Neil Sperry says the best spring-flowering trees for our area are redbuds (“Oklahoma,” “Forest Pansy” and other varieties), Mexican plums and, later in spring, “Little Gem” southern magnolias. “Aristocrat” pear trees have much stronger branching than brittle “Bradfords.” Buy in bloom for [...]

The average date of the last killing frost is March 20. It’s too early to fertilize St. Augustine and bermuda grass. Too early to plant heat-needing plants like caladiums, purslane, peppers, bean seeds, bermuda seed and others. Better to wait to plant St. Augustine and bermuda sod until April 1. [...]

It may be cold outside, but now is the time to begin preparing to grow your own fruits and vegetables. When selecting a site for your gardens, keep these requirements in mind: All vegetables need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Eight to 10 hours each day is ideal. The soil should be [...]