January 27, 2012



Azalea require afternoon shade on the north or east side of a house or shaded by big trees.

The location must be well drained (never any standing water). Clay soil is not well drained, you may need raised beds. Azaleas like a low pH soil (slightly acidic). It increase the acidity of the soil, use lots of peat moss, about three (3) inches of peat mixed in the top six (6) inches of soil. Once planted, make sure to mulch two (2) inches thick year round with either pine bark mulch or pecan hulls.

To ensure proper watering of your azaleas, check plants daily for moisture. Resoak root ball when needed.

Prune and fertilize after blooms have gone through July 1 using Milorgainite (an organic slow release fertilizer, 5lb / 100 sq.ft). And watch out for lace bugs.

May 13, 2011

Have you checked out a website maintained by Oklahoma State University Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources? This site is a searchable database of articles, discussion, and general tips and how-to's for gardening, planting, and maintaining you lawn and garden.

It contains techinical information on:

• How to choose plant varieties
• Care and control of lawn grasses, trees, shrubs, and other plants
• Native and organic gardening
• Ornamental and vegetable gardening
• Weed and insect control
• Plant diseases and pesticides
• The list goes on and on

If you have questions, or just a general interest in reading about new, old, or even experimental ways to grow and maintain your lawn and garden, be sure to check out the Fact Sheets at OSU by visiting this link:



OSU Extension Fact Sheets Topical Listing

October 12, 2009

It is time to plant fruit trees to have them ready to produce fruits for future harvest.  Some varieties of fruit trees are not self-pollinating but require another type of the same fruit tree to cross-pollinate. For example, Sweet Cherries require a specific compatible cross-pollinator to produce fruits. A sour pie cherry will not pollinate a sweet cherry. 

Cherry trees also require good drainage when planted to avoid water rot. 

We carry many different types and varieties.

Apple, 5-gal $24.88

- Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Johnathan, & Red and Yellow Delicious (must have two different varieties to cross-pollinate)

Cherry, 5-gal $29.49

- Sweet: Bing & Black Tartarian (must have two types to cross-pollinate)

- Sour Pie: Monmorency & Dwarf Northstar (both self-pollinating, limited numbers).

Peach, 5-gal $24.88

Belle of Georgia, Elberta, & Red Haven (all self-pollinating)

Plum, 5-gal $24.88

- Ozark Premier, Methley

Pear, 5-gal $24.88

- Moonglow & Orient (must have two varieties to cross-pollinate)

 September 6, 2009

Now is the time for preventing lawn weeds that pop up in the bermuda lawns. An application of a pre-emergent herbicide, such as Barricade, will prevent cool season annual grasses and many cool season annual broad-leaf weeds from invading your bermuda lawns. A 20lb bag of Barricade will cover a 5,000 sq.ft. lawn. An application of a pre-emergent herbicide is not recommended if you intend to reseed your lawn with cool season grasses such as Rye or Fescue.

May 2, 2009

Since selecting the type of rose you are interested in can vary widely from Floribunda, Grandiflora, Climbing, Shrub, Tree, and Miniature these helpful tips will ensure the health and development of any rose selected.

Choose a sunny, well ventilated location away from larger plants and shrubs to start your roses. Prepare a bed at least three (3) feet wide mixing in a large volume of organic material (Back to Nature Compost, Back to Nature Rose Amendment, etc). 

Plant your roses at least three (3) feet apart. Mulch your new roses with at least two (2) inches deep of pine bark mulch to help retain moisture. Finally, treat your roses with a systemic insecticide / fungicide at the labeled intervals or use the new generation pour on insect / disease preventor.

March 28, 2009

After you have selected the type of azalea that for your landscaping needs follow these helpful tips to keep your azaleas healthy and blooming strong.

Plant your azaleas in an area where they will get full shade in the afternoon, most likely on the north or east side of the house or near large trees. 

Azaleas need a well drained location. Clay soil is not well drained. If you have clay soil, create a raised bed constructed with a mixture comprised of 1/2 peat moss and 1/2 good soil on the top 6 inches. We recommend Sphagnum peat moss and Back to Nature soil conditioner. Dig hole as deep and twice as wide as the bucket. Water in extremely well. Mulch with 2 inches of good quality much (pine bark or pecan hulls).

Azaleas need proper watering. Check your plants daily for moisture and re-soak when needed.

Pruning and fertilization: Only prune and fertilize after blooms are gone. We recommend Milorganite, an organic slow-release fertilizer.

Things to watch out for: inspect plants for lacebug infestation - spray with systemic insecticide. We recommend Bonide Sestemic Insect Control.