Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors
264 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 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
Fall Purees, Watering and Pesky Black Gnats
October 07, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 47.3 MBIn this episode we are making purées for use later in the winter, and considering when you might need to water in the fall. Ellen and C.L. discuss managing those pesky fungus gnats (tiny black flies) that can emerge from your houseplants, and we answer a question about using red pepper to deter rabbits, deer and other critters. :29 What’s For Dinner: Fall purées 6:53 Eat/Drink/Grow: Fall watering. 14:48 Insider Information: Fungus gnats – again. 21:18 Love Letters and Questions: ...
Nuts, House Plants and Late Migrating Hummingbirds
September 30, 2021 11:00 - 26 minutes - 50.1 MBHear about nuts for dinner, houseplants that will make you smile, and late-to-migrate hummingbirds. We also answer Kim’s question about perennial garden cleanup in the fall. :30 What’s For Dinner Nuts! 11:17 Eat/Drink/Grow: House Plants that will make you happy all winter 20:30 Insider Information: Supporting late-to-migrate hummingbirds. 23:18 Kim writes: Do I need to clear out a perennial garden? Does a garden really need to be “put to bed?”
Nuts, House Plants and Late-to-Migrate Hummingbirds
September 30, 2021 00:29Hear about nuts for dinner, houseplants that will make you smile, and late-to-migrate hummingbirds. We also answer Kim’s question about perennial garden cleanup in the fall. :30 What’s For Dinner Nuts! 11:17 Eat/Drink/Grow: House Plants that will make you happy all winter 20:30 Insider Information: Supporting late-to-migrate hummingbirds. 23:18 Kim writes: Do I need to clear out a perennial garden? Does a garden really need to be “put to bed?”
Nuts, House Plants and Late-to-Migrate Hummingbirds
September 30, 2021 00:29Hear about nuts for dinner, houseplants that will make you smile, and late-to-migrate hummingbirds. We also answer Kim’s question about perennial garden cleanup in the fall. :30 What’s For Dinner Nuts! 11:17 Eat/Drink/Grow: House Plants that will make you happy all winter 20:30 Insider Information: Supporting late-to-migrate hummingbirds. 23:18 Kim writes: Do I need to clear out a perennial garden? Does a garden really need to be “put to bed?”
Root Crops, Plant Protection and Flies
September 23, 2021 11:00 - 26 minutes - 49.3 MBEllen and C.L. talk about root crops – potatoes, and sunchokes – and what “open pollinated” means. We discuss the pros and cons of protecting plants for the winter, and answer a listener’s question about plants that draw flies. :36 What’s for dinner: Root Crops: Potatoes and Sunchokes 5:55 Insider Information: What does “open pollinated” mean? 10:34 Eat/Drink/Grow: Should Your Plants be protected for the winter? 23:00 Love Letters and Questions: Chris emails: “First time wri...
Saving Plants Through the Winter and Preserving the Harvest
September 16, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 48.5 MBIn this episode Ellen and C.L. talk about how to decide which tender or tropical plants to save indoors through the winter, how to preserve your garden or foraging harvest, and whether weeds choose to grow where they blend in. :32 Plant Noob: Deciding which tropicals/annuals to try and save through the winter. 9:05 Eat/Drink/Grow: Preserving The Harvest 19:45 Love Letters and Questions Morgan smart, chameleon weeds?
Compost, Witches Brooms and Pressed Flowers
September 09, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 47.4 MBIs compost – homemade or purchased – a good substitute for fertilizer? What is that thick growth in a tree? Ellen and C.L. answer these questions and respond to a listener about uses for pressed flowers. :26 True or False: Compost is fertilizer. 3:50 Eat/Drink/Grow: Witches’ Brooms 19:58 Love Letters and Questions: Kelly asks for ideas about what to do with pressed flowers. Check out the pressed flower art by Peggy Turner Zablotny
Growing Perennials From Collected Seed and Early Fall Color
September 02, 2021 11:00 - 26 minutes - 48.8 MBThe Plantrama Partners-in-Plants start by discussing how to eat the parts of plants we often toss out or put into the compost. Next, we talk about growing new plants from the seeds that you might see right now in your perennial garden. We end by answering a listener’s question about what might make a shrub or tree turn bright colors very early in autumn. :36 What’s For Dinner: Parts of plants we often ignore: Carrot stems, beet stems and queen Anne’s lace flowers. 11:12 Eat/Drink/...
