Explore every episode of the podcast Urban Gardener Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 63: What's the Buzz? | 24 Sep 2026 | 00:21:22 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 62: Water Smarter, Not Harder | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:26:48 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 61: School and Community Gardens | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:28:37 | |
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: | |||
| Episode 60: The Heart Behind a Beautiful City | 18 May 2026 | 00:25:43 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 59: Secrets of Oklahoma Gardening | 09 May 2026 | 00:31:33 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 58: One Yard at a Time | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:21:53 | |
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! Yard-By-Yard: A Community Resiliency Project Oklahoma Conservation Commission History of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission | |||
| Episode 57: The Hidden Language of Flowers | 13 Feb 2026 | 00:29:12 | |
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" | |||
| Episode 56: Oklahoma Mesonet & You | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:18:30 | |
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! | |||
| Episode 55: Mysteries of Mistletoe | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:17:44 | |
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) | |||
| Episode 54: The Good, The Bad, and The Algae | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:09:59 | |
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: | |||
| Episode 53: What's Bugging You? | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:27:13 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 52: From Sunshine to Short Days | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:29:37 | |
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: | |||
| Episode 51: Beat the Heat, Part 2 | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:24:52 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 50: Beat the Heat, Part 1 | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:26:25 | |
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) | |||
| Episode 49: The Pressure Is On! | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:27:04 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 48: In the Weeds | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:28:56 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 47: Red Dirt Pollinators | 30 May 2025 | 00:21:11 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 46: Holding On to Every Drop | 18 Apr 2025 | 00:22:15 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 45: Spring Cleaning | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:28:22 | |
On this episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason discuss tips & tricks to prepare your lawn and garden for springtime. Feature Fact Sheets: | |||
| Episode 44: Water Conservation in Oklahoma County | 13 Jan 2025 | 00:21:10 | |
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" | |||
| Episode 43: Unveiling Poinsettias | 20 Dec 2024 | 00:24:18 | |
On this special holiday episode, Julia, Andrew, and Mason discuss the history, care, and legends on the poinsettia. Related fact sheets and articles: | |||
| Episode 42: Something Wicked This Way Grows | 31 Oct 2024 | 00:26:42 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 41: Cultivating Community Gardens | 07 Oct 2024 | 00:23:00 | |
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: | |||
| Episode 40: Growing a Herbal Haven | 08 Aug 2024 | 00:34:51 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 39: The Art of Harvesting Vegetables | 18 Jul 2024 | 00:33:55 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 38: The Secrets of Matchmaking with Potted Plants | 31 May 2024 | 00:28:39 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 37: Mastering Tomato Transplants | 15 May 2024 | 00:33:55 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 36: Tip and Tricks for Summer Vegetable Gardening | 03 May 2024 | 00:37:06 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 35: Transplanting vs. Direct Seed | 16 Apr 2024 | 00:33:25 | |
On this episode, Julia, Lili, and Andrew discuss the benefits of transplanting or using seeds for your garden plants. | |||
| Episode 34: Secrets of the Soil | 06 Mar 2024 | 00:33:52 | |
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:
| |||
| Episode 33: Keeping Your Landscape Green in the Winter | 02 Mar 2024 | 00:32:08 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 32: Pruning Smarter, Not Harder | 03 Feb 2024 | 00:32:14 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 31: Christmas Plants - Legends and Lore | 19 Dec 2023 | 00:22:16 | |
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: | |||
| Episode 30: Winter Protection for the Landscape | 21 Nov 2023 | 00:24:41 | |
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: | |||
| Episode 29: Composting Fall Leaves | 25 Oct 2023 | 00:17:56 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 28: Bringing Fall Color to the Landscape | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:18:14 | |
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. The magic of autumn in Oklahoma | |||
| Episode 27: Propagating Annual Landscape Plants and the Transition from Summer to Fall | 01 Sep 2023 | 00:22:02 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 26: Hügelkultur Gardening | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:22:38 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 25: Fall Gardening | 31 Jul 2023 | 00:20:26 | |
In this episode, Josh and Julia discuss getting started with fall gardening and what you need to know to have success. | |||
| Episode 24: Smart Irrigation in the Hot Summer | 29 Jun 2023 | 00:24:57 | |
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 OSU Fact Sheets: Smart Irrigation Technology: Controllers and Sensors Managing Pressure in the Home Irrigation System | |||
| Episode 23: Diagnosing Plant Problems | 15 Jun 2023 | 00:17:51 | |
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) | |||
| Episode 22: Water Efficient Landscaping | 30 May 2023 | 00:23:11 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 21: Removing Bermudagrass | 15 May 2023 | 00:21:43 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 20: Vermicomposting | 27 Apr 2023 | 00:20:37 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 19: Planting Trees in Spring | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:21:32 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 18: Secrets of Tomato Success | 31 Mar 2023 | 00:22:03 | |
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: | |||
| Episode 17: Managing Turfgrass in the Shade in Oklahoma | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:21:38 | |
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! | |||
| Episode 16: Planting Cole Crops and Leafy Vegetables | 01 Mar 2023 | 00:19:03 | |
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! | |||
| Episode 15: Planting Root Crops | 17 Feb 2023 | 00:18:46 | |
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 | |||
| Episode 14: Pruning in the Urban Landscape | 31 Jan 2023 | 00:20:55 | |
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 | |||