Latest Homegarden Podcast Episodes
Blueberries, Panicle Hydrangeas, and a Weed Wand
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - July 29, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsIn 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 sta...
Your Outdoor Office, Daylilies, and Mosquito Control
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - July 22, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsThe 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.rainw...
Grilling, Fertilizing, Deer and Carnivorous Plants
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - July 15, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsC.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 no...
Summer Cocktails, Pruning and Storm Damage
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - July 08, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsWe 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...
Roasted Vegetables, Mothballs, Bacteria and Clay Soil
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - July 01, 2021 11:00 - 20 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsIn 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...
Roasted Vegetables, Mothballs and Clay Soil
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - June 30, 2021 22:21 - 20 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsIn 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...
Plant-ID Apps, Bee Balm, and Japanese Beetles
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - June 24, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsThe 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...
Weed Seeds, Artichokes, and Citrus Trees
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - June 17, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsC.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 de...
Marking Your Territory, Elderberries, and Hydrangea Color
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - June 10, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsEllen 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: ...
A Summer Cocktail Hour, Nitrogen-fixing Plants, and Pinching Annuals
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - June 03, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsIn 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 h...
BBQ, Soil Bacteria, and Annuals for the Kitchen Garden, Cutting Garden and Containers
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - May 27, 2021 11:00 - 26 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsIn 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 ...
Your Outdoor Office, Dwarf Conifers, Hand Watering and Hydrangeas
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - May 20, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsDo 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 Co...
Planting in Square Holes, Plants for Small Arbors, and Long-Lived Perennials
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - May 13, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsC.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...
Asparagus, Topiary, and The Deadly Nightshade
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - May 06, 2021 11:00 - 26 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsThe 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: Aspar...
Earthworms, Passion Flowers and Carnivorous Plant Day
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - April 29, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsC.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: Pa...
Cress, Spring Flowers, and Old Carpet as Mulch
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - April 22, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsSpring 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 an...
Edible Flowers, Zucchini Problems, and White Specks in Potting Soil
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - April 15, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsIn 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 Edibl...
Fertilizing, Rhododendrons, and Plants That Lead to Divorce
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - April 08, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsEllen 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 ...
Earthy Flavors, Soil Temperatures and Houseplant Growth
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - April 01, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsToday 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 whi...
Spring Pestos, Photosynthesis, Mulch and Fennel Seeds
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - March 25, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsIf 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 ...
Diagnosing Houseplant Problems, Plant Terms and a Focus on Fertilizer
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - March 18, 2021 11:00 - 22 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsIn 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: Se...
Are Sunflowers Poisonous, Green Flowers, and Aggressive Plants
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - March 11, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsC.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 plan...
Spring Tonics, Planting Seeds Too Early, and Direct Sowing
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - March 04, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsDid 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: St...
Frozen Greens, Cannas, and Peroxide in the Garden
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - February 25, 2021 12:00 - 21 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsIn 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 ...
Standards, Yarrow, Voles and a Book Review
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - February 18, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsEllen 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...
Sterilizing Soil, Growing Peppers and Water for Houseplants
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - February 11, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsIf 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...
Fennel, Epiphytes and Pelleted Seed
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - February 04, 2021 12:00 - 22 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratings: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 abou...
Herbs, Plant Pinching and African Violets
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - January 28, 2021 12:00 - 23 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsIn 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 p...
Male and Female Plants, and Plants That Clean Soil
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - January 21, 2021 12:00 - 26 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsEllen 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 ...
Rainbow Tomatoes, Jade Plants, and Lichen
Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors - January 14, 2021 12:00 - 21 minutes ★★★★★ - 184 ratingsThe 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 coc...
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