Caddo County OSU Agriculture Extension

03/11/2026

Elevating Your Garden Game (Raised Beds)

The benefits of raised beds and why they are perfect for Oklahoma.

Continuing our March Gardening Series, let's talk about why "going up" might be the best way to "grow on!" 🪜

If you’re dealing with that famous Oklahoma red clay or a rocky backyard, Raised Bed Gardening is your new best friend. Why?

- No More Compaction: Since you never walk on the growing soil, it stays loose and airy, perfect for root growth.

- Better Drainage: They are elevated above the natural soil level, which helps prevent "soggy feet" during our heavy spring rains.

- Save Your Back: They can be built at various heights to make gardening more comfortable and accessible.

- Earlier Planting: Soil in raised beds typically warms up faster in the spring than the ground does.

Whether you use wood, stone, or even straw bales, raised beds give you total control over your garden’s environment.

📖 Learn how to build your own in Fact Sheet HLA-6033 HERE

💬 Question: Thinking of building a raised bed? Ask your construction or soil questions below!

https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/raised-bed-gardening.html

DG

03/05/2026

❄️ Is it too cold to plant? (The "Hardy" Truth)

If you saw our first post, you know the clock is ticking for those March veggies! 🥕 But you might be wondering: “If it’s still cold enough for a jacket, why are we planting now?”
It all comes down to Frost Tolerance. According to our OSU Garden Planning Guide, vegetables are grouped by how much "chill" they can handle:

1. The "Cool" Crowd (Plant These Now!) 🥬 These crops do their best work when the average daily temperature is 70°F or less.
Hardy Plants: These are the "tough cookies" of the garden. They can handle frosts or freezes and are tolerant of cold weather. (Think: Broccoli, Cabbage, and Onions) .
Semi-Hardy Plants: These grow well in cool weather and aren't harmed by a light frost, though a hard frost might injure them. (Think: Beets, Carrots, and Irish Potatoes) .

2. The Heat Seekers (Wait for It...) 🍅 Warm-season crops need average temperatures between 70°F and 90°F to thrive.
Tender Plants: These are injured or killed by a light frost. (Think: Tomatoes, Peppers, and Sweet Corn) .
Very Tender Plants: These are so sensitive they can be injured by just "cool" weather—not even a frost!. (Think: Okra, Watermelon, and Squash) .

Pro-Tip: For your cool-season crops, make sure the soil temperature at the planting depth is at least 40°F. If you're eyeing those tomatoes, wait until it hits 50°F.
📖 Check the full chart before you dig!
💬 Are you a "hardy" gardener who loves the crisp spring air, or are you counting down the days until tomato season? Tell us your favorite thing to grow below!

Oklahoma Gardening Guide Video Link: https://youtu.be/uFZntfGZuNk?si=ktcrsgbAi1THzBtb
Oklahoma Gardening Guide Fact Sheet Link: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/oklahoma-garden-planning-guide.html

03/04/2026

Grady & Caddo County Prescribed Burn Association Meeting

March 17th, 2026 6:30 PM
Grady County Extension Office

Ninnekah Fire Chief Rodney Gregory Presenting

03/03/2026

🌿 Welcome to the March Gardening Series!

March is officially here, and at OSU Extension, we know you’re itching to get those hands in the dirt! So, we’re kicking off our March Gardening Series right here on Facebook!🧤 Before you start digging, remember that a successful harvest is all about a good foundation and, most importantly, perfect timing.

Step 1: Location, Location, Location! 🏡
Your plants are looking for a "forever home" that meets these criteria:
Full Sun: Aim for an area exposed to full or near-full sunlight.
Quality Soil: Look for deep, well-drained, fertile soil.
The Neighbors: Keep the garden away from trees and shrubs that might "steal" light, water, and nutrients.
Convenience: Position your site near a water supply for easier maintenance.

Step 2: Watch the Calendar (and the Thermometer!) 📅
Oklahoma weather is... let’s call it "unpredictable." 🌪️ To avoid heartbreak, pay close attention to our planting dates:
Cool Season Window: Right now (mid-February through March 10) is the prime time to plant hardy and semi-hardy staples like Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, Cabbage, and Peas.
Soil Temp: For these cool-season crops, ensure your soil temperature is at least 40°F at the depth you are planting.
The Frost Factor: "Hardy" types can handle those early spring freezes, but "tender" plants (like tomatoes) need to wait until the soil hits 50°F and the frost risk has passed.

Whether you have a massive backyard or a few pots on a balcony, the investment in seeds and soil is more than offset by the fresh flavor and the healthful outdoor exercise. Just don't blame us if your neighbors start "dropping by" more often once the vegetables are ready! 🥗

📖 Download the full Planning Guide & Planting Chart!
💬 What’s on your planting list this week? Drop your gardening questions or photos of your prep work in the comments below! We’ll be answering questions all week to help you get growing.

Oklahoma Gardening Guide Video Link: https://youtu.be/uFZntfGZuNk?si=ktcrsgbAi1THzBtb
Oklahoma Gardening Guide Fact Sheet Link: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/oklahoma-garden-planning-guide.html

03/02/2026

Oklahoma Grazing School

WHEN: May 11-12, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

WHERE: OSU Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center 10777 State Hwy 3, Lane, OK 74555

Register now!

02/19/2026

🚨𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓: 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 – 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝🚨

Wildfires have devastated ranchers and producers across our region, and immediate support is critical. Donation drop‑off sites are OPEN and actively accepting supplies.

We urgently need:
• Hay
• Feed
• Fencing supplies
• Trucking assistance
• Any other support you can offer

If you can help in any way, please contact:
📞 Collin Domer – (785) 633‑5710

Communities in Beaver, Harper, Meade, Clark, Comanche, and surrounding areas are facing tremendous loss. But in true Oklahoma fashion, we step up for our neighbors. 🤝

This is The Oklahoma Way: when one community hurts, we all come running. Every donation, big or small, makes an immediate difference for families, producers, and livestock impacted by these fires.

Thank you for showing the strength and heart of Oklahoma

DG

01/30/2025

12/17/2024

Remember to call to RSVP! 405-247-3376

You don't have to stay for the whole session. You can come and go as you please. This applies to private and commercial applicators as well.

11/22/2024

This is a zoom meeting offered at the Caddo OSU Extension office. Please RSVP to 405-247-3376.

03/21/2024

Coming up next Tuesday!