Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

By Fred Hoffman

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Description

Tips for beginning and experienced gardeners. New episodes arrive every Friday. Fred Hoffman has been a U.C. Certified Master Gardener since 1982 and writes a weekly garden column for the Lodi News-Sentinel in Lodi, CA. A four-decade fixture in Sacramento radio, he hosted three radio shows for Northern California gardeners and farmers: The KFBK Garden Show, Get Growing with Farmer Fred, and the KSTE Farm Hour. Episode Website: https://gardenbasics.net

Episode Date
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!

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: Hudson’s Golden Gem Apple

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

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 

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
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!

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: Squirrel, Birds

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

How to Raise Backyard Honeybees (Ep. 30 of Garden Basics)

Tree Squirrel Controls
Ground Squirrel Controls
Dymondia ground cover
Kurapia ground cover
Mow-Free Turf ground cover
Hybrid Improved Bermudagrass Varieties

Clover as a ground cover

All About Farmer Fred:
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/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

Mar 17, 2023
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!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at our home site , GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.

Pictured: Pam Farley, author - “The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening” 

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Book - The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening
Pam Farley’s website, BrownThumbMama.com
Episode 168-Award Winning Vegetables and Flowers, Pt 1
Episode 169-Award Winning Vegetables and Flowers, Pt 2
Blossom End Rot of Tomatoes (Garden Basics Episode)
Farmer Fred Rant: Tomato Blossom End Rot
 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
Twitter: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics
• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Ask A Farmer
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
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.

Some Topics covered include:
• What is a sure fire way of knowing your plant has overgrown the pot?  It’s a habit you should get into doing on a regular basis. (2:30)

• If a plant is overgrown in a pot, do you need to use a bigger pot? (4:23)

• 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)

• Should you fertilize a newly repotted plant? (26:45)

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 for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Daphne Odora, Winter Daphne. Is it too big for the pot?

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Hori Hori knife
Soil Mixes For Container Gardening (UC)
UC Properties of Soil Mix Components
Farmer Fred Rant: Make Your Own Planting Mix
Dr. Linda Chalker Scott - Soil Structure and Functionality
Raffaele DiLallo author - “Houseplant Warrior”
 

All About Farmer Fred:
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
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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 GardenBasi

Ask A Farmer
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
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.

(1:21) We talk with New York- based aromatherapist Amy Anthony about the power that various aromatic plants can instill in us, making us happier, calmer and braver. Really!

(40:05) Plus, Master Gardener and chef/instructor Andi MacDonald shares her recipe for vegan split pea soup, whose ingredients you might be growing in your garden right now.

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 for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Flower of the ‘Port Wine’ Magnolia figo, the banana shrub.

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

NYC Aromatica website and Essential Aromatica podcast
Split Pea Soup Recipe (Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter)
 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Twitter: @farmerfred

Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred )

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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
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)
How can mulch save you water? (8:32)
Are those extra ingredients in fertilizers and potting soils worth the expense? (17:10)
What’s a good soil recipe for starting seeds? (20:31)
Why is soil pH important? (25:11)
What’s a good soil mix for growing blueberries? (28:21)
How can you get seeds to germinate more quickly? (29:30)
 How can you tell if those old seeds are any good? (31:36)
What is an inexpensive way to protect young plants in the garden in early spring? (34:00)
Are eucalyptus wood chips ok to use in the garden? (36:55)
How do you mulch around irises? (41:45)
Are cedar wood chips ok to use in the garden? (38:28, 43:20)
Why do you need a fan blowing on young indoor seedlings? (45:41) 
How do you control soil grubs? (47:44)

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!

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: A Freezing Brugmansia That Wishes It Was in USDA Zone 10

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
chipdrop.com (free wood chips)
Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott Garden Myths books
The Garden Professors on Facebook

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

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
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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 17, 2023
252 Winter vs Summer Fruit Tree Pruning, Container Drainage, Cool Vegetables
2126

Guest:
Quentyn Young, UC Master Gardener, Orchard Specialist, and Landscape Designer
Topics:
Winter vs Summer Fruit Tree Pruning (1:27)
Tips for Improving Container Drainage (10:17)
Unusual Cool Season Vegetables worth a try now (21:59)

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 for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Late UC Farm Advisor Chuck Ingels winter pruning a nectarine tree.


Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Broccolini
Chinese Broccoli
Sprouting Broccoli
Guylon Chinese Broccoli
Chioggia Beets
White Beets
Watermelon Radish
Icicle Radish
Black Spanish Radish
Salanova Lettuce
Dandelion Greens
 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Twitter: @farmerfred

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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
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 1, in Ep. 248, we talked about how to grow tomatoes. 

 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:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/
Twitter: @FarmerFred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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

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
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!

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: A Food Garden, as seen from the kitchen window

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Farmer Fred Rant: Tips for the First Garden
Landscape Design Tools and References
Dripworks Video Series on Drip Irrigation
Drip Irrigation Kits
Moisture Meters
 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
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

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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
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/

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
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!

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: Tomatoes!

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Redwood Barn Nursery - Don’s Tomato Picks
Farmer Fred Rant Blossom End Rot
Farmer Fred Rant Tomato Garden Advice

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website


Farmer Fred website
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred )

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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
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!

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: A storm-toppled birch tree

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Inspect Landscape Trees For Hazards
Thinning vs Heading Pruning Techniques
Find an arborist at TreesAreGood.org (International Society of Arboriculture)
Find a Consulting Arborist at the American Society of Consulting Arborists
Understanding the 3-cut pruning method and tree branch collars
Sacramento Tree Foundation Pruning Info
PG&E Pruning Near Power Lines
SMUD Tree Protection Near Power Lines
Arbor Day Foundation: Tree Care Tips

Quality Felco Bypass Hand Pruners
Tree Pruning Equipment

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred )

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 06, 2023
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!

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: A bountiful harvest of tomatoes

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society / Philadelphia Flower Show in March
Ample Harvest.org   directory for the closest food pantry/food closet that wants your excess harvest
All-America Selections Award Winners
“The Plant Lovers’ Guide to Magnolias” by Andrew Bunting


All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred )

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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
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!
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: A Gravel Garden

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the Philadelphia Flower Show
Gravel Gardening
Four Plants for More Pollinators and Beneficials


All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred )

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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
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!

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: Dapple Dandy and Flavor Queen  Pluots

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

DWN Harvest Chart for Potted Fruits (berries, grapes, figs)
DWN Harvest Chart for Bare Root Trees
DWN Most Popular Fruit Tree Varieties by State
Top 50 Fruit tree Varieties
Fruit Variety Recommendations
Harvesting Trees at Dave Wilson: the GK Digger
FF Rant: Blueberries in containers: the Soil Mix

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred )

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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
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!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net

Pictured: 2023 AAS Winner, the Zenzei Tomato

Links:
Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter: 2023 AAS Plant Winners

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

AAS Website: 2023 All America Selections Winners

Propagation Mats (Bottom Heat mats for seedlings)
Pepper Germination Tips (Farmer Fred Rant Blog)
Garden Basics podcast: Pepper Germination Tips

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

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
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question?
• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics
• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Ask A Farmer
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
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!

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: Rat Gnawing on Prickly Pear Fruit

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Biochar Info
Biochar
International Biochar Initiative
Roof Rats Info
Baiting for Roof Rats in Orchards
Snap Rat Traps

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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 Farmer
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 02, 2022
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. 

Also, how about growing some nutritious vegetables this winter, indoors, in a sunny window? It’s microgreens, a variety of any edible, leafy crop that you can harvest when they’re just a couple of inches tall, perfect for garnishing soup, salad or a sandwich. Master Gardener Gail Pothour will tell us how to do it. (Originally aired in Ep. 63)

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 for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Microgreens

Links:
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

SOIL TESTS:
U Mass Amherst
Colo. St.
Texas A&M

Do-It-Yourself Soil Testing Equipment
Microgreens Growing Kits
Kitazawa Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Johnny's Microgreens Chart
Microgreen Growing Information

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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 Farmer
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 25, 2022
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!

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: Yukon Gold potatoes

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

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
Renee's Garden: Potatoes
Slow Food Ark of Taste

SOIL TESTS:
U Mass Amherst
Colorado St.
Texas A&M

Conditioning Straw Bales
Sunset National Garden Book

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here

Ask A Farmer
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
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: 
How do you overwinter a pepper plant indoors? 
What are these new bugs on my tomato plants? 
And, a question from a couple of months ago, when we were all stifling in record breaking heat: are there any roses that can tolerate and grow in high temperatures? We gets answers from two of my favorite Debbies: Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington, and America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. And, we get pepper overwintering advice from a professional pepper grower, Dave DeWitt.

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 for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Leaf Footed Bug

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Dave DeWitt's Collection of Pepper Books
Controlling Leaf Footed Bugs (UCIPM)
Hand-Held Insect Vacuum
Sac Digs Gardening Newsletter

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.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.

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.

Ask A Farmer
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
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!

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: Book Cover: "Teaming with Bacteria" by Jeff Lowenfels

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Teaming with Bacteria by Jeff Lowenfels
Plant a Row for the Hungry
Ample Harvest (Directory of food banks and pantries, nationwide)

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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 Farmer
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 04, 2022
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!

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: Bagged Worm Castings

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Journal of Applied Horticulture: “Effect of Storage on Some Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Vermicast”

Epsoma Organic Potting Mix
Eden's Best Organic Earthworm Castings

Curried Pumpkin Soup Recipe available at the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Lea

Ask A Farmer
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 28, 2022
236 Heat vs Fruit Trees. Deer Control.
3542

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!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.

