Garden Basics with Farmer Fred
By Fred Hoffman
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Description
| Episode | Date |
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258 10 More Garden Quick Tips
3772
Last September, in Episode 226, we presented 10 of the best quick tips for a successful garden. In this episode, we have 10 More Garden Quick Tips. We talk about: • Creating a front yard container garden that would be sure to slow down cars and walkers, using only three plants, that you could do now, in March or April. (at 3:02 of the podcast) • Is there a cheaper way to make seed starting mix. Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms tomato fame, says, yes there is. (6:26) • Do you raise chickens? How do you store the eggs? Where do you store the eggs? What precautions should you take after bring those eggs indoors? Good tips from urban chicken consultant and certified poultry inspector Cherie-Sintes Glover. (8:59) • Taking pictures of bugs you find in the garden can be a difficult task. Retired entomologist, master rosarian and ace photographer Baldo Villegas has some easy to follow advice to help you create a shot of a bug that makes it easier to identify. (17:09) • Small apples are all the rage, perfect for putting in a lunchbox. But what’s a good one to grow? Tom Spellman of Dave Wilson has some ideas on that. (26:37) • Master Garden Pam Bone is in love with a certain peach variety. And you could be growing one, too. (29:19) • Thinking you’re going to chase away turkeys or deer or skunks or rats or ants or just about any other pest form your yard, house or garden by using sound devices, shiny devices or an impulse sprinkler? Debbie Flower says, think about habituation. (33:21) • The Brown Thumb Mama, Pam Farley talks about turning one strawberry plant into many. And it’s easy. (40:27) • Canadian garden writer Robert Pavlis shares his secrets for creating a successful garden by implementing the cut and drop method. He has the details. (43:46) • And finally, try growing popcorn this summer. I think you will like the results. I know you will like the taste. Here's a step by step guide. (51:46) 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! Pictured: Hudson’s Golden Gem Apple Links: All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 24, 2023 |
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257. Questions? Answers!
3021
Today, I’m joined by America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, and we are going to spend the entire episode answering your garden questions. We will be going into mind-numbing detail as well as frivolous scenic bypasses over such queries as: What’s the easiest way to apply fertilizer around fruit trees when the area is covered with mulch? (1:24) What are some lawn alternatives that are low maintenance and drought tolerant? (12:16) Why aren’t my carrots sweet? Did the rain do that? (30:48) And the question for which there is no definitive answer: How can I keep the squirrels out of my garden and orchard? (36:58) 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! Pictured: Squirrel, Birds Links: How to Raise Backyard Honeybees (Ep. 30 of Garden Basics) Tree Squirrel Controls All About Farmer Fred: Twitter: @farmerfred Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 17, 2023 |
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256 Container Gardening Basics
2614
Setting foot into the garden for the first time? Looking to expand your gardening horizons? Wondering where to begin? Start small…with container gardening. We talk with Pam Farley, author of the new book, “The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening.” Experienced gardeners will pick up handy tips, too. You’ll find out: • You’ll find out the best tools and implements to use to add drain holes in wood, ceramic, metal and terracotta pots. • Different pots have different shapes: square, round, rectangular, cylindrical, vase shaped. Each of those will look better in certain parts of the yard. We will direct you to the right place for those pots. • And to keep those pots draining, Pam Farley has some tips and tricks for keeping the water flowing. 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! Pictured: Pam Farley, author - “The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening” Links: Book - The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 10, 2023 |
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255 To Repot or Not?
2917
Since the name of the show is Garden Basics, let’s cover something that’s basic, but not necessarily easy or successful. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower walks us step by step through the topic of how to repot a plant. It’s not as simple as you might think, and we offer tips to make sure your repotting efforts are more successful. • What’s the easiest ways of removing a cramped plant from its pot? Debbie has a serious tool for the job, a garden implement that no gardener should be without. (5:27) 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! Pictured: Daphne Odora, Winter Daphne. Is it too big for the pot? Links: All About Farmer Fred: Got a garden question? Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 03, 2023 |
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254 Plants That Are Shows for the Nose
2915
One joy of having a garden are aromatic plants. Annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees that emanate a pleasant smell while you’re walking through the yard, especially in the afternoon and evening. Shows for the nose. Pictured: Flower of the ‘Port Wine’ Magnolia figo, the banana shrub. Links: NYC Aromatica website and Essential Aromatica podcast All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter: @farmerfred Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred ) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Feb 24, 2023 |
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253 Garden Tips to Save Time, Money, Water. Live!
3120
What should you do when an unexpected heavy frost or freeze damages your plants? (4:25) Wow, that a lot of questions. And America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, and I, provide the answers (or opinions) at this, a live mid-February recording at the Elk Grove (CA) Garden Club. A splendid time was had by all. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, Live (sort of) brought to you by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!
Links: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Feb 17, 2023 |
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252 Winter vs Summer Fruit Tree Pruning, Container Drainage, Cool Vegetables
2126
Guest: Pictured: Late UC Farm Advisor Chuck Ingels winter pruning a nectarine tree.
Broccolini All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Feb 10, 2023 |
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251 Garden Basics 2022 Greatest Hits Pt. 4 Spring Garden Tips, Live!
3459
Welcome to Part 4 of our four part series, 2022’s greatest hits of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. The four parts include the top 10 most listened-to segments last year. In part 2, in Episode 249, we talked with "Grow Now" author Emily Murphy about a way to build your soil without having to purchase bags of potting mix. It’s called lasagna gardening. And we visited with Master Gardener Pam Bone, with good tips for growing raspberries and boysenberries. In Episode 250, it was a Debbie Flower extravaganza. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor discussed how to reuse old potting soil, tips for reducing water use in the yard, and a checklist for starting your first garden or a new garden. Today in Part 4, just like every good rock group has a live album, we had a live podcast last Spring, at the Folsom, California Garden Club. It’s one of the most listened to podcasts of 2022, 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! Pictured: Debbie Flower at the Folsom Garden Club appearance Links: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Feb 03, 2023 |
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250 Garden Basics 2022 Greatest Hits, Pt. 3. A First Garden Checklist
3920
Welcome to Part 3 of our four part series, the 2022 greatest hits of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. The four parts include the top 10 most listened-to segments last year. Today it’s a Debbie Flower extravaganza. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor discusses how to reuse old potting soil, tips for reducing water use in the yard, and a checklist for starting your first garden. And if you’ve moved and are thinking of starting a new garden, a lot of these first garden tips may include ideas you haven’t considered before starting that new garden. 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! Pictured: A Food Garden, as seen from the kitchen window Links: Farmer Fred Rant: Tips for the First Garden All About Farmer Fred: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jan 27, 2023 |
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249 Garden Basics 2022 Greatest Hits, Part 2, Berries, Lasagna Gardens
2959
Welcome to Part 2 of our four part series, the 2022 greatest hits of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, Part 2. The four parts include the top 10 most listened to segments last year. In part 1 last week, we talked about tomatoes. That included choosing the easiest to grow varieties, pruning, the best tomatoes for containers, and battling diseases, and one in particular, blossom end rot. This time around we’ll be talking with Emily Murphy, author of the book, Grow Now. she explains gardening techniques that goes beyond no-till gardening. She calls it, no-dig gardening, also called lasagna gardening. But first, we present the most listened- to segment in the Garden Basics podcast last year. In fact, it is the all time leader in listenership. It’s all about growing berries, with Master Gardener Pam Bone. She has lots of good tips for growing these tasty, healthy treats. 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, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Raspberries Links: Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. Free! https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Berry Varieties to Consider UCANR Growing Caneberries in the Sacramento Region Raspberry, Blackberry Production Guide (Cornell U.) Best Way To Train Raspberries (Penn St) University of Massachusetts/Amherst Soil Test Information Colorado State University Soil Test Information Farmer Fred Vegetable Planting Calendar for Northern California Book: Grow Now by Emily Murphy UCANR: Sheet Mulching (Lasagna Gardening) Hugelkultur (extreme lasagna gardening) All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jan 20, 2023 |
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248 Garden Basics Greatest Hits 2022 Pt. 1 Tomato Mania
4426
It’s the first month of 2023, and we have a look back, well, actually, it’s a listen back, to the most popular Garden Basics segments of 2022. It’s those chats that got the biggest audiences last year. It’s our Top 10 of 2022, and it’s going to take four weeks to get through all of them. We have thoughtfully divvied them up by subject matter. And guess what garden subject got the most downloads? Tomatoes took four of the Top 10 positions in 2022. So, today’s Greatest Hits, Part 1, includes four segments all about tomatoes: the easiest tomatoes to grow; prune out the earliest forming flowers on tomato plants for better production, yes or no; the best tomatoes for patio containers; and strategies for dealing with the never ending tomato question: "Why are the bottoms of my tomatoes turning brown and wrinkly?" That would be blossom end rot. 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! Pictured: Tomatoes! Links: Redwood Barn Nursery - Don’s Tomato Picks All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred ) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jan 13, 2023 |
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247 Trees vs. Storms
3466
Winter storms are ravaging the country. Heavy winds, rain, and snow are toppling trees from coast to coast, crushing cars, homes and power lines. Why are so many trees falling? It could be due to the lack of care by the homeowners. Or the city. Or whoever owns the trees. Today, we have tips from tree expert and Master Gardener Pam Bone for discovering some of the structural weaknesses that can lead to toppling trees, and how you can help prevent disaster from striking. It’s Trees vs. Storms. 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! Pictured: A storm-toppled birch tree Links: Inspect Landscape Trees For Hazards Quality Felco Bypass Hand Pruners All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred ) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jan 06, 2023 |
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246 Gardening Trends 2023 Pt. 2
2174
We continue our chat from last episode about the future of gardening in 2023 with Andrew Bunting, vice president of Horticulture with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. And we’ll find out about the big Philadelphia Flower Show coming up in March. 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! Pictured: A bountiful harvest of tomatoes Links: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society / Philadelphia Flower Show in March All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred ) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Dec 30, 2022 |
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245 Gardening Trends for 2023 Pt. 1
1840
The term, "gardening", has many facets, many meanings. And, as you might imagine, all gardeners are local, too. So what are the gardening trends sweeping the country right now? And what can we look forward to as far as garden trends in the coming year? The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has a pretty powerful Magic 8-ball to figure out those answers. Today, as well as in the next episode of Garden Basics, we talk about the future of gardening in 2023 with Andrew Bunting, vice president of Horticulture with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. And we’ll find out about the big Philadelphia Flower Show coming up in March. 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! Pictured: A Gravel Garden Links: All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred ) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Dec 23, 2022 |
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244 2023 Fruit Tree Planning
3182
Retail nurseries here on the West Coast are already getting in shipments of berry plants and fruit trees. The rest of the country will start seeing the arrival of these tasty edible and beautiful crops throughout the winter. Shop early for the best selection, because most nurseries will only be getting in one shipment. But which fruit trees or berry plants should you get? Which ones taste the best? Which ones are right for your area? Today, we talk with Phil Pursel from wholesale grower Dave Wilson Nursery. He’ll help you plan your 2023 fruit garden and orchard. The healthiest food you can eat is the food you grow yourself! 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! Pictured: Dapple Dandy and Flavor Queen Pluots Links: DWN Harvest Chart for Potted Fruits (berries, grapes, figs) All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred ) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Dec 16, 2022 |
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243 All America Selections 2023 Plant Winners
2212
It may not be planting time, but it certainly is planning time for your 2023 garden. Looking to plant something different? A good place to start is with the All America Selections winners. This is a yearly compilation of new plant entries, annuals and perennials, ornamentals and edibles, that have won the praises of plant expert judges in trial gardens from coast to coast. The 2023 entries include new winning tomato and pepper vegetable varieties, as well as colorful annual and perennial flowers, including ground covers and houseplants, 11 plants in all, that have been chosen by judges as the 2023 All America Selection winners. 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! Pictured: 2023 AAS Winner, the Zenzei Tomato Links: All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Dec 09, 2022 |
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242 Biochar. Roof Rats.
