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Encyclopedia Botanica

122 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 271 ratings

A weekly podcast about edible gardening.

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Episodes

Episode 114: Garden Soil Ecosystems with Jeff Lowenfels

December 04, 2021 03:08 - 28 minutes - 39.3 MB

The quality of produce you grow is dependent on the quality of your soil. We are big advocates of doing everything possible to make garden soil the best it can be right from the start, and then working year after year to maintain and improve its quality. In this episode we're joined by award winning author Jeff Lowenfels to discuss the soil food web and garden soil ecosystems. Jeff Lowenfels is the author of an award-winning trilogy of books on soil, Teaming With Microbes: The Organic Gard...

Episode 113: Wood-Framed Raised Beds

November 27, 2021 04:26 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MB

In this episode Hilary and Colin answer a listener's questions about wood-framed raised bed construction best practices. Their business, Seattle Urban Farm Company has designed and built hundreds of custom raised bed gardens in the Seattle area, so check out this episode for an inside scoop on all of the pro tips! Pre-order their newest book Grow More Food here!

Episode 112: High tunnels, Hoophouses and Greenhouses

November 17, 2021 03:58 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MB

This week we'll be discussing management techniques for growing in high tunnels, hoophouses and greenhouses! We're thrilled to be joined this week by our good friend and Seattle Urban Farm Co co-founder Brad Halm. Brad is also the co-author of our gardening books, including our most recent "Grow More Food", which is available for preorder now and will ship in early February 2022. Send us your question and episode topic suggestions: [email protected]

Episode 111: Powdery Mildew

November 03, 2021 00:50 - 27 minutes - 37.3 MB

This week on the podcast we're tackling powdery mildew! Colin and Hilary are joined by Jenny Rebecca Glass, Extension Coordinator and Plant Diagnostician for the WSU-Puyallup Plant and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory. Jenny will help us answer your questions about the lifecycle of this common garden disease as well as management tips and techniques. Send us your question and episode topic suggestions: [email protected]  

Episode 110: Growing Under Cover with Niki Jabbour

October 27, 2021 02:15 - 38 minutes - 53.4 MB

In this podcast we chat with special guest Niki Jabbour about techniques for using structures of all sizes in your garden year-round to extend your season, reduce pest pressure, and improve yields. Show notes: Episode 110: Growing Under Cover with Niki Jabbour The Grow More Food Pre-Order Giveaway!

Episode 109: Cucumbers

October 19, 2021 20:44 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MB

Everything you wanted to know about cucumbers but were afraid to ask. We dig into the history of the cucumber, it's botanical curiosities and why you should start succession planting them. The survey…! In order to keep making this podcast, we need your support by taking this quick, 30 second survey for our podcast hosting platform. Once we have enough replies to the survey we will creating episodes again! In this season we’ll be addressing topics selected by you! So, starting now pleas...

Fall 2021 New Season Preview!

September 30, 2021 19:51 - 12 minutes - 17.9 MB

After an extended hiatus, we’re back and ready to bring you some amazing new episodes of the Encyclopedia Botanica Podcast! The survey…! In order to keep making this podcast, we need your support by taking this quick, 30 second survey for our podcast hosting platform. Once we have enough replies to the survey we will creating episodes again! In this season we’ll be addressing topics selected by you! So, starting now please email your garden questions or topics you’d like us to cover to...

Episode 108: Garden Beets with Kellie Phelan

June 28, 2019 19:26 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MB

Kellie's back as a special co-host for this last episode of the 2019 season and it's all about growing, harvesting and cooking with beets! Find photos, links to Kellie's business, and more in the show notes for this episode: www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

Episode 107: Harvesting For Quality and Production with Colin McCrate

June 22, 2019 15:00 - 26 minutes - 36.7 MB

Learning proper harvest timing and technique can help increase yields and ensure you get the best tasting produce from your garden. In this episode, Hilary and Colin talk harvesting methodology. They break down the techniques into five categories to help you make the most of your bounty. Find photos, links to Colin's books, and more in the show notes for this episode: www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

