Garden Basics with Farmer Fred
384 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 167 ratingsTips for beginning and experienced gardeners. New episodes arrive every Friday. Fred Hoffman has been a U.C. Certified Master Gardener since 1982 and writes a weekly garden column for the Lodi News-Sentinel in Lodi, CA. A four-decade fixture in Sacramento radio, he hosted three radio shows for Northern California gardeners and farmers: The KFBK Garden Show, Get Growing with Farmer Fred, and the KSTE Farm Hour. Episode Website: https://gardenbasics.net
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Episodes
GB 324 Q&A - Nitrogen Sources. Soil for a Raised Bed.
April 09, 2024 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBPrevious episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Pizza Pie Crop Rotation Garden Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ LaMotte Soil Test Kits (and others) Farm...
323 Gold Medal Plant Winners. Thin Your Fruit Trees Now!
April 05, 2024 10:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBEach year the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society puts out its list of Gold Medal winning Plants. Usually these plants are chosen for their adaptability to the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. This year, the chosen plants have a much wider range of possible success, including USDA Zone 9 and possibly up to Zone 10, and down to Zone 3. Also: Now is the time in warmer places of the nation to get outside and thin the fruit from many of your deciduous fruit trees, as the fruit is begi...
322 Q&A Transplant a Fruit Tree? How to Remove a Stuck Plant From a Nice Pot
April 02, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBQ&A Transplanting Old, Large, Fruit Trees? (segment begins at 00:25) Q&A Why Are My Radishes Only Producing Leaves? (7:10) Q&A Remove an Overgrown Plant from a Nice Pot Without Breaking It? (12:19) Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Chanticleer Pear Trees Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Bas...
321 Spring Rose Care Basics - Diseases and Insects
March 29, 2024 10:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBFrom now through Mother’s Day, roses will start putting on their first and best show across the country. What do your rose bushes need to get off to a good start in early Spring? Master Rosarian Charlotte Owendyk of the Sierra Foothills Rose Society talks about getting ahead of early spring rose pest and disease problems, before they can do too much damage to those brilliant first blooms. She also discusses the best fertilizers and irrigation systems to use to help thwart pest and disease is...
320 Q&A Citrus, Cats, Tomatoes
March 26, 2024 10:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBQuestions from listeners include: Why Your Citrus Tree Leaves May Be Yellowing (at 00:24 of podcast) Cat-Proofing Your Raised Bed Garden (13:03) Good Tomato Seed Sources (17:44) Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: The Citrus Grove at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the...
319 How to Plant and Care for a Shade Tree
March 22, 2024 10:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBToday, we cover the basics of correctly planting and caring for a shade tree. We chat with consulting arborist Gordon Mann, who reminds us, when it comes to choosing a spot to plant a shade tree, it’s all about the soil. Plus, he explains the importance of correct planting techniques, especially freeing up that tree’s root zone. But there’s a lot more. As Gordon explains, watering your trees correctly is a big part of the process of growing a shade tree. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog ...
318 Q&A Rosemary Propagation, Best Peach for Baking, Cover Crops, Blueberry Containers
March 19, 2024 10:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBQ&A Rosemary Propagation? (at 00:24 of podcast) Q&A Best Peach for Cooking/Baking? (08:10) Q&A Cover Crop crimping? (12:14) Q&A Blueberry containers? (19:05) Want To Leave Us a Question? (21:22) Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Rosemary plant with bee Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Bas...
317 The 2024 Tomato Preview Show!
March 15, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBIt’s time for the annual Garden Basics Tomato preview show! Once again, you’re invited to easedrop on a conversation between two real tomatoheads, myself and Don Shor, proprietor of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We recap our tomato successes and failures of 2023, and talk about what we will be planting in 2024, featuring the tried and true tomato varieties, along with several newcomers, more than two dozen varieties that we pass judgment on and will attempt to grow. Or not grow...
316 Master Gardener Secrets - Peach Pruning to Growing Tomatillos
March 13, 2024 21:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBIt's Q&A Tuesday! 1. What are the benefits of summer pruning of fruit trees, especially peaches? (at 00:25 of podcast) 2. Where can I find more information about caring for perennials? (02:48) 3. How do I care for a young apple tree? Should I remove any flowers or small fruit? (06:58) 4. Are dwarf citrus plants for indoors available? (08:25) 5. How can I prepare coir (Coconut husks) for a potting mix? (13:57) 6. How do I grow tomatillos? (15:28) Previous episodes, show notes, links...
