Good at Plants Bad at Life
37 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratingsHorticulture is for when individual plants need individual attention, and some of us need more help than others! Plants are food, clothing, shelter, air, and medicine just to start off the list, and whether you want to beautifiy our surroundings or help conserve natural resources plants can make a difference with our help. Curious to find new plants for your situation? Want help in saving your favorite plant? Or just want to hear how plants have changed our lives, this is podcast for you. Join horticultural consultant Lance Roberson, along with his friends Pat Sirois, Stephanie Gilbert and others as we tell our stories with plants! Have a question? Need help with a problem? We want to help! Let's grow!
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Episodes
It's a trap!
May 24, 2023 12:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBThis week, Pat Sirois and Lance discuss a call we got from a curious kid asking about a plant that they'd seen in a recent movie, and while movies aren't real, some plants are more interesting than ones that are made up. Join us as we talk about movie plants as well as the stranger than fiction venus fly trap! Have your own questions? Give us a call on our help line, at A-A-HELP-ME-ZZ (224-357-6399) or send us an email at [email protected]!
Protecting plants from Animals
May 17, 2023 13:00 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MBFrom urine spots to pathways animals can cause problems for plants, sometimes we can avoid the problems, often times we need to work on simple plans to combat the after effects of these problems. This week join our hosts Stephanie Gilbert and Lance Roberson as we delve into plant safety around animals. Have a question for our us, call our helpline at A-A-HELP-ME-ZZ (224-357-6399) or send us an email at [email protected]
Pets, Kids, and Safety
May 11, 2023 16:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MBThis week we are talking about safety! From pets to kids and everything in between, working with plants can be a joyous event, but some some special precaution is needed especially when working with kids, or around pets to ensure we don't have problems while enjoying our plants. Join our hostess Stephanie Gilbert and horticulturist Lance Roberson as we delve into safety! Have a question, want to send us a line, email us at [email protected] or give a call to our help line AA-Help-Me-ZZ (22...
Irrigation
April 27, 2023 14:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MBWhen growing plants the most unpredictable factor is often water. Irrigation is made to supplement natural rain, but is often one of the most questioned aspects of growing plants. Join our hosts Stephanie Gilbert and Lance Roberson as we discuss irrigation in this episode of Good at Plants, Bad at Life. Have a question, you can call or text our help line "AA-Help-Me-ZZ" (224)357-6399, send us an email to [email protected], or find us on Instagram!
Compost
April 19, 2023 01:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBWhat is compost? Where does it come from, and how do you use it? Join our hosts Lance Roberson and Stephanie Gilbert as we talk about some of the do's and don'ts of this amazing soil amendment! Have a specific question you want to ask! Send us an email at [email protected], call or text our help line at A-A HELP ME ZZ (224-357-6399) or send us a message on instagram!
Silt, Sand and Clay
March 23, 2023 15:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBWhen it comes to soil types, as far as textures go there are only 3 ingredients. Silt, sand and clay. Knowing these 3 will go a long way in knowing how to grow your plants! Join our hosts Stephanie Gilbert and Lance Roberson as we discuss the soil triangle and all its dirty detail.
Let's Start Spring!
March 13, 2023 15:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBIn this episode we explore what we need to do to get ready for spring and put winter behind us. Do you have a garden or landscape and don't know where to start? Join us this week as we discuss what you should do while you watch winter turn to spring! This weeks questions! Pat leaves us a voicemail to ask about a bad plant purchase. Sarah, asks about her freeze damaged English ivy, and Mark has a problem with his mower! Have questions Send us an Email at [email protected] or send us texts...
The 7 items needed for plant growth
March 06, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBWhether you are growing on the moon or in your backyard, there are only 7 things that you need to pay attention to when you are growing plants. The 7 are Light, Water, Air, Temperature, Media, Pests, and Chemistry. Join horticulturalist Lance Roberson and Co-Host Stephanie Gilbert as we discuss everything you need to know to grow plants and more! Have plant questions you want answered, find us on social media, send us an email at [email protected] or call our help line @ A-A-Help-Me-ZZ (...