2330
You may have heard the term, “biochar”, being used in gardening circles. What exactly is “biochar”? And why is it being added to more and more soil products that you could find at the nursery? We will find out. Also, Roof Rats! They’re not just for your attic anymore. If conditions are right, they will invade your fruit and nut plants outdoors, and in some instances, move out there. We have control tips for roof rats, and how they differ from other rodents you might find in your garden. 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! Pictured: Rat Gnawing on Prickly Pear Fruit Links: Biochar Info All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farme Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Dec 02, 2022 |
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241 House Strip Planting Ideas. Microgreens
2171
You might live in a house or condo that has a narrow strip of soil right next to the house. What precautions do you need to take before you plant in that two foot wide strip? We answer a listener’s question on that very topic, with the help of America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. 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! Pictured: Microgreens Links: SOIL TESTS: Do-It-Yourself Soil Testing Equipment All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us th Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Nov 25, 2022 |
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240 All About Potatoes
3843
I find it amazing how one simple question opens the door for a podcast that turned out to be about an hour long. Today, here on episode 240, we delve into the world of potatoes. How to grow them, how to store them, and - the question that started all of this from a listener - what are the best potatoes to grow? We’re talking potatoes today - the most consumed vegetable throughout the world - with America’s Favorite Retired College horticulture professor, Debbie Flower; as well as Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour. 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! Pictured: Yukon Gold potatoes Links: Our Favorite Potato Varieties: Jelly, Yukon Gem, Yukon Gold, Russian Banana Fingerling, Corolla, Bodega Red, Norgold Russet, Red la Soda, Kennebec, White Rose, German Butterball. Potato Scab UCANR SOIL TESTS: Conditioning Straw Bales All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Nov 18, 2022 |
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239 Overwintering Pepper Plants. Roses for the Heat. Leaf Footed Bugs.
2302
Today, we tackle some of the garden questions that have come in from around the country, such as: 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! Pictured: Leaf Footed Bug Links: Dave DeWitt's Collection of Pepper Books All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com And thank you for listening. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Nov 11, 2022 |
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238 Teaming with Bacteria
4232
Teaming with bacteria. Now there’s a title sure to send the casual gardener to another podcast. But bear with me, please. What if I told you that the future of plant fertilizer was not fertilizer? It will be… bacteria. That’s according to Jeff Lowenfels, author of the book, Teaming with Bacteria. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, geeks out on garden science with Jeff, who, for the last 20 years or so, has written other garden books about plant nutrition, microbes and fungus. As you might imagine, Debbie Flower had a wonderful time talking with Jeff. Me? I was busy thinking about buttered popcorn. You’ll have to listen to find out why. I tell you what, if you listen to the entire episode, you’ll get garden psychic bonus points. 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! Pictured: Book Cover: "Teaming with Bacteria" by Jeff Lowenfels Links: Teaming with Bacteria by Jeff Lowenfels All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Nov 04, 2022 |
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237 Bagged Worm Castings - Two Views
2802
Last Spring (Episode 193), Debbie Flower and I discussed the viability of bagged worm castings. According to one study published in a peer review journal, bagged worm castings start losing their effectiveness after 60 days. There are those who disagree with that study, calling it invalid. Today, we revisit our chat about bagged worm castings with Debbie Flower, and add in an opposing viewpoint, from longtime organic gardening advisor Steve Zien. We leave you to draw your own conclusions about the viability of bagged worm castings. Also, as timely as the decorations on your front porch in late October, we have a tasty recipe for Curried Pumpkin Soup. The secret? Adding in other winter squash varieties that you might be growing in your own garden. 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! Pictured: Bagged Worm Castings Links: Journal of Applied Horticulture: “Effect of Storage on Some Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Vermicast” Epsoma Organic Potting Mix Curried Pumpkin Soup Recipe available at the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Lea Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 28, 2022 |
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236 Heat vs Fruit Trees. Deer Control.
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Many areas of the country suffered through prolonged heat waves in September. And now, your fruit tree orchard may have problems. We have ideas on how to help your fruit trees get through next year’s heatwaves. You’ve seen the bags and boxes of fertilizers and soil amendments that say, “Now, containing mycorrhizae!” Is that a good buy? America’s Favorite College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, gives her take on that. Also, she has tips for thwarting deer in your garden. Finally, an outdoor power equipment expert tells us about the latest item that can blow your fallen leaves into a pile, suck them up, and them grind them up, perfect for topping a garden bed in the cold season. 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! Pictured: Quentyn Young with a heat-stressed 'Stella' Cherry Tree Links:
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 21, 2022 |
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235 Horse Manure as Fertilizer? Wildfire Landscaping Tips
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If you have horses, or access to horse manure, you might want to use that manure to fertilize your plants. What are the precautions you need to take? America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has those warnings. Wildfires are a fact of life throughout rural and not so rural areas of many states. 1 in 6 Americans lives in an area that could face a wildfire. How can you protect your property to slow down the chance of damage from flying, burning embers? We talk with a University of California wildfire specialist on easy steps you can take to protect your home and modify your landscape to ease the wildfire threat. 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! Pictured: The Source for Horse Manure Links: Video: Wildfire Ember Storm Test on a Typical Home Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe. • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: And thank you for listening. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 14, 2022 |
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234 Fall Cleanup. Grow Berries. Winter Mulch
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Besides making the autumn garden prettier, Debbie Flower mentions some early cleanup fall chores that can help reduce next year’s insect and disease problems in your garden. Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Farmer Fred website And thank you for listening. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 07, 2022 |
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233 Soil Questions. Winter Tomatoes? Yes!
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What does your soil need for a thriving garden? Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, tackles your questions about what you should add - or not add - to your soil. And it’s winter tomato time! What? You can grow tomatoes in the winter? What do you need to grow tomatoes in the winter? The right environment - a greenhouse with a heater is ideal - and the right tomato varieties, for tomato growing winter success. Today, it’s winter tomato tips! 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! Pictured: winter tomatoes in the greenhouse (with hanging whitefly traps) Soil Test Services: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 30, 2022 |
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232 Making Citrus Infused Beverages
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I’m big on making the garden a multi sensory treat. Something for the eyes, the tastebuds, the fingertips and especially the nose. Today’s show for the nose specialty is citrus. Lance Walheim, long time garden book author and rare citrus grower, talks about using bergamot oranges for infusing in gin. Plus, other citrus varieties that will offer something for your nose as well as taste buds in whatever kind of drink you add citrus. Don’t know what a bergamot orange is? You’ve come to the right place to find out what it is and how to grow it, as well as clear up the internet confusion about what a bergamot orange really looks like. 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 we will do it all in less than 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Bergamot Orange Bergamot Orange Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 27, 2022 |
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231 Joe Lamp'l Vegetable Gardening
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We have a wide ranging discussion with nationally famous TV gardener, Joe Lamp’l, about his new book, the Vegetable Gardening Book. But we also venture into the warm season garden when he talks about his tomato cages, which are built to look good and last a lifetime. Pictured: Joe Lamp’l The Vegetable Gardening Book by Joe Lamp’l Got a garden question? • Leave a question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: And thank you for listening. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 23, 2022 |
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230 Establishing Low Water Use Plants. Cover Crops
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Autumn begins this week, and fall is definitely for planting. The air is cooler, but the soil is still warm, perfect for establishing new plants. We revisit a couple of segments to get you into the garden during the next couple of months. Are you thinking of getting some low water-use or drought tolerant plants for your landscape? America's Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has tips to help insure their success. Not planning a fall garden? Then at least feed your garden soil over the winter, with cover crops. We have the basics to get you started. 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 we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Fall/Winter Cover Crops of Fava Beans and Oats Peaceful Valley Farm Supply Cover Crops Knowledge Base Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 20, 2022 |
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229 Vegetables, Grapes vs. Heat; Black Widow Spiders
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Fall is just around the corner, in just a few days, September 22. Still, in the West and elsewhere, more heat waves are in the forecast. How can you protect your backyard vegetables and grapes from more onslaughts of temperatures in the 90’s and above? Plus, new (or old) disease-resistant grape varieties. We have some tips. The black widow spider - is it a friend or foe in your garden? Debbie Flower, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, answers with a resounding…it depends. Pictured: Grapes or Black Widow Spider Orgazana Bags for Fruit Protection Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 16, 2022 |
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228 Healthy Gardening, Healthy Foods
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Why is gardening so healthy for you? We explore that today with Dr. Laura Varich of FreshPhysician.com, who explains the health benefits of gardening, and the healthier benefits of eating what you grow. And that includes some health benefits you may not be aware of, including breathing in and touching the soil itself. 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. Pictured: Artichokes are high in soluble fiber. Pretty, too. Dr. Laura Varich’s FreshPhysician.com Farmer Fred Rant Blog: The Heart Healthy Garden UC Davis: Storage Tips for the Freshest Fruits and Vegetables Garden Basics Podcast Ep. 63: Growing Microgreens Indoors Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 13, 2022 |
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227 Understanding Drip Irrigation
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Some very irritated gardeners, trying to figure out drip irrigation. So, today’s entire show is on drip irrigation basics: how to install it, how to run it, how to maintain it. We revisit a chat with garden author Robert Kourik, who wrote, “Drip Irrigation for Every Landscape and All Climates.” He’ll tell us that not only will drip irrigation save you money by using less water, drip irrigation can also increase your yield. And drip irrigation isn’t just for states that have typically dry summers; it’s for any area of the country where you might get a month-long stretch of no rain. And if you tried a drip irrigation system years ago and were unhappy with the results, we’ll tell you how the equipment has improved recently to be more dependable and trouble resistant. Pictured: Drip Irrigation System Books and more at RobertKourik.com Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question at Speakpipe, https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Daily Garden tips Twitter And thank you for listening. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 09, 2022 |
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226 Quick Tips - The Greatest Hits
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It seems that on every edition of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, a nugget of very helpful garden information gets tossed into it, that may or may not have anything to do with the subject being discussed. Today, we present the top listened-to quick tips, along with a couple of new ones. You’re going to get short pieces of advice on growing tomatoes, cilantro, battling hornworms, the best time to harvest apples, seed planting tricks, and a lot more quick advice that will save you time and money. It’s Garden Quick Tips, the Greatest Hits! 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 we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. 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 Buzzsprout Pictured: Tomato Harvest
Renee’s Garden Seeds Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 06, 2022 |
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225 Cool Season Vegetable Tips
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September is here, and many of you are still enjoying your summer vegetable garden. But get ready…the days will be getting shorter and cooler this month and those plants may start to go into decline. Now is time to be planning and planting your second garden of 2022, the fall and winter vegetable garden, wherever you might live here in the Northern Hemisphere. Nursery Owner Don Shor has the cool season garden basics. We learn something new, every time, on Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Previous episodes, links, product information, topic search and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Farmer Fred Rant: Cool Season Vegetables Tips Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 02, 2022 |
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224 Mushrooms. Roses for the Heat. Soil Improving Tips.
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What are those mushrooms doing in my garden? How do I get rid of them? What are the best roses that thrive in hotter climates? We answer those questions on today’s podcast. Also, we have tips for improving your garden soil during the upcoming fall season. It’s probably the most important part of having a successful garden next year. It's all about the soil! 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 we will do it all in a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Backyard Mushrooms Why Are Mushrooms Popping Up in My Yard? (UCANR) • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 30, 2022 |
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223 Browning Tomato Leaves? Making Hypertufa Pots.
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A question from a listener is one you may be thinking about while you’re in the garden: why are my tomato leaves turning brown? Possibilities include shaded older leaves; tomato russet mites; whiteflies; aphids; root knot nematodes; fusarium wilt; verticillium wilt; late blight; powdery mildew. But in most of those instances, the tomatoes themselves will show abnormalities. In this case, the tomatoes were perfect. America’s favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, tackles this one. In the middle of that chat, Debbie mentions a use for old potting soil, just in case that is the culprit: making a hypertufa pot. We touched on that topic a couple of months ago, but it was buried inside another tomato question, so you may have missed it. So, here it is again, one use for questionable, old potting soil: making your own hypertufa pot. Debbie explains. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Previous episodes, links, product information, topic search and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 26, 2022 |
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222 Insect Traps - The Good, The Bad, The Bugly
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Summer time is insect time, especially in the garden, both the good guys as well as the ones that you didn’t invite. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, tells us about the insect traps that work, and don’t work, when it comes to controlling flies, mosquitoes, yellow jackets, fleas, ants and others. 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 we will do it all in a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Yellowjacket Bait Trap Liquid Ant Bait KM Ant Pro Bait Dispenser Yellow Jacket Traps Phermone Traps UCANR: Traps and Barriers for Keeping Pests Out Homemade Fly Trap Homemade Mosquito Trap Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 23, 2022 |
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221 Whitefly Control. Bermudagrass Eradication Tips
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Whiteflies. They can overwhelm a garden full of vegetables and flowers, as well as certain trees and shrubs, especially during warm weather. Whiteflies excrete sticky honeydew and cause yellowing or death of the leaves. The good news is: there are a lot of beneficial insects that can help you do battle against whiteflies. Previous episodes, links, product information, topic search and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Whitefly Management Guidelines (University of California) Insectaries: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 19, 2022 |
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220 Aphid Control Tips. Chickens vs. Heat
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Wherever you live, wherever you garden, at some point in the year, your plants will get aphids. This sucking insect enjoys the sap from many of your favorite plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, shrubs and trees. Aphids can also spread plant diseases. Oh, and they do attract ants, who covet the sweet excretions of aphids. We have tips for controlling this widespread garden pest, aphids. Record breaking temperatures persist throughout much of the northern hemisphere this summer. How are your backyard chickens doing with the heat. We have strategies for helping your roosters and hens and chicks cope with triple digit heat, this summer. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Aphids on a rose bud Links: Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects (with pictures of the beneficials) Cherie Sintes-Glover: ChickensForEggs.com • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 16, 2022 |
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219 Summer Fruit Tree Pruning. Lemon Verbena. Tomato Troubles.