Pictured: Quentyn Young with a heat-stressed 'Stella' Cherry Tree

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/


Cherry Tree Diseases
Quentyn Young Landscaping on Instagram
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
Agribon Shade Cloth/Frost Covers
Leaf Vac/Shredders
Rodale Institute: Make your own Mycorrhizae

 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links.

 

Ask A Farmer
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
235 Horse Manure as Fertilizer? Wildfire Landscaping Tips
3300

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!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net.

Pictured: The Source for Horse Manure

Links:
 Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Video: Wildfire Ember Storm Test on a Typical Home
“Fire in California” Resources and Information
Recommended tree list for wildfire areas in California
Wildfire Preparedness in the Home Landscape
3-Bin Composting Method

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:
The GardenBasics.net website
Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter/Podcast
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Farmer Fred website
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

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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
234 Fall Cleanup. Grow Berries. Winter Mulch
3529

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.
Organic advocate Steve Zien talks about one of the easiest ways to improve your garden soil this winter: mulching with leaves.
Berry plants arrive at many  garden centers in mid to late fall. So, here's how to grow Raspberries and Boysenberries.
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  GardenBasics.net

Links:
Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

UMass/Amherst Soil Testing
Colo St. Soil Testing
Hori Hori Knife
Berry Varieties to Consider
UCANR Growing Caneberries in the Sacramento Region
Raspberry, Blackberry Production Guide (Cornell U.)

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 

Farmer Fred website
Daily Garden tips on Twitter
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
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.

And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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 07, 2022
233 Soil Questions. Winter Tomatoes? Yes!
1788

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!

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: winter tomatoes in the greenhouse (with hanging whitefly traps)
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Soil Test Services:
UMass Amherst Soil Test
Colorado State U soil test
Texas A&M Soil Test

Farmer Fred Rant Blog: Growing Winter Tomatoes
Yellow Sticky Traps for Whitefly Control

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for

Ask A Farmer
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 30, 2022
232 Making Citrus Infused Beverages
1697

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!

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: Bergamot Orange

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Bergamot Orange
Buddha’s Hand citron
How to make a “Shrub” drink
Walheim Ranch Gin
Central Coast Distillery
Lance Walheim Citrus Books (and more)

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

Ask A Farmer
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
231 Joe Lamp'l Vegetable Gardening
3369

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.
In the question and answer segment, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has warnings worth heeding if you will be building a raised garden bed out of cinder blocks.
It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

More info at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Joe Lamp’l
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

The Vegetable Gardening Book by Joe Lamp’l
JoeGardener.com
Homestead Tomato
Farmers’ Defense Sleeves

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:
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

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 Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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 23, 2022
230 Establishing Low Water Use Plants. Cover Crops
1940

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!

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:  Fall/Winter Cover Crops of Fava Beans and Oats

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Peaceful Valley Farm Supply Cover Crops Knowledge Base

Cover Crop Seed

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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 20, 2022
229 Vegetables, Grapes vs. Heat; Black Widow Spiders
1484

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.
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, 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: Grapes or Black Widow Spider
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Orgazana Bags for Fruit Protection
Shade Cloth for Plants
Row Covers for Plants
Black Widow Spider Information from UCANR

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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 16, 2022
228 Healthy Gardening, Healthy Foods
2650

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.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net

Pictured:  Artichokes are high in soluble fiber. Pretty, too.
 Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.




Ask A Farmer
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
227 Understanding Drip Irrigation
2509

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.
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, because water is hard. 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: Drip Irrigation System
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Books and more at RobertKourik.com
Robert Kourik Drip Irrigation Pressure Regulators Video
Dripworks catalog, videos

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:
The GardenBasics.net website

 Daily Garden tips  Twitter
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
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.

And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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 09, 2022
226 Quick Tips - The Greatest Hits
2241

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


 Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Renee’s Garden Seeds
The Brown Thumb Mama, Pam Farley
RobertKourik.com
Linda Chalker-Scott, author, "The Informed Gardener"

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening

Ask A Farmer
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 06, 2022
225 Cool Season Vegetable Tips
1760

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!

Pictured:
Cool Season Vegetables

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:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.




Ask A Farmer
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
224 Mushrooms. Roses for the Heat. Soil Improving Tips.
1785

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!

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: Backyard Mushrooms
 
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Why Are Mushrooms Popping Up in My Yard? (UCANR)
Mushrooms and Other Nuisance Lawn Fungus (UCANR)
San Francisco Mycological Society (mushroom advice)
Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter: Roses for Hot Climates
Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter: Improve Your Soil With Less Work

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As a

Ask A Farmer
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
223 Browning Tomato Leaves? Making Hypertufa Pots.
1552

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!

Pictured:
Brown Tomato Leaves Surround a Healthy Tomato

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:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Hypertufa Molds

Hypertufa Pots (Video)

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

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 Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible

Ask A Farmer
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
222 Insect Traps - The Good, The Bad, The Bugly
2113

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!

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: Yellowjacket Bait Trap

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Peaceful Valley Farm Supply

Rincon-Vitova Insectaries

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Ask A Farmer
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
221 Whitefly Control. Bermudagrass Eradication Tips
1571

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.
In some areas of the country,  Bermudagrass is a desirable turf type for a lawn. The problems begin when it starts spreading to other parts of the yard. If you’re looking to eradicate bermudagrass without the use of chemicals, we have some answers.
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:
Whiteflies on Citrus Leaf  (Photo: UCIPM)

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:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Whitefly Management Guidelines (University of California)
Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects
Yellow Sticky Traps for Whitefly Monitoring
Soil Solarization for the Garden  (University of California)
Bermudagrass Control Tips (University of California)

Insectaries:
Rincon-Vitova Insectaries
Beneficial Insectary

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.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 - YouTube

Ask A Farmer
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
220 Aphid Control Tips. Chickens vs. Heat
1640

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!

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

Pictured: Aphids on a rose bud

 Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects (with pictures of the beneficials)

All About Aphids (UC)

Cherie Sintes-Glover: ChickensForEggs.com

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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 16, 2022
219 Summer Fruit Tree Pruning. Lemon Verbena. Tomato Troubles.
1883

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!

Pictured:
Summer Pruned Pear Tree

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:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

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:
Search the GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter @farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

Ask A Farmer
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
218 Smarter Irrigation Controllers
1699

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!

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

Pictured: Rachio Irrigation Control System

 Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Rachio Irrigation Controllers
Hunter Irrigation Controllers
Hunter MP Rotator Sprinkler Heads
Dropcountr

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.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.

And thank you fo

Ask A Farmer
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 09, 2022
217 Jumping Worms Update. Donate Your Excess Garden Harvest
1938

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!

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.

Pictured:
A Garden Wagon  Filled With  Freshly Harvested Tomatoes

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Oregon State University: Jumping Worms
Jumping Worms Video
AmpleHarvest.org
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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTub

Ask A Farmer
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 05, 2022
216 Drying Fruits and Vegetables
2157

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!

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

Pictured: Dehydrator
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Fish Dryer
Dehydrators
Outdoor Drying Trays
University of Georgia - Drying Fruits and Vegetables
Citric Acid
Sodium Metabisulfite
Wendy Rose on Twitter
Sacramento County Master Food Preserver Program
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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTu

Ask A Farmer
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 02, 2022
215 How to Stake a Tree
1601

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!

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

Pictured:
Tree Staked Properly

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:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

How to Stake a Tree - Sacramento Tree Foundation

The Myth of Staking Trees by Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott

Tree Ties

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Ask A Farmer
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
214 Your New Friend, the Soldier Fly. Worm Bins. Slow Compost Cure.
1666

Garden Basics # 214 Soldier Flies, Improving Slow Compost

If you have a compost pile, or especially a worm bin, you may have seen a scary looking critter: an inch-long wasp-like creature. That’s the soldier fly. But are they good for your compost pile or worm bin? Some gardeners swear by them. Some swear at them. Today, we talk with a big proponent of soldier flies about them, and we delve deep into some of their many benefits. Also, we answer a listener’s question about how to speed up the composting process.

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!

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

Pictured: Soldier Fly on a Worm Bin
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Napa Co. Master Gardener Penny Pawl:  The Soldier Fly Marches On
Napa Co. Master Gardener Penny Pawl:  African Keyhole Gardening
5 Steps to Quick Compost: The Rapid Composting Method
Compost Tumblers

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links menti

Ask A Farmer
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
213 Controlling Earwigs. Summer Fruit Tree Pruning
1538

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!

Pictured:
Earwigs

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:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Earwig Control Information

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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 22, 2022
212 Summer Berry Problems
1933

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!

Pictured:
Master Gardener Pam Bone in her berry patch.

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:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Arboreal Camel Cricket information

Soil Solarization Information

Soil Tube/Soil Probe to determine moisture level

Moisture Meters

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.


Ask A Farmer
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
211 Spider Mites! Fireblight!
1531

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!

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

Pictured:
Fireblight Damage on a Pear Tree (photo: UCANR)

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:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Spider Mite Control Tips

Fireblight Control Tips

Sources for Predatory Mites & Other Beneficials for Spider Mite Control:
Arbico Organics
GreenMethods.com

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

Ask A Farmer
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
210 Mid-Summer Tomato Planting Tips. Parsnips. Sleep, Creep, Leap!
1761

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!

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

Pictured: Tomato in container

 Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

FF Rant Fast Maturing Tomato Varieties (Also Winter Tomatoes)
Growing Parsnips
GrowingWithPlants.com
Book: “Mastering the Art of Vegetable Gardening” by Matt Mattus

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:   http://farmerfred.com
Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

Ask A Farmer
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
209 New Plants Drooping? Do This.
1581

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!

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

Pictured:
Droopy Cucumber Plant

Previous episodes, links, product information, and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net.