Plant-flation!
June 28, 2022 16:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBPrices are up, and with plants we know most of the reasons why this is happening. From historical pricing to the cost of energy, a lot goes into growing plants! Join comedian Pat Sirois and horticulturist Lance Roberson as we discuss what's happening in the world of buying and growing plants!
Sun vs shade
June 05, 2022 12:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBThat nuclear fire in the sky we call the sun makes a lot of difference to plants down here in our garden and greenhouses. From full sun to total shade and everything in between comedian Pat Siroi and horticulturist Lance Roberson discuss what and why many plants need their niche growing space to do their best.
Is it a fruit or a vegetable?
May 30, 2022 14:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBIn this episode join comedian Pat Sirois and horticulturist Lance Roberson as we discuss what makes a fruit, what parts of the plant we eat as vegetables, and few that for some reason we think of being on the wrong side of the grocery store.
Survival with Plants
May 19, 2022 14:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MBEven if you are good at plants what happens when life goes bad? A solar flare, a zombie invasion, insert your own apocalyptic scenario. After the dust settles, it's just you and plants. Could you survive? Join comedian Pat Sirois and horticulturist Lance Roberson as we talk about what we would do to make it in a world run by no one with only plants and gumption to get you through another year!
Earth day!
April 24, 2022 18:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBEarth day is a holiday that encompasses so much, from planting trees, to conserving energy consumption, to mining rare earth minerals, and of course we can't forget the dolphins! Join comedian Pat Sirois and horticulturalist Lance Roberson as we meander through a few things we are thinking about this Earth day!
Wildflowers for Moontowers
April 18, 2022 22:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBThis week Pat Sirois and Lance Roberson are glad to have friends in town for Moontower and Wildflowers that have both peaked and invaded Austin, Texas! Join us as we talk about a few of our plant favorites kicking off the beginning of 2022's northern hemisphere wildflower season while everyone here!
Companion: DC Cherry Blossom Festival
April 02, 2022 20:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBWe've been told that sometimes plants have to be shown in a visual medium, so we made this episode as a companion to PLance's video on YouTube showing this year's Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC. Do you know of a plant related festival or event that you want to know more about? Let us know on social media and you may just see us in your local environment. Video link - https://youtu.be/ArJ_xeY3TOQ Bloom Watch https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm
Lichens, and Fungus, and Mold, OH My!
April 02, 2022 20:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBThis week comedian Pat Siroi and Lance Roberson talk about all those things that some people still think are plants, but the are closer to us than the plants! What are those things growing on your trees, in your grass and all over the world, join Good at Plants, Bad at Life as we talk about these strange and common life forms.
The Peanut Man
April 02, 2022 20:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBBiofuel, root beer, and auto parts among hundreds of other items made just from peanuts, and he did it 100 years ago? Along with plethora of products needed by some of the poorest people in the US, through education and DIY processes he often gave the public for free, the peanut man made more attainable than anyone else in his time. Join Pat and Lance this week as we discuss another great American plant need, George Washington Carver! Want us to talk about your favorite plant need? Just ...
I spy spring flowers!
March 09, 2022 20:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBAre you looking for a sign from the plants that it is spring. Are you ready to plant and don't trust the local TV weatherman that winter is finally over? Today we want to discuss with you plants that are some of the earliest flowering plants that you may notice in your area, and how they may be the signal that spring is upon you! Join our hosts Pat Sirois and Lance Roberson as we talk about what plants we are looking for as we travel around to show us spring is in the air. Want to show us y...
Ready, Set, Seed!