Yellow Leaves, Fall Vegetables or Foraging, and Bringing Houseplants Inside
August 26, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 50.8 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. ...
Pasta Salad, Pineapple Weed, Transplanting, and Systemic Insecticide
August 19, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 50.7 MBThe Plantrama team talks about ideas for pasta salad and reipes using pineapple weed. We get you thinking about transplanting in the fall, discuss how to manage plants that self-seed just a bit too enthusiastically, and answer a listener’s question about scale. :30 What’s for dinner: Pasta Salad and Pineapple Weed 5:14 Eat/Drink/Grow: Preparing for Fall Transplanting 15:10 Insider Information: Preventing plants from self-seeding too much. 21:09 Love Letters and Questions Sha...
Green Apples, Caffeine, and Corn
August 12, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 45.3 MBThe Plantrama duo discuss caffeine as an insecticide, and talk about corn, which is a grass and a great deal more. The episode ends with a discussion of picking green apples. :36 True or False: Caffeine is a natural insecticide. 7:42 Eat/Drink/Grow: Corn: it’s a vegetable! It’s a biofuel! It’s livestock food! It’s an autumn decoration! 18:49 Love Letters and Questions: Mary wrote to ask about picking green apples.
Cakes, Limited Room and Dense Raised Bed Plantings
August 05, 2021 11:00 - 22 minutes - 42.3 MBIn this 200th episode of Plantrama, Ellen and C.L. celebrate with cake! Hear about Ellen’s berry pudding cake and C.L.’s beet cake. Next we talk about where to plant if you’re running out of room (remember topsy-turvy tomatoes?) and whether it’s okay to pack vegetables into a raised bed. 2:45 What’s For Dinner: Unusual cakes 8:13 Eat/Drink/Grow: What to do when you’re running out of room…. 16:38 Love Letters and Questions: Dense planting in raised beds. Here’s the link to my be...
Blueberries, Panicle Hydrangeas, and a Weed Wand
July 29, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutes - 57 MBIn this episode Ellen and C.L. talk about the blueberry harvest, soil acidity or alkalinity, Hydrangea paniculata plants, spraying foliage with water in hot weather and a magical way to control weeds. (And no, there is not magic wand for weeds…let’s just get that cleared up before falsehoods start to be spread. :40 What’s for Dinner: Blueberries 7:00 The Plant Noob: All about soil pH 15:04 Eat/Drink/Grow: Panicle hydrangeas 25:03 Insider Information: Should you water your plant’s...
Your Outdoor Office, Daylilies, and Mosquito Control
July 22, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes - 44.4 MBThe Plantrama team talk about your outdoor office; making places on decks, patios, porches or even in the woods where you can work and create. We take a deep dive into Daylilies, and answer a listener’s question about mosquitoes. This episode is being brought to you by our friends at www.rainwand.com 1:30 Insider Information: Your Outdoor Office 5:57 Eat/Drink/Grow: A Deep Dive into Daylilies 18:09 Love Letters and Questions: Mosquitoes Control
Grilling, Fertilizing, Deer and Carnivorous Plants
July 15, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 53.9 MBC.L. and Ellen celebrate the summer season by talking about grilling, fertilizing, and carnivorous plants. We also discuss dealing with deer and growing edible plants in windy, urban situations such as rooftops and terraces. :38 What’s for Dinner ; Grilling: farmed and forager 6:00 Plant noob: Fertilizing 13:05 Eat/Drink/Grow: carnivorous plants 19:50 Insider Info: Battling Bambi 25:57 Love Letters & Questions: Chelsea asks about growing edibles on a windy NYC terrace.