Master Gardening Secrets: From Pruning Peach Trees to Growing Tomatillos
March 12, 2024 10:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBIt's Q&A Tuesday! 1. What are the benefits of summer pruning of fruit trees, especially peaches? (at 00:25 of podcast) 2. Where can I find more information about caring for perennials? (02:48) 3. How do I care for a young apple tree? Should I remove any flowers or small fruit? (06:58) 4. Are dwarf citrus plants for indoors available? (08:25) 5. How can I prepare coir (Coconut husks) for a potting mix? (13:57) 6. How do I grow tomatillos? (15:28) Previous episodes, show notes, links, produc...
315 Choosing Backyard Chickens. What is HPAI Disease?
March 08, 2024 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBMaybe you’re thinking of starting a new hobby, by adding a chicken or two or three to your backyard; or maybe you’re already a seasoned home chicken owner. You’ll want to hear today’s episode. Urban chicken consultant and certified poultry inspector Cherie Sintes-Glover of ChickensForEggs.com has advice on how to choose a chick from your local feed or farm store, and how to avoid choosing a rooster. Also, she discusses a poultry disease that is ravaging several states currently. It’s HPAI - ...
314 Q&A Garden Time Savers
March 05, 2024 11:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBThe Title says it all. Tips for saving time in the garden: automate, elevate, de-elevate, eliminate, and delegate. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: A battery-operated irrigation timer for an outdoor faucet Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com...
313 Heirlooms vs. Hybrids. Battling Aphids in Trees.
March 01, 2024 11:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MBWhat is the definition of an heirloom vegetable, such as an heirloom tomato? It depends who you ask. It’s kind of like the word “natural”: it has no legal definition. "Heirloom vegetable" could mean: a) a plant that reproduces true from seed; b) it's an old variety; and/or c) it's a traditional family seed, passed down through the generations. And what exactly is a hybrid tomato of a hybrid vegetable or flower? Our resident horticulturist, Debbie Flower, will help settle any confusion you ...
312 What is Fusarium Wilt? (And Why You Don't Want It!)
February 27, 2024 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBQuestion from listener Linda: "We have fusarium wilt in our garden. We are putting in raised beds in April. What kind of barrier should go in at the bottom of the beds to prevent the wilt getting into the raised bed?" Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that is widespread. Plants that contract it start getting yellowing leaves, and that's usually followed by the death of the entire plant. Fusarium can infect many more plants than tomatoes. The list includes trees, shrubs, and summer annu...
311 Tomato Seed Starting Tips
February 23, 2024 11:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBLast Week, we gave you tips for starting your pepper plants from seed. Today, we have tips for starting your summertime tomatoes from seed. And now’s the time to begin, Again, we get a little help from America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. She has ingenious ways of determining if your old tomato seeds are still any good. She has advice on which media is best for starting tomato seeds. And, the importance of cleaning your pots thoroughly, before planting ...
310 Q&A Homegrown Chicken Food?
February 20, 2024 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBJoshua from Missouri asks: "We own chickens and are trying to become more self sufficient and sustaining. Instead of buying feed for them, is there a way to grow their whole diet in the garden? I've looked online, but the only nutrition info about a chicken's diet is mainly their protein percentage needed. What about all the other macro and micronutrients? Is there a list of crops to grow that would make a balanced, nutritious daily meal for the egg layers? So far, I've done the math and ...
309 Pepper Seed Starting Tips. What is Coppicing?
February 16, 2024 11:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBWe are at the time of the year to start pepper seeds indoors. Pepper seeds, can be notoriously slow to germinate, sometimes taking up to three weeks. We have tips to speed up pepper seed germination, with a little help from America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. Have you heard of coppicing? It’s a drastic pruning technique where some woody plants are cut back, close to ground level to stimulate the growth of vigorous shoots. I happened upon a demonstration...
308 Q&A Lawn Drainage. Perennial Pruning.
February 13, 2024 11:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBQ&A Lawn Drainage Improvement Tips (00:25 of pod) Perennial Plant Pruning Information (16:01 of pod) Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Lawn aerator and dethatcher Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Da...
307 First Garden? New Garden? We Have Tips.
February 09, 2024 11:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MBDo you want a successful garden? Before planting, you need to do some planning. And if it’s a first garden, you need to do a lot of planning. It’s not overwhelming, but it is necessary for a productive garden of food and flowers. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, and I offer tips for your first garden or a new garden. Tips that will save you a lot of time and money in your pursuit of getting your family the healthiest food possible, as well as t...