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Yes, it’s August, and it’s hot out, but the garden is a busy place: harvesting, watering, deadheading, weeding. Wise gardeners have added another chore that will help guarantee future garden success: summer pruning of deciduous fruit trees. We’ll tell you why now nipping back your peach, plum, apple, apricot, cherry, nectarine and other fruit trees will lead to better production next year. Have you heard of lemon verbena? It’s an herb, with showy flowers, and produces leaves that can liven up a lot of your dessert recipes, with a taste that your guests won’t forget. And there are summer tomato issues. We revisit tips for dealing with August’s tomato pests and diseases, as well as too much sun and heat. 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. And we will do it all in about 30 minutes. Let’s go! Previous episodes, links, product information, topic search and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Book: The Home Orchard,: Growing Your Own Deciduous Fruit and Nut Trees by Chuck Ingels Dave Wilson Nursery Video: Summer Pruning of Fruit Trees Lemon Verbena Sugar Cookies Recipe Lemon Verbena Ice Cream Recipe Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred at farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 12, 2022 |
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218 Smarter Irrigation Controllers
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If you have a sprinkler system, a drip irrigation system or a series of soaker hoses, how are you turning those systems on and off? For many gardeners who live in dry summer climates, automatic irrigation control systems are the way to go. And if you have one of those older irrigation control systems, you might be amazed at how the newer, smartphone-controlled systems can ease your watering chores even more. We talk with an irrigation specialist, Don Smith, the water management coordinator for the City of Folsom, California. Not only will you learn about the features on the newest irrigation control systems, you just might discover how inexpensive upgrades to your watering systems can be, thanks to grants and rebates. 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 we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Rachio Irrigation Control System Links: Rachio Irrigation Controllers Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you fo Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 09, 2022 |
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217 Jumping Worms Update. Donate Your Excess Garden Harvest
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GB 217 More Jumping Worms! What to Do with Your Extra Fruits, Vegetables Jumping worms! Unlike red wigglers or earthworms, jumping worms are not garden good guys. They’ll consume a lot of your mulch, leaving behind pellets that are not good for your plants or your soil. And jumping worms are spreading. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has updated information on how you can thwart the jumping worms. What are you going to do with all the summer fruits and vegetables that your garden is producing? Besides canning, dehydrating and freezing, you can donate that extra produce to a food bank or food pantry near you, to feed the hungry. It’s easy, we’ll tell you how. 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. And we will do it all in about 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Oregon State University: Jumping Worms Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTub Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 05, 2022 |
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216 Drying Fruits and Vegetables
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As we are fond of saying on this program every summer, “You grew it. Now, eat it!” Not all at once, of course. What are the best ways to preserve all the fruits and vegetables you grow? One of the easiest is drying them. Sun drying or using a dehydrator is a great way to preserve nutrients while enjoying the literal fruits of your labor throughout the year. But where do you begin? Today, we talk with a Master Food Preserver about drying techiniques for home grown fruits and vegetables. 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 we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Dehydrator Fish Dryer Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTu Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 02, 2022 |
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215 How to Stake a Tree
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A mature, healthy landscape tree can add thousands of dollars of value to your home. And that road to a healthy tree begins as soon as you get the tree home from the nursery. And that’s where many homeowners start making what could be fatal mistakes. Today, Master Gardener and tree expert Pam Bone has the vital tips on how to stake a newly planted tree. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Previous episodes, links, product information, and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: How to Stake a Tree - Sacramento Tree Foundation The Myth of Staking Trees by Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott Harvest Day, Aug. 6, at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 29, 2022 |
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214 Your New Friend, the Soldier Fly. Worm Bins. Slow Compost Cure.
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Garden Basics # 214 Soldier Flies, Improving Slow Compost 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Soldier Fly on a Worm Bin Napa Co. Master Gardener Penny Pawl: The Soldier Fly Marches On Harvest Day, Aug. 6, at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 26, 2022 |
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213 Controlling Earwigs. Summer Fruit Tree Pruning
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GB 213 Garden Earwig Control. Summer Fruit Pruning. Earwigs. They’re a garden problem, coast to coast. How do you control these pests that can take down young plants overnight? America’s favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has some tips. And, we talk with a fruit tree expert about the benefits of pruning your stone fruit trees this month. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Previous episodes, links, product information, and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Sluggo Plus (contains Spinosad for earwig control) Dave Wilson Nursery Summer Fruit Tree Pruning Video Harvest Day, Aug. 6, at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 22, 2022 |
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212 Summer Berry Problems
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Today, we pay a return visit to the blackberry, raspberry and boysenberry growing grounds of Sacramento County Master Gardener Pam Bone, to find out what are the problems hitting gardeners’ caneberry plantings this summer. Turns out, there’s plenty of issues, both pests and diseases. Fortunately, there are a lot of easy to implement controls. Today, we’re talking about solving your summer berry patch problems. 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 we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Previous episodes, links, product information, and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Arboreal Camel Cricket information Soil Tube/Soil Probe to determine moisture level Harvest Day, Aug. 6, at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 19, 2022 |
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211 Spider Mites! Fireblight!
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Spider Mites. Fireblight. Spider Mites. Fireblight. Try saying that rapidly three times. These are two widespread pests of a wide variety of edible and ornamental plants this time of year. How do you identify them? How do you control them? We go in search of answers with America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Previous episodes, links, product information, and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Sources for Predatory Mites & Other Beneficials for Spider Mite Control: Harvest Day, Aug. 6, at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 15, 2022 |
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210 Mid-Summer Tomato Planting Tips. Parsnips. Sleep, Creep, Leap!
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Yes, it is the second week of July, but it’s not too late to plant tomatoes, especially early maturing varieties in large containers. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has the mid-summer tomato planting tips. And mid-July is not too early to think about getting ready for your fall garden. Maybe try something different this year, something that could spend the winter in the ground, and actually end up sweeter and better tasting. We’re talking about an old American and European fall planted root crop that is regaining popularity, the parsnip. Everyone wants things faster: faster internet, faster drive thru restaurants, faster maturing plants. Ha! You can’t rush Mother Nature. Give that plant at least 3 years to get growing. We explain the time honored garden saying: sleep, creep, leap. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Tomato in container FF Rant Fast Maturing Tomato Varieties (Also Winter Tomatoes) Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 12, 2022 |
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209 New Plants Drooping? Do This.
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Welcome to summer, where we all look a little ragged in the hot afternoon. And your new plants may look a little droopy, too. But before you add water, listen to what our favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, has to say. One listener asked, why don’t I have any oranges on my citrus trees? There are many possible reasons. On a hot day, who doesn’t like to stand under a mister? It makes us feel better….but what about your houseplants? It’ll probably do you more good than your houseplants. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Previous episodes, links, product information, and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Links: From Proven Winners: “3 Tips for Drought Tolerant Gardening” Find a consulting arborist at TreesAreGood.org Book: "Houseplant Warrior" by Raffaele DiLallo Harvest Day, Aug. 6, at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 08, 2022 |
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208 Abiotic Disorders of Tomato Plants
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This is the time of year when you may be wandering in your garden and your drawn to some funny looking aspects of your tomato plants. What is that brown leathery spot on the bottom of that tomato? What are all those cracks along the top of the tomato? What is that white spot on the side of the tomato? Why are the leaves curling? All of those are abiotic disorders of the plant. You can’t attribute the problem to an insect, animal or a disease. It’d due to any number of things in the natural world: an imbalance of nutrients in your soil; too much water, too little water, too much sun; too little sun; smog; wildfire smoke; and plenty more, that you can’t blame on an insect, disease or your dog. But you might have to blame yourself. Today, America’s favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, delves into the world of abiotic disorders of tomato plants. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Tomato Cracking Abiotic Disorders of Vegetables Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 05, 2022 |
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207 Ticks. Heat. Nectarines. It Must Be Summer!
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Ticks. They’re bad enough when you’re taking a stroll in the country. They’re worse when they’re near your garden. What can you do to thwart ticks? We have tips. It’s summer, and both you and your plants are wilting in the heat, especially when it’s approaching triple digit temperatures day after day after day. Here’s what you can do to help your plants. Nectarines are a tasty home grown fruit, but are beset by a wide variety of problems. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, talks about the litany of possible solutions. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Ticks Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 01, 2022 |
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206 Worm Composting Basics
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We’ve told you about the benefits of adding worm castings to your garden soil. And we’ve also told you about the limited lifespan of bagged worm castings. Maybe you ought to become your own worm farmer to harvest the freshest worm castings. It’s called vermicomposting. It’s a great way to recycle your leftover fruits and vegetables while creating a product that will add life to your soil. It’s worm bin basics, today! Pictured: Composting Worms Book: Worms Eat My Garbage Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 28, 2022 |
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205 Fruit Tree Trellising. Growing Tobacco.
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Want to grow fruit trees? But the only area you have is a sunny, narrow side yard? Not a problem, if you trellis those fruit trees. Today, Master Gardener Quentin Young walks us through step by step construction of a trellis for fruit trees, along with the best varieties of fruit trees that are easy to trellis. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, tells us about a quick growing flowering annual that puts on quite a show: tobacco. Summer and fall are the times for wildfire smoke, which can travel for hundreds of miles. We have tips on how to keep your garden healthy when the smoke arrives. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Previous episodes, links, product information, and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Fruit Tree Trellising Basics (UCANR) Harvest Day, Aug. 6, at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 24, 2022 |
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204 Backyard Chicken Basics
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If you been in a supermarket lately, you may still be in sticker shock at the higher prices for basic commodities. One of those has almost tripled in price over the last few months: eggs. As a result, maybe you’re thinking about getting a hen or two or more for your backyard to satisfy your egg eating habits. But before you head to the feed store to start your little chicken and egg enterprise, give a listen to today’s podcast. We’re talking backyard chicken basics, with urban chicken consultant and poultry health inspector Cherie Sintes-Glover. Among other chicken raising advice, she says different chicken breeds have different personalities. We want to match you up with a compatible hen. So, Think of this as the Chicken Dating Game. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: A Buff Orpington Chicken (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) ChickensforEggs.com including seminar information 10 Chicken Breeds For Your Farm (From Successful Farming) Chicken Eggshell Cleaning Brushes Electrolytes and Vitamin Supplements for Chickens Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 21, 2022 |
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203 Plant Tomatoes in June? YES!
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Right now, in Mid-June, is still an excellent time to be planting tomatoes from transplants. It’s not too late, even for those of you in colder climates where frosts may occur in September. You just have to choose your tomato varieties a bit more carefully. We have the ones that will work for you, as well as tomato varieties for June planting for everyone in warmer climates. What can you do with the shards from a broken pot? Lining the bottom of another container, perhaps?Not a good idea. Debbie Flower will tell us why, as well as have suggestions for how to use those broken pot pieces elsewhere in the garden. And, she walks us through the process of making homemade hypertufa pots. What’s that? Give a listen, you just might be intrigued enough to try it yourself. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Previous episodes, links, product information, and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without a phone call, via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 17, 2022 |
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202 Tips, Myths About Watering Your Garden
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Currently, 40% of the United States is dealing with moderate to extreme drought conditions. New outdoor watering restrictions are popping up throughout the west, southwest, intermountain regions, midwest, and the southeast. Can your garden survive with less water? Yes. In fact, if you irrigate and mulch correctly, your garden could even thrive on less water. Today we’re talking about tips and myths about efficient garden irrigation. Plus, it’s getting hot. Your plants may start looking droopy in the afternoons. But before you turn on the water give a listen to what we have to say about plants versus heat. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Dripworks Video Series on Drip Irrigation Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 14, 2022 |
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201 Garden Basics Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
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Welcome to Garden Basics Greatest Hits, Volume 2. This episode features the Top 7 most listened to segments of the last 100 episodes, from Episode 100 to Episode199, as determined by you, the listeners, my garden-loving friends. Topics include tomatoes (of course), berries, garden design, composting, soils, and the benefits of mulch. Links: 174 Spring Garden Tips, Live! Book: Grow Now by Emily Murphy As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. And thank you for listening. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 10, 2022 |
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200 Tulip Tips. Bug Photography. What's Your Trees' Value?