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

 Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

Ask A Farmer
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
208 Abiotic Disorders of Tomato Plants
1766

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!

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

Pictured: Tomato Cracking

 Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Abiotic Disorders of Vegetables
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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

Ask A Farmer
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
207 Ticks. Heat. Nectarines. It Must Be Summer!
1816

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!

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

Pictured: Ticks
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Tick Management Handbook
Nectarine Problems
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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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 01, 2022
206 Worm Composting Basics
1829

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!
America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, tackles a question from a listener about a distorted rose flower. Is it due to an insect? A disease? An accidental spray of weed killer? Or, something else?
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!

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

Pictured: Composting Worms

 Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Book: Worms Eat My Garbage
Sac MG's YouTube: Making a Worm Bin
Sac MG's pdf: Worm Composting
Jumping worms video
Garden Basics 193: A Warning about Bagged Worm Castings
Worm Castings to Support Veterans, Roseburg OR

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

Ask A Farmer
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
205 Fruit Tree Trellising. Growing Tobacco.
1701

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:
'Stella' Cherry Tree on a Trellis

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:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Rubber Fruit Tree Ties

Fruit Tree Trellising Basics (UCANR)

Victory Seeds: Tobacco seeds

‘Charles Grimaldi’ Brugmansia

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

Ask A Farmer
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 24, 2022
204 Backyard Chicken Basics
1655

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!

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

Pictured: A Buff Orpington Chicken (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

 Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

Ask A Farmer
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
203 Plant Tomatoes in June? YES!
1765

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!

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

Pictured:
Early Girl Tomato

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:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
All America Selections tomato winners
How to Make a Hypertufa pot
Hypertufa Pot Supplies

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. 

GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"  

 

Ask A Farmer
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 17, 2022
202 Tips, Myths About Watering Your Garden
1627

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!

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

Pictured:
June 2022 U.S. Drought Map

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Dripworks Video Series on Drip Irrigation
Drip Irrigation Kits
Soaker Hoses
Moisture Meters

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.



Ask A Farmer
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
201 Garden Basics Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
3463

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.
 Time flies when you’re having fun, and we are having a blast, bringing you great gardening advice and information (and maybe a chuckle or two) twice a week, since April of 2021.
 So, Thank you so much for hitting the play button, week after week.
 
 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, as always, by two garden companies who have stuck by me throughout all these gardening broadcast and podcast adventures, Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And since this is a rather special episode,we will  attempt to do it all in under 60 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.

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter , “Beyond the Basics”
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
 
 Listen to the full podcasts from today’s compilation of greatest hits of Episodes 100-199:

174 Spring Garden Tips, Live!
191 Prune Tomato Flowers? Tips for a Sustainable Food Garden
183 First Garden? A Checklist.
182 Growing Raspberries, Boysenberries, Blackberries
177 Best Tomatoes for Containers. The Call Garden.
185 What’s Lasagna Gardening? Potato Planting. Fruit Trees vs. Lawns
157 Composting Tips. The Cyclamen.

Book: Grow Now by Emily Murphy

Dwarf Tomato Project  

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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 10, 2022
200 Tulip Tips. Bug Photography. What's Your Trees' Value?
1785

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.
Entomologist, Master Rosarian, and photographer Baldo Villegas has tips for taking pictures of garden bugs, so you can positively I.D. the good guys from the bad guys.
What are your full-grown trees worth? Arborist and Master Gardener Anne Fenkner has the way to help you figure that out.
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!
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

Pictured:
Red Tulips ("Flair") in Bloom

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Tulip and Bulb Care in USDA Zone 9
Bug photography with an iPhone
Macro (close-up) Lens for an iPhone or Android Phone
ITreeTools.org
What Trees to Add (or Cut Down) To Increase Property Value
Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center, Saturday Aug. 6

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 GardenBasics.net website

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fr

Ask A Farmer
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
199 How to Water, Fertilize Houseplants
1766

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:
Houseplant,  Watering Can (Photo courtesy of ohiotropics.com)

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter , “Beyond the Basics” https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Book: Houseplant Warrior, by Raffaele DiLallo
Dyna Gro Houseplant Fertilizer

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter: Beyond the Basics 
 https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
  http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
https://gardenbasics.net/videos

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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
198 Ten Very Fragrant Roses. The Cure for Lumpy Lawns.
1837

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!

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

Pictured:
Julia Child, a Top 10 Fragrant Rose

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Iowa State University: Bumpy, Rough Lawns
Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center, Saturday Aug. 6

Charlotte Owendyk's List of Fragrant Roses:
Julia Child
Firefighter
Francis Meilland
Memorial Day
Pope John Paul II
Secret
Princess Alexandra of Kent
Mr. Lincoln
Double Delight
Beverly
Falling in Love
Golden Celebration

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
 https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website
http://farmerfred.com
 
Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitt

Ask A Farmer
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
197 Compost Tea, Explained
2163

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or Buzzsprout

Pictured:
Compost Tea Equipment (Photo: Peaceful Valley Farm Supply)

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter , “Beyond the Basics” https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Piedmont Master Gardeners Garden Shed Newsletter: Compost Tea
Piedmont Master Gardeners Garden Shed Newsletter: Growing Pawpaws
How to Brew Compost Tea (Peaceful Valley Farm Supply video)

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter: Beyond the Basics 
 https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
  http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Fac

Ask A Farmer
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 27, 2022
196 Indoor Composting Machines. Garlic Harvest Tips.
1436

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!

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

Pictured:
California Early White Garlic

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Green Cone Composter
Beyond Basics Newsletter: Compost Tea
Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center, Saturday Aug. 6
Book: Growing Great Garlic by Ron Engeland
Farmer Fred Rant Blog: The Heart Healthy Garden


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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
 http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram:

Ask A Farmer
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 24, 2022
195 The Best Roses for Cut Flowers
3025

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or Buzzsprout

Pictured:
“Joy” miniature rose in a vase

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter , “Beyond the Basics” https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Sacramento Digs Gardening Blog


Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington's List of Best Roses for Cut Flowers:

Ring of Fire
Hot Princess
Julia Child
Betty Boop
Day Breaker
Olivia
Tamora
Mr. Lincoln
Olympiad
Veteran’s Honor
Pink Promise
Queen Elizabeth
Friendship
Gentle Giant
Double Delight
Silver Star
About Face
Strike it Rich
Gold Medal
Love & Peace
Perfect Moment
Sunset Celebration
Joy
Yes, It’s True
Rainbow Sunblaze
Sally Holmes (Fred's Choice)

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter: Beyond the Basics 
 https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
  http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:

Ask A Farmer
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
194 Tips for Reusing Old Potting Soil. Growing Pawpaws
1764

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!

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

Pictured:
A (broken) Pot with Used Soil

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Mosquito dunks
Bacillus Thurgiensis israeliensis (mosquito bits)
Pumice for potting soil
Growing Pawpaws (Cornell University)
Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center, Saturday Aug. 6

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 GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter: Beyond the Basics 
 https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
  http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Ask A Farmer
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
193 A Warning About Bagged Worm Castings. Growing Roses From Seed.
1701

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or Buzzsprout

Pictured:
Composting Worms

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter , “Beyond the Basics” https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Journal of Applied Horticulture: “Effect of Storage on Some Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Vermicast”
To Find a worm farm near you: Type “Worm Farms Near Me” in your favorite Internet search engine.
San Joaquin County Master Gardeners: Vermicomposting - Composting with Worms.
Worm Bins 


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 GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter: Beyond the Basics 
 https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
  http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
https://gardenbasics.net/videos

Ask A Farmer
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
192 The Easiest Tomatoes To Grow
2263

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!

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

Pictured:
Easy to Grow Tomatoes - Sungold, Sweet Million, Gardener's Delight

Links:
Free! Beyond the Basics - The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Tomato Tips from UCANR
Farmer Fred Rant: Growing Winter tomatoes in the Greenhouse (includes a list of short season determinate (low growing) tomato varieties.)
Soil Moisture Meters
Bluetooth Moisture Meter with Indoor Monitor
Internet Water Timer/Moisture Meter Combination
Battery Operated Water Faucet Timer

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 GardenBasics.net website

Beyond The  Basics - The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram:

Ask A Farmer
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 10, 2022
191 Prune Tomato Flowers? Tips for a Sustainable Food Garden.
2344

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or Buzzsprout

Pictured:
Tomato Flower: Should It Stay or Should It Go?

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter , “Beyond the Basics” https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
The Truth About Compost Tea from VA Cooperative Extension
Compost Tea Interview in the Garden Basics "Beyond the Basics" Newsletter
FF Rant: Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects
Chipper/Shredders

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter: Beyond the Basics 
 https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
  http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing

Ask A Farmer
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 06, 2022
190 Bamboo Privacy Screen. Battling Rose Aphids.
1620

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!

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.

Pictured:
Bamboo Privacy Screen

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Basics: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Planting/Watering Troughs
Tractor Paint for Galvanized Steel Planting Troughs
Farmer Fred Rant: Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
 https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com
 
 Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
 https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
 http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fr

Ask A Farmer
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 03, 2022
189 Stop Tomato Blossom End Rot Now. Grow Your Soil.
2153

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!

Pictured:
Blossom End Rot on a Roma Paste Tomato

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

The Truth About Compost Tea from VA Cooperative Extension
FF Rant:  Blossom End Rot of Tomatoes
Rainpoint soil moisture monitor
Book: Grow Your Own Soil by Diane Miessler
Paudon's Crossing (the band)

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
  http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:

Ask A Farmer
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
188 Bermudagrass Control Tips. How Plants Communicate. Thin Your Seedlings!
1752

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!