Summer Cocktails, Pruning and Storm Damage
July 08, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes - 44.6 MBWe begin with summer cocktails in this best of Plantrama episode, then go on to talk about summer pruning, hail and dealing with storm damage. Ellen and C.L. are also united in their dislike of landscape fabric. 1:51 What’s for dinner: Summer Cocktails 6:46 Insider Information: Hail 9:36 Eat/Drink/Grow: Summer Pruning 14:54 The Plant Noob: Landscape Cloth 21:57 Love Letters & Questions: Summer Storm Damage
Roasted Vegetables, Mothballs, Bacteria and Clay Soil
July 01, 2021 11:00 - 20 minutes - 37.6 MBIn this “best of Plantrama” episode Ellen and C.L. encourage you to roast your veggies and foraged foods, whether you’re serving them immediately or freezing them for the future. We badmouth the use of mothballs in the garden, talk about the role of bacteria and answer a question about gardening in clay soils. :42 What’s for dinner: Roasted vegetables and foraged edibles 5:28 True or False: Use mothballs to repel animals in the garden? 7:56: Eat/Drink/Grow: Bacteria…the good, the bad,...
Roasted Vegetables, Mothballs and Clay Soil
June 30, 2021 22:21 - 20 minutes - 37.6 MBIn this “best of Plantrama” episode Ellen and C.L. encourage you to roast your veggies and foraged foods, whether you’re serving them immediately or freezing them for the future. We badmouth the use of mothballs in the garden, talk about the role of bacteria and answer a question about gardening in clay soils. :42 What’s for dinner: Roasted vegetables and foraged edibles 5:28 True or False: Use mothballs to repel animals in the garden? 7:56: Eat/Drink/Grow: Bacteria…the good, the bad,...
Plant-ID Apps, Bee Balm, and Japanese Beetles
June 24, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 51.2 MBThe Plantrama team presents farmed and foraged edibles for the end of June, and discusses how to tell if your plant-ID app has given you a correct identification. We celebrate The Year of the Monarda, and why beebalm has a place in most gardens. Plus Ellen and C.L. and talk about Japanese beetle control. :37 What’s for dinner: End of June foraged food and the first crop of broccoli. 6:35 Insider Information: Ways to check accuracy of plant-identification apps. 11:03 Eat/Drink/Gr...
Weed Seeds, Artichokes, and Citrus Trees
June 17, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 45 MBC.L. and Ellen discuss how weed seeds have an amazing ability to rest dormant in the soil for years. We peel back the layers of Artichokes, review a book about growing a mini fruit garden, and discuss keeping citrus trees happy indoors. :36 Plant Noob: Weed seeds remain viable for decades…so 6:43 Eat/Drink/Grow: Artichokes 17:49 Book Review: Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden: Planting and Tending Small Fruit Trees and Berries in Gardens and Containers 19:52 Love L...
Marking Your Territory, Elderberries, and Hydrangea Color
June 10, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 47.4 MBEllen and C.L. discuss whether human urine helps with critter control in the garden and they talk about a favorite shrub, Sambucus, aka elderberry. The episode finishes with a discussion of changing the pH for a potted hydrangea so that the flower turns from pink to blue. :40 True or False: Urinating around the garden can keep deer or rabbits away. 5:20 Eat/Drink/Grow: Everything Elderberry, or the Sensational Sambucus 17:18 Love Letters and Questions: Charlotte writes from Ge...
A Summer Cocktail Hour, Nitrogen-fixing Plants, and Pinching Annuals
June 03, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 44.9 MBIn this episode of Plantrama Ellen and C.L. answer a listener’s question about growing male Cannabis plants. They explain why it’s good to pinch many newly planted annuals, what nitrogen-fixing plants are, and celebrate an early summer cocktail hour. :27 What’s For Dinner: It’s the cocktail hour in June! 3:58 Eat/Drink/Grow: Nitrogen-fixing plants. 16:39 Insider Information: Pinching annuals. 21:15 Love Letters and Questions: Is there value in a male Cannabis plant? Photo ...