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Tulip growing is easy, in cold climates. In warmer climates, getting tulips to rebloom year after year is a challenge. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has tips for warm climate tulip growers to get those gorgeous bulbs to rebloom. And, she has advice for ALL tulip growers about the steps to take to make sure your bulbs remain at maximum strength, whether they’re in the ground or not. Pictured: Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 07, 2022 |
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199 How to Water, Fertilize Houseplants
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Just because your houseplants might look OK, are they really thriving? Do you know how to water and fertilize houseplants correctly? We talk with the author of the book, Houseplant Warrior, Rafaele DiLallo, about the best ways to feed and hydrate your indoor plants. Also, he has several tips for determining if your houseplants need a drink of water. And the best part of that, is, you don’t need to buy anything to make those watering decisions. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or Buzzsprout Pictured: Links: Book: Houseplant Warrior, by Raffaele DiLallo Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter: Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 03, 2022 |
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198 Ten Very Fragrant Roses. The Cure for Lumpy Lawns.
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We’ve had a lot of segments on this podcast lately about roses. The best ones for long lasting cut flowers. Controlling weeds around roses. Even the best tasting roses. But we haven’t answered one of the most obvious rose questions, until today: what are the most fragrant roses. Master Rosarian Charlotte Owendyk has a list of her Top 10 favorite fragrant roses. One question that has reappeared year after year here may seem rather surprising, but it is a problem for some gardeners: tripping while walking on the lawn, because it’s lumpy. America’s favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has some cures for that lumpy lawn. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 31, 2022 |
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197 Compost Tea, Explained
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You’re familiar with compost. But, what do you know about compost tea? Your plants might appreciate the microbial boost provided by compost tea. Please note that I did not say, "nutritional boost". There’s a lot of opinion and unverified personal experience associated with the compost tea knowledge base, but not that much about it has had a lot of peer-reviewed research, including its alleged nutritional value. One Master Gardener who has pursued that topic, delving deep into the academic rabbit holes, is Ralph Morini, a Piedmont, Virginia Master Gardener and researcher. Today we talk with Ralph about what he found out about compost tea in research papers: how to make it, how to use it and what to expect from compost tea. 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. And we will do it all in just over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Piedmont Master Gardeners Garden Shed Newsletter: Compost Tea Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter: Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Fac Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 27, 2022 |
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196 Indoor Composting Machines. Garlic Harvest Tips.
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You’ve heard of the benefits of adding compost to your garden soil. You may even have a backyard compost pile. Or a compost tumbler. Or, a bin full of worms who are making compost out of your garden scraps. But what about the new indoor composting machines that are on the market? Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, and I answer one listener’s questions about these modern devices. Also, if you’re growing garlic, you may want information on the best time to harvest the garlic. When will that garlic be ready? We get the answer from Master Gardener and long time garlic aficionado, Dan Vierria. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Green Cone Composter Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 24, 2022 |
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195 The Best Roses for Cut Flowers
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Roses are beginning to put on a show throughout most of rose-growing country, especially USDA Zones six through 10. What are the best roses to grow that not only look nice in the garden, but do especially well as cut flowers in the house? What are the roses that have outstanding shape and color, but also can last a long time in a vase, and aren’t a hassle when it comes to dealing with their prickles, in other words, ones that aren’t a thorny mess? We talk with Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington about 26 rose varieties that make great cut flowers, along with outstanding tips for making those cut roses last even longer indoors. It’s all about the best roses for cut flowers. 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. And we will do it all in well over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Ring of Fire Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter: Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 20, 2022 |
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194 Tips for Reusing Old Potting Soil. Growing Pawpaws
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We’ve reached that point in the gardening year where people have more plants than space in the garden. So, out come the pots that have been sitting behind the garage! Which brings up a perennially popular question: can you reuse old potting soil successfully? America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, says, yes, you can…if you take certain precautions. She has tips for reusing that old potting soil. Would you like to grow paw paws? It’s a southern U.S. favorite, but it is also known as the Michigan Banana. It’s worth a try everywhere. Master Gardener Quentin Young tells us how to grow this hardy tropical plant for outstanding results. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 17, 2022 |
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193 A Warning About Bagged Worm Castings. Growing Roses From Seed.
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If you’re in the habit of buying bags of worm castings for your garden, don’t delay putting them in your soil. They have a limited shelf life. And a lot can go wrong if you wait too long. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has tips for using bagged worm castings. Did you know, you can grow roses from seed? A Master Rosarian tells us how to do it. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Journal of Applied Horticulture: “Effect of Storage on Some Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Vermicast” Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 13, 2022 |
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192 The Easiest Tomatoes To Grow
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May is tomato planting month for most of the nation. Maybe you’ve had problems growing tomatoes in the past, or maybe you’re fairly new at planting, raising and harvesting America’s favorite backyard vegetable. Don Shor of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California, a true tomato-head, has a list of the easiest tomatoes to grow, along with good advice to make sure that they prosper in your garden, even if you’re planning a long road trip or two this summer. Today, it the easiest tomatoes to grow, and how to make it easy on yourself, too. 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 we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Beyond The Basics - The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 10, 2022 |
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191 Prune Tomato Flowers? Tips for a Sustainable Food Garden.
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Ahh, yes….Springtime….when the prevailing question among some backyard tomato growers is: should I prune off the first tomato flowers I see in order to get more tomatoes later on? The answer is either "no!", "mmm...it depends", or, "perhaps". Master Gardener Gail Pothour will tell us why that answer is, "it depends". I still say no! Also, we talk with garden book author Robert Kourik, his latest is Sustainable Food Gardens: Myths and Solutions. He has a lot of great common sense advice for maximizing your backyard food production. 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. And we will do it all in just a bit over 30 minutes (but under 40 minutes). Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter: Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 06, 2022 |
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190 Bamboo Privacy Screen. Battling Rose Aphids.
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Who in their right mind would plant bamboo, close to a house, as a privacy screen? Bamboo, which after a few years, could become an impenetrable jungle, spreading in every direction! Well, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, planted bamboo as a privacy screen, six feet away from her house. How is she going to control this rambunctious runner of a plant? Ingeniously, of course. We pay a visit to Debbie’s garden to find out what to do, and what not to do when planting bamboo. Next up on our garden road trip, we drop by Master Rosarian Baldo Villegas’ delightfully blooming rose garden, where he has close to 3,000 rose plants, near it peak of color. And usually at this time of year, most rose gardens are overrun with aphids. But not Baldo’s. A retired state entomologist, Baldo shows us the good bugs that are keeping the aphids at bay. And you can do the same in your rose garden. Plus, we get a Quick Tip from the Brown Thumb Mama, Pam Farley, about another use for toilet paper: planting teeny tiny carrot seeds. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Planting/Watering Troughs Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fr Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 03, 2022 |
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189 Stop Tomato Blossom End Rot Now. Grow Your Soil.
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I can tell what season it is by the tomato questions I get. In fall, it’s "Can I get these green tomatoes to ripen?" In Winter, the question is, “Is It Too Soon To Plant Tomatoes?” In Spring, it’s, "Should I prune those first tomato flowers off?" And in Summer, it’s the frantic tomato grower who asks, “What’s wrong with my tomatoes? They're turning brown and wrinkly on the bottom!" That, of course, is blossom end rot. Let's tackle that summertime question now, in the spring. Because blossom end rot can be thwarted now if you take the right steps before that tomato plant sets fruit. We chat about blossom end rot with Don Shor, of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, CA. Also, we talk with "Grow Your Soil" author Diane Miessler, a long time gardener who champions the garden skills of "chop and drop" and the" snip and flip"…sometimes known as composting in place. Plus, she owns a vegetable tutu and plays the banjo. 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. And we will do it all in just a bit over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: The Truth About Compost Tea from VA Cooperative Extension Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 29, 2022 |
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188 Bermudagrass Control Tips. How Plants Communicate. Thin Your Seedlings!
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Can bermudagrass be controlled, or is it forever? America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has tips for converting a bermudagrass turf area into another lawn type or to control it to the point you can use that area to expand your garden. Organic advocate Steve Zien tells us how plants communicate to get the nutrients they need and to ward off invading pests. And, he talks about using compost tea for increasing the good guys in your soil biology. Also, we get a Quick Tip about a very necessary, but psychologically difficult garden task: removing excess fruit from your deciduous fruit trees in mid-Spring. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured:
• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Farmer Fred website: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 26, 2022 |
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187 Bring the Outdoors, Indoors. Edible Roses. Therapy Gardens.
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We’ve often said here that when designing your garden plan, make sure the edible garden is visible from the kitchen window. Today, we expand on that: tips for planning a garden so that the most beautiful spots outside are visible from the room inside in which you spend the most time. Think of it as the "easy chair garden". Master Gardener Pam Bone has some ideas for you on that. Speaking of edibles, we revisit a chat we had with Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington about the tastiest rose petals. We’ll find out what they taste like, too. There’s no question that your garden is great therapy for your body, mind and soul. In fact, therapy gardens play a big part in our society in the rehabilitation, education and skill learning for those who need it the most. Diane Blazek of the National Garden Bureau talks about what some of those gardens are doing to make your country a better place to live. 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. And we will do it all in just a bit over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Farmer Fred website: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 22, 2022 |
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186 Are Fertilizers Overused? The Best Plant Photo ID Apps. Repotting Houseplants
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Are fertilizers overused? That’s what America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, says. She also deciphers all that information on a fertilizer label so you know exactly what’s in it and what it will do, if anything, for your plants. Meanwhile indoors, spring is the time for repotting houseplants. We chat with the author of “Houseplant Warrior”, Raffaele DiLallo about how to go about repotting houseplants for the best success. Also, we get a Quick Tip about answering that oh-so common question, what’s the name of that plant? We talk about the best Apps for identifying pictures of plants accurately (and that’s the key). And, how your local garden club can help you in your gardening journey to pinpoint those best local plants, as well. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links:
• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newslette Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 19, 2022 |
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185 What's Lasagna Gardening? Potato Planting. Fruit Trees vs Lawns
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You’ve heard of No-Till gardening. How about No-Dig gardening? Or creating a Lasagna garden? Emily Murphy, author of the book, Grow Now, explains. And in a quick tip, we find out why you don’t want to grow your fruit trees in the middle of your lawn. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Book: Grow Now by Emily Murphy Growing Potatoes in the Home Garden Texas A&M: Lawn Care Around Trees Hugelkultur (extreme lasagna gardening) Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 15, 2022 |
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184 Spring Houseplant Care
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Spring isn’t just for outdoor garden tasks. Your houseplants need some springtime love, as well. We chat with the author of “Houseplant Warrior”, Raffaele DiLallo about your houseplants’ needs for the right light, the right humidity, and he has a list of easy care houseplants for low light conditions. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Raffaele also has houseplant advice for those who must muddle through cold, dark winters, as well. And we talk about his business, OhioTropics dot com, and yes…he is growing outdoor tropical plants in Cleveland, even a banana plant! Also, we get a Quick Tip from America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, who explains how careful pruning of outdoor plants can lessen the threat from pests and disease. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 12, 2022 |
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183 First Garden? A Checklist
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We pay a visit in today’s episode to the lush yards of a couple of notable gardeners. We chat with America’s favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, in her garden, about what you should think about before you start your first garden: a checklist, if you will. It’s like learning from the mistakes of others. Or, to put it more politely, we're sharing garden wisdom. And, Master Gardener Pam Bone talks about her favorite peach variety, as well as the benefits of getting out in the backyard orchard in early spring and thinning the fruit. Your peaches, apricots, plums, nectarines, apples and other deciduous fruit trees will thank you with big, beautiful tasty pieces of fruit this summer. Otherwise, you may come down with the warm season woes, gazing at undersized fruit as well as branches that are sagging - and breaking - under the weight of all that excess fruit. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 08, 2022 |
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182 Growing Raspberries, Boysenberries, Blackberries
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Get your day off to a healthy start by adding fresh-picked berries - blackberries, raspberries, blueberries - to your breakfast. Here in California, harvest season for those are perhaps six weeks away. And wherever you live, you can probably grow some kind of berries. Pictured: Links: Farmer Fred Vegetable Planting Calendar for Northern California (downloadable) Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 05, 2022 |
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181 Pesticide Safety Tips. Garden Time Savers.