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

Pictured:
Bermudagrass Lawn Solarization

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Farmer Fred Rant: Solarizing a Bermudagrass Lawn
Turflon Ester for Bermudagrass Control (Read the Label)
Nematode-trapping fungi video
Peaceful Valley Farm Supply: Commercial compost aerator
Amazon: More compost aeration equipment
Growing Solutions: Compost Tea supplies
Truth about Compost Tea, from VA Cooperative Extension
Soil Food Web courses


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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and

Ask A Farmer
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
187 Bring the Outdoors, Indoors. Edible Roses. Therapy Gardens.
2350

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or Buzzsprout

Pictured:
Breakfast Nook Window to the Garden

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Squirrel Buster Bird Feeder
Reviewed Landscape Apps
Fragrant  Roses List
National Garden Bureau Therapy Garden Grant Information
American Horticultural Therapy Association

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

Ask A Farmer
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
186 Are Fertilizers Overused? The Best Plant Photo ID Apps. Repotting Houseplants
1694

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!

Previous episodes, links, product information, and transcripts are available at the website for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net , as well as Buzzsprout.

Pictured:
Picture This - Top Rated Plant Identifier Photo App

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred "Beyond Basics" Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/University of Massachusetts/Amherst  Soil Test Information
Colorado State University Soil Test Information
MSU Study of Plant Photo ID Apps
Folsom Garden Club
California Garden Clubs local garden club finder
National Garden Clubs’ garden club finder in your area
OhioTropics.com
Book: "Houseplant Warrior" by Raffaele DiLallo
Plant Fertilizers
Houseplant Pots
Light Fixtures for Houseplants


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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newslette

Ask A Farmer
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 19, 2022
185 What's Lasagna Gardening? Potato Planting. Fruit Trees vs Lawns
1724

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.

In our Question and Answer segment, one listener wants to know if it is too late to plant potatoes, and how to prepare the soil for potatoes? As we like to say on this podcast, it depends. Master Garden Gail Pothour has the answer, with all the variables.

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or (for transcripts) Buzzsprout

Pictured:
Well-mulched plum tree in dormant pasture grass

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Book: Grow Now  by Emily Murphy

Growing Potatoes in the Home Garden

Texas A&M: Lawn Care Around Trees

UCANR: Sheet Mulching (Lasagna Gardening)

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
  http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Ask A Farmer
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 15, 2022
184 Spring Houseplant Care
1698

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or Buzzsprout

Pictured:
Houseplants

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, "Beyond the Basics" https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
OhioTropics.com
Book: "Houseplant Warrior" by Raffaele DiLallo
Beginner-Friendly Houseplants
Light Fixtures for Houseplants
Houseplant Pruning Shears

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagr

Ask A Farmer
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
183 First Garden? A Checklist
1734

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!

Live links and product information available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or (for chapter selection and transcripts) Buzzsprout

Pictured:
A garden of edibles, as seen from a kitchen window

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Farmer Fred Rant: Tips for the First Garden
Landscape Design Tools and References
Suncrest Peach
Farmer Fred Rant: Benefits of Thinning Fruit

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
  http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:

Ask A Farmer
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 08, 2022
182 Growing Raspberries, Boysenberries, Blackberries
2056

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.
We covered growing blueberries back in Episode 67.
Today, in Episode 182, we talk with Master Gardener and accomplished home blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry grower, Pam Bone, who has lots of good tips for growing these tasty, healthy treats. It’s all about berries!
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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or Buzzsprout

Pictured:
Master Gardener Pam Bone and her Raspberry Garden

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 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.)

University of Massachusetts/Amherst  Soil Test Information
Colorado State University Soil Test Information

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
 http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:

Ask A Farmer
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
181 Pesticide Safety Tips. Garden Time Savers.
1519

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or (for transcripts) Buzzsprout

Pictured:
Garden Center Pesticide and Fertilizer Aisle

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
UCANR: Soil Solarization

Plastic Sheeting for Soil Solarization (choose 1-2 mil thickness for best results)
UCANR: Sheet Mulching 1
UCANR: Sheet Mulching 2
UCANR: Safe and Effective Use of Pesticides
Sample Label of a Pesticide Containing Imidacloprid

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
 https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com
 
 Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
 https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
 http://farmer

Ask A Farmer
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
180 Bats (They're Good). When to "Set Out" Plants?
1727

It’s "bat day" here on the Garden Basics podcast. By the way, we’re talking about the flying mammal, not the Louisville Slugger.  
Bats! They are a good friend of every gardener and farmer. Why? Because they’re eating a lot of the flying pests that otherwise would be chowing down on your crops and flowers… or you. We talk with noted bat expert, the University of California’s Rachael Long. 

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or Buzzsprout

Pictured:
Bat with a Grasshopper

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Bat Houses at Amazon

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 GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
 https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com
 
 Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
 https://twit

Ask A Farmer
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
179 The Poop Loop: How Mother Nature Feeds Your Garden
1764

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!

Live links available at the new home site for the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and FarmerFred.com, GardenBasics.net
Links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at Buzzsprout. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629

Pictured:
Raised beds, and mulch, mulch, mulch

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots   https://smartpots.com/fred/

Dave Wilson Nursery   https://www.davewilson.com

SpongeBob Squarepants and the Poop Loop
Book: Grow Your Soil!: Harness the Power of the Soil Food Web to Create Your Best Garden Ever by Diane Miessler and Elaine R. Ingham
Worm Castings
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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
 http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Ask A Farmer
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
178 What's Your NQ*? (*Nature Quotient). Dealing with Leaf Spots.
2210

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629

Pictured:
Front Yard Garden containing edibles and ornamentals

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/

Dave Wilson Nursery

Book: “Grow Now”, by Emily Murphy
Book: Sunset National Garden Book
Book: Sunset Western Garden Book
Book: Sunset Northeastern Garden Book
Soil Thermometers
Hunter MP Rotator Sprinkler Heads

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
 http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Ask A Farmer
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
177. Best Tomatoes for Containers. The Call Garden.
1780

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629

Pictured:
Gardener's Delight  Cherry Tomato Plant in a Smart Pot Fabric Container

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com
More tomato varieties for containers
Container Tomato Growing Tips
The Call Garden: Full of History and Beauty
Call House Video
Plants around the Call House

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
 http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: 

Ask A Farmer
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
176 Succulent Basics. Tomatillos Instead of Tomatoes? A Warning.
1712

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.
Spice up your salsa garden this year with the tomato relative, tomatillos. We have tips, and a warning.
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 Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629

Pictured:
Jade Plant, Crassula ovata

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery

Tomatillo Salsa Recipe from the CA Master Food Preservers
Tomatillo Seeds
Tomatillo Heirloom Varieties
Sacramento Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale,  May 6-8
Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center,  Sat. Aug. 6, 2022 

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
 http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you f

Ask A Farmer
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 15, 2022
175. Fruit Tree Flowers vs Frost. Regenerative Gardening
1692

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.
Also: do you know what regenerative gardening is? It’s a great way to get a more bountiful harvest of food and flowers, and it’s easy! You might already be a regenerative gardener. We talk with garden author Emily Murphy, who explores and explains that topic in her new book, “Grow Now”.

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629

Pictured:
Pluot fruit tree flower.

Links:
 Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery
Frost Cloths
passthepistil.com (Emily Murphy website)
Grow Now, by Emily Murphy 
Grow What You Love: 12 Food Plant Families to Change Your Life, by Emily Murphy
The Secret Life of Trees, by Colin Tudge 
The Hidden Life of Trees, by Peter Wohlleben
Finding the Mother Tree, by Suzanne Simard 

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebo

Ask A Farmer
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 11, 2022
174. Spring Garden Tips, LIVE!
3085

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629

Pictured:
Debbie Flower at the Folsom Garden Club Meeting

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery
Green Cone Solar Waste Digester
Glyphosate Application Instruction Booklet

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
 http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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 08, 2022
173. Staving Off Spring Frost Damage. Sweet Potatoes
2049

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!

Pictured:
Spring Frost Damage on a Brugmansia

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletterhttps://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery
How to Grow Sweet Potatoes
Frost Cloths
Frost Protection for Tomato, Pepper plants

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
 http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank

Ask A Farmer
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 04, 2022
172. Old Potting Soil Is Your Friend (But Your Friend Could Use a Little Help)
1841

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629

Pictured:
Potting soil

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery

Kellogg Garden Products (quality soils and fertilizers, for when you need it)

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
 http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

Ask A Farmer
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
171. Flowering Fruit Trees. Planting Fruit Trees in Pulp Pots.
1769

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629

Pictured:
Garden Gold Peach Tree in Bloom

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com

 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery
Chilling Hours Explained
Chill Hour Accumulations Throughout California
Floral Preservatives

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
 http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred

Instagram:

Ask A Farmer
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 25, 2022
170. Buying a Greenhouse? Ask Yourself These Questions First
1792

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.
 We talk with Mark Seibert of Sturdi-Built greenhouses in Oregon about the questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a greenhouse. Originally aired in June of 2020, this primer on greenhouses includes: tips for installing water and electricity ; tips on installing a foundation;  flooring ideas;  choosing the right door (if you're going to be hauling citrus trees inside for the winter, you'll want a double door);  ventilation tips;  and, things to consider if you're thinking of a lean-to greenhouse, one that attaches to the side of your house.
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 Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629

Pictured:
Tudor Greenhouse from Sturdi-Built

Links:
 Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Sturdi-Built Greenhouses

Greenhouse accessories:
Fans
Heaters
Propagation Mats
Grow Lights
Greenhouse Benches

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: 

Ask A Farmer
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
169. More Vegetable Winners for Your 2022 Garden
1591

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.  
Today, we have more award-winning vegetables for you to try in your 2022 spring and summer vegetable garden. This time we are talking with the Executive Director of the All-America Selections organization, Diane Blazek. She has recommendations for more award-winning, All-America Selections,  including new, exciting peppers, tomatoes, zinnias, begonias, and a lot more, here in Episode 169.

