Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors
264 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsEllen Zachos and C.L. Fornari help you discover the amazing world of plants: in the garden, in the wild, and on your plate. They show you how to grow plants successfully, how to enjoy your natural surroundings, and how to make the most of your harvest, whether it's cultivated or foraged. (Spoiler alert: they don't always agree!) You'll find three different topics in each episode, plus email questions from listeners.
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Episodes
Seed Planning, Catching Up, and See You In Seattle
January 26, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutes - 60.1 MBEllen and C.L. talk about three interesting edibles from the True Leaf Market catalog, explain what they’re working on and catch up with some listener emails. They end by talking about seven seed starting tips offered by our friends at Gardeners Supply Company, and invite listeners to join them at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. :30 What’s For Dinner: Our top picks from the True Leaf Market catalog 7:23 Eat/Drink/Grow: What's new with the Plantrama team. 19:46 In...
Tasty meals, New Plant Discoveries and a Dormant Period
September 15, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 48.2 MBWe’re talking about garlic and crabapples, plants that are new to our hearts, and some interesting research on bulbs done at Cornell University. Plus some words of appreciation for all of our listeners…Plantrama people are the best! See the bulb research information here. :27 What’s For Dinner: What C.L.and Ellen love for tasty meals. 5:14 Eat/Drink/Grow: New Plants…new to us, that is. 15:21 Insider Information: Bulb research from Cornell University 23:03 Love Letters and Ques...
Rusty Nails For Blue Hydrangeas, Queen Anne_s Lace, and Too Many Plants
September 08, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 48.8 MBLearn about turning Hydrangea flowers blue, how to tell if you’re looking at Queen Anne’s lace or the poison hemlock, and not enough room for all these plants! Plus C.L. loves listening to the Audible version of Michael Pollen’s book, This is Your Mind on Plants. :29 True or False: To turn Hydrangeas blue, place rusty nails in the ground 3:48 Eat/Drink/Grow: Queen Anne’s Lace and Poisonous Look-Alikes 15:04 Check This Out: Michael Pollen’s book “This is Your Mind on Plants...
Peppers, Dry Summers, and a Clover Lawn
September 01, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 47.8 MBIn this episode Ellen and C.L. discuss some favorite peppers, and answer common listener questions about drought-damaged plants and helping their gardens recover from a hot, dry summer. We share an exciting new plant from Proven Winners, and answer a listener’s question about clover lawns. :36 What’s For Dinner: Peppers! 10:39 Eat/Drink/Grow: Recovering From A Hot, Dry Summer 19:45 Insider Information: Excited about Queen Tut Papyrus 21:35 Love Letters and Questions: Sandy wr...
Encore Snacks, Outdoor Office and Entertaining
August 25, 2022 11:00 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBIn this Encore presentation from 2017, Ellen and C.L. start the end-of-summer party off with suggestions for snacks and garden hors d’oeuvres. The second segment offers ways that you benefit from an outdoor office, and no, it’s not the low rent. Our main segment suggests ways you can spruce up (horticultural pun intended) your yard and gardens for summer gatherings. Whether you’re holding a simple barbecue, birthday celebration, rehearsal dinner, cocktail party or other event, here are ide...
Encore of Yellow Leaves, Fall Vegetables and Bringing Houseplants Inside
August 18, 2022 11:00 - 27 minutes - 39 MBIn this end-of-August episode, C.L. and Ellen discuss how to tell why the leaves on your plant are turning yellow. They explain that noticing which leaves are yellowing, and where they are, can help explain why this is happening. Next the Plantrama team explains some botanic terms, and discusses what to forage for or plant in your vegetable garden right now. The episode ends with advice to Sandy about when to bring her houseplants back inside after they have spent the summer out of doors. ...
Encore Mulch, Nitrogen and Smart Weeds
August 11, 2022 11:00 - 21 minutes - 30.4 MBEllen and C.L. discuss whether the use of mulch robs the soil of nitrogen, and we take a dive into the Polygonaceae family…smart weeds and knotweeds. We give you the scoop on two informative webinars for anyone interested in growing hydrangeas, and answer a question about the odd, jelly-like forms that a listener has found on some junipers. 1:42 True or False: Mulch robs the soil of nitrogen. 6:21 Eat/Drink/Grow: Is your weed smart or knot? 12:31 Insider Information: Hydrangea ...