March 02, 2022 18:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBIt's that time of year, whether you are a commercial grower, or just looking to beautify your patio, if you want to start your plants from seed, you need to get moving. Join our hosts Pat Sirois and Lance Roberson as we discuss starting seeds for this spring. From easy ways to start seeds in any window, to which plants may be cheaper at the grocery store than you could buy and grow on your own. Have a question about your favorite seed plant? Want to show us how you're ahead of the game ...
Valentine's Day Plant Stories!
February 07, 2022 06:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBWhat are the flowers you are giving to your loved ones this Valentines day saying? Join our hosts, Lance Roberson and Pat Sirois as we talk about flowers you should or maybe rather shouldn't give this holiday. A few "historical" stories about flowers and what they meant to those that came before us. From Aztec legends, to Greek mythology, we pass another ridiculous plant story to the next person in an age old tradition of field stories! Want to tell us your favorite plant story? Find us o...
It's too big to bring in!
January 31, 2022 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBThis week we talk about some plants that are often seen indoors but may be a bit too much to handle when they get growing. Join pat Sirois and Lance Roberson as they talk about ficus, palms, dracenas, and a whole lot more! Have a plant that you have had forever in your house! Show off and introduce us to your plant on social media @goodatplantsbadatlife and @goodatplantspod!
Onions and Bulbs!
January 24, 2022 23:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBThis week Pat Sirois and Lance Roberson discuss, bulbs! From Pat's favorite onion, to plants that aren't bulbs despite their appearance, like the iris! Want to know how to buy them for your growing or how much water they may need? How about using them to save Matt Damon or some etymology, we have it all, join us! Have a question for us? Want to hear Lance talk about your favorite or least favorite plant? Find us on social media @goodatplantsbadatlife on Instagram or @goodatplantspod on Twi...
Interior floral for the winter!
January 15, 2022 19:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBJoin us this week as Pat Sirois and Lance Roberson discuss house plants! We also take questions from the field where we meet a new Sizzle Frizzle (corkscrew Albuca), and introduce everyone to one of PLance's oldest employees the bristlecone pine tree known as The Methuselah Tree! We also talk about spathiphyllum, African violets, and about how your apartment choice can change your plant selection. Have a question? Send us a pic or let us know what you want to know about plants, and maybe w...
Rep Your Hardiness Zone
January 06, 2022 21:00 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MBIn this episode comedian Pat Sirois and horticulturalist Lance Roberson talk about winter, freezes and cold hardiness zones! Pat also starts getting Lance to take a couple of questions on air from a listener in the field! Want to ask your own question? Want to battle rap Pat over your zone being better than 8B. Find us on social media @goodatplantsbadatlife and maybe we'll respond to yours! USDA Map to find your hardiness zone (for those of you in the US): https://planthardiness.ars.usd...
Christmas Trees
November 26, 2021 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBThis week our hosts Pat Sirois and Lance Roberson talk about the annual tradition of displaying Christmas trees! Not sure which kind to get, want to know how to keep it green until Christmas? How about a tip or two on how to pick one at the store! G@P B@L is here to help with all things plants!
Christmas Trees
November 26, 2021 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBThis week our hosts Pat Sirois and Lance Roberson talk about the annual tradition of displaying Christmas trees! Not sure which kind to get, want to know how to keep it green until Christmas? How about a tip or two on how to pick one at the store! G@P B@L is here to help with all things plants!
Do you call it a bush or a shrub?
November 15, 2021 19:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBIn this episode comedian Pat Sirois and horticulturalist Lance Roberson discuss the woody plants smaller than trees that we call shrubs or bushes... Whatever side of the divide you fall on, we talk a bout a few of the ones on the top of the list of great shrubs to grow!
Perennials - More than 2 years
November 06, 2021 20:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBIn this episode Pat Sirois and Lance Roberson talk about perennials, the plants that come back more than 2 years... Yes we often say that they come back every year, and they do for many years, but lets talk about lifespan and what you should do to keep your garden blooming and looking great for years to come with perennials of all kinds!