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629

Pictured:
AAS Winner Roulette F1 Habanero Pepper (but not hot!)

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
All-America Selections Winners https://all-americaselections.org

Three Award-Winning Tomatoes for Beginners:
Juliet (small, snacking-size tomato)
Celebrity (dependable, main season tomato)
Big Beef (big, slicing tomatoes, perfect for sandwiches)

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"

Ask A Farmer
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
168. Award Winning Vegetable Varieties to Try in 2022
1684

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred.    https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629

Pictured:
2022 All America Selections Sweet Pepper Winner - Dragonfly F1

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery   https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
All-America Selections Winners  https://all-americaselections.org
Harris Seeds    https://www.harrisseeds.com

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog     http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: 

Ask A Farmer
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 15, 2022
167. Is Gravel Gardening Right For You?
1663

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 also talked about the interest in gravel gardening back east and in the midwest. If you are a subscriber to the Garden Basics “Beyond Basics” newsletter, you heard about gravel gardening back in the Dec. 31st, 2021 online newsletter. 
But for the thousands of you who may not have listened to that discussion in the newsletter podcast, we have it for you here, on the Garden Basics podcast, today.
Along with that, Debbie Flower and I will discuss if gravel gardening is really a good idea for those of us in warmer to downright hot climates. 
Plus, does fertilizing cool season annuals - flowers and vegetables - in the winter, really work? As always, the answer is: "It depends."

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred.

Pictured:
The Gravel Garden at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Wisconsin 

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/

Soil Test Kits  https://amzn.to/3oZntE3

Online Soil Testing Services:
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
https://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory

Colorado State University
https://agsci.colostate.edu/soiltestinglab/

A Primer on the Gravel Gardens at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Wisconsin
https://blogs.extension.wisc.edu/flowers/lectures/meadows-and-gravel-gardens/

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 
https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog

Ask A Farmer
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 11, 2022
166 Roses vs Weeds. Transplanting Tips.
1656

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!
Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

Pictured:
Glyphosate Damage on Rose Bush (Photo courtesy of Oregon State University)

Links:
Subscribe to the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter . It's free!
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Roses: Cultural Practices and Weed Control
Roses: Diseases and Disorders
Round Up Pro Label Instructions
Roundup Pro
How Water Flows (or Doesn't Flow) Through Soil

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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

Ask A Farmer
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
165 Garden Tool Care & Selection
1677

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!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

Pictured:
Bypass, Anvil Pruners

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
NC State U: Tips for Cleaning Garden Tools
Home Depot: Tips for Removing Rust From Garden Tools
Bypass vs Anvil pruners
Felco’s How To Clean and Sharpen Pruners Video
Felco Sharpening Tool
Hori-Hori Knife
Fiberglass Handled Shovels
3-in-1 Oil

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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.

And thank you for listening.

Ask A Farmer
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 04, 2022
164 Citrus Fruit Picking Tips. Winter Garden Cleanup.
1481

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!

Pictured:
Meyer Lemons (watch out for the thorns!)

Links:
 Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Storing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Better Taste (UC Davis Postharvest Technology)
Find Out Farms
Community Fruit

Backyard Orchard Culture video (home fruit tree care, from Dave Wilson Nursery)
Orchard fruit pruning shears/snips
Orchard Ladders
Harvest Bags

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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 l

Ask A Farmer
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 01, 2022
163 Speedy, Successful Seed Germinating Tips
2437

'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!

November through January, the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast slows its production schedule. Look for new episodes each Friday. In February, we will return to twice a week podcasts, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Pictured:
Pepper Seed Packets

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Grow lights
Dramm Water Breaker nozzle
Pump Pressure Water Sprayer
Seed Starting trays, kits
Indoor Greenhouses
Outdoor Greenhouses
Seed Starting Mix
Baker Creek Seed Catalog

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com
Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
The Farmer

Ask A Farmer
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
162 'Prune'-ciples: Rose Pruning Tips for Maximum Roses!
2425

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!

November through January, the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast slows its production schedule. Look for new episodes each Friday. In February, we will return to twice a week podcasts, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Pictured:
Distant Drums Rose, which can be grown in as cold a climate as USDA Zone 4

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
American Rose Society (includes local rose club information)
American Rose Society Handbook for Selecting Roses
Video: Pruning/Rejuvenating a Climbing Rose
Bypass-style Hand Pruners
Bypass-Style Loppers
Rechargeable Reciprocating Saw
Pruning gloves, arm protectors for roses

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog

Facebook: 

Ask A Farmer
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 21, 2022
161 Succulent Tips. Starting a School Garden.
1704

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!

November through January, the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast slows its production schedule. Look for new episodes each Friday. In February, we will return to twice a week podcasts, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Pictured:
The succulent, Adam’s Needle (Yucca filamentosa)

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots

Dave Wilson Nursery

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

Insectary Plants

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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 Farmer
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 14, 2022
160 Garden Basics Greatest Hits, 2021 - All About Tomatoes!
4728

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.

Pictured:
Homegrown Orange Oxheart tomato (1.5 pounds)

Links:
Subscribe to the free Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Brad Gates' Wild Boar Farms
Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects
Tomato Troubleshooter
Crop Rotation
Row covers
Seed Starting Mix
Seed Starting Kits, Small Pots
Tomato Seeds
Bt for controlling tomato hornworms
Needle Nose Pruners
Soil Temperature/Soil Moisture Monitors
Soil Moisture Meters

More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred
• 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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com
Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook: 

Ask A Farmer
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
159 Garden Resolutions. Heavenly Bamboo.
2458

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.

The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden’s Superintendent Emeritus, Warren Roberts, ushers in the New Year with a plant that just might be putting on  a show right now with its colorful berries or reddish leaves. It’s the Heavenly Bamboo, also known as Nandina domestica, and it’s our Plant of the Week.

We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s episode 159 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, because there's a lot to talk about. Happy New Year! Let’s go! 

November through January, the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast slows its production schedule. Look for new episodes each Friday. In February, we will return to twice a week podcasts, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Pictured:
Bee on Daisy

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Pennsylvania Horticutural Society Gold Medal Plant List (Outstanding plants, especially for the Mid-Atlantic region)
2022 Garden Trends from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Olbrich Gardens,  Madison Wisconsin (Gravel Gardens)
Dehydrators (you grew it. now eat it!)

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog

Facebook: 

Ask A Farmer
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 31, 2021
158 Life is Too Short To Put Up with a Problem Plant. The Holly
2500

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! 

November through January, the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast slows its production schedule. Look for new episodes each Friday. In February, we will return to twice a week podcasts, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Pictured:
Just because that broccoli plant has bolted, don't be too quick to compost it even though it might taste bitter. Those flowers attract pollinators, such as bees.

Links:
Subscribe to the free  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Preserving Apples (from UCANR)
Dehydrators

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com
Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook: 

Ask A Farmer
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
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.

The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden’s Superintendent Emeritus, Warren Roberts, tells us about the Plant of the Week. For some, it’s an outdoor, winter blooming, bedding plant. For others, it’s a houseplant. For all, it puts a colorful show this time of year: the cyclamen, which just might be the best, last minute holiday garden gift to give or receive.

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! 

November through January, the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast slows its production schedule. Look for new episodes each Friday. In February, we will return to twice a week podcasts, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Pictured:
The Three-Bin Composter

Links:
Subscribe to the free,  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
The Rapid Composting Method
Make Your Own 3-Bin Composter
Compost Thermometers
Composting Tumblers
Compost Bins Indoor and Outdoor
Cyclamen Plants and Seeds

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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: farmer

Ask A Farmer
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
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!

November through January, the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast slows its production schedule. Look for new episodes each Friday. In February, we will return to twice a week podcasts, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Pictured:
Soil Moisture Meters

Links:
Subscribe to the free, The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Invasive varieties of Cotoneaster
Soil Moisture Meters

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com
Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook:  "G

Ask A Farmer
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
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!

November through January, the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast slows its production schedule. Look for new episodes each Friday. In February, we will return to twice a week podcasts, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Pictured:
The Persimmon Tree (Diospyros kaki 'Yamon') in the Fall

Links:
Subscribe to the free, The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Bemudagrass Control Tactics from UCANR
Univ. of Maryland Bermudagrass Control
UCANR Soil Solarization Tips (for controlling bermudagrass)
Turflon Ester (Bermudagrass control)
Turflon Ester Product Label (for Bermudagrass control)
The Farmer Fred Rant: THE Edible Ornamental of the Fall, the Persimmon Tree

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com
Daily Garden tips and snark on

Ask A Farmer
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
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! 

November through January, the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast slows its production schedule. Look for new episodes each Friday. In February, we will return to twice a week podcasts, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Pictured:
A (Too) Big Lawn

Links:
The New Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Book: America’s Romance with the English Garden, by Thomas Mickey
AmericanGardening.net (Thomas Mickey website)
UCANR Soil Solarization Tips (reducing a lawn, for example)
FF Rant: Lawn, Begone!
UCANR Puncturevine Control Information
Rincon-Vitova Insectaries (for weevils to control puncturevine)
Farmer Fred Rant: How to Stop Those Nasty Liquidambar Balls

More episodes and info (including transcripts) 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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com
The Far

Ask A Farmer
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
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!