306 Q&A Mason Bee Basics
February 06, 2024 11:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBSacramento County Master Gardener and orchardist Quentyn Young answers a question from Missouri about raising mason bees, an excellent garden pollinator (better than honeybees!). Mason Bee Basics, Pt. 1 0:23 Mason Bee Basics, Pt. 2 11:06 Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Mason Bee Houses in Barcelona,...
305 All About Blueberries
February 02, 2024 11:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBGarden experts agree: if you are an inexperienced gardener or a first time gardener, you’re best, confidence-building step is to plant easy to grow vegetables, flowers, and fruit. For those taking their first steps into growing fruit, especially for those with a limited space, perhaps just a patio area, it’s hard to beat container grown blueberries. Give them some basic needs, and you’ll have fresh, nutritious blueberries for years and years. How do you start? What are the best varieties to ...
304 Q&A Seed Starting Tips. Weed Control
January 30, 2024 08:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MB• Seed Starting Tips, including how to read seed packet instructions : 00:24 • The Hori Hori Knife; Oxalis and bittercress weed control tips: 19:06 • Want to Leave Us a Question? Here's How: 32:39 Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Pictured: Young tomato plants, hardening off. Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the...
303 AAS Plant Winners for 2024
January 26, 2024 11:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBQuite often, when a new or curious gardener wants to know, “What should I plant in my garden?” One of my common responses is: “it’s hard to go wrong with All-America Selections Winners.” The AAS has been independently trialing and judging plants, across North America, since the 1930’s. The judges are experts in the field of horticulture, including seed and plant developers, arboretums, garden centers, public gardens, and land grant universities. Among the AAS winners that I’ve tried that...
302 Q&A: Good Garden Gifts
January 23, 2024 11:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MBThe Tuesday edition of the Garden Basics podcast is back, where we will answer garden questions each week. Today's question is from Meredith in Maryland: "Hi Farmer Fred! I love your podcast and have learned so much. I wanted to see if you had a list of garden tools or products you like. I have a big birthday coming up so I want to get a wish list in order! Thanks for your help." Good question! Let's get several ideas from other experienced gardeners, as well, including America's Favorite...
301 2024 Garden Trends
January 19, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 48.9 MBWhat are you planning on doing in the garden in 2024? The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has spoken to gardeners, growers and professional nurseries and landscapers throughout America to find out what’s on their to do list this year…or not to do. For example, quieter gardening is a trend. So is how leaves from your trees are being put to use. Among the popular plants for 2024: Fruit trees, houseplants, ornamental grasses, sedges and an overwhelming demand for hydrangeas. Also homeowners...
300 Choosing, Planting Bareroot Roses
January 12, 2024 11:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBToday, we present a double dose of the Debbies on the Garden Basics podcast. First, Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington has tips on what to look for when selecting those bare looking roses that are hitting the nurseries this winter. Some garden center them packaged in plastic wrap, some nurseries will pot up the bare rose plants in containers, and some nurseries with have plunged those bare root roses directly into a bed of sawdust. Debbie Arrington has advice on how to tell if the rose you are...
299 Pt.2 2023's Greatest Garden Hits: The Top 5
January 05, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 79.1 MBWhat were the most downloaded Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast episodes of 2023? What were the most listened-to segments? Here are the Top 5 winners of 2023, chosen by you, the listeners. Topics include tomatoes (naturally), container gardening, plant arranging, and - the most listened-to topic of not just 2023, but the highest listenership of any episode in all four years of the Garden Basics podcast: cucumbers! It's nearly two hours worth of great gardening information to kick off ...
298 The Greatest Garden Basics Hits of 2023, Pt. 1
December 29, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 63.5 MB1. The Top Homegrown Vegetables, pt. 2 (Begins at 1:49) 2. The 2023 Tomato Preview Show (14:02) 3. Soil Irrigation Basics (33:52) 4. Fall Garden Basics (51:23) 5. 11 Tips for Garden Success (1:14:17) Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: A river of tomatoes and peppers (Heirloom Expo) Help Keep This Podcast Go...
297 Christmas Tree Care. Citrus Problems
December 22, 2023 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBChristmas Tree Care Tips, for both cut and living trees: at 1:36 of the podcast. Why are the Leaves on My Citrus Tree Turning Yellow?: 9:37 Why are My Citrus Fruit Splitting? 25:22 Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: A Rosemary Christmas Tree Display Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! ...