Encore of End of Summer Flavors, Taking Cuttings, Transplantation
August 04, 2022 11:00 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBIn this encore episode, Ellen explains what to make with under-ripe wild grapes and C.L. persuades listeners to combine some creamy brie cheese with those homegrown tomatoes. Next we explain that the end of the summer is the ideal time to propagate everything from woody ornamentals to annuals and perennials. Now that cooler weather is on the horizon, we discuss what can be transplanted in the fall, and answer a listener’s concern about importing bugs into the house when she brings potted hou...
Pickles, Small Trees, and Dealing with Bare Spots
July 28, 2022 11:00 - 27 minutes - 51.5 MBWhat can you pickle this summer? Should you buy a tree that’s tiny? Ellen and C.L. discuss these topics, plus what to do with bare or just unattractive spots in the garden, and whether summer planting makes sense in July. :29 What’s for dinner: Pickles. 7:12 Insider Information: Don’t be afraid to start with small shrubs and trees! 12:30 Eat/Drink/Grow: Dealing with bare areas where plants have died or construction had to happen. 22.52 Love Letters and Questions: Bailey w...
Mulch killing weeds, Citrus from Seeds, and a Robot Weeder
July 21, 2022 18:49 - 25 minutes - 48 MBHave you wondered how, or if, mulch kills weeds? Have you tried to grow a citrus plant from a seed? Ellen and C.L. discuss these topics, and answer Dianna’s question about her kousa dogwood that isn’t doing well. Plus C.L. tells Ellen and our listeners about a robot that weeds in gardens. :28 Plant Noob: Does mulch kill weeds? 6:47 Eat/Drink/Grow: Some considerations when growing citrus from Seed. 14:02 Check THIS Out!: Tertill: a solar-powered, robot weeder. 18:13 Lo...
Foliar Feeding, Forks in the Garden and Auto-Flowering Cannabis
July 14, 2022 11:00 - 22 minutes - 42.9 MBHave you seen the photo of plastic forks, tines up, in the garden? Wondering about spraying fertilizer on the leaves of plants to give them added nutrients? And how about that auto-flowering type of Cannabis…should you be harvesting in July? :36 True or False: Plastic forks in the garden? 7:21 Eat/Drink/Grow: Foliar feeding. 18:20 Love Letters and Questions: Manny asks about Cannabis
Raspberries, Rock Walls, and Perennial Bloom
July 07, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 48.1 MBEllen and C.L. talk about the difference between raspberries and blackberries, give suggestions for plants that grow well in the tiny spaces in rock walls, and discuss whether you should panic when you see bugs on a plant. We end with a listener’s question about a perennial garden filled with early-summer bloomers. :30 What’s For Dinner: Raspberries 6:32 Eat/Drink/Grow: Plants to grow in Rock Walls 18:19 Plant Noob: What to assume when you see an insect? 22:24 Love Letters an...
Edible Flower Petals, Tap Roots and Crop Rotation
June 30, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 48.3 MBC.L. and Ellen have suggestions for edible flower petals, whether you want to use them for visual or taste appeal. Hear a discussion about taproots - what are they and what they mean for you – and hear if you need to be concerned about crop rotation. :38 What’s For Dinner: Flowers petals! 5:53 Eat/Drink/Grow: Tap roots. 20:18 Love Letters and Questions: Amanda asks: “Can you recommend any books or reliable resources for crop rotation?
Mint, Harvesting Garlic, and Plant Supports
June 23, 2022 11:00 - 28 minutes - 53.7 MBEllen and C.L. discuss ways to use the mint you grow, the basics of harvesting garlic, and ways of supporting vegetables and newly planted trees. Plus we answer a listener’s question about spraying fertilizer directly onto foliage. :33 What’s for dinner: Mint beyond mojitos 4:12 Insider Information: Harvesting Garlic 17:46 Eat/Drink/Grow: Plant supports. 26:40 Love Letters and Questions: Karen asks about spring fertilizer directly on plants.