November through January, the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast slows its production schedule. Look for new episodes each Friday. In February, we will return to twice a week podcasts, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Pictured:
Creeping Wood Sorrel, an oxalis weed

Links:
The New Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery

UCANR Guide to Woodsorrel and Bermuda Buttercup Weed Control
Burclover Control Tips
Ginkgo leaf landscape art
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter

The Farmer Fred

Ask A Farmer
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 19, 2021
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.

November through January, the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast slows its production schedule. Look for new episodes each Friday.  In February, we will return to twice a week podcasts, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Pictured:
Unripe "Viva Italia" Roma Tomatoes

Links:
The New Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Chrysanthemums Wikipedia page
Tomato Ripening Chart
BOOK - Tomato Recipes: Stewed, Fried, Green, Cherry, Baked and Lots of Great Recipes for Tomatoes

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com
Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
The Farmer Fred Ran

Ask A Farmer
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
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.

The Plant of the Week is that Halloween decoration that’s collecting mold on your front porch: pumpkins. But it’s more than something to be used as an October 31st ornament. UC Davis Arboretum Superintendent Emeritus Warren Roberts discusses the history of the pumpkin and the vital uses it has served humans for more than a thousand years. 
We are still getting questions from gardeners about their outdoor popcorn crop here in USDA Zone 9. We have tips for harvesting and enjoying this versatile crop.

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.

Pictured:
Mini Pumpkins : Wee-B-Little,  Spark,  Jill Be Little 

Links:
The New Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
How to Grow Giant Pumpkins
Seed Catalogs with Fall Sales
The Little  Stripper Popcorn Sheller
More Popcorn Shellers
Presto Microwave popcorn Popper
Air Poppers
Moisture Meters/testers for popcorn
Heirloom Popcorn varieties
Unusual Pumpkin Varieties

More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred and The  Garden Basics with Far

Ask A Farmer
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 05, 2021
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.

Don't forget: November through January, the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast slows its production schedule. Look for new episodes each Friday. In February, we will return to twice a week podcasts, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Pictured:
Field Bindweed

Links:
The New Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
More Info About Field Bindweed
More Generator Safety Tips
Generators
Outdoor, Heavy Duty Extension Cords
Electric Chain Saws

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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: farmerfredhof

Ask A Farmer
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 29, 2021
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.
The Plant of the Week is a colorful, warm season annual that will be widely used in celebrations next week. No, it’s not the Halloween pumpkin. It’s a plant with even more cultural significance, a couple of days after Halloween. The marigold. You’ll have to listen to find out why.  It’s on episode 149 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by SmartPots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go!
And this programming note: During November through January, Garden Basics will become a once a week podcast, released on Fridays. We will return to two a week in February, 2022.

Pictured:
Giant Belgium tomato seedlings.

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Tomato and pepper seed starting tips
Seed starting mix
Indoor seed starting kit  with light stand fixtures
More indoor light fixtures for good seedling growth

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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 quali

Ask A Farmer
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 26, 2021
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!

Pictured:
Fuyu persimmon harvest (from 1 tree)

Links:
The New Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Lawn Seed
Lawn Seed Spreader
Top dressing for newly seeded lawn
Lawn Dethatcher
Lawn Aerator
Lawn rollers
Lawn compost spreaders
Japanese Persimmon Varieties

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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

Subscribe to the free,

Ask A Farmer
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 22, 2021
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.
One of the showiest plants right now is 'Autumn Joy' Sedum. We’ll tell you all about this, the Plant of the Week.
And a primer on using livestock watering troughs for permanent plants, as well as annuals.
It’s on episode 147 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:
"Autumn Joy" sedum

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
California Garden Web - Growing Berries
Livestock watering troughs
Tractor Paint for Watering Troughs
Sedum "Autumn Joy"
salt heliotrope info
More salt heliotrope info

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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

Ask A Farmer
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 19, 2021
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!

Pictured:
A variety of pole and bush beans, including Bingo, Early Riser, California Buckeye 46, Black Coco, Tiger's Eye, and Cannellini Lingot

Links:
New! Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots

House Plant Fertilizers and supplements mentioned on this episode:
Dynagro 7-9-5 plant food
Protekt 0-0-3 nutritional supplement for plants
pH Down nutritional supplement for plants

Cover Crop Solution Guide from Peaceful Valley Farm Supply

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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

Subscribe to the free, Garden

Ask A Farmer
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 15, 2021
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!
 
Pictured:
Organic popcorn varieties, including Dakota  Black, Cherokee Long Ear, Pennsylvania Butter-Flavor popcorn

Links:

Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Popcorn seed
Lil Stripper popcorn sheller

My favorite popcorn popper!
Autumn Sage

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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.

And thank you for

Ask A Farmer
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 12, 2021
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! 

Links:
The New Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Free!
Smart Pots
Ph soil test kits
Metal Trash Cans
String Trimmers
Mulching Lawn Mowers

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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

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
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!
(Pictured: the Plant of the Week, Goldenrod, aka Solidago californica)

Pictured:
Goldenrod, Solidago californica

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
A wind break for small spaces
Goldenrod Seeds (Solidago)

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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
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 05, 2021
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!

Pictured:
Macarena zinnias, Joy roses in vases.  See it in the latest edition of The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter

Links:
Smart Pots
Emerald City Interior Landscape Services
Flora Life cut flower preservative
Floral-type Sunflower seeds

Debbie Flower's Home Recipe for Floral Preservative. Mix together:
1 quart of water.
Two tablespoons of an acid-based product such as vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice.
Two tablespoons of sugar. 
Half a teaspoon of bleach.


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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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.

And thank you for listening.


Ask A Farmer
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
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.
UC Davis Arboretum superintendent emeritus Warren Roberts tells us about a popular, fall-blooming Plant of the Week, the Michaelmas daisy.
It’s on episode 141 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:
Yellow Nutsedge, aka, Nutgrass

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
The New Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Solarization Tips
Garden Basics Podcast Ep. 24 “Soil Solarization Kills Weeds, Pests”
Sedgehammer
Nutsedge Control Info from:
Kansas St University
University of California Ag and Natural Resources
North Carolina State University
Purdue University
Weed Science Society of America
Beautiful but Deadly: Pokeweed

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?
• 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 G

Ask A Farmer
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
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.
Plus, we discuss growing avocado trees in marginal climates.
And, tips for moving giant pumpkins that might be taking over your backyard.
It’s all on episode 140 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!

Pictured:
The Bacon avocado

Links:
New! The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
12” wooden garden marker stakes
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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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.

And thank you for listening.


Ask A Farmer
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
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.
And, the Plant of the Week: it’s a dependable, blooming perennial from late spring through mid-fall in warm climates. Warren Roberts tells us about the Gaillardia. It’s Episode 139 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:
The "Arizona Apricot" gaillardia (photo by Don McCulley)

Links:
The New Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
Lawn care and mowing tips UCANR
Corn Gluten Meal for preemergent weed control
White Dutch Clover seed
Organic Lawn Fertilizers
Power Dethatching Equipment
Dethatching Rakes
Lawn Rollers
Compost Spreader Cages

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:
The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
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.

And thank you for listening.



Ask A Farmer
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
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!

Pictured:
“Can O’ Worms” Worm Bin

Links:
Sign up for the new Garden Basics newsletter, on Substack (https://fredf82.substack.com). Free!
Smart Pots
Worm Bin Tips
Worm Bins
Worm Sources
Garden Basics Episode 107:  Worm Castings
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Composting Information
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Vineyard Information
Grape Growing Information
University of Arkansas Viticulture
Grape varieties mentioned: Mars, Reliance, Hope, Mission, Crystal (Niagara)

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:
Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com
Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog

Ask A Farmer
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
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!

Pictured:
Shock Wave Coral Crush Petunia

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
Building the Good Bug Hotel: Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects
Ladybug Release Tips
All-American Plant Selection Vegetable Winners
Angled spray wand/pump sprayer
Sign up for the new Garden Basics newsletter, on Substack (https://fredf82.substack.com). Free!
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

Ask A Farmer
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
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.
Also, why would a cucumber plant just die? We tackle that question from a gardener in Virginia.
It’s all on episode 136 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!

Pictured:
The Pocket Gopher

Links:
Smart Pots
Gopher Control Information from UCANR
Gophinator gopher traps
Macabee gopher traps
GopherHawk gopher traps
Gopher Cinch Traps
Bacterial Wilt of Cucumbers via Cucumber Beetles
Cucumber insects and disease UCANR
Wilt-resistant cucumber varieties
Row covers for vegetables
New! The Garden Basics newsletter

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: 

Ask A Farmer
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
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.

And, UC Davis Arboretum Superintendent Emeritus Warren Roberts has a sweet-smelling Plant of the Week - the gardenia.

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!

Pictured:
The Dracaena, “Janet Craig”

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
New! The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter
Emerald City Interior Landscape Services

Book: Ortho's Complete Guide to Successful Houseplants
Landscapers Guide to Mulch
Gardenia Care

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 Farmer
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 07, 2021
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.
For Eastern and Midwestern gardeners, now’s the time to plan for protecting your young, fruit producing trees and shrubs this fall and winter. We'll tell you why.
Do you know your USDA Plant Hardiness zone? We talk about that, and a better resource for figuring out your plants’ needs based on where you live.
It’s on episode 134 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!

Pictured:
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Links:
Smart Pots
Books by Lance Walheim on Roses, Citrus, Lawns, Landscaping
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Maps
Sunset Garden Climate  Zone Maps
Sunset National Garden Book
Southern Living Garden Book
Sunset Western Garden Book
Sunset Midwestern Landscaping Book
UC Botanical Garden - The Effect of Smoke, Ash on Plants
Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences - Wildfire-Smoke Aerosols Lead to Increased Light Use Efficiency

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 
• 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: 

Ask A Farmer
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
133 Japanese Beetle Control Tips. The Oxblood Lily.
1701

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.
The Plant of the Week has the rather gruesome name, the Oxblood Lily. Yet, it is a beautiful and widely adaptable bulb that’s starting to put on its annual show.
It’s on episode 133 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.