Episode 106: Vegetable Gardening Wisdom with Kelly Smith Trimble

June 07, 2019 16:11 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MB

Hilary and Kelly Smith Trimble discuss Kelly's new book, Vegetable Gardening Wisdom; and share simple words of advice and practical inspiration for getting most out of your vegetable garden!  Find photos, links to Kelly's book, and more in the show notes for this episode: www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

Episode 105: Straw Bale Gardening with Craig LeHoullier

May 18, 2019 00:03 - 43 minutes - 59.7 MB

Turns out gardening in straw bales might be the least expensive and most effective way to create a season-long container garden! Hilary and Craig LeHoullier discuss what a straw bale garden is and how to set one up! Find photos, links to Craig's projects, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

Episode 104: Growing Tomatoes (Re-release)

May 10, 2019 15:07 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MB

Tomatoes are probably the most popular garden vegetable, and for good reason; they're versatile, highly productive, and produce fruits that are far superior to any you can buy at the grocery store. In this episode we'll discuss tips for choosing and the best tomato for your space and needs and how to plant tomatoes. Find photos, links to Kellie's business, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

Episode 103: Tomatoes with Emma Biggs

May 03, 2019 21:50 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MB

Emma Biggs talks with Hilary about the techniques she uses to grow 133 varieties of tomatoes, from seed to harvest, on her family’s urban lot in Toronto, Canada. Find photos, links to Emma's work, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

Episode 102: Edible Garden Design with Stefani Bittner

April 28, 2019 19:45 - 36 minutes - 50.6 MB

Stefani Bittner, owner of Homestead Design Collective, talks with Hilary about how to create a beautiful and productive outdoor living space. Find photos, links to Stefani's work, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/   

Episode 101: Container Gardening with Sara Gasbarra

April 19, 2019 16:10 - 41 minutes - 57.2 MB

In this episode, Sara and Hilary talk about container gardening. Much of Sara’s work is focused on utilizing unused balcony, patio and rooftop space in very urban environments, so this episode focuses on the unique set of needs and challenges that comes along with growing in more unconventional garden space. Find photos, links to Sara's work, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

Episode 100 - Edible Flowers with Rosalind Creasy

April 12, 2019 13:30 - 40 minutes - 56.1 MB

Hilary talks with legendary garden writer, Rosalind Creasy about the joys and perils of eating flowers.  Find photos, links to Ros's books, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

Episode 99: Carrots and Parsnips with Colin McCrate

April 05, 2019 14:00 - 35 minutes - 48.2 MB

Hilary and Colin share everything you need to know to grow your best crop of carrots and parsnips yet!  Find photos, links to Colin's books, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

Episode 98: Backyard Cutting Garden with Kelly Sullivan

March 29, 2019 11:30 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MB

Guest Kelly Sullivan of Botanique Flowers, a Seattle-based floral design studio, talks with Hilary about how she turned her 6,000 square foot city lot into a productive flower farm.    Find photos, links to Kelly's work, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

Episode 97: Fruit Trees with Tara Austen Weaver

March 22, 2019 14:38 - 47 minutes - 65 MB

In this first episode of the 2019 season, Hilary and Tara Austen Weaver discuss planning for, planting and growing fruit trees!  Find photos, links to Tara's work, and more in this episode's show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

Episode 89: Cauliflower- Rerelease

January 26, 2019 18:51 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MB

I've been getting a lot of requests for more crop-specific episodes next season. I love these episodes and would be happy create more if we reach our campaign goal. Remember that everyone who contributes any amount to the 2019 kickstarter campaign will have the opportunity to vote on the topics we cover in 4 of the episodes. But in the meantime, I thought I’d share this episode on Cauliflower from the 2018 season! Enjoy. We're 50% Funded!! Our campaign ends on 2/1/2019, so if you're planni...

Mini Q&A Episode + What's in store for the 2019 season!

January 19, 2019 17:51 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MB

Hey There! We have an amazing season of the Encyclopedia Botanica Podcast in store for you! Just like last season, Hilary will be joined by a different guest expert each week. We're hosting a Kickstarter campaign to fund this upcoming season of the podcast and we need your support to bring this project to life. Check out this episode for a teaser mini seed-starting Q&A episode and details on the what we have planned for 2019! We make this podcast for you and count on listener support to co...

