Third-wettest spring tests Tulsa farmers, alters harvests at Tulsa research farm

Tulsa received more than 31 inches of rain between April and June, contributing to the third-wettest spring in Oklahoma history. The totals include 10.99 inches in April, 8.73 inches in May, and 11.52 inches in June.

“This year, we haven’t really had to turn the sprinklers on at all,” said Tom Ingram, a horticulture program assistant at OSU’s Tulsa research farm. “But when you get that much rain, it can overwhelm your drainage and actually kill off plants that can’t take it.”

Corn Thrives, But Other Crops Struggle

While corn responded well to the extra moisture—producing nearly 5,000 pounds already this summer—other crops like tomatoes and green beans have been stunted or lost entirely due to root rot.

“Maybe part of the spring crop was a bust, but this rain will stop eventually, and maybe the fall will be better,” Ingram said.

Two batches of corn planted just weeks apart showed drastically different results.

“Same corn, same fertilizer, same everything—except for the rain,” Ingram said. One batch grew more than a foot taller than the other due to heavier rainfall.

Food Donations Continue Despite Setbacks

The 100-acre farm is part of Oklahoma State University’s Tulsa research station and is managed with the help of Tulsa County Master Gardeners. All food grown on the site is donated to local food pantries.

“Last year we got over 11,000 pounds of produce that we donated,” Ingram said.

“We got record rainfalls, you know. We got x number of inches way above what we’re used to getting, so it overwhelmed our drainage systems,” he added. “Like 38 inches or whatever it was. That’s this much water. That’s got to go somewhere.”

No Drought for the First Time in Six Years

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, there is currently no drought anywhere in Oklahoma. As of early June, it marked the first time in nearly six years that the entire state was drought-free.