BBQ, Soil Bacteria, and Annuals for the Kitchen Garden, Cutting Garden and Containers
May 27, 2021 11:00 - 26 minutes - 50.1 MBIn this episode Ellen and C.L. discuss plants to grow or forage for with the barbeque in mind. They explain that not all microorganisms are good for all plants, give suggestions for great annuals, and talk about cutworm protection. :40 What’s for dinner: Gearing up for the BBQ season. 7:30 Insider Information: Mycorrhizae and beneficial bacteria 12:04 Eat/Drink/Grow: Great annuals to grow this summer. 23.43 Love Letters and Questions: Paper cups around veggie stems?
Your Outdoor Office, Dwarf Conifers, Hand Watering and Hydrangeas
May 20, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 51.5 MBDo you need shade for your outdoor office? Want a low-maintenance, colorful landscape? Do you hand-water your vegetable plants or want to make your hydrangea flowers blue? This episode addresses all of these issues! :29 Your Outdoor Office: Ways to make shade 7:10 Eat/Drink/Grow: Dwarf Conifers 20:19 Insider Information: Hand-watering your vegetable 25:03 Love Letters and Questions: Coffee ground for blue hydrangeas
Planting in Square Holes, Plants for Small Arbors, and Long-Lived Perennials
May 13, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 47.5 MBC.L. and Ellen discuss the internet-based rumor that you should dig a square hole when planting trees, and give suggestions for plants to grow on small trellises and arbors. We finish with a discussion about how to know if a perennial plant will reliably return, or if it’s a “temperennial.” :40 True or False: Plant trees in square holes 7:41 Eat/Drink/Grow: Plants for small arbors and trellises 20:51 Love Letters and Questions: Rick writes to ask how you can tell if a perennial plant...
Asparagus, Topiary, and The Deadly Nightshade
May 06, 2021 11:00 - 26 minutes - 49.8 MBThe Plantrama team discusses growing and foraging for asparagus, reviews a lovely book about public gardens you ought to see, and answers a listener’s question about the weed called nightshade. They also disagree about topiary…C.L. loves them, Ellen? Not so much. :32 What’s For Dinner: Asparagus ~ wild and garden grown 9:48 Eat/Drink/Grow: Topiary 22:01 Book Review: George Weigel’s 50 American Public Gardens You Really Ought to See 24:28 Love Letters and Questions: Is nig...
Earthworms, Passion Flowers and Carnivorous Plant Day
April 29, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 45.3 MBC.L. and Ellen tackle the myth that earthworms can grow once cut in half. They extol a favorite vine, the Passiflora, celebrate World Carnivorous Plant Day with margaritas, and discuss water-filled plant protectors. :27 True or False? Earthworms regrow. 3:53 Eat/Drink/Grow: Passion flower vines 14:05 Insider Information: World Carnivorous Plant Day is May 5th 17:35 Love Letters and Questions: Reginia asks if we can comment on water-filled tomato protection.
Cress, Spring Flowers, and Old Carpet as Mulch
April 22, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 51.1 MBSpring plants are first and foremost in this episode as we talk about cress, foraged and farmed, the Year of the Hyacinth, and two spring flowers, Ranunculus and Bellis perennis. Ellen and C.L. tell Paul why old carpet might not make the best mulch. :40 What’s for dinner: Cress wild and tame. 10:13 Insider Information: The National Gardening Bureau says it’s the year of the Hyacinth. 14:02 Eat/Drink/Grow: About 2 Spring Plants 23:07 Love Letters and Questions...
Edible Flowers, Zucchini Problems, and White Specks in Potting Soil
April 15, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 46.3 MBIn this episode we talk about the white perlite in potting mixes, spend the main segment talking about edible flowers, and answer a question about why a listener’s zucchini plants aren’t producing well. :30 Plant Noob: What are the white specks in my pots? 3:41 Eat/Drink/Grow: Growing Edible Flowers 17:43 Love Letters and Questions What’s with the lack of zucchini?