Flea Beetles, a Book Review and Houseplants at Summer Camp
June 16, 2022 11:00 - 27 minutes - 50.3 MBEllen and C.L. talk about a common insect that causes damage in many vegetable gardens: flea beetles. Next they address questions and issues that arise when houseplants have been put outside for the summer, review an inspiring new book, and answer Ryan’s question about possible ground cover crops for weed suppression in flower farms. :28 Plant Noob: Flea beetles 7:37 Eat/Drink/Grow: So your houseplants are out for Summer Camp 18:12 Book Review: The Urban Garden 22:12 Love Lett...
Dead Trees, Early Flowering Perennials, and What NOW?
June 14, 2022 01:19 - 25 minutes - 47.1 MBC.L. and Ellen discuss what to do if your tree dies, and what actions to take when something has already happened and you need to respond or do your best to fix it. :30 True or False: You should remove dead trees from your property 6:24 Eat/Drink/Grow: After the fact. Or, I’ve already done it! Now What??? 22:00 Love Letters and Questions: Sandi asks: “When early flowering perennials such as blue salvia, peonies, or penstemon stop blooming, what do I do with them?
Dill, Planting in June and What Alliums Do
June 02, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 50.2 MB:38 What’s For Dinner: Dill. 8:59 Eat/Drink/Grow: “Is it too late to plant?” 20:14 Insider Information: What alliums do. 22:42 Love Letters and Questions: Donna re: miniature lemon cypress tree In this first of five June episodes, C.L. and Ellen talk about growing dill, planting in the summer, and what allium foliage does when these bulbs come into bloom. Plus we answer a listener’s question about growing lemon cypress trees indoors…was she given bad advice?
Lettuce Wraps, Garden Diversity and Mediterranean Gardening
May 26, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 47 MBIn this end-of-May episode Ellen and C.L. discuss using lettuce to wrap tasty fillings, for a meal or snack. We explain what a botanist does, the importance of several types of diversity in our yards and gardens, and answer Pete’s question about applying Mediterranean style to a Minnesota garden. :28 What’s for dinner: Lettuce Wraps 3:22 Insider Information: What is a botanist? 7:33 Eat/Drink/Grow: Garden Diversity 21:58 Love Letters and Questions: From Pete ab...
How to Fill Raised Beds, Hugelkulure and Garden Mentors
May 19, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 47.2 MBThe Plantrama team discusses the best way to fill a raised bed, why the practice called hugelkulture is getting so much buzz, a podcast recommendation, and finding a garden mentor. :30 Plant Noob: Why you shouldn’t fill a raised bed with only compost. 5:24 Eat/Drink/Grow: Hugelkultur 16:29 Check THIS Out!: a plant podcast that C.L. loves. 18:48 Love Letters and Questions Morgan in Michigan writes about finding garden mentors.
Seed Info, Gardening in Clay and Potting Media
May 12, 2022 13:33 - 29 minutes - 55.6 MBHave you ever bought an envelope of seeds that had no instructions on it? Do you have clay soils where you garden? Ellen and C.L. start the program with these topics, then move onto invasive plants in the landscape, and the differences between different types of potting media. :30 True or False: It’s okay to send out seeds without any germination information. 5:12 Eat/Drink/Grow: Gardening in Clay 21:18 Insider Information: Inspired by Carol invasives in the landscape 25:16 ...
Pasta, Catkins, and Roses oh my!
May 05, 2022 11:00 - 27 minutes - 51.1 MBIt’s pasta for dinner, and everything coming up roses in this episode of Plantrama. Ellen shares her nettle pasta recipe, and C.L. talks about a quick way to use any garden greens with linguine. We discuss the highs and lows of growing roses, and end by answering a listener’s question about catkins. :37 What’s For Dinner: A go-to garden or foraged pasta. 6:55 Eat/Drink/Grow: Roses. 24:50 Love Letters and Questions: Diedre asked What is a catkin? Brought to you by our friends at ...