Pictured:
The Japanese Beetle

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum

Japanese Beetles Control Information (3):
Cornell University
USDA: The Japanese Beetle Control Handbook
Colorado State University
Grub Ex (Japanese Beetle Grub control for turf)
"Garden Bulbs for the South," by Scott Ogden
Nematodes for Japanese Beetles Control
Drift Roses
Knockout Roses
The New Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter

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. 
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:

Ask A Farmer
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
132 Veggie Overload? Slow to Grow Plants?
1729

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.
Also, we hear from a gardener in Oregon who wants to know: "Why aren’t my vegetables growing? The plants look healthy, they’re just not growing." 
We have some ideas why, on episode 132 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!

Pictured:
Wagonful of tomatoes (95 pounds!)

Links:
Smart Pots
Ample Harvest
Rainpoint Soil Moisture Sensor

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 
• 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

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 Farmer
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 27, 2021
131 Grape Growing Tips. Carrot Varieties. The Autumn Daffodil, Sternbergia
1837

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!

Pictured:
Carrot Varieties

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
Growing Grapes - UCANR
Renee’s Garden Carrots
Coming Soon! The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter

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 me

Ask A Farmer
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 24, 2021
130 Ease Fertilizing Chores with Fertigation
1767

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.
And we will do it all in under 30 minutes.
(oh, and before you write in to tell me the name of the movie and the actress I couldn't remember, it occurred to me soon afterwards: "Avatar". Sigourney Weaver. Thanks for your concern.

Pictured:
DIG - Add It 1 Pint Proportional Fertilizer Injector w/ Backflow Device 

Links:
Smart Pots
Dripworks: Fertilizer Injectors
Peaceful Valley Farm Supply: Fertigation Basics
Peaceful Valley Farm Supply: Fertigation Video and Supplies
Y-Filters for Drip Irrigation Systems
Peaceful Valley Farm Supply: Fertilizer Solutions Chart
Maxicrop
Therm X 70 Yucca Extract

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. 
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

Ask A Farmer
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
129 Cool Season Quick Maturing Vegetables. The Oleander. Pot Size Matters!
1735

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.
Growing vegetables in containers? The size of that pot is of utmost importance. We have tips. Also, the plant of the week, the oleander shrub. Yes, it’s poisonous, but it is one of the best privacy screens you can plant.
It’s all on episode 129 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:
Chioggia beets mature in 54 days from transplant.

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
Farmer Fred Rant: Now’s the Time to Start Cool Season Vegetables
Vegepod Raised Garden Bed
Fair Oaks Boulevard Nursery

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 Farmer
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 17, 2021
128 Straw Bale Gardening Basics. The Yezberry plant.
1433

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. 
Also: have you heard about the Yezberry? It looks like an elongated blueberry and combines the flavor of both blueberries and raspberries. Also known as the blue honeysuckle or Honeyberry, it can be productive, if you live in the right zones. And for a change, the right zones do not include most of the sunbelt! 
It’s all on episode 128 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! 

Pictured:
Straw Bales with cool season vegetables (UCANR)

Links:
Smart Pots
Sacramento Master Gardener Straw Bale Gardening Info
Gardening with Straw Bales (UCANR)
Book - "Straw Bale Gardens" by Joel Karsten
The Yezberry plant

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.



Ask A Farmer
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
127 Summer Tomato Troubleshooting. The Naked Lady.
1655

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!

Pictured:
Amaryllis belladonna, the Naked Lady

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
Farmer Fred Rant: It's Crop Rotation Time! Do You Have the Room?

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

Ask A Farmer
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 10, 2021
126 Jumping Worms! Human Food vs. Plants
1816

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!

Pictured:
Jumping Worm (picture from Wisconsin Natural Resources Dept.)

Links:
Smart Pots
Jumping Worms Information (Oregon State University)
Jumping Worms Leap into Oregon
Video of Jumping Worms
Map of Jumping Worms in the U.S.
Robert Pavlis' Garden Myths Blog
Video: Farmer Fred on Cool Season Vegetable Gardening
Sacramento Co Master Gardeners Harvest Day Aug. 7  Zoom link

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

Ask A Farmer
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
125 Lavender. Crape Myrtle Tree. Harvesting and Storing Fruits and Vegetables
1486

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!

Pictured:
Crape Myrtle Tree

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
UC Davis Postharvest Care of Fruits and Vegetables
Book: Pruning and Training
Video: Farmer Fred on Cool Season Vegetable Gardening
Harvest Day Zoom link registration for Farmer Fred Q&A,  Sat. Aug. 7

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 Farmer
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
124 Mulching the Easy Way. Tomatillo pollination. Breaking Up Clay Soil and Hardpan.
1692

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!

Pictured:
A Mulched Garden

Links:
Smart Pots
Garden Myths Blog / Robert  Pavlis
Cut and Drop Mulching Method by Robert Pavlis
Video: Farmer Fred on Cool Season Vegetable Gardening
Harvest Day Zoom link registration for Farmer Fred Q&A,  Sat. Aug. 7

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.



Ask A Farmer
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
123 Droopy Cucumbers. Dahlias. Butterfly Bush.
1699

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. 
UC Davis Arboretum Superintendent Emeritus Warren Roberts tells us all about how to grow dahlias. 
And if you want a great plant to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, it’s hard to beat the butterfly bush. And the newest varieties are much more well mannered and easier to care for. We will tell you about the "Pugster Blue" Butterfly Bush.

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!

Pictured:
Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush, the 2021 Flowering Shrub of the Year

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush/Proven Winners
Cucumber Care UC  Ag & Natural Resources
Video: Farmer Fred on Cool Season Vegetable Gardening
Harvest Day Zoom link registration for Farmer Fred Q&A,  Sat. Aug. 7

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

Face

Ask A Farmer
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 27, 2021
122 Summer Veggie Redo. Watering tips. Cover Crop Prep.
1752

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!

Pictured:
Growing a cover crop this fall? Consider using vetch.  Vetch is valued as a green manure, weed competitor, and forage when mixed with oats. Fixes nitrogen.

Links:
Smart Pots
Moisture Meters
Soil Sampler Probes for Determining Soil Moisture
Peaceful Valley Farm Supply  Cover Crops
Zone 8 Oregon Planting Calendar
Video: Farmer Fred on Cool Season Vegetable Gardening
Harvest Day Zoom link registration for Farmer Fred Q&A,  Aug. 7

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 Farmer
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
121 Mix Up Your Plants! Daylilies. Japanese Maples. Pine Needle Mulch.
1837

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!

Pictured:
The Beni Maiko Japanese Maple

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects
Hedgerow Plants for California's Central Valley
Amador Flower Farm (Daylilies)

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 @farmerfred
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman

Ask A Farmer
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
120 How a Tree Works. Dahlia Rescue!
1746

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!

Pictured:
A diagram of the parts of a tree (Courtesy US Forest Service)

Links:

Smart Pots
How to Stake a Tree
Book: Plant Propagation by Alan Toogood
Find a Consulting or Certified Arborist Near You: treesaregood.org

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 @farmerfred
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 Farmer
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 16, 2021
119 How to Grow Passion Fruit. The Golden Raintree.
1377

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.
The Plant of the Week is a tree with outstanding summertime blooms that can be grown throughout most of the United States, the Goldenrain tree.
Have you ever wondered if that bare stem of a plant is alive or dead? Debbie Flower has tips to help you answer that question.It’s all on episode 119 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:
Passion Fruit

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
Plants that Attract Pollinators
Alive or Dead? Understanding Epicormic Shoots

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 @farmerfred
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.




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
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. 
A mysterious, underground white fungus has another listener perplexed. 
And we help out people who want to attract beneficial insects and pollinators to their garden.

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!

Pictured:
A bee on an artichoke flower.

Links:

Smart Pots
The Pollinator Victory Garden by Kim Eierman
Kim Eierman's Ecobeneficial.com website
Pollinator-Friendly Regional Plant Lists from the Xeres Society
Calscape.org Pinpoints California native plants via your CA zip code
Cicada Killer Wasp info
Mushrooms and Other Nuisance Fungi in Yards

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 @farmerfred
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 Farmer
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
117 All About Smart Pots. The Asian Lotus Flower.
1836

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. 
The Plant of the Week is something a little different. It’s a water plant. The beautiful and fragrant Asian or Chinese Lotus.

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!

Pictured:
Smart Pots Big Bag Bed

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Nelumbo (Asian Lotus Flower) info
UC Davis Arboretum

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.






Ask A Farmer
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
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!
Yes, you can grow citrus trees in containers successfully, if you treat them right. That includes choosing the right container, the right soil and the right fertilizer. Plus, a few other nifty ideas for citrus success in containers.
We’re brought to you today by Smart Pots. Give a listen to find how you can win a free Smart Pot!
It’s on Episode 116 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, and we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go!
Pictured:
Citrus in Containers

Links:
Smart Pots
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Orchard

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.



Ask A Farmer
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
115 Firescaping. Plant of the Week: Hydrangeas.
1840

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!

Pictured:
A fire-resistant landscape

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Book: "Firescaping: Protecting Your Home with a Fire-Resistant Landscape"
Video: Home Burning Demonstration
UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden

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



Ask A Farmer
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
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!

Pictured:
Crop rotation, explained as a pizza.

Links:
Smart Pots
Farmer Fred Rant: Crop Rotation Plan for the Home Garden
Farmer Fred Rant: Crop Rotation and the Circular Garden
Working with Clay Soil (UCANR)
Spading Forks
This is what a broad fork looks like

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

Ask A Farmer
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 25, 2021
113 Avocado Growing Tips. The Coral Yucca.
1653

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!