New Plants for 2024
December 15, 2023 11:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBToday, we are talking about New Plants for the 2024 garden year. How about a houseplant that you can eat? And better yet, it’s actually a small cucumber plant! Have you heard of the petchoa (Pet-Koa)? It’s a cross between a petunia and a calibrichoa, the plant you may know as Million Bells. The petchoa is a plant with large flowers and a tidy habit for baskets, planters, or gardens. Those and more new plants for 2024. It’s all on today’s episode. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios he...
295 Growing Pawpaws and Native Persimmons
December 08, 2023 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBThe tasty fruits that we delve into today may not be familiar to you, especially if you live west of the Rocky Mountains. However, elsewhere in the country, pawpaws and native persimmons are a taste treat. Master Gardener and international gardening expert Quentyn Young tells us about growing and pruning pawpaws and native persimmons throughout the United States. From Dave Wilson Nursery, Phil Pursel says the best fruit, vine and berry deals are coming soon to a nursery near you. In the we...
294 Apple Tree Rehab. Gravel Gardens.
December 01, 2023 11:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MBToday we answer a listener’s question: can we reduce the height of an old, beloved backyard apple tree to a height where we can reach the fruit while standing on the ground? Yes, but it will take several growing seasons for it to return to production. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower and myself talk about all the ways to reduce the height of an overgrown apple tree. Plus, we discuss a gardening trend gaining popularity east of the Rockies: gravel gar...
293 Codling Moth Controls for Apples. Succulents vs. Winter
November 24, 2023 11:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBOne listener writes in and asks, "What is boring the holes into my Fuji Apples?" More than likely, it is the larvae of the codling moth, a pest that commonly attacks apples and pears. Unfortunately, codling moth is one of the more difficult to control garden pests. However, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, Debbie Flower is here, and we have tips on how to limit codling moth populations. Also, the plant lady, Marlene Simon, has advice on how to protect your outdo...
292 Controlling Nematodes - and Deer - In the Garden
November 17, 2023 11:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBToday we take a look at two extremes of vexing garden problems around the world: the tiny, tiny nematodes that attach to plant roots, sucking the life out of them…and one you don’t need a microscope to see: deer. They both love your garden. At least with nematodes there are a few resistant plants. But when it comes to deer resistant plants, well, good luck. It depends how hungry those deer are. So how do you control root know nematodes, and marauding deer? America’s Favorite Retired College ...
291 Top 10 Habits of Successful Gardeners
November 10, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBWhat are the habits of successful gardeners? A couple of Master Gardeners from Santa Clara and San Joaquin Counties, in California pursued that question awhile back. They discovered several tips and tricks that seasoned, happy gardeners use for garden success. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, and myself share their top ten habits of Successful and Happy Gardeners with you, along with our thoughts that take us down, yet again, many scenic bypass...
290 More Greenhouse Basics
November 03, 2023 10:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBBefore the weather chases you back indoors, maybe it’s time you considered a greenhouse to continue your gardening year round: a greenhouse is perfect for starting seeds, maintaining tropical or semi tropical plants such as citrus or orchids, a place to keep your potted plants alive and well in the winter, or growing vegetables year round. We talk with Mark Seibert of Sturdi-Built greenhouses in Oregon about the questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a greenhouse. Originally a...
289 Garlic Basics. Persimmons. Fall Garden Cookbook.
October 27, 2023 10:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBIn many parts of the country, it’s garlic planting time. Debbie Flower and I talk about many aspects of growing backyard garlic. (at 1:25 of podcast) Plus we talk with fruit tree expert Phil Pursel about growing and harvesting persimmons in the fall. (16:26) And Master Gardener Kathy Morrison has fall recipes made from your cool season backyard crops, especially apples. (26:40) We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the...
288 Tomato Review 2023
October 20, 2023 10:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBToday, we compare notes with Davis, California nursery owner Don Shor, an avid tomato grower, about our 2023 tomato successes and failures. And, we check with the tomato trials done this past summer at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center. It’s a wide ranging conversation not only about hybrid and heirloom tomato varieties that were notable for size, flavor, production, vigor..or lack thereof… it also includes some great tips for growing and caring for your 2024 tomato garden, no matter which v...
287 Fall Berry Care. Debbie Explains Stuff.
October 13, 2023 10:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBFall Berry Care (1:58 of podcast) Debbie Flower Explains Stuff I Had Questions About (18:33) We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory (and on location at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center). It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots, and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer...
