EPISODE · Jul 29, 2025 · 49 MIN
Oklahoma Gardening: Growing Strong for Five Decades - RDA 418
from Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast · host Casey Hentges, Josh Lofton Ph.D., Brian Arnall Ph.D., Dave Deken
In this episode of Red Dirt Agronomy, the team sits down with Casey Hentges, host of Oklahoma Gardening, to celebrate the show's 50th anniversary. From its humble beginnings with live OETA broadcasts to its reach of millions globally via YouTube, Oklahoma Gardening has become a staple in the horticulture community. Casey shares her unique journey through horticultural landscapes—commercial, educational, and nonprofit—ultimately leading to her ten-year tenure as the longest-running host of the show. She reflects on the evolution of gardening communication, the importance of adapting content for new audiences, and her dedication to showcasing Oklahoma’s diverse horticultural practices.Listeners will also hear about the behind-the-scenes strategies that keep Oklahoma Gardening fresh, fun, and science-based, including recreating classic segments and addressing common myths, such as the use of vinegar as an herbicide. Casey highlights how the show navigated challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, kept community engagement alive, and launched initiatives like "Plant a Row" to support local food banks. Plus, they’re giving away a tiller and releasing a co-branded Eskimo Joe’s shirt to mark the 50th anniversary. It's a fun, informative episode that honors the past while looking ahead to the future of gardening education in Oklahoma.10 Key TakeawaysOklahoma Gardening celebrates 50 years of horticultural education.Casey Hentges is the longest-running host in the show's history.The show maintains freshness by blending classic segments with new content.It prioritizes science-based gardening advice over trending myths.COVID-19 prompted innovative backyard filming and remote collaboration.Gardening interest surged during the pandemic.They conducted 96-plot Bermuda grass removal demonstrations.The show reaches 3–4 million global views annually on YouTube.Initiatives like “Plant a Row” encourage community food donations.A limited-edition Eskimo Joe’s x Oklahoma Gardening shirt supports the show and student farm.Timestamps00:00 – Intro and upcoming Highland Journal Live Event07:17 – Welcoming Casey Hentges10:13 – Casey’s journey from OSU grad to TV host17:47 – Oklahoma Gardening’s 50th Anniversary celebration22:35 – Staying fresh with recurring garden topics24:50 – Addressing gardening myths and misinformation26:59 – Bermuda grass removal trials34:30 – COVID adaptations and new outreach strategies42:07 – Global reach and viewer demographics45:00 – Plant a Row campaign and tiller giveaway46:42 – Eskimo Joe’s co-branded shirt launch RedDirtAgronomy.com
Embed this episode
What this episode covers
This week on Red Dirt Agronomy, we dig into the legacy of Oklahoma Gardening with its beloved host, Casey Hentges. Celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary, Casey walks us through her unique career path, shares what it’s like to helm one of Oklahoma’s most enduring TV programs, and discusses how the team keeps gardening advice timely, practical, and grounded in science. From Bermuda grass trials to battling backyard myths, Casey’s passion for education shines through. She also reflects on how the show pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue growing with its audience and highlights community efforts, such as the "Plant a Row" campaign, which helps put fresh produce in local food banks. Don’t miss details about their tiller giveaway, commemorative Eskimo Joe’s t-shirt, and how Oklahoma Gardening continues to bloom for future generations of green thumbs.
Ready to play
Oklahoma Gardening: Growing Strong for Five Decades - RDA 418
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.