Episode 96: August Gardening Q + A

August 28, 2018 20:16 - 33 minutes - 46 MB

Hilary and Colin cover a wide range of listener questions in this late-summer Q+A episode.  This is going to be the last regularly scheduled episode of the 2018 season. We're going to take the fall to write, record and produce our best episodes yet! Stay tuned for updates on how you can support the podcast and when to expect the launch of the 2019 season.  To stay in touch be sure to check our website, www.seattleurbanfarmco.com, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter!  ...

Episode 95: Intuitive Cooking with Shannon Douglas, Brassicas Edition

August 10, 2018 19:21 - 26 minutes - 36.6 MB

In this episode Shannon Douglas of Honest Magazine and Hilary  discuss intuitive cooking tips and techniques for the popular garden brassicas Kale and broccoli. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: We're on a short break from show notes while navigating the first few wee...

Episode 94: Tomato Hornworms

July 29, 2018 21:04 - 23 minutes - 32.5 MB

Natalie Carver of DC-based edible landscaping company, Love and Carrots, joins Hilary to share her experience with tomato hornworms. In this episode they discuss how to spot hornworms and their damage in the garden, and the best ways to manage them. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanic...

Episode 93: July Slack Q + A

July 13, 2018 23:03 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MB

Hilary and Colin chat blueberry care, Brassica pests and the herb chervil in this Q+A episode.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: We're on a short break from show notes while navigating the first few weeks of parenthood- check out http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blo...

Episode 92: Hand Pollinating Winter Squash

July 01, 2018 21:24 - 29 minutes - 39.9 MB

This week on the podcast Hilary and Stephen Mirsky, of Seed Savers Exchange, discuss how to increase your winter squash yields through hand pollination.   Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

Episode 91: Basil

June 15, 2018 11:30 - 19 minutes - 26.1 MB

Basil is one of those crops that almost everyone wants to grow. It's relatively versatile and it is one of the most productive crops per plant that you can grow in your garden. In this episode Hilary is joined by former Seattle Urban Farm Co. colleague and farmer, Skip Mackintosh to discuss their time-tested techniques for making the most of the space you've dedicated to basil. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at t...

Episode 90: Intuitive Cooking with Shannon Douglas, Spring Crop Edition

June 01, 2018 14:30 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MB

Shannon Douglas of Honest Magazine defines "cooking intuitively" is a style of cooking based on understanding the fundamentals of cooking and paying close attention to your ingredients. In this episode she joins Hilary to discuss some general garden-inspired cooking tips that you can apply to a variety of crops. They'll focus on 2 spring crops, peas and radishes, to help illustrate these points. As always, Hilary will sprinkle in her harvesting and gardening tips as they relate to cooking in...

Episode 89: Cauliflower

May 18, 2018 14:21 - 26 minutes - 36.2 MB

We're talking cauliflower! This crop is notoriously difficult to grow compared to other plants in the Brassica oleracea family. In this episode we discuss why and steps you can take to maximize your cauliflower growing success!  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Sh...

Episode 88: Backyard Honeybee Habitat with Mace Vaughn of The Xerces Society

May 04, 2018 14:53 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MB

Backyard beekeeping of honeybees is a great way to increase the number of pollinators in your garden, learn about how pollination works and, of course, the hives provide you with your own source of local honey. One thing that is not commonly discussed is that honeybees are not native to North America. While honeybees are very beneficial, there are also many species of native bees that could use help too. Today we are going to talk a bit about native bees and why its important to create habit...

Episode 87: Growing Citrus with Angela Judd

April 27, 2018 12:30 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MB

In this episode, Phoenix area based gardener, Angela Judd and Hilary discuss how to grow citrus. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ #EBpodcast 

Episode 86: Quinoa

April 20, 2018 11:30 - 26 minutes - 35.8 MB

In this episode Mark Macdonald of West Coast Seeds joins Hilary to discuss growing the grain quinoa. While many grains are impractical to grow in a home garden or smaller farm, the dense seed heads on quinoa plants provide high yields in compact spaces and provide a great option to those who might be interested in growing grains at home.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slac...

