Two thousand fifteen, you were an exceptional year, and a lot happened around the Red Dirt ranch. It's nearly time to move on to the babe of 2016, but first, let's reflect over our …
Gardens take planning
The United States went off daylight saving time and back to standard time last weekend. That means the dark closes in more quickly in the evenings, and if you live in Oklahoma, you …
Before you start a vegetable garden
Everyone's mind and searches are on vegetable gardening right now. Those seed catalogs are like the Sirens' song, aren't they? Before you start a vegetable garden, ask yourself a …
Annuals are flashy garden accessories
If perennials are the little black dresses of the garden world, then annuals are gardening's flashy accessories. They bring color to our lives. They brighten up shady spots. They …
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Let’s talk lettuce
Perhaps the wind is still howling round your house, but . . . hallelujah, seed catalogs are also stuffing the mailbox. So, let's talk lettuce. If this is your first season …
Time to start planting a cold crop veggie garden
Brrr . . . it's cold, but at least the sun is shining for a change. Oklahoma's average, last freeze date is April 20, but we can get a freeze even later as shown in this Oklahoma …
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How to grow amaryllis and paperwhites indoors
I grow a variety of flower bulbs indoors, but my favorites in December and January are amaryllis (Hippeastrum sp.) and paperwhites (Narcissus tazetta.) After all, it's always been …
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Burning questions about growing vegetables in Oklahoma
Hi Winter Weary Gardeners! I've been perusing search terms on my blog stats for the past week, and it seems like you're interested in three things: 1. Best vegetables to grow …
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I heard a bird sing today
His voice was low and sweet. Not the chip-chip of Mr. Cardinal calling to his mate, this was a long and beautiful melody celebrating the warmer weather. "Watch out, birdie," I …
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day: late winter
It's Bloom Day again, that once a month miracle hosted by Carol of May Dreams Gardens. I don't have much to show, but signs that some things are gearing up for spring are there. …
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Looking forward and making plans
Kelly, a frequent commenter, wrote: "I shouldn’t wish my life away but I can hardly wait for spring!" Like a smooth stone in the pocket of my favorite gardening jacket, I …
Random end of season tomato thoughts
Last month, as I worked in the garden, picking the last of the green tomatoes, ripe 'Yummy' peppers and a couple of overlooked carrots and green onions, I reflected on how my …