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There are two very contemplative aisles that gardeners can encounter at big box stores or a well-stocked Garden Center…and that’s the drip irrigation parts aisle, and the garden pesticide aisle. Next time you go, check those aisles out. You’ll always find a gaggle of people, just staring at the products. Staring. Wondering. Considering. Contemplating. Today, Debbie Flower and I try to get you moving a little faster through the garden pesticide aisle. We have tips on what information to look for on the pesticide product labels, so that you make the right choice. Or, if you employ a pest control service, questions you should be asking them about the products that they are using. Want to free up enough time in the garden so you can actually go visit someone or someplace this year? You remember, it’s called traveling. Then keep in mind these four words: Automate, Elevate, Eliminate, and Delegate. We’ll explain how to implement these very effective garden time savers. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Plastic Sheeting for Soil Solarization (choose 1-2 mil thickness for best results) Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 01, 2022 |
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180 Bats (They're Good). When to "Set Out" Plants?
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It’s "bat day" here on the Garden Basics podcast. By the way, we’re talking about the flying mammal, not the Louisville Slugger. Did you ever see that instruction on a seed packet or garden calendar that tells you when to set out plants? What, exactly, is setting out plants? America’s favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, walks us through the process of acclimating those tender young, greenhouse or indoor-raised seedlings to the harsh environment known as your garden. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Farmer Fred Interactive Vegetable Planting Calendar for Northern California Farmer Fred Vegetable Planting Calendar for Northern California (downloadable) All About Bats (National Wildlife Federation) From UCANR: Well-Placed Bat Houses From UCANR: Songbird, Bat, and Owl Boxes UC IPM: Bat Identification and Control UCANR: Bats for Walnut Orchards Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Farmer Fred website: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 29, 2022 |
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179 The Poop Loop: How Mother Nature Feeds Your Garden
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The Poop Loop. No, we’re not talking about the reference in SpongeBob Squarepants (but we will have a link to that in the show notes). We’re not referring to a leash accessory that holds your dog's poop bag so you can finally be hands free to chat on your phone during your daily walks! (you’ll have to look that one up yourself). Nor is this an explanation of composting toilets. You’re going to have to go deep into the Google search engine to find out what we are talking about on this episode. It’s how Mother Nature feeds your plants, and what you can do to aid that process. The result? A healthier, more productive garden. Organic advocate, soil pedologist and underground poop expert Steve Zien has the details. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com SpongeBob Squarepants and the Poop Loop • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 25, 2022 |
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178 What's Your NQ*? (*Nature Quotient). Dealing with Leaf Spots.
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How in tune with nature are you? Probably more than you think, if you’re a gardener. We talk with Emily Murphy, author of the new garden book, Grow Now, about your NQ, your Nature Quotient. Plus, we talk with her about front yard gardening, the actual definition of full sun, and the special hands of a gardener. Got new, colorful spots on the leaves of your annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs? America’s favorite retired horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has reassuring answers for one worried gardener. Those spots you see just might be a natural development in early spring. Oh, by the way, welcome to Spring! We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory (we’ll hear more from the dogs later on). It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in just a bit over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Book: “Grow Now”, by Emily Murphy Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 22, 2022 |
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177. Best Tomatoes for Containers. The Call Garden.
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If you have a small yard, or crummy soil or even just a sunny patio, you can grow tomatoes…in containers! If you have an area around the outside of your home that gets six hours or more of sun a day during spring and summer, you can be serving garden-fresh, container-grown tomatoes at meal time. However, there are some tomato varieties that are better suited for growing in large pots. Our favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, offers us tips on choosing the best tomatoes for containers. Planning your first vacation in awhile for this year? If a car trip along the scenic Northern California coast is in this plans, we have an amazing garden for you to visit. And it’s part of an old Russian fort. And it’s a state park. It’s the Call Garden at Fort Ross. And we’ll take you there on this edition. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 18, 2022 |
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176 Succulent Basics. Tomatillos Instead of Tomatoes? A Warning.
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Looking for easy to grow succulents for a wide variety of climates? We cover the basics for growing these unthirsty plants both outdoors and indoors. Pictured: Tomatillo Salsa Recipe from the CA Master Food Preservers Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you f Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 15, 2022 |
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175. Fruit Tree Flowers vs Frost. Regenerative Gardening
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Welcome to the tug-of-a-war season. Is it late winter, or early spring? Will daytime highs be in the 60’s and 70’s? Or will the overnight lows dip below freezing? Or both? Deciduous fruit trees, such as peaches, apples, plums, apricots and more everywhere get confused when sunny, mild days are followed by a few freezing nights. And if those trees are blooming, and a frost or freeze is predicted, you just might have fewer fruit to harvest this summer. We have tips to help you stave off the loss of those fruit tree flowers when temperatures get temporarily chilly. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Got a garden question? All About Farmer Fred: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebo Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 11, 2022 |
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174. Spring Garden Tips, LIVE!
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In this episode, our favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, and myself, offer a wide variety of garden tips to get your yard ready for spring. And it’s kind of a special episode, too. It was recorded live, at the Folsom, California Garden Club, where nearly 100 gardeners gathered to also pepper us with questions. Many of these questions, as well as the topics we covered, just might pertain to you and your garden, wherever you may be. So, for this special episode, we’re podcasting from the Rotary Clubhouse in Folsom California. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 55 minutes. (C’mon give us a break; it was a live recording with a live audience who had a lot of questions!). Let’s go! Pictured: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 08, 2022 |
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173. Staving Off Spring Frost Damage. Sweet Potatoes
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For many gardeners in USDA Zones 7. 8, 9 and 10, March is the month for new beginnings. The weather is warmer, trees and shrubs are blooming. But wait a minute… it’s still winter. Jack Frost can still be nipping at your plants, setting back the progress of new buds, flowers and leaves. On today’s Garden Basics, we have late winter and early spring frost protection tips for your new and established plants. Thinking of growing sweet potatoes? Good idea! Sweet potatoes are drought- and heat-tolerant and have few pests or diseases. Sweet potatoes are low in calories and very nutritious, a good source of beta-carotene, protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C and other minerals. They can be stored longer than winter squash. More commonly grown in the South and west because they require warm weather, northern regions can have success with select varieties. But for a successful crop of this warm season favorite, you need to get started now, indoors. We revisit the info you need to grow sweet potatoes. 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. Let’s go! Links: Got a garden question? All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 04, 2022 |
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172. Old Potting Soil Is Your Friend (But Your Friend Could Use a Little Help)
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It’s that time of year. You’re thinking about what to plant in your spring and summer garden. You’re looking at all those empty plant containers in your yard and asking yourself, what flowers or vegetables should I grow? But are those containers really empty? If you still have last year’s potting soil in those containers, you might be wondering, do I need to toss that expensive soil into the garden and buy brand new potting soil? Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, answers with a firm, “Go ahead and use it again!” However, that old potting soil needs some rejuvenation first. We have tips for making that old potting act like new again. Yes, old, used potting soil is your friend. But it needs some tender, loving, care to help you have a bountiful garden of food and flowers in 2022. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Kellogg Garden Products (quality soils and fertilizers, for when you need it) Got a garden question? All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Mar 01, 2022 |
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171. Flowering Fruit Trees. Planting Fruit Trees in Pulp Pots.
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Deciduous fruit trees are starting to wake from their winter slumber in warmer areas of the United States, with the rest soon to follow. Why not bring some of that flower show indoors? Today, we get tips on how to get fruit tree branches and other spring flowering plants to bloom on your dining room table, as well as tips for spring flowering shrubs and trees that will look great in your landscape. Also stirring to life with the change in the weather are gardeners heading to nurseries, shopping for deciduous fruit trees to plant. Many of those trees now come, not as bare root plants, but already planted in pulp pots. Can you just plunge that pulp pot, tree and all, into the ground? Or do you need to remove it from the pot first? We get tips to do it via either method, in this encore segment from December 2020. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Feb 25, 2022 |
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170. Buying a Greenhouse? Ask Yourself These Questions First
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I’ve been spending a lot of time in the greenhouse lately, starting tomato, pepper and onion seeds. You don’t have to be a gardener for very long to realize the advantages of having a backyard hobby greenhouse. It's an ideal place to start seeds, get cuttings to root. A greenhouse is also great for overwintering tender plants. Pictured: Links: Greenhouse accessories: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Feb 22, 2022 |
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169. More Vegetable Winners for Your 2022 Garden
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Keep your seed catalogs open! Today, we pick up where we left off on the last episode of Garden Basics (168) where we were talking with Master Gardener Gail Pothour at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center about the All-America Selections vegetable varieties that did well over the years here in Northern California. Many of those varieties received national recognition, too. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Got a garden question? Farmer Fred website: Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Feb 18, 2022 |
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168. Award Winning Vegetable Varieties to Try in 2022
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If this is the year that you start your vegetable garden from seeds, you have some choices to make before too long. Which tomato, pepper, squash, melon, eggplant and okra varieties should you plant? We talk with vegetable expert and Master Gardener Gail Pothour about the All America Vegetable selections that have been the top performers for her and other Master Gardeners. And we will have a review of the cool season All America Selections vegetable varieties that did well. Plus a preview of the enticing 2022 vegetable seed varieties that will be newly available this year, as well. Okra, did I say okra? If for no other reason, you’ll want to grow it for its beautiful flowers! We’ll explain. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Feb 15, 2022 |
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167. Is Gravel Gardening Right For You?
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We recently spoke with Andrew Bunting of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society about garden resolutions, and the Philadelphia Flower Show, which will be held this coming June. Go back to Episode 159 of the Garden Basics podcast to find out more about those topics. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Soil Test Kits https://amzn.to/3oZntE3 Online Soil Testing Services: Colorado State University A Primer on the Gravel Gardens at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Wisconsin Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics All About Farmer Fred: Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Feb 11, 2022 |
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166 Roses vs Weeds. Transplanting Tips.
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Winter rose care season is here for many of us. Besides pruning, weed killing may be on your list of things to do in the rose bed. But before you reach for that spray bottle of weed killer, listen to what Master Rosarian Charlotte Owendyk has to say. Plus, she has alternatives for thwarting weeds among your rose bushes. It’s also the time of year for transplanting many perennials and shrubs. Debbie Flower, our favorite retired college horticulture professor, goes through the how’s and the why’s to transplant successfully. And perhaps to your surprise, she is a fan of using strictly native soil when it comes to transplanting perennials and shrubs. And it has to do with watering. She explains. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Feb 08, 2022 |
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165 Garden Tool Care & Selection
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Yes, it is a little late for a New Year’s Resolution, but here’s one that is better employed late than never: take better care of your garden tools. And, It’s not just keeping them clean. On today’s episode of Garden Basics, Debbie Flower gets into the how’s and why’s of properly maintaining your garden tools…including storage and sharpening advice…and yes, the proper cleaning of your tools. Plus, we have tips for choosing quality garden tools to begin with. 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 we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: And thank you for listening. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Feb 04, 2022 |
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164 Citrus Fruit Picking Tips. Winter Garden Cleanup.
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For many backyard gardeners right now in USDA Zone 9, it’s citrus fruit harvest time. And before you know it, everybody will be in fruit picking mode come summer. Do you have the right equipment for harvesting fruit? Do you know the best ways to do it to help insure that the fruit will last longer in the kitchen? We talk with a fruit picking expert who has organized a tree fruit gleaning program that collects unwanted fresh fruit from backyard gardens and distributes it to the needy. Also, just because it’s winter, that doesn’t mean all you get to do is sit indoors and sharpen your tools. Although that is a good idea, your yard could use a little winterizing cleanup to thwart this spring and summer’s pest problems. We have quick tips, on this, the first episode of Season 3, and we're back to twice a week podcasts, dropping on Tuesdays and Fridays! 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s get started! Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible l Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Feb 01, 2022 |
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163 Speedy, Successful Seed Germinating Tips
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'Tis the season for expectant backyard gardeners. You’ve begun to sow seeds of warm season annuals and vegetables indoors, especially pepper and tomato seeds. But when will those little seeds begin to show their heads above the soil? As always, it depends. On today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, our favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, has tips for speeding up seed germination rates, especially for those pokey pepper seeds, which normally could take up to three weeks to sprout! But, it takes a combination of tactics to be a successful speedy plant parent. It involves bleach, the right containers, heat, the correct application of water, the right soil mix, proper air movement and H2O2. Welcome back to high school chemistry class, kids. But, you can do it! Today, it’s speedy, successful seed germination tips, especially for the pokey peppers. 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. And we will do it all in a skosh over 30 minutes (more like 40 minutes). Let’s get started! Pictured: Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jan 28, 2022 |
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162 'Prune'-ciples: Rose Pruning Tips for Maximum Roses!