Episode 85: April Slack Q + A with Colin McCrate

April 13, 2018 14:34 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MB

This Q+A Episode is all about seed starting! We answer questions about starting sweet potato slips, grow lights, and when to move your transplants outside.  {We're busy lining up late-spring and early summer episodes of the #EBPodcast and we need your support!} Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http...

Episode 84: Seed Saving For The Home Gardener, Part 2

April 06, 2018 15:13 - 24 minutes - 34.2 MB

In this episode Hilary and Michela Colley continue their conversation on Seed Saving for the Home Gardener. This week they'll talk more about the practice of seed saving and share tips on how to best to utilize your space, timing your crops for seed saving, and the types of plants you might want to start with. {We're busy lining up late-spring and early summer episodes of the #EBPodcast and we need your support!} Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month...

Episode 83: Seed Saving for the Home Gardener, Part 1

March 30, 2018 11:30 - 27 minutes - 37.2 MB

In this episode Hilary and guest expert Micaela Colley of the Organic Seed Alliance discuss terminology related to seed-saving, including: "open-pollinated", "heirloom" and "hybrid" seeds. {We're busy lining up late-spring and early summer episodes of the #EBPodcast and we need your support!} Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclo...

Episode 82: Pollinator Gardens with Justin Wheeler

March 16, 2018 12:30 - 37 minutes - 51.6 MB

This week Hilary and guest expert Justin Wheeler of the Xerces Society will be talking about how to create an effective pollinator habitat in your garden by choosing cultivars that support beneficial insects. We're trying to keep this podcast listener supported, so any contribution helps! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica OR: Make a one-time contri...

Episode 81: Growing Asparagus with Alley Swiss

March 09, 2018 14:46 - 38 minutes - 52.2 MB

This week Hilary is joined by Alley Swiss, the owner of Filaree Garlic Farm. Filaree Farm, which is know for their premium quality garlic seed, has been expanding their offerings to include several new seed products such as shallot sets, seed potatoes, sweet potato plants, and the newest addition, asparagus crowns. This episode is all about asparagus (well..maybe they discuss garlic a LITTLE), so tune in to learn about how to plant, grow and care for this low-maintenance perennial. We're t...

Episode 80: March Slack Q + A with Colin McCrate

March 02, 2018 15:13 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MB

This week we're bring back the Slack Q+A episodes! In this episode we'll address questions about crop planning, growing fruit trees in containers, dahlias and much more. The questions that make up the content for these episodes are pulled from our online Slack group, which is an online community where you can share questions and gardening tips with me and an awesome group of edible gardeners. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at t...

Episode 79: Sweet Peas with Simon Crawford

February 23, 2018 23:40 - 46 minutes - 63.2 MB

In this episode Hilary and special guest Simon Crawford of Owls Acre Seed share tips on growing gorgeous sweet peas!  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with yo...

Episode 78: Veggie Garden Remix with Niki Jabbour

February 16, 2018 15:32 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MB

In this episode Hilary and guest expert Niki Jabbour discuss some of the unusual vegetable crops featured in Niki's new book, Veggie Garden Remix! If you're looking to add some variety to your garden this year or you've found yourself frustrated with some of the more traditional vegetable crops, this episode is packed with inspiration.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more...

Episode 77: Bare Root Perennials

February 09, 2018 12:30 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MB

If you're thinking about adding edible perennials to your garden, sourcing bare-root plants is not only an economical way to go, but it is also likely to provide you with the most options when it comes to choosing plant variety. Many plant nurseries will also ship bare root plants, making them a great way to go if you don't live nearby a nursery with an extensive selection. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level f...

Episode 76: Sugar Snap Peas with Rod Lamborn

February 02, 2018 12:30 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MB

This week on the podcast I'm joined by guest expert, Rod Lamborn. Rod is the son of the well known plant breeder, Dr. Calvin Lamborn, who's also known as the Father of the Sugar Snap Pea. I'm sorry to say that Calvin passed away in 2017, but it's an honor to have Rod here to share with us a little bit about his father's legacy and the future of the Sugar Snap Pea. Check out the show notes for pea growing tips and Hilary's favorite varieties! Your support is what keeps this podcast going!...