Spring Salads, Organic Fertilizers, and Clematis
April 28, 2022 11:00 - 27 minutes - 52.1 MBIn this episode Ellen and C.L. celebrate spring salads, discuss organic fertilizers and discuss the many ways to grow vining Clematis. :28 What’s for dinner: Spring Salads 6:24 Insider Information: Organic fertilizers 11:03 Eat/Drink/Grow: Clematis This episode is brought to you by our friends at Rainwand.com
Raised Beds, Labeling Plants and Check THIS Out!
April 21, 2022 11:00 - 27 minutes - 51.7 MBThe Plantrama team gives those new to vegetable gardening some advice about raised beds...how deep, what to fill them with, and whether they need a weed barrier underneath. We talk about how to remember what you’ve planted, without sticking ugly labels next to every plant in your garden. In a new segment, we tell you about a couple of great things that we’ve discovered. :45 Plant Noob: Raised bed Tips 10:46 Eat/Drink/Grow: Methods for remembering what you’ve planted 21:36 C...
Fertilizers, Cannabis, and Plant Roots
April 14, 2022 11:00 - 23 minutes - 44.1 MBDo you need a special fertilizer for Cannabis budding? Do you need special fertilizers for different types of plants? Do some fertilizers work better than others, and can you make your own out of food scraps? These questions answered and more in this episode. :33 True or False: In order to get Cannabis to bud, you have to use special “bloom” fertilizers 3:22 Eat/Drink/Grow: Fertilizer Facts and Fantasies 20:06 Love Letters and Questions: Shelley wrote: “Is it true th...
Strawberries and Soil Temperatures
April 07, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 48.5 MBThe Plantrama team gets their fingers sticky with strawberry juices today as we talk about foraging for wild berries, and how to grow strawberries in your garden. Hear about the types of plants, protecting berries from critters, using this plant as groundcover, and more. We end with some thoughts about soil temperatures. Here is a great chart from the Cooperative Extension-Sacramento County, showing how long seeds take to germinate in different soil temperatures. :38 What’s For Dinner: ...
Spring Greens, Plants for Arbors, and Forced Bulbs
March 31, 2022 11:00 - 23 minutes - 43.2 MBSpring Greens, Plants for Arbors, and Forced Bulbs In the last episode for March Ellen and C.L. answer the last batch of questions collected at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. Many of these focus on plants for arbors and pergolas. :28 What’s for dinner: Spring Greens 3:37 Insider Information: Can a night blooming Cereus grow indoors in AK? 5:27 Eat/Drink/Grow: Plants for arbors, pergolas and trellises 18:16 Love Letters and Questions: From Rachel abo...
Parsley, Outdoor Furniture, Insect Repellants and Plant Empowerment
March 24, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 47.9 MBEllen and C.L. address more questions from the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. We discuss the herb that gets no respect, Parsley, plus keeping outdoor furniture dry, escaping the insect invasion in your outdoor living areas, and how we started a podcast...and how you might start a garden business too! :40 What’s for dinner: Parsley 4:19 Insider Information: Garden furniture in rainy climates 10:57 Eat/Drink/Grow: Keeping mosquitoes out of the garden 16:05 Pla...
Garden Design, Strawberries in a Greenhouse, and Dog Business
March 17, 2022 11:00 - 22 minutes - 41.8 MBHear about how to garden if you move frequently, creating consistent gardens in sun and shade, colors that work together, and growing strawberries in a greenhouse. That and keeping the neighbor’s dogs from killing plants when they urinate on them. With thanks to our sponsors: Storey Publishing, Gardener's Supply Company and Botanical Interest Seeds! 1:06 Plant Noob: The neighbor’s dogs kill my plants on the sidewalk! 4:42 Eat/Drink/Grow: Designing Gardens – questions from the ...