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In USDA Zones 8, 9 and 10, it’s Rose Pruning Season! And soon enough after frost season passes, everyone else across the country will be faced with the challenge of tackling an overgrown, aging, rose bush. How best to prune that rose bush to regain maximum rose production? We talk with a Master Rosarian who knows. We’ve got rose pruning tips, as well as advice for the best pruning tools to use and clothes to wear while pruning those prickly roses. 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. And we will do it all in a bit over 30 minutes. Let’s get started! Pictured: Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com
Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jan 21, 2022 |
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161 Succulent Tips. Starting a School Garden.
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You can grow them indoors and outdoors; they’re easy to care for; and, are very unique and colorful! But which ones are the easiest to care for? We’re talking about succulents today with renowned expert Robin Stockwell. Starting a school garden, or even a home school garden? Which plants and concepts should you consider before turning that first shovelful of soil? We’re going back to school, with Debbie Flower, who knows a thing or two about school gardens. 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. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s get started! Pictured: Links: The Book: Succulents, the ultimate guide to choosing designing and growing 200 easy care plants" by Robin Stockwell Resources for Starting a School Garden California Natives for a Hedgerow Bring on the Bees! Year-Round Plants to Attract Pollinators More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jan 14, 2022 |
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160 Garden Basics Greatest Hits, 2021 - All About Tomatoes!
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Welcome to the new year, and our latest Greatest Hits episode, featuring those segments that you spent the most time enjoying, in record numbers in 2021. Among the top listened to segments last year included a lot about tomatoes. In fact, the top 5 listened-to segments on the garden basics podcast had to do with tomatoes. That makes this 2021 Greatest Hits episode of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast one that just might answer most of your tomato questions, from seed planting all the way to harvest. If you know anyone just starting out in gardening, who might be growing their very first tomato plant in 2022, have them listen to this, Episode 160 of Garden Basics: 2021’s Greatest Hits - All About Tomatoes. 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. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jan 07, 2022 |
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159 Garden Resolutions. Heavenly Bamboo.
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Eat less sugar. Eat more fiber. Eat out of the garden more! Have you set your New Year’s resolutions yet? We’ll talk with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Andrew Bunting about some good gardening habits to start in 2022. And we will do it all in way over 30 minutes, because there's a lot to talk about. Happy New Year! Let’s go! Pictured: Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Dec 31, 2021 |
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158 Life is Too Short To Put Up with a Problem Plant. The Holly
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Life, as I am fond of saying, is too short to put up with a problem plant. Today, the very alive Debbie Flower, who is no problem at all, talks about when to pull the plug on the dying plants in your garden, including some organ harvesting tips when it comes to tomato plants who have overstayed their welcome at your garden party. Plus, we have tips for choosing and storing those cool season fruit favorites, persimmons, apples and citrus. Merry Christmas! The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden’s Superintendent Emeritus, Warren Roberts, is in the holiday mood, with everything you want to know about the Plant of the Week, holly. Including information about a holly variety that will literally make you upchuck. Even its name implies as much. Podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s Episode 158 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in way over 30 minutes. Consider it your Christmas bonus. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Dec 24, 2021 |
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157 Composting Tips. The Cyclamen
1950
A listener in St. Louis wrote in to ask, “Is it OK to put the stems and leaves of what’s left of the summer vegetable garden in a compost pile?” Retired college horticulture professor Debbie Flower answers: it depends! We take a deep dive into composting basics today. Podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s episode 157 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in just 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Dec 17, 2021 |
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156 Heavy Rain vs. Garden Irrigation. Air Pruning. The Cotoneaster
1920
Did you ever pull a sick, root-bound plant out of a too-small plastic or ceramic container and look at the root ball? All those thick roots, going round and round, along the sides and throughout the bottom? All those thick roots are impeding the flow of water and fertilizer throughout the plant’s root zone, which may be why that plant was sick! We talk with Smart Pots president Kurt Reiger about how their fabric plant containers don’t let that happen to your plants! It’s called air pruning. We’ll explain. Retired college horticulture professor Debbie Flower answers a listener’s question: how soon should you water your garden after a big rainstorm? It depends. She has tips for using Soil Moisture Meters , too. The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden’s Superintendent Emeritus, Warren Roberts, tells us about the Plant of the Week, a shrub that puts on its show in the winter with colorful berries, the cotoneaster. Podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s episode 156 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in just over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Got a garden question? All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Dec 10, 2021 |
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155 Battling Bermudagrass. The Persimmon Tree.
2112
Farmer Fred Garden Rule #1: Bermudagrass is forever. You think I’m kidding? Ask any gardener who is battling this triple threat weed, which can reproduce and spread via seed, stems and rootstocks. Retired college horticulture professor Debbie Flower gives us some ideas for control and suppression tactics when battling bermudagrass (please note, I did NOT say, eradicate). The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden’s Superintendent Emeritus, Warren Roberts, tells us about a tree that has it all: great fall color, an interesting form, and tasty fruit this time of year. It’s our Plant of the Week, the Persimmon Tree. Podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s episode 155 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Got a garden question? All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Dec 03, 2021 |
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154 Why Lawns? Puncturevine Control. Liquidambar Tree
2030
One gardening trend that is beginning to take hold throughout the country is reducing the size of your lawn. What is our attraction to lawns in the first place? We talk with author Thomas Mickey. He wrote the book, "America’s Romance with the English Garden". Retired college horticulture professor Debbie Flower discusses a nasty weed, especially disliked by barefoot children and mountain bikers, puncture vine. And, the UC Davis Arboretum Superintendent Emeritus, Warren Roberts, tells us about an outstanding, widely planted tree for fall color, the Sweet Gum, also known as the Liquidambar tree. But it certainly has its drawbacks. It’s our Plant of the Week! Podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s episode 154 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: More episodes and info (including transcripts) available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Got a garden question? All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Nov 26, 2021 |
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153 Controlling Oxalis Weeds. The Ginkgo Tree.
1616
Just as all gardening is local, all weeds are local, too. And we are hearing from many of you about your yard’s nightmare weeds, especially ones that can be mistaken for clover, and you let it go…until it starts taking over. It’s oxalis, and its close relatives, creeping wood sorrel, and bermuda buttercup, and another weed that crashes the oxalis family parties, bur clover. Debbie Flower and I feel your pain on this one. And UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden’s Superintendent Emeritus, Warren Roberts, tells us about one of the best trees for its brilliant yellow leaves this time of year, the Ginkgo. It’s our Plant of the Week! Podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s episode 153 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: UCANR Guide to Woodsorrel and Bermuda Buttercup Weed Control More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Nov 19, 2021 |
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152 Green Tomato Ripening Tips. Mulch vs Roots. Mums
1997
Some of you, especially in USDA Zone 9 where freezing temperatures haven’t occurred yet, you may still have green and partially red tomatoes, clinging to life, in your backyard garden. Will they ripen? And as always, the answer is: it depends. One listener from Virginia wants to know if that pile of mulch near her maple tree can be moved. Her concern: the roots of the tree have invaded that mulch pile…and, there’s a bunch of suspicious stringy white stuff inside that mulch pile, as well. We start digging into the answer for that one with our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower. And UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden’s Superintendent Emeritus, Warren Roberts, tells us all about a perennial that’s putting on quite the show right now for many of you: the chrysanthemum. And he explains why you do not want to present a bouquet of mums to your sweetheart. It’s our Plant of the Week! Podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s episode 152 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. Don’t hate me for that. Pictured: Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Got a garden question? All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Nov 12, 2021 |
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151 Harvesting Popcorn. All About Pumpkins.
1822
Today we feature two garden crops that may still be lingering at your place, outdoors or indoors. It’s popcorn and pumpkins. It’s episode 151 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Don't forget: November through January, look for new Garden Basics episodes each Friday. In February, we're back to twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred and The Garden Basics with Far Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Nov 05, 2021 |
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150 Field Bindweed Control. Generator Safety Tips
1636
Gardeners everywhere have a certain weed that drives them up the wall. Today, we talk about one that can literally climb a wall: field bindweed. Although it's in the morning glory family, don’t be fooled by its pretty, white flowers. Field bindweed needs to be controlled as soon as you see it. We have tips for tackling field bindweed. Power outages hit both the west and east coasts recently, due to massive storms. Many of you may have invested in your first generator to help keep your harvested frozen food properly cold. Or you discovered a need to plug in your electric chainsaw to clean up a downed tree in your yard. We talk with a generator expert, he has advice for keeping that generator running when you need it. Podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s episode 150 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhof Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 29, 2021 |
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149 Tomato Seedling Tips. The Marigold.
1832
Today we tackle a question from a listener who asks, why were my tomato seedlings last spring so skinny? Debbie Flower and I run through all the possibilities, and it turned out to be a very good tomato seed planting primer, something to keep in mind when you’re starting tomato seeds indoors next January, February or March. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from quali Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 26, 2021 |
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148 Lawn Reseeding Tips. Persimmons.
1780
Late October may be your last, best opportunity for overseeding a poorly performing lawn here in USDA Zone 9. Your next opportunity across the U.S. will be next spring. In either case, we tackle a listener’s questions about the best way to go about the process of rehabbing your lawn. College Horticulture Professor (retired) Debbie Flower has some great tips on that topic. Also, we discuss a great piece of fruit that is ripening right now: Japanese persimmons. Phil Pursel of Dave Wilson Nursery has advice for growing and choosing those varieties that won’t make your mouth pucker. Podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s episode 148 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 22, 2021 |
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147 Salt Heliotrope weed. "Autumn Joy" Sedum. Water Trough Gardening
1472
Today we tackle a widespread beautiful weed whose cousin is a rather desirable plant. The weed? Salt Heliotrope, a close relative of the widely cultivated common heliotrope. And you don’t want the salt heliotrope growing around your desirable plants. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 19, 2021 |
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146 Houseplant Fertilizers. No Beans?!?
1446
Master Gardener and Professional Houseplant Expert Lori Ann Asmus of Emerald City Interior Landscape Services talks about the pros and cons of fertilizing your houseplants, as well as problems you might face using some tap waters on your houseplants. College Horticulture Professor (retired) Debbie Flower sheds light on one listener’s dilemma: great looking pole bean plants, but no beans this year! Debbie lists several possibilities that could be the culprit. Podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s episode 146 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: House Plant Fertilizers and supplements mentioned on this episode: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube Subscribe to the free, Garden Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 15, 2021 |
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145 Harvesting Popcorn. Autumn Sage
1480
Major League Baseball playoffs have started, and you know what that means? It’s time to harvest your popcorn! However, it’s still not ready for eating. How do you know when it’s ready to be popped? We have the popcorn harvesting tips for you today. The Plant of the Week is widely adaptable throughout the West, the South, and up through the Carolinas and Virginia. Salvia, the sage plant. In particular, we are talking about the autumn sage, Salvia greggii, a real hummingbird magnet. Starting a new lawn in USDA Zone 9 now? Are watering restrictions thwarting your efforts? There’s a way around that. It’s on episode 145 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Smart Pots More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. And thank you for Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 12, 2021 |
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144 Using Wood Ash in Your Garden. Easy Healthy Soil Tips.
1360
Is wood ash good for the garden soil? Our favorite college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, answers decisively with, “it depends”. She has tips to help you decide if your soil will benefit from the addition of wood ash. She also tackles the topic of ash from nearby wildfires falling on your garden. Good or bad? And we talk with Organic Gardening expert Steve Zien about how you can achieve better soil starting this time of year, with a lot less work. His tips might even allow you to skip the tedious chore of crop rotation each year! It’s all on episode 144 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 08, 2021 |
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143 Wind vs. Your Garden. The Goldenrod.
1337
If you have a lot of leaning trees and shrubs on your property, chances are there’s an ill wind blowing around your home. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has some ideas on helping your plants survive, even thrive, is areas with persistent winds. UC Davis Arboretum Superintendent Emeritus, Warren Roberts, tells us about a popular, fall-blooming Plant of the Week, the Goldenrod, also known as Solidago. And as you will find out, it’s nothing to sneeze at. It’s on episode 143 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 05, 2021 |
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142 Cut Flower Display Tips. How to Water a Houseplant
1831
About a year ago, on Episode 52, retired college horticulture professor Debbie Flower gave us a beginning class on having a cut flower garden. Today, we graduate to more tips on successful cut flower care, including how to cut an outdoor plant to bring indoors so that it will last a long time. Plus, Debbie has a homemade recipe for a floral preservative that will help that display last even longer. And since we’re indoors, Master Gardener and professional houseplant expert Lori Ann Asmus tells us the best ways to make sure your houseplants are watered correctly. It’s all on episode 142 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Debbie Flower's Home Recipe for Floral Preservative. Mix together:
Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. And thank you for listening. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Oct 01, 2021 |
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141 Controlling Nutgrass. The Michaelmas Daisy.