Pictured:
The Bacon Avocado

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery Fruit Tube Videos
Avocado Growing Advice (from UCANR)
UC Davis Arboretum
Fruit basket picker with pole

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.



Ask A Farmer
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
112 Does Mulch Rob Soil Nitrogen?
1509

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.
Also, summertime is soil solarization time, to rid your garden soil of pests or a quick way to kill off a portion of your unused lawn area, in preparation for a new garden bed. We talk sheet mulching, as well. It’s all about the soil!
It’s on episode 112 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!

Pictured:
Mulch

Links:
Smart Pots
Farmer Fred Rant: Which Mulch is Best?
Farmer Fred Rant: How To Kill Your Lawn in Two Easy Steps
Sheet Mulching (University of California)
Soil Solarization (University of California)
Solarization improves soil nutrition

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



Ask A Farmer
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
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!

Pictured:
The Smoke Tree (Continus coggygria 'atropurpurea')

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum

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


Ask A Farmer
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
110 Tomato Troubleshooter Part 2. Harvesting Garlic
1750

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!

Pictured:
Tomato Hornworm

Links:
Smart Pots
Farmer Fred Rant: Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects
Farmer Fred Rant: Tomato Troubleshooting
Nematode Control
Leaf Footed Bug pictures, description
Redwood Barn Nursery, Davis CA
Filaree Farm garlic catalog
Book: Growing Great Garlic
Book: The Complete Book of Garlic
University of Minnesota: Growing Garlic

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

Ask A Farmer
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
109 Tomato Troubleshooter, 2021 Pt1. Feather Grass.
1840

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.
It’s all on episode 109 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:
Blossom End Rot in a San Marzano paste tomato.

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Farmer Fred Rant: Tomato Troubleshooting
Farmer Fred Rant: Blossom End Rot
UC Davis Arboretum

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




Ask A Farmer
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
108 Water Trough Gardening
1731

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.
Retired college horticulture professor Debbie Flower and I explore livestock water trough gardening today, on episode 108 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!

Pictured:
Water Trough with Blueberry Plants

Links:
Smart Pots
Water Troughs
Tractor Paint
Blueberry Soil Mix for Containers/ Dave Wilson Nursery

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.





Ask A Farmer
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
107 Worm Castings. Poppies. Supermarket vs Homegrown Nutrition
1839

You’ve seen it with the bagged soils goods at the nursery: worm castings. What role should they play in your garden?
The Plant of the Week is a big family of different plants: the poppy. There’s probably one, or two, that are right for you.
Just because a homegrown fruit is smaller than what you might see at a grocery store doesn’t mean it’s inferior. On the contrary, that smaller, homegrown fruit may be healthier for you. We’ll explain.
It’s all on episode 107 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:
California poppies

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery / Tom’s Picks
Farmer Fred Rant: Supermarket vs Homegrown Nutrition
Worm Castings
UC Davis Arboretum

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.



Ask A Farmer
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
106 Should You Remove the First Tomato? White Knockout Apricot.
1600

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!

Pictured:
The First Tomato on a Better Boy plant today (May 27)

Links:
Smart Pots
White Knockout Apricot Tomorrow’s Harvest
Summer Pruning Videos / Tomorrow’s Harvest Nursery/ You Tube
Pruning Tomato Flowers? No! The Farmer Fred Rant

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"
Instagram: farmerfredho

Ask A Farmer
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
105 High Chill Apples for Low Chill Areas. Plant of the Week: Weigela
1824

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!

Pictured:
Arkansas Black Apple

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery / Arkansas Black Apple
The Weigela
UC Davis Arboretum

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.

Ask A Farmer
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 25, 2021
104 Fabulous Fruit Friday - The Shiranui Mandarin. Cicadas vs. Your Garden
1825

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.
And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go!

Pictured: 
Periodical cicada (Magicicada sp.) Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Forestry, bugwood.org

Links:
Smart Pots
Shiranui Mandarin Tomorrows Harvest

Cicada resources:
University of Maryland
Cornell University
University of California
Cicada netting (look for 1/4"-3/8" mesh)

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

Ask A Farmer
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
103 Is Fish Fertilizer Safe? The Buckeye Tree.
1766

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. 
The Plant of the Week is the buckeye tree, one very eccentric plant.
It’s all on episode 103 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery.  And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go!

Pictured:
The California Buckeye tree

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Dave Wilson Fruit Tube Videos
Fish Fertilizers/Emulsion, Seaweed, Kelp Meal
Everything You Need to Know about the Seaweed, Ascophyllum nodusum

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"
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Ask A Farmer
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 18, 2021
102 Red Baron Peach. Tomatoes in the Shade?
1706

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!

Pictured:
The Double -Red Flowers of the Red Baron Peach
(photo courtesy Don Shor, Redwood Barn Nursery, redwoodbarn.com)

Links:
Smart Pots   SmartPots.com/fred
Red Baron Peach  TomorrowsHarvest.com
Farmer Fred Rant: Tomato Troubleshooter  FarmerFred.com

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"
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Ask A Farmer
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 14, 2021
101 Growing Sweet Potatoes. The Peruvian Lily.
1747

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.
It’s all on episode 101 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:
Alstroemeria

Links:
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-gardens
Alstroemeria/Peruvian Lily
Growing Sweet Potatoes
UC Davis Arboretum

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.





Ask A Farmer
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
100 Garden Basics Greatest Hits (So Far)
2249

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.

One more thing, this might run longer than the usual 30 minutes (not by much). I hope you understand.

Pictured:
Celebrity Tomato

Links:
Smart Pots
Tomorrow's Harvest
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum
Kellogg Garden Products
Episode 3: How To Plant Tomatoes and Peppers (You Might Be Surprised!)
Episode 21: Tomato Troubleshooter
Episode 7: Feed Your Soil, Not Your Plants

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 Farmer
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 07, 2021
099 Ants in Pots. Rose History. Vacation vs. Your Garden
1764

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.
We’re talking roses today, too, including the history of roses, which extends about 3000 years. Warren Roberts of the UC Davis Arboretum tells the tales.
 Are you fully vaccinated and itching to take a vacation, finally? Great! But don’t forget your garden. We have suggestions on how to keep your garden looking good while you are away.It’s all on episode 99 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:
The Mr. Lincoln rose

Quote of the Day:
“As a little kid I loved rose flowers. I didn't like the bush, because embracing a rose bush is almost the definition of unrequited love.” -UC Davis Arboretum superintendent emeritus Warren Roberts, on the history of roses.

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
UC Davis Arboretum

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.



Ask A Farmer
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
098 Scarlet Halo Peach. How Long to Water with Drip. Quick Salad Greens.
1742

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.
One of the more frequently asked questions we get here is, how long should I run a drip irrigation system. Our resident retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower answers that while contemplating the question of dying loropetalum shrubs.
You want to grow salad fixins in a hurry? We talk with Brad Gates from Wild Boar Farms, not about his tomatoes, but about a quick and easy way to grow greens, even in hot summer climates.
It’s all on episode 98 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and TomorrowsHarvest.com
And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go!

Pictured: 
‘Crimson Fire’ loropetalum

Links:
Smart Pots
Scarlet Halo Peach Tomorrows Harvest
How Long to Irrigate with a Drip Irrigation System (FF Rant)

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"

Instagram:

Ask A Farmer
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 30, 2021
097 Grow Fig Trees from Cuttings. Protecting Plants From Heat. Zinnias. The Mock Orange shrub.
1665

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.
Looking for a colorful summer annual flower sure to bring a smile to your face? Grow zinnias. And they’re easy to grow.
We get tips on how to protect new or young plants from the blazing heat of the summer sun.
One of the most widely adaptable shrubs to grow across the country is the Philadelphus, the mock orange. With its very fragrant flowers, it’s definitely a show for the nose. And it’s our Plant of the Week.
It’s all on Episode 97 of the Garden Basics podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go!

Pictured:
Red Zinnia varieties, including Oklahoma Scarlet, Park's Picks,  Zinderella Red,  Jim Baggett, Giant Dahlia Mix...and three garlic flower heads.

Links:
Smart Pots
Dave Wilson Nursery
Zinnia Seeds at Amazon
Renee's Garden Zinnias
Park Seeds Zinnias
Burpee Seeds Zinnias
Philadelphus 'Belle Etoile'
Dallas Morning News editorial: "Coronavirus and Our Mental Health" (5/11/20)
UC Davis Arboretum

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.

All About Farmer Fred:

Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blo

Ask A Farmer
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 27, 2021
096 O'Henry Peach. Downsizing Fruit Trees. Why Thin Fruit.
1794

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!

Pictured:
O’Henry Peach

Links:
O’Henry Peach at Tomorrows Harvest
Pruning Overgrown Deciduous Fruit Trees (pdf from UCANR)
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 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

Ask A Farmer
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 23, 2021
095 Okra Growing Tips. Thwarting Rose Diseases. The Beauty Bush.
1798

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!

Pictured:
The flower of the okra plant.

Links:

Smart Pots
How to Grow Okra, from the Sonoma County Master Gardeners
Rose Diseases UCANR
UC Davis Arboretum
The Beauty Bush

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.



Ask A Farmer
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
094 Blushing Pearl Columnar Peach. Damping Off Disease. Lumpy Lawns?
1800

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.

It’s all on Episode 94 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and TomorrowsHarvest.com

And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go!

Pictured:
Blushing Pearl Columnar Peach

Links:
Blushing Pearl Columnar Peach Tomorrows Harvest

Tomorrow's Harvest Fruit Ripening Chart

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