#9 Let's be Leafers
October 29, 2021 21:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MBThis week we talk about all things fall leaves. How do they know when to do it? What causes the colors? What we should do with all those fall leaves once they drop? all discussed on this episode of Good at Plants Bad at Life! Join Pat Sirois and Lance Roberson on G@P B@L as we go out on a limb to get a better view of the fire that is fall leaf color change!
#8 Spreading Seeds on the Road
October 14, 2021 02:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBThis week we talk about my thoughts on Jonny Appleseed, the American folk hero best known through cartoon portrayals and hand-me-down stories from those that knew or knew of John Chapman, the real Jonny Appleseed. This episode join Pat Sirois and Lance Roberson as we talk about what we know related to plants and folk stories, and where the truth of the matter is in what we remember from a semi-historical game of telephone!
7: Trees - The dinosaurs get too much credit
September 28, 2021 16:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBIn this episode Lance meets up with Pat on the road in the Pacific north west while he is on tour! What else would we talk about other than the old growth evergreen forest that the Seattle metro is right in the middle of! Recorded at Scriber Lake in Lynwood, Washington. Comedian Pat Sirois and horticulturalist Lance Roberson discuss the role of these trees in the ecosystem and how the benefit us when we benefit them!
#6 Media Day
September 27, 2021 15:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBThis episode Guest Stephanie Gilbert is back to talk about Media! In horticulture media is the material that you are growing your plants in, it not all just dirt! Join us as we discuss the dirty details of media to help you get out and grow! Join Guest Host Stephanie Gilbert from Studio512, comedian Pat Sirois, horticulturist Lance Roberson as we discuss all things plants!
#5 Don't be a pain in the Annual
September 17, 2021 18:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBWant to know what annuals work in your area? Can't decide if it is something that should be working, or just want to know of an easy way to find what you like that grows where you live? Let's talk about the good and the bad of annuals, and a little about mushrooms, why not! This episode join Pat Sirois and Lance Roberson as we journey through fall and the bountiful plants that it brings us in the northern hemisphere!
Pesticides - Chemistry not magic
September 17, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBDO NOT use pesticides for salad dressing oil. But should you put it on anything? In this episode Lance and Pat discuss how everyone uses pesticides, and why it isn't such a bad thing after all. If you know what you are doing, it may even be the right thing to do for the environment! Let's give you a few things to think about before heading to the garden center this weekend. Think I'm wrong? Let us know, find Pat Siros at @PeezyTX on Twitter and Instagram or Lance @ PLance.org G@P B@L!
Wrong Side of the beds: Turfgrass
August 26, 2021 20:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MBThis episode Lance got up on the wrong side of the beds and he's decided to give Pat a few good reasons to despise turf too. Sure, he could help you grow it, but do you want to? Do you know how much work that really is? Are you really getting anything out of it for the resources? Today we are talking about common pitfalls of growing your own slice of this green crime against horticulture. Do you have problems with turf? Want to come to turf's defense? Let us know what you think! Have a ...
Water: If You Love Tuna and/or Hate Math
August 19, 2021 10:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBWater is always the first question anyone asks when something goes wrong with a plant. Water is a pivotal part of the plant's lifecycle so it may be related. How do you know? How can you grow better? Join Pat Siros, Stephanie Gilbert, and Lance Roberson as we talk about plant problems, solutions, and as many things as we can about plants in our second episode of G@P B@L! Have a plant problem you want us to talk about, send us what you are working with! We discuss horticulture where indiv...
Episode 1: Don't Eat Poison Ivy
August 19, 2021 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBThe story begins and the plants were already there, they created PLance, and this is how they convinced Lance to help. He's here with plants and he's out of the greenhouses to help you grow. Join us as we explore the first of many events of horticultural consultant Lance Roberson's life long journey with plants, and what makes him want to help save your plants. In this episode Co-hosts Pat Sirois and Stephanie Gilbert join us as we discuss a little how it couldn't have gone any other way. ...