286 Bulb Planting Basics. Young Fruit Tree Care.
October 06, 2023 10:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBBulb Planting Basics (at 1:27 of podcast) Young Fruit Tree Care (22:04) We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buz...
285 Electroculture Gardening vs the Scientific Method
September 29, 2023 10:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBElectroculture Gardening vs. the Scientific Method (at 3:08 of podcast) Growing Avocados in Marginal Climates (27:54) We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots, and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Trans...
284 Ranking Garden Mulches. Fall Worm Bin Care.
September 22, 2023 10:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MBHow do you plant seeds in a garden bed full of mulch? America’s favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, and I quickly answered that and then veered into a very scenic bypass - as is our custom. This time: we rank garden mulches from best to worst. If you want to know the best products to use for a mulch - and the ones to avoid - you’ll want to listen. Also: what the worms in your worm bin are trying to tell you about what they want in order to be happy, this fall an...
283 Master Gardener Fall Preparation Tips; Old Pesticides
September 15, 2023 10:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB• Fall Vegetable Soil Preparation (at 2:08 of podcast) • Fall Fruit Tree Care (9:54) • Fall Rose Care (17:23) • Preserving Tomatoes (27:40) • How long do garden pesticides last? (35:24) It’s all right here, in episode number 283, Fall Garden Preparation; and, How Long Can You Store Pesticides? Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at ...
282 The Cut & Come Again Food Garden
September 08, 2023 10:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBRenee Shepherd of Renee’s Garden talks about the "cut and come again" leafy green garden, how anyone can be enjoying fresh lettuce, spinach, chard, cabbage and other nutritious greens on a daily basis, no matter how small your yard. Want to make your own mulch? We have tips for purchasing a chipper/shredder - the features that it should have for a hassle-free experience. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots, and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!...
281 Cool Season Organic Garden Basics
September 01, 2023 10:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MBWhat does it take to have the best cool season organic garden in your neighborhood? The best soil! We have tips. Also: advice for controlling tomato hornworms. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net and at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Fall Greens. Links: Subscribe to the free, Bey...
280 Shade Cloth Basics. Fall Lawn Care.
August 25, 2023 10:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MBShade Cloth Basics (1:45) Fall Lawn Care, Organically (18:42) Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Pictured: Shade Cloth on Blackberries at Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Aug. 25, 2023 Newsletter: Tomatoes Not Ripening? ...
279 Fall Gardening Basics
August 18, 2023 10:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBDespite the triple digit temperatures of late August and early September, this is the time to be planning your fall garden, including starting the seeds of some of the healthiest, most nutritious vegetables that you can grow. America’s favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower answers the fall garden questions of a college student who wants to try to grow a cool season garden for the first time. And, nursery owner Don Shor talks about the best varieties of vegetables to...
278 Hot Summer Garden Tips LIVE!
August 11, 2023 10:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBWherever you garden, you have had to endure days and days of sizzling summer temperatures. Your garden is trying to survive those heat waves, as well. Today, Debbie Flower and I have tips for getting your garden through triple digit heatwaves and a lot more. Recorded live at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center in Sacramento on August 5, 2023. • Why you don’t want to use garden soil in containers. (7:02) • The best potting mix to use for a container plant. (8:48) • What’s happening to the ...
277 Summer Recipes - You Grew It, Now Eat It!
August 04, 2023 10:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBYou’re looking at your crowded kitchen counter and wondering, what the heck are we going to do with all these tomatoes, peppers and zucchini? Hey, you grew it, now eat it! Today, we explore tasty recipes for your abundant summer harvest. (01:31) Also, we have tips for sharpening your garden tools. (16:00) And, we explore one ingredient of fertilizer, phosphorus. Is it radioactive? (25:01) It’s all in today’s episode, number 277, You Grew It, Now Eat It: Summer Harvest Recipes We’re podcas...
276 Container Rose Growing Basics
July 28, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MBIf you’re currently growing roses in containers, or are thinking of adding a few potted roses to your patio or balcony, this is the episode for you. • We get the tips from a professional rose grower, Ben Hanna, owner of HeirloomRoses.com (at 1:22). • Also, Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington solves some tree rose woes for a listener ( 27:30). • And, I chat with a local garden club about the need to keep an eye on soil temperatures in container plants during the summer, with tips for cooling t...