Fertilizing, Rhododendrons, and Plants That Lead to Divorce
April 08, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 50.8 MBEllen and C.L. talk about whether fertilizing is always a good thing, and they take a deep dive into the genus Rhododendron, which includes what we commonly call azaleas. Then they answer Candace’s question about whether her spouse’s pruning of the blue hydrangeas is grounds for divorce. :33 True or False: Fertilizing never hurts…right? 7:57 Eat/Drink/Grow: Rhododendrons and Azaleas 24:21 Love Letters and Questions: Pruning blue hydrangeas, and can this marriage be saved?
Earthy Flavors, Soil Temperatures and Houseplant Growth
April 01, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes - 43.6 MBToday we discuss garden-grown and foraged food with earthy flavors, and do a deep dive into the importance of soil temperatures for planting, soil activity, seed germination and growth rates. We end with a discussion about what you can expect from houseplants in the winter, and how to decide which plants are appropriate for an area that’s sunny in the winter and shaded in the summer. :30 What’s For Dinner: Earthy flavors. 6:59 Eat/Drink/Grow: The Importance of Soil Temperatures. 1...
Spring Pestos, Photosynthesis, Mulch and Fennel Seeds
March 25, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 51 MBIf you think that pesto has to be made of basil, think again! Ellen and C.L. talk about spring pestos, how quickly plants start to photosynthesize, and discuss the pros and cons of various types of mulch. We end with a question about the best fennel to grow if you want the seeds. :34 What’s for dinner: Spring Pestos! Make pesto before the basil has even germinated. 4:58 Insider Information: How quickly does photosynthesis start? 8:48 Eat/Drink/Grow: Much about Mulch 24:15 ...
Diagnosing Houseplant Problems, Plant Terms and a Focus on Fertilizer
March 18, 2021 11:00 - 22 minutes - 41.5 MBIn this episode we define some terms that plant geeks toss around, and give you a recipe for figuring out what’s wrong with your houseplants. If you’ve ever wondered why fertilizer is called “plant food” or how lichen can grow on a rock or your roof, this is your podcast! :28 Plant Noob: Semi-Evergreen? Sub-shrub? 3:39 Eat/Drink/Grow: Diagnosing problems on houseplants. 17:45 Focus on Fertilizer: Why fertilizer shouldn’t be thought of as plant food. 19:24 Love Letters and Question...
Are Sunflowers Poisonous, Green Flowers, and Aggressive Plants
March 11, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes - 45.8 MBC.L. and Ellen rave about green flowers, explain the difference between aggressive and invasive plants, and discuss the common belief that sunflowers poison other plants. Plus we answer Meredith’s question about why cut flowers don’t grow roots. :40 True or False: Sunflowers poison other plants 5:19 Eat/Drink/Grow: Green Flowers! 14:51 The Plant Noob: The difference between aggressive and invasive plants. 19:31 Love Letters and Questions: Meredith asks “What makes some plants ea...
Spring Tonics, Planting Seeds Too Early, and Direct Sowing
March 04, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes - 45 MBDid you know that a spring tonic doesn’t have to be a drink? Hear Ellen and C.L. talk about tonics, what to do if you’ve started your seeds too early, the definition of direct sowing and vegetables for hot climates. :30 What’s For Dinner: What’s your spring tonic? 4:57 Eat/Drink/Grow: Starting seeds too early. 15:31 Insider Information: What does it mean to direct sow? 19:50 Love Letters and Questions: Erik writes about growing vegetables in Texas.