1551
Pull one nutsedge weed from your lawn or garden, and nine more will come to the funeral. Nutsedge, also called nutgrass, is tough to control. And one of the worse things you can do is to pull it out of the ground. Former college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has some better ideas on how to control this wide-spread weed. Links: More episodes, info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 28, 2021 |
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140 Avocados for Marginal Climates. How to Be a Better Observational Gardener.
1584
One Garden Basic we need to stress more on this podcast is this: to head off major plant problems, observe your garden, carefully. Retired college horticulture professor Debbie Flower talks about some mental exercises she taught her students to become better observational gardeners. Links: Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. And thank you for listening. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 24, 2021 |
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139 Fall Organic Lawn Care Tips. The Gaillardia
1799
If you live in a mild winter climate, mid-September through mid-October is the best time to care for or renovate your lawn. We get organic lawn care tips from organic landscaper, Steve Zien. Links: Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. And thank you for listening. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 21, 2021 |
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138 Worm Bin Basics. Grape Varieties Worth a Try.
1755
You’ve heard on this podcast many times the benefits of using worm castings, which some people consider the best soil amendment. Just listen to Episode 107 about that. But maybe you’ve seen the price of worm castings at the nursery, and your hesitant. How about growing your own worm castings? Today, we find out how to set up your own worm bin to harvest the freshest worm castings possible. Plus, we find out about five grape varieties, both table grapes and wine grapes, that you may want to grow yourself. It’s all on episode 138 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 17, 2021 |
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137 Aphid Control Tips. Cool Season Vegs. The Petunia.
1649
We have a listener named Cindy. Cindy doesn’t like aphids. Cindy HATES aphids. If you’re a gardener, too, you probably aren’t very fond of this plant sucking insect, either. We have aphid control tips today. Also, it’s cool season vegetable planting time, we have a list of coast to coast winners for your garden. And, the Plant of the Week. It’s everywhere this time of year, for a good reason: they seem to always be in bloom. The petunia. We will tell you all about it, on Episode 137 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 14, 2021 |
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136 Battling Gophers. Cucumber Problems.
1756
There is one four-legged pest that ravages gardens and orchards throughout the West, the mid-West and the South: Pocket gophers. So named for the furry pouches outside its mouth that can store food, pocket gophers can destroy the bark and roots of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs from its underground tunnel systems. Today, we talk with a gopher control expert on which tactics work, and which don’t work, to control gophers. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 10, 2021 |
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135 Easy Houseplants. Mulch Worries. The Gardenia.
1747
We all know someone who complains that they have killed every houseplant they have ever owned. Today, we talk with a houseplant professional who has a list of five nearly impossible to kill houseplants! We’ve talked about the benefits of using chipped and shredded tree limbs as mulch. Are there any tree varieties that you should avoid? College horticulture professor Debbie Flower has the tips. It’s on episode 135 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Book: Ortho's Complete Guide to Successful Houseplants More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 07, 2021 |
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134 Smoke vs Your Garden. Know Your USDA Zones. Plant Protection Preparation.
1788
Many gardeners in the western United States are breathing in wildfire smoke. So are your plants. What does smoke and falling ash do to the health of a plant? And what can you do about it? And, oddly enough, there are some benefits to that pollution. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Sep 03, 2021 |
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133 Japanese Beetle Control Tips. The Oxblood Lily.
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Rachel in Indiana contacted us via Speakpipe with a question that many gardeners might have: How do you control Japanese beetles? This voracious pest feeds of hundreds of plants, especially your roses. We talk with a Master Rosarian who has control tips. Links: Japanese Beetles Control Information (3): More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and tell your gardening friends! Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 31, 2021 |
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132 Veggie Overload? Slow to Grow Plants?
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I love late August, because the backyard food garden is at its peak. Everywhere, there’s tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, peaches, melons and so much more that fill the garden beds. Perhaps too much? We have a great idea on what to do with all that produce that you can’t keep up with. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Sign up for the new Garden Basics newsletter, on Substack (https://fredf82.substack.com). Free! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 27, 2021 |
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131 Grape Growing Tips. Carrot Varieties. The Autumn Daffodil, Sternbergia
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It’s grape harvest season across the country. Disappointed with your results? This week, College Horticulture Professor (retired) Debbie Flower, who taught classes in growing grapes, has lots of good tips to increase your grape production. Carrots now come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. We talk with Renee Shepherd of Renee’s Garden seed company about growing backyard carrots. And Warren Roberts of the UC Davis Arboretum talks about an easy to grow bulb, the Sternbergia, also known as the Autumn Daffodil. It’s all on episode 131 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links me Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 24, 2021 |
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130 Ease Fertilizing Chores with Fertigation
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How are you fertilizing your plants? Do you go out every month, or every week, with a watering can, fertilizer and a teaspoon? Or, are you tossing granules on the ground around your plants and then raking them gently into the soil, without harming your plants, of course, and then watering in those fertilizer granules? Time consuming! Want some time back to do something else? Then, today’s podcast is for you. It’s all about fertigation. We’ll explain, on episode 130 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe and share with other gardeners! Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 20, 2021 |
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129 Cool Season Quick Maturing Vegetables. The Oleander. Pot Size Matters!
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There are a lot of great cool season vegetables that you can start right now. For those of you who worry about a mid-Fall frost or freeze grinding your garden to a halt, or for those of you who just want to grow vegetables in a hurry, today’s show features a selection of healthy edibles that will give you a harvestable crop in under 60 days. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 17, 2021 |
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128 Straw Bale Gardening Basics. The Yezberry plant.
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Thinking of gardening a bit differently, using bales of straw? Straw bales have several gardening advantages, including working in your garden while standing up. Straw bales can be located wherever you have a sunny spot for sun-loving vegetables, and they can last… if you follow a few important steps. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 13, 2021 |
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127 Summer Tomato Troubleshooting. The Naked Lady.
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How’s your tomato garden doing? Now that it’s summer, most of the early season tomato issues are waning: fewer aphids and whiteflies (we hope) and less blossom end rot. In its place are a wide variety of other tomato troubles that eminate from our longer, hotter days. We do some summertime tomato troubleshooting today. Also, we answer a listener’s concern about crop rotation in a mixed planting of flowers and vegetables. Can the two peacefully coexist? Perhaps. And the Plant of the Week: naked ladies! That’s the unfortunate common name for the summer flowering bulb, the Amaryllis belladonna. But they are beautiful in their bare state. It’s all on episode 127 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 10, 2021 |
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126 Jumping Worms! Human Food vs. Plants
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One day, you might be doing a little digging in your garden, and up comes a worm. But it’s not just any worm. This one is easily identified by its violent thrashing about, slithering, and actual jumping in the air. Say hello to the Jumping Worm, also known as the Crazy Worm. And it’s not a garden good guy. The jumping worm is a pest with a voracious appetite for all the things that helps your soil thrive. And it is slithering it way across the country. We have tips for dealing with the jumping worm. Also: if you’re in the habit of pouring beer or coffee or milk on your plants, you’re probably not doing them much good, if any. Garden Myths expert Robert Pavlis runs down the kitchen staples that should probably be left in the kitchen. It’s all on episode 126 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 06, 2021 |
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125 Lavender. Crape Myrtle Tree. Harvesting and Storing Fruits and Vegetables
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Growing lavender? Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has tips on how to rejuvenate aging lavender plants. UC Davis Arboretum Superintendent Emeritus Warren Roberts tells us all about that prolific summer bloomer, the crape myrtle tree. How can you tell when is best for harvesting backyard fruits and vegetables? And, when you bring them inside, where’s the best place to store them to last the longest? On the counter, in the refrigerator, or some combination of both? We supply the answers to those questions for some of the most popular backyard crops. It’s all on episode 125 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Aug 03, 2021 |
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124 Mulching the Easy Way. Tomatillo pollination. Breaking Up Clay Soil and Hardpan.
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Mulching your garden beds provides many benefits: it moderates moisture loss and soil temperature fluctuations; it inhibits weed production; and fertilization chores are reduced because mulch feeds the soil as it breaks down. The hard part, of course, has been spreading that mulch throughout your garden on a regular basis. Today we talk with a noted international garden expert on easing your mulching chores greatly, using his cut and drop method. Today’s garden questions tackle tomatillo production issues, and how to improve clay soil while breaking up the hard pan layers below. It’s all on episode 124 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 30, 2021 |
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123 Droopy Cucumbers. Dahlias. Butterfly Bush.
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Summer heat can cause many plants’ leaves to droop on a hot afternoon. Does this pose a particular problem for cucumbers? Will that stress effect the cucumber flavor? Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has the answers to your cucumber questions. It’s all on episode 123 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Face Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 27, 2021 |
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122 Summer Veggie Redo. Watering tips. Cover Crop Prep.
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Maybe you’ve had some bad luck with your summer vegetable garden, and you want to start over. Is late July too late for warm season veggies? Yes, and no. We have tips for what to plant in the middle of the summer. One reason a garden might be failing now, and it’s the top reason: improper irrigation. We have advice for watering smartly to keep your garden thriving. Thinking ahead, what are you going to do with your vegetable and flower beds later this year? Now’s the time to start planning for cover crops. It’s all on episode 122 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 23, 2021 |
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121 Mix Up Your Plants! Daylilies. Japanese Maples. Pine Needle Mulch.
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We’ve talked about the importance of rotating your food crops. The same is true for much of the rest of your landscape. How’s that? Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, will explain. During July, we are giving away Smart Pots when listeners submit audio questions. If we use it on the podcast, you will be getting a new, six foot long, Smart Pot raised bed fabric planter! Just like Amanda from the Sierra foothills, who is wondering how to use all those pine needles on her property. The Plant of the Week is a gorgeous flowering perennial that can be grown throughout most of the United States, and it’s edible, too. The daylily, also known as Hemerocallis. Also, a primer on growing Japanese maple trees from an expert. It’s all on episode 121 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 20, 2021 |
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120 How a Tree Works. Dahlia Rescue!
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Trees are subject to many problems, including insects, diseases, weather-related issues…but probably the biggest threat to the trees in your yard…is you. From the day you plant that tree until its demise, you may not be helping it live a healthy life in so many ways. Master Gardener and Urban Forester Pam Bone talks about how a tree works, and what we can do to keep it healthy by knowing how your trees actually function. It’s on episode 120 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Smart Pots More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 16, 2021 |
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119 How to Grow Passion Fruit. The Golden Raintree.
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During July, we are giving away Smart Pots when listeners’ submit audio questions. If we use it on the podcast, you will be getting a new, six foot long Smart Pot raised bed fabric planter! Just like Eyal from the San Francisco Bay Area, who is wondering why his passion fruit flowers fell off. We’ll dive into the world of passion fruit today. Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 13, 2021 |
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118 Attracting Pollinators. Wasp: Friend or Foe? Mystery Fungus.
1678
We do a deep dive into your garden questions on this episode. We attempt to identify a giant wasp in a listener’s yard. It’s all on episode 118 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Smart Pots More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 09, 2021 |
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117 All About Smart Pots. The Asian Lotus Flower.
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Today we find out more details about using a certain fabric plant container in your garden. Of course, it’s Smart Pots, which is no ordinary fabric container. Did you know they come in a wide variety of sizes and can stay much cooler in the summer heat versus other plant containers? And we will find out why Smart Pots are perfect for the organic gardener. It’s all on episode 117 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 06, 2021 |
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116 Less Water for Fruit Trees. Growing Citrus in Containers.
1803
Facing watering restrictions during this drought? We have great tips on how to be able to apply less water to your fruit trees and still have a bountiful harvest! More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jul 02, 2021 |
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115 Firescaping. Plant of the Week: Hydrangeas.
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Summertime, and the living is uneasy…if you live in an area prone to wildfires. And it’s not just California. People throughout the United States who are living in rural areas or where the suburbs meet the wildland face danger from rapidly moving wildfires. Today, we’re talking how to prepare your landscape for such an event. It’s called firescaping, and we will talk with one of the nation’s preeminent authorities on how to make your home and yard more resistant to flying, burning embers. The Plant of the Week is a very popular summertime bloomer throughout the country, the hydrangea. We have tips for growing this colorful, commonly found shrub. It’s all on episode 115 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 29, 2021 |
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114 Benefits of Crop Rotation. Working with Clay Soil.
1770
Crop rotation isn’t just for farmers. Backyard gardeners can improve their food and flower production while improving their soil at the same time, simply by moving plant families from bed to bed each season. College horticulture professor Debbie Flower has the lowdown on the advantages of crop rotation. If your clay soil has you worried that it’s not very good for a garden, worry no more. Soils specialist Steve Zien says there are a lot of benefits to gardening with clay soil, and he has tips for improving it, as well. It’s on episode 114 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 25, 2021 |
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113 Avocado Growing Tips. The Coral Yucca.