Hydrangeas, Peonies and Vegetable Garden Soil
March 10, 2022 12:00 - 26 minutes - 49.2 MBQuestions from the 2022 Seattle flower show continue, with blue, mophead hydrangea blooming and pruning in our main segment. Ellen and C.L. also talk about pH for vegetable gardens and peonies that stop blooming. This episode brought to you by our friends at Dramm - makers of rainwands and other garden gear. :45 The Plant Noob: How important is soil pH for vegetables 6:56 Eat/Drink/Grow: Hydrangea Happiness 18:17 Love Letters and Questions: 30 year old peony stopped blooming.
Raspberries, White Flower Gardens, and Fungus Gnats
March 03, 2022 12:00 - 24 minutes - 45.9 MBC.L. and Ellen answer questions that were submitted at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. They discuss pruning raspberries, great plants with white flowers, and how to get rid of fungus gnats. 1:31 What’s For Dinner: Raspberries! 10:14 Eat/Drink/Grow: Gardens with White Flowers. 21:56 Insider Information: Fungus Gnats With thanks to our sponsors at the NWFGS: Storey Publishing. Gardener's Supply Company, and Botanical Interest Seeds.
Breakfast Alternatives, and Growing Peppers
February 24, 2022 12:00 - 27 minutes - 51.1 MBIf you’re bored with your usual breakfast, this episode is for you. We also explain photoperiodism, talk about starting pepper seeds and growing them in the garden, and answer a listener’s question about Lantana. :30 What’s for dinner: Breakfast Alternatives 8:11 Insider Information: Photoperiodism 10:56 Eat/Drink/Grow: Peppers 25:55 Love Letters and Questions: Sam writes to ask about Lantana Link to Ellen's Clafouti recipe. Link to C.L.'s Oatmeal Cups recipe.
Pollinating Citrus Indoors, Plant Professions, and Relief for the Covid Cranky
February 17, 2022 12:00 - 28 minutes - 53 MBDo you grow citrus indoors for at least part of the year? Learn to be the bee! We also suggest plants for the “COVID cranky” (and who isn’t?) plus becoming a local or niche garden expert. :34 Plant Noob: Pollinating Citrus You’re Growing Indoors 4:24 Eat/Drink/Grow: Plants for the Covid Cranky 18:36 Plant Empowerment: Becoming a local or niche garden guru.
Growing Perennials and Cannabis From Seed and Plant Communications
February 10, 2022 12:00 - 28 minutes - 53.7 MBHave you ever wondered if plants talk to each other? Do you want to have a big number of perennial plants cheaply? Would you like to know what it takes to grow Cannibis from seed? Ellen and C.L. cover these topics in this episode. :30 True or False: Plants talk to each other. 7:22 Eat/Drink/Grow: Growing Perennials From Seed 21:06 Love Letters and Questions: R.B. wrote: “Last year I tried growing Cannabis from seed and it was a failure.
Cilantro, Plants for Your Sweet Tooth, and Weeds
February 03, 2022 12:00 - 28 minutes - 52.3 MBIn this episode Ellen and C.L. talk about cilantro and coriander...one in the same plant. We have agreeing opinions about Stevia, and explain the reason that it takes awhile for some new introductions to reach the marketplace. The podcast ends with Anne’s question about hauling weeds to the compost...necessary? :30 What’s For Dinner: Coriander/Cilantro 10:38 Eat/Drink/Grow: Plants that are natural sweeteners...beyond sugar. 19:41 Insider Information: How the hort...
Dried Mushrooms, Identifying Evergreens, and Repotting Houseplants
January 27, 2022 12:00 - 24 minutes - 46.3 MBThis episode starts with ideas for cooking with dried mushrooms. We explain how to tell the difference between pine, fir and spruce trees, do a dive into Ericaceous plants, and end with a question about taking cuttings and transplanting houseplants in the winter. :30 What’s for dinner: How to cook with dried mushrooms 9:16 Insider Information: Pines, firs and spruce. 14:11 Eat/Drink/Grow: Ericaceous plants 22:11 Love Letters and Questions: Shannon wrote about repotting housepl...