Frozen Greens, Cannas, and Peroxide in the Garden
February 25, 2021 12:00 - 21 minutes - 40.5 MBIn this episode you’ll hear about ways to prepare the chard, kale or other greens you froze last summer. Learn why water beads up on some leaves, all about Cannas, and if hydrogen peroxide is a good thing to use on plant problems. :30 What’s for dinner: Greens from the freezer 4:22 Insider Information: What are “Hydrophobic leaves?” 8:55 Eat/Drink/Grow: Cannas 17:42 Love Letters and Questions: Samantha asked about using hydrogen peroxide in the garden
Standards, Yarrow, Voles and a Book Review
February 18, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes - 45.1 MBEllen and C.L. explain what a “standard form” plant is and why you might want to plant the perennial yarrow in your landscape. Hear a rave review of Jessica Walliser’s new book about science-based companion planting, and learn about vole trails. :30 Plant Noob: What’s a “standard?” 4:13 Eat/Drink/Grow: Achillea, aka yarrow 14:16 Product Review: Plant Partners book review 19:45 Love Letters and Questions: Tedi wonders about the trails she sees in her garden after a snow melt.
Sterilizing Soil, Growing Peppers and Water for Houseplants
February 11, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes - 46.2 MBIf you’re wondering about sterilizing soil for seed starting, growing peppers in your vegetable garden, or the best water for your houseplants, this episode is for you. :30 True or False: You should bake garden soil in the oven, then use it to start your seeds indoors. 5:35 Eat/Drink/Grow: Growing Peppers 19:53 Love Letters and Questions: Kari wrote to ask about chlorine in water for houseplants.
Fennel, Epiphytes and Pelleted Seed
February 04, 2021 12:00 - 22 minutes - 42.9 MB:30 What’s For Dinner: Fennel 7:04 Eat/Drink/Grow: Epiphytes – what they are, some common houseplants that are epiphytic, and what this means for how we care for those plants. 15:03 Insider Information: What are pelleted seeds? 19:44 Love Letters and Questions: Melissa writes about paperwhite narcissus. Ellen and C.L talk about growing fennel, what an epiphytic plant is, and why you may want to try some pellitized seeds. We answer Melissa’s question about why some paperwhite...
Herbs, Plant Pinching and African Violets
January 28, 2021 12:00 - 23 minutes - 44.5 MBIn this episode of Plantrama we talk about essential herbs to grow or forage for, pinching plants to make them bushy, African violets and a Zoom houseplant event in February. :28 What’s for dinner: Essential herbs to grow or forage for. 7:40 Insider Information: “Pinching” tips off of plants to make them bushier. 12:33 Eat/Drink/Grow: African violets – Saintpaulia 21:02 Connections: Zoom with us the Plantrama Team!
Male and Female Plants, and Plants That Clean Soil
January 21, 2021 12:00 - 26 minutes - 49.6 MBEllen and C.L. discuss plants that male or female, how some plants are used to remove harmful substances from the soil, and why it might be good to test old seed instead of automatically tossing it out. :27 Plant Noob: Dioecious plants 8:33 Eat/Drink/Grow: Phytoremediation 16:48 Love Letters and Questions: Karen wrote to ask about the seeds she has left from past years.
Rainbow Tomatoes, Jade Plants, and Lichen
January 14, 2021 12:00 - 21 minutes - 40.5 MBThe Plantrama team discusses the clearly fake rainbow tomatoes, growing the wonderfully real jade plants indoors, and Ellen’s new craft cocktail class. :30 True or False: Rainbow Tomato Seeds 3:17 Eat/Drink/Grow: Jade plants: Crassula 13:29 Insider Information: Ellen’s online craft cocktail course 17:30 Love Letters and Questions: Anthony writes asking why lichen seems to shrink and grow.
Quiche, Worm Poop, and Prickly Pear Cactus
January 07, 2021 12:00 - 25 minutes - 47.8 MBHear ideas for making quiche or frittatas, learn about earthworm castings and why it’s good for plants, and discover a cactus that grows in most of North America. :36 What’s For Dinner: Quiche or Frittata 5:55 Eat/Drink/Grow: Earthworm Castings. 15:52 Insider Information: Opuntia humifusa, prickly pear cactus 21:56 Love Letters and Questions: Anne writes about blue flowers.