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If you live in USDA Zone 9, chances are you have attempted to grow an avocado tree. Sure, it’s easy…if you live in Santa Barbara, Ventura or San Diego, where the temperature range is between 50 and 85 degrees, usually. But for the rest of us, growing avocados is a challenge. Tom Spellman of Dave Wilson Nursery says he can make it a heck of a lot easier for you to grow backyard avocados throughout USDA Zone 9. He has tips. And the Plant of the Week is a low water use succulent that attracts squadrons of hummingbirds: the coral yucca. Warren Roberts of the UC Davis Arboretum tells us all about it. It’s all on episode 113 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 22, 2021 |
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112 Does Mulch Rob Soil Nitrogen?
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Making the rounds in gardening pages on social media: mulch will rob your soil of nitrogen. College horticulture professor Debbie Flower (retired) and I do a deep dive into the mulch pile to explore that rampant rumor. Links: Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 18, 2021 |
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111 Tips for Establishing Low Water-Use Plants. The Smoke Tree. Tart Cherries.
1840
Much of the Western United States, right now, is under extreme drought conditions. Watering restrictions are already being established in many places. If this is the new normal, and you want a landscape, low-water use plants, especially native plants, may be part of your future. But just because they will eventually become able to thrive with less water, they still will need regular watering after planting for a short time. Today, we talk about the watering precautions necessary when putting in low water use plants. And the Plant of the Week is a plant that does its best in poor soil, and puts on a show for an extended period throughout its wide growing region: the smoke tree. Plus we’re talking the best tart cherry varieties to plant, It’s all on episode 111 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 15, 2021 |
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110 Tomato Troubleshooter Part 2. Harvesting Garlic
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Last time, here on the Garden Basics podcast, we were talking about Tomato Troubleshooting with Don Shor, owner of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We talked about dealing with blossom end rot, sunburn issues and problematic watering, which can cause your tomatoes to suffer. Today, it’s Tomato Troubleshooter 2021, Part 2, with Don. We’ll delve into the scary world of tomato hornworms and fruit worms, beautiful but deadly diseases such as late blight, wilts. And, more troublesome tomato critters, such as the leaf-footed stink bug. On a happier note, it’s coming up to garlic harvest time! We have tips for getting the garlic out of the ground and into storage…and that takes awhile. It’s all on episode 110 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 11, 2021 |
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109 Tomato Troubleshooter, 2021 Pt1. Feather Grass.
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Gardeners around the northern hemisphere have their tomato plants in the ground. They’re growing, but some of them are developing problems, already! Why are there cracks appearing in the tomatoes? Why is the skin yellowing? And what is that big ugly brown spot on the bottom of the tomato? What’s a gardener to do? Today, it’s Tomato Troubleshooter 2021, Part 1. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 08, 2021 |
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108 Water Trough Gardening
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Using livestock water troughs to grow plants is a great idea. You can grow just about anything from food crops to flowers, shrubs and even small trees or bamboo. Livestock water troughs, also called stock tanks, come in various sizes, and many have plugs along the side to allow for drainage. And you can always improve the drainage by drilling several one-inch diameter holes in the bottom. Painting the troughs can help reflect the heat and the color can blend in better with your outdoor decor. And, of course, you can custom mix the soil for a watering trough, to fit the exact needs of whatever you might be growing. An acidic soil for blueberries, for example. We’ll have a recipe for that today. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 04, 2021 |
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107 Worm Castings. Poppies. Supermarket vs Homegrown Nutrition
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You’ve seen it with the bagged soils goods at the nursery: worm castings. What role should they play in your garden? Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Jun 01, 2021 |
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106 Should You Remove the First Tomato? White Knockout Apricot.
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Another dubious garden idea is making the rounds on social media: if you prune out the first tomato you see on your plant, you’ll get more tomatoes as a result. Fact or Myth? We explore that with retired college horticuture professor Debbie Flower. Ed Laivo from TomorrowsHarvest.com is back on Fabulous Fruit Friday, with a white apricot variety. A white apricot? Yes. And it’s delicious, too. Plus, Ed talks about where you can find more information, including videos, about the benefits of summer pruning of your peach, nectarine, plum, apricot, apple and other deciduous fruit trees. It’s all on episode 106 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Tomorrow's Harvest. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text or call us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening also to the Green Acres Garden Podcast with Farmer Fred . All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 28, 2021 |
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105 High Chill Apples for Low Chill Areas. Plant of the Week: Weigela
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High chill apples. Known for their great flavor, these apples that supposedly require a lot of cold winter temperatures to thrive, are finding a new home. Trials in southern California, in areas that seldom get below freezing, are proving to be a good place for several high chill apple varieties. Tom Spellman of Dave Wilson Nursery tells us about some great tasting apples that should now be grown more often in USDA Zones 9 and 10. The Plant of the Week is a very popular, widely adaptable shrub with a lavish springtime display of funnel shaped, one inch long reddish-colored flowers, the weigela. It’s all on episode 105 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 25, 2021 |
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104 Fabulous Fruit Friday - The Shiranui Mandarin. Cicadas vs. Your Garden
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What’s all that buzzing going on in many parts of the country right now? It’s the emerging of what is being called Brood X, an unusually large occurrence of cicadas. Are they a threat to your garden? College horticulture teacher Debbie Flower has some thoughts on that. Who doesn’t love a tasty mandarin? One of the most popular right now among grocery store mandarins is a large, lumpy, but incredibly sweet, seedless mandarin. A close relative of that one is the Sharanui mandarin, and many mandarin aficionados claim it’s the best tasting mandarin ever that you can grow at home. That’s according to fruit tree expert Ed Laivo, from Tomorrows harvest dot com. It’s Fabulous Fruit Friday, and Ed is here to talk about this taste treat from Japan. It’s all on Episode 104 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Tomorrows Harvest dot com. Links: Cicada resources: Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text or call us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening also to the Green Acres Garden Podcast with Farmer Fred . All About Farmer Fred: Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 21, 2021 |
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103 Is Fish Fertilizer Safe? The Buckeye Tree.
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Liquid fish fertilizer (fish emulsion), is a popular way to feed your plants. But is it safe to foliar feed your edible greens with it…and then eat those greens? Soil professional Steve Zien advocates for the fishy stuff, along with a dollop of sea weed. And, it's always a good idea to thoroughly rinse and wash all your garden produce before serving it. Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text or call us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening also to the Green Acres Garden Podcast with Farmer Fred . All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 18, 2021 |
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102 Red Baron Peach. Tomatoes in the Shade?
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Looking for a fruit tree with outstanding flowers in the spring? Look no further than the Red Baron peach. It’s Fabulous Fruit Friday, and Ed Laivo is here from TomorrowsHarvest.com to talk about this tasty beauty, with double red flowers in the spring and juicy, juicy peaches in the summer. Should your tomato plants really be in full sun? As we are fond of saying this show, it depends. More and more areas of the country are having unusually hot summers, which means more tomato troubles. Can a bit of shade solve those issues. College horticulture teacher Debbie Flower has some thoughts on that. It’s all on episode 102 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Tomorrows Harvest dot com. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text or call us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening also to the Green Acres Garden Podcast with Farmer Fred . All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 14, 2021 |
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101 Growing Sweet Potatoes. The Peruvian Lily.
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It’s not a baking potato, it’s not a yam, it’s a sweet potato. And it isn’t just for Thanksgiving anymore. You can grow sweet potatoes in your garden for year round eating. Master Gardener Gail Pothour will tell you how. The Plant of the Week is putting on a show right now here in California, and soon across much of the rest of the country, and it’s an excellent cut flower, too: the Peruvian Lily, also known as alstroemeria. Warren Roberts of the UC Davis Arboretum waxes rhapsodic about this plant, although he says it should really be called the Chile Lily. He’ll explain. Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 11, 2021 |
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100 Garden Basics Greatest Hits (So Far)
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Growing a garden is very similar to doing a successful podcast. It takes patience, perseverance and a willingness to try something new. Welcome to Episode 100 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. I began this audio adventure just as sheltering in place was taking hold last spring. Many of you took that opportunity to play in the yard, so to speak, while learning something new, something that can be fun, and healthy, for the entire family. If that was your impetus to seek us out here, welcome to the world of gardening! I see your still at it. Kind of addicting, isn’t it? And for all you long time gardeners, thank you sticking around and helping place the Garden Basics podcast among the top 3% IN THE WORLD. So, to celebrate 100 episodes, let's revisit the Top 3 interviews that we have aired here in just over a year. To no one’s surprise, two of them have to do with tomatoes, the most popular vegetable that’s grown in the United States, and in many other countries, as well. The third most listened-to episode featured a primer about feeding your soil, not your plants. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 07, 2021 |
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099 Ants in Pots. Rose History. Vacation vs. Your Garden
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Ants love to inhabit the soil in your outdoor potted plants. Maybe your indoor plants, too. And they aren’t doing your plants any good. College Horticulture Professor Debbie Flower has tips for getting the ants out of your potted plants. Quote of the Day: Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
May 04, 2021 |
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098 Scarlet Halo Peach. How Long to Water with Drip. Quick Salad Greens.
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Are you familiar with the donut peach? If not, we will tell you all about it, on today’s edition of Fabulous Fruit Fridays. And we will shine the spotlight on one particularly delectable variety, the Scarlet Halo donut peach. Fruit tree expert Ed Laivo of tomorrowsharvest.com tells us all about it. Links: More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text or call us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening also to the Green Acres Garden Podcast with Farmer Fred . All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 30, 2021 |
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097 Grow Fig Trees from Cuttings. Protecting Plants From Heat. Zinnias. The Mock Orange shrub.
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One of the easiest fruit trees to grow are figs. And, for the adventurous gardener, you can start a fig tree from a cutting. We have the details. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text or call us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blo Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 27, 2021 |
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096 O'Henry Peach. Downsizing Fruit Trees. Why Thin Fruit.
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The O’Henry Peach has been popular since its introduction in 1968. It’s a sweet, juicy, long lasting, easy peach tree to grow. A perfect candidate for today’s Fabulous Fruit Friday. Fruit tree expert Ed Laivo of Tomorrow's Harvest tells us all about it. Plus, Ed has step by step instructions for reducing the height of an overgrown fruit tree, taking it down to a more manageable six or seven feet tall. A frequent question new gardeners have: which way should I position my fruit trees or raised beds? North to South or East to West? Good question. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has some ideas on that. Plus, this is the time to be thinning the fruit from your deciduous fruit trees, while the fruit is still small. The advantages of removing fruit so that there’s six inches of space between the remaining pieces of fruit? Bigger, healthier fruit. And fewer broken branches this summer. It’s all on episode 96 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Tomorrow's Harvest. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text or call us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening also to the Green Acres Garden Podcast with Farmer Fred . All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter Ask A FarmerAnswering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 23, 2021 |
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095 Okra Growing Tips. Thwarting Rose Diseases. The Beauty Bush.
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For some gardeners, fresh okra from the summer garden is a taste treat. For other gardeners, who may not appreciate the texture and flavor of okra, it is still worth growing for the beautiful flowers it produces. We have tips for growing okra. Roses are beginning to put their first show of 2021, but several rose diseases may be lurking on your favorite plants. We talk with a Master Rosarian on how to thwart rose diseases such as black spot, powdery mildew and downy mildew. And, the plant of the week is the beauty bush, a widely adaptable 10-foot shrub that Warren Roberts of the UC Davis Arboretum describes as having four seasons of beauty, true to its name. It’s all on episode 95 of the Garden Basics podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Smart Pots More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in Canada Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter |
Apr 20, 2021 |
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094 Blushing Pearl Columnar Peach. Damping Off Disease. Lumpy Lawns?
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Do you want a peach tree that produces sweet juicy white peaches? And, as an added bonus, is narrow growing, only 8 feet wide, something that can be a real benefit for those with limited space to plant a peach tree? Fruit tree expert Ed Laivo of TomorrowsHarvest.com has the answer to your wishes. He tells us about the Blushing Pearl Columnar peach. Plus, tips for planting several peach tree varieties that ripen at different times, giving you fresh, home grown peaches from June through October. If you plant from seed, you may have had first hand experience with damping off disease. That’s where your seedlings look fine one day, but the next day, they’ve collapsed. What happened? College horticulture professor (retired) Debbie Flower tell us how to thwart damping off disease. And, Soils expert Steve Zien has some advice for solving a lumpy lawn. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Tomorrow's Harvest Fruit Ripening Chart More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us |