OSU Master Gardener plant sale draws 1,600 gardeners to Tulsa Fairgrounds

A one-day plant sale to raise money for the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program drew 1,600 people to the Tulsa Fairgrounds.

"Today we're having a little longer lines than usual," said Karen Watkins, a Master Gardener who was greeting drivers as they pulled up at the fairgrounds to pick up plants they had ordered online. "We pick them up, take them to the car, close the car for them, all they have to do is plant them," she said.

The annual sale raises 90% of the budget for the program, according to OSU Extension Agent Brian Jervis.

"Springtime, everybody is excited about gardening, it's just a fun time for everybody," said Jervis, who added that a surge of interest during the pandemic hasn't waned. "Growing their own home-grown tomato, that's hard to beat and it's still there."

The Master Gardener program trains home gardeners how to have better success with their own efforts, and in return, they volunteer their expertise to help others. Master Gardeners are available by phone and email to answer any gardening questions.