The Blooming Sage: Tips and Tales from Buzzing Timber Lake Bluff

 Gardening in Oklahoma during late summer and early fall can be incredibly rewarding—those tomatoes are ripening, the squash is thriving, and the flowers are in full bloom. But with the beauty of the season also comes a common challenge: pests. Aphids and caterpillars are two of the most notorious garden invaders, and if left unchecked, they can wreak havoc on your precious plants. But don’t reach for the chemical pesticides just yet! There are plenty of natural, eco-friendly ways to keep these pests at bay while still maintaining a healthy, thriving garden. Let’s dive into some effective strategies to control aphids and caterpillars naturally in your Oklahoma garden. 1. Introduce Beneficial Insects 🐞 One of the most powerful (and fun!) ways to control pests naturally is to let nature do the work for you. Beneficial insects are your garden’s best friends when it comes to keeping aphids and caterpillars in check. Ladybugs: These charming little beetles aren’t just cute—they’re vor...

 As the gardening season winds down, many of us are thinking about how to preserve the best of our gardens for next year. Seed saving is a time-honored practice that allows you to harvest and store seeds from your favorite plants, ensuring that your garden will be full of tried-and-true varieties that thrive in your specific climate. For gardeners in Oklahoma and Kansas, this is especially important given our unique weather challenges. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips and tricks for successful seed saving in Oklahoma and Kansas, helping you become a more sustainable gardener while saving money on seeds. Plus, we’ll highlight some must-have tools to make the process easier—perfect for adding to your garden toolkit. Why Seed Saving Matters 🌾 Seed saving is more than just a cost-effective way to prepare for next season—it’s a powerful practice for preserving biodiversity, maintaining heirloom varieties, and ensuring your garden is well-adapted to your local environment. By savi...