Plant Empowerment and Bromeliad Bloom
January 20, 2022 12:00 - 28 minutes - 52.8 MBThe Plantrama team discuss a botanic term for plants that put leaves straight up out of the ground (no stems!), and answer a listener’s question about a Bromeliad that hasn’t made more blooms. Ellen and C.L. present a new segment: Plant Empowerment, which explains how to make a passion for plants into a profession. We start with custom container plantings. :33 Plant Noob: Acaulescent plants 2:38 Eat/Drink/Grow: Plant Empowerment! 25:33 Love Letters and Questions Jennif...
Eggshells, Moss and Terrariums
January 13, 2022 12:00 - 28 minutes - 52.5 MBThe Plantrama team discusses the common belief that eggshells provide quick calcium for plants. Next we look at the myths, misunderstandings and misuse of moss, and end with a question about making a terrarium. :30 True or False: Eggshells are good calcium for gardens 4:45 Eat/Drink/Grow: Moss. 21:37 Love Letters and Questions: Ricci asks about terrariums
Chestnuts, Hellebores, and Growing Foxgloves
January 06, 2022 12:00 - 25 minutes - 48.1 MBEllen and C.L. talk about eating chestnuts, the perennial plant that’s commonly called hellebores, and what it means when you are talking about pesticides. We end with a listener’s question about growing foxglove plants from seed. :34 What’s For Dinner: Chestnuts 6:31 Eat/Drink/Grow: Helleborus 17:50 Insider Information: Define “Pesticide” 21:38 Love Letters and Questions: Lynn asked about propagating foxgloves
Grafting, Starting Pepper Plants, and Rice Alternatives
December 30, 2021 12:00 - 26 minutes - 49.1 MBWe start out discussing what can be substituted for rice when you cook. Our main segment is about grafted plants, and we end with a discussion about vegetable seeds that you might want to start in the winter, and whether it’s worth it to save a poinsettia from year to year. :30 What’s For Dinner Alternatives to rice 9:58 Eat/Drink/Grow: Grafting and Grafted Plants 18:46 Insider Information: Vegetable seeds that get started early. 22:29 Love Letters and Questions: Kenny wrote:...
Heavy Amaryllis Flowers, Cuttings and Cyclamen
December 23, 2021 12:00 - 27 minutes - 51.9 MBIn this just-after-the-solstice episode, Ellen and C.L. discuss how to use juniper berries, supporting heavy amaryllis flowers, taking cuttings and Cyclamen. Ellen's Smreka recipe here. :30 What’s for dinner: What can you use juniper berries for? 5:00 Insider Information: Supporting heavy Amaryllis flowers 9:57 Eat/Drink/Grow: Taking Cuttings – which plants should you take cuttings from, how and when. 22:22 Love Letters and Questions: How to keep Cyclamen alive.
Bare Root Plants, Dracaena and Pruning
December 16, 2021 12:00 - 25 minutes - 47.6 MBIn this episode C.L. and Ellen explain what “bare root plants” are and why you might want them. Next, they talk about the genus Dracaena, which includes some of the most popular houseplants. They end by disagreeing about general rules for pruning (sorry Morgan). :27 Plant Noob: Bare Root plants 11:55 Eat/Drink/Grow: Dracaena 20:21 Love Letters and Questions: Morgan requests some easy rules of thumb about pruning.
Mulching Perennials, Moth Orchids and Leaving The Leaves
December 09, 2021 12:00 - 28 minutes - 52.9 MBIf you’re wondering if you need to protect your perennial plants with a winter mulch, this episode is for you. Ellen and C.L. go on to talk about the moth orchids, the most commonly sold orchid and an easy one to grow. The show ends with a discussion about the pros and cons of leaving the leaves in your landscape and gardens. :30 True or False: Perennials have to be protected with a “Winter Mulch.” 5:35 Eat/Drink/Grow: Phalaenopsis – The most common orchid sold today. 23:43 ...
Plant and Garden Gifts, Ordering Seeds and Alternative Garden Audio
December 02, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes - 46 MBEllen and C.L. give ideas for the best low-tech kitchen tools, gift suggestions for all on your list, and tips for why ordering your seeds now is a good idea. We end with some audible plant-based listening suggestions for a listener. :29 What’s For Dinner: Some suggestions for must-have, low-tech kitchen equipment 8:42 Eat/Drink/Grow: Our suggestions for plant/garden related gifts for the new homeowner, the first-time vegetable gardener, the houseplant lover, and the forager. 18:1...
