it’s a living system that supports plant growth. Ideal soil contains minerals, water, air, and organic matter.
There are three main soil types:
Healthy soil leads to strong roots—and strong roots lead to strong plants.
One of the best ways to boost your garden is by adding compost. Compost improves soil structure; it helps retain water while also adding nutrients and supporting beneficial organisms.
It’s especially helpful for both sandy and clay soils, making it a must-have for any gardener.
Mulching is one of the easiest ways to protect your garden. Mulch can help you retain soil moisture and keep your soil cool. It can also aid in reducing weeds and improving nutrients retention. You can think of mulch as a protective blanket for your plants.
By combining trusted resources with these simple practices, you’ll set your garden up for success all season long.
All the information on this fact sheet was graciously provided by OSU Extension – Tulsa Master Gardeners. To learn more about Tulsa Master Gardeners, visit www.tulsamastergardeners.org/.