Celebratory Cocktails, Small Greenhouses, and Sticks on Fire
December 31, 2020 12:00 - 23 minutes - 43.6 MBIn this New Year’s Eve podcast, Ellen and C.L. raise a glass to toast a better year ahead. Hear about small in-home greenhouse/terrariums, learn about “pencil cactus,” and listen to our answer for Quinn, who wants to fertilize his Ohio lawn in the winter. :30 What’s For Dinner: Celebratory Cocktails 6:04 Eat/Drink/Grow: Tiny Home Greenhouses 12:57 Plant Noob: Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire' 21:00 Love Letters and Questions: Quinn wrote to ask about whether it’s too late to f...
Hoyas, Garden Styles, and Stems that Photosynthesize
December 24, 2020 12:00 - 22 minutes - 42.4 MBHear about an easy and elegant houseplant as Ellen and C.L. talk about Hoyas. Learn about determining your garden style, and discover how plants without leaves might still be photosynthizing. :30 Insider Information: All about hoyas 8:34 Eat/Drink/Grow: Knowing or learning what your garden style is. 20:24 Love letter and Questions: Did you know that green stems are capable of photosynthesis?
Anthuriums, GMO Seeds, and Good Winter Reads
December 17, 2020 12:00 - 24 minutes - 45.1 MBLooking for an amazing houseplant that flowers all year? Worried that the seeds you buy might be GMO’s? Could you use a good book to read this winter? All of these topics and using shredding paper in the garden, in this episode. 29 Plant Noob: Are some seeds available to home gardeners GMO? 4:21 Eat/Drink/Grow: Amazing Anthuriums 14:15 Product Review: Good winter reads – fiction that features plants. 22:16 Love Letters and Questions Karl wrote asking if the stuff from his paper s...
Healthy Soil, The Christmas Rose, and Spider Plants
December 10, 2020 12:00 - 20 minutes - 38.5 MBEllen and C.L. explain that yes, it is possible to have too much compost in the soil. We discuss the lovely Helleborus niger, aka the Christmas rose, and answer a question about spider plants. :28 True or False: Healthy soil has a high percentage of organic matter in it. 4:55 Eat/Drink/Grow: The Christmas Rose – Helleborus niger 13:49 Love Letters and Questions: Ken wrote asking about spider plants, aka ribbon plant, aka airplane plant.
Cookies, Growing Ferns Indoors, and Clearing Vegetable Gardens
December 03, 2020 12:00 - 21 minutes - 40.6 MBHear about some savory/sweet cookies, learn about ferns that make attractive houseplants, discover the meeting of the term “entire margins,” and find out if you should clear out your vegetable garden…all in this week’s episode of Plantrama. :32 What’s For Dinner: Cookies! 5:31 Eat/Drink/Grow: Ferns as houseplants. 17:40 Insider Information: What does “entire leaf margins” mean? 18:46 Love Letters and Questions: Deb asks if she has to clear the dead vegetables out of her vegetab...
Spice Rubs, String-of-Pearls Plant and Starting COVID Gardens
November 26, 2020 12:00 - 22 minutes - 42.2 MBDiscover spice rubs, a hot “Curio” houseplant, and hear what to do with the bulbs and other plants you haven’t yet placed into the ground. :30 What’s for dinner: Spice Rubs for Meat and Tofu 5:18 Insider Information: A suddenly “hot houseplant” - Curio rowleyanus, syn. Senecio rowleyanus 9:34 Eat/Drink/Grow: When you forgot to put bulbs or other plants into the ground. 17:24 Love Letters and Questions: Did you start a “Covid Garden?” How was your experience? We want to h...
Bulbs Growing In Fall and a Plant-Filled Zoom Room
November 19, 2020 12:00 - 22 minutes - 42.6 MBIn this episode we consider how drought and snow effect plants, creating a plant-filled Zoom Room, and spring bulbs that come up before spring. :30 Plant Noob: Is snow hard on plants? 7:05 Eat/Drink/Grow: Drought! The long-term consequences of dry periods. 14:23 A Plant-Filled Zoom Room: How to create a lush environment for your virtual work. 20:30 Love Letters and Questions Cara writes: “Some of my bulbs are coming up! I think they believe it’s spring…