Yams vs Sweet potatoes, Root Nodules and Fungal Diseases
November 25, 2021 12:00 - 25 minutes - 47 MBFrom roots to leaves to flowers! C.L. and Ellen talk about the difference between yams and sweet potatoes, explain what a root nodule is, and discuss leaf-spot fungus, especially on house plants. The episode ends with a listener question about flowers for a Florida garden. :30 What’s for dinner: Yams Vs Sweet Potatoes 2:52 Insider Information: What are root nodules 4:31 Eat/Drink/Grow: Fungal Leaf Diseases 18:04 Love Letters and Questions: Chris asks about flow...
Low-Light Houseplants, Money Plant and Cleaning Indoor Foliage
November 18, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes - 45.7 MBIt’s all houseplants all the time in this episode of Plantrama. Ellen and C.L. give advice about cleaning the leaves of indoor plants, talk about the many Calatheas that grow well with less light, and answer a question abot the tropical known as “money plant.” :36 Plant Noob: Ways to clean off houseplants in the winter 6:52 Eat/Drink/Grow: Calatheas – low-light house plants. 22:07 Love Letters and Questions Nicki asks: “How do I grow Pachira aquatica, aka money plant?
Drying Herbs, Pruning Evergreens, and Bird Attack
November 11, 2021 13:03 - 23 minutes - 44.2 MBThe Plantrama team discusses the advice to hang herbs upside down for drying, and whether you should prune evergreens now. We end with a letter from a listener about doing battle with the birds. :31 True or False: Hanging herbs upside down to dry them helps the flavors (or in the case of Cannabis, the cannabinoids) drain into the leaves/buds. 2:27 Eat/Drink/Grow: Pruning evergreens now. 18:52 Love Letters and Questions: Alexander and the battle with the birds.
Cranberries, Potting Soils, and a Too-Tall Houseplant
November 04, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 51.7 MBEllen and C.L. talk about cranberry recipes that go beyond the traditional “cranberry sauce.” They discuss potting “soils” and their composition, and give a listener advice about a Dracaena fragrans (aka corn plant) that has gotten too tall. :31 What’s For Dinner: Cranberries 8:23 Eat/Drink/Grow: Potting Mixes 24:26 Love Letters and Questions: From Bailey, a tale of the too tall dracaena
Apples, Augers, Old Wood and Tomatillos
October 28, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 45.6 MBC.L. and Ellen give you some different ideas for using apples this season, discuss planting bulbs with an auger on a drill, explain the term “old wood” and answer a listener’s question about tomatillo plants. :30 What’s for dinner: Apples or crabapples, anyone? 7:54 The Plant Noob: Using a hand drill and an auger to plant lots of bulbs. 14:19 Eat/Drink/Grow: What is meant by the term “old wood.” As in “these hydrangeas flower on old wood.” 21:49 Love Letters and Questi...
Spring Flowering Bulbs, Amaryllis and Fertilizing Houseplants
October 21, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes - 44.8 MBThe Plantrama team discusses the importance of soil temperature when planting bulbs for spring bloom. In the main segment we talk about handling the amaryllis bulbs you have kept from last winter, and how to bring them into flower in December. We end with a question about how frequently houseplants should be fertilized. :29 Insider Information: Bulbs have their own “anti-freeze!” 7:16 Eat/Drink/Grow: Amaryllis in the fall 16:22 Love Letters and Questions: Peter asks about ferti...
Root Stimulator, and Houseplants, Houseplants, Houseplants
October 14, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 45.4 MBEllen and C.L. discuss what root stimulator products are and if they are necessary when you plant. They also address why houseplants might drop leaves when you bring them back inside for the winter, and how to fit even more plants in your house. :32 True or False: You should use a “root stimulator” that is high in phosphorous 9:14 Eat/Drink/Grow: Why houseplants and tropicals drop leaves when you bring them in for the winter. 19:43 Love Letters and Questions: Kim asks how to fit mor...