Episode 75: Dahlias with Nick Gitts

January 26, 2018 12:00 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MB

In this episode Nick Gitts, owner of Swan Island Dahilas, answers all of my burning dahlia care questions. Swan Island Dahlias is a 40 acre dahlia farm located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon and they grow over 360 varieties of dahlias and Nick has been running the farm since 1975.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode!...

Episode 74: Starting Onions from Seed with Colin McCrate

January 19, 2018 15:53 - 34 minutes - 63 MB

Starting your own onion transplants from seed is inexpensive and allows you the most control when it comes to picking varieties that are well suited for your garden and culinary needs. In this episode guest expert Colin McCrate and I discuss how and when to start your onions from seed, our favorite onion varieties, and factors to consider when planting your baby onions out in the garden.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $...

Episode 73: Fall Wrap-Up 2017

December 15, 2017 12:30 - 34 minutes - 48 MB

Today we’re recapping our favorite crop varieties of 2017, along with our lessons learned and best garden tips. This is our last episode before we take a short winter break. During the break, we'll be working on getting our late-winter and early spring episodes lined up and ready for you, so don't worry, there will be lots of great content coming your way in the new year! Huge thanks to Elevate Chiropractic and Rehab for sponsoring this episode. For more info and for your complimentary gar...

Episode 72: Chickens with Anne Briggs, Part 2

December 08, 2017 12:30 - 29 minutes - 39.9 MB

This week we continue our conversation about laying hens with guest Anne Briggs. We discuss introducing new hens into your flock, building a chicken coop, and chickens in the vegetable garden.  Huge thanks to Elevate Chiropractic and Rehab for sponsoring this episode. For more info and for your complimentary garden rehab PDF visit: www.elevatechiropracticrehab.com Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for acces...

Episode 71: Chickens with Anne Briggs, Part 1

December 01, 2017 00:04 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MB

This week on the podcast we have special guest Anne Briggs (a.k.a. Anne of All Trades) to talk with us about raising laying hens at home. We had so much to talk about on the subject that we ended up breaking this topic into two episodes. This week, in Part 1, we discuss Anne's favorite breeds of chickens, how to source your own laying hens, and the egg laying cycle.  Huge thanks to Elevate Chiropractic and Rehab for sponsoring this episode. For more info and for your complimentary garden r...

Bonus Episode #4: Thanksgiving

November 21, 2017 17:11 - 13 minutes - 18.5 MB

We're taking this week off to spend time with our family and friends, but we wanted to share a quick update with you on what's going on in our gardens, what we're cooking from our gardens this holiday season, and some of our favorite fall and winter archives that will help you plan for spring. We also wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of our listeners, and in particular our Patreon supporters who make this podcast run! THANK YOU!  If you've considered supporting this podcast,...

Episode 70: Rhubarb

November 17, 2017 12:30 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MB

Rhubarb is perennial garden crop and a low-maintenance gardener’s best friend. Once a rhubarb plant is established, it will require little or no care moving forward. However, additional care will improve your harvest, and on this episode, we’re sharing tips on managing your rhubarb, including dividing plants as they mature. Huge thanks to Elevate Chiropractic and Rehab for sponsoring this episode. For more info and for your complimentary garden rehab PDF visit: www.elevatechiropracticrehab...

Episode 69: November Q + A

November 10, 2017 12:30 - 25 minutes - 35.1 MB

Fall is here, and the days are shorter and colder. Many of us are winding down in our gardens, but not in our garden questions! This episode has a veritable potpourri of topics, including garden pests, keeping pathways weed-free, how to dry cayenne peppers, drip irrigation, and planting garlic. Huge thanks to Elevate Chiropractic and Rehab for sponsoring this episode. For more info and for your complimentary garden rehab PDF visit: www.elevatechiropracticrehab.com Your support is what ke...