Episodes

Oct 10

(FredNote: AI had a hand in creating this written summary. I took out the stilted parts and made it sound better to the eye…if that makes sense.) In this final episode, I provide an update on the transition from the Garden Basics podcast to the new Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter and podcast. With the conclusion of the 412 episodes of Garden Basics, we've shifted our format to better serve your gardening curiosity and needs through a more expansive platform. The new format allows for integration of multimedia resources via our newsletter, found at gardenbasics.substack.com , further enhancing your gardening experience. The motivation behind this change is clear: by employing a newsletter alongside our podcast, I can deliver more comprehensive content. Listeners will now have access to links and resources that dive deeper into the topics we discuss, as well as the benefit of a transcript for those who wish to explore our discussions in writing (the eye and the brain are faster than the ear, so to speak.) In essence, the newsletter acts as a complementary tool to the podcast, providing an enriched educational format that appeals to both auditory and visual learners. Even as we embrace this new direction, the original podcast remains accessible on platforms such as our home page GardenBasics.net as well as Apple Podcasts under the new title, Beyond the Garden Basics. Importantly, the podcast will be free of advertising, further reflecting our commitment to providing value to you, the listener (and I don’t have to hassle with flaky advertisers). This initiative is firmly supported by our community of listeners, with paid subscribers gaining exclusive access to the full range of podcasts and newsletters we've curated—over 240 pieces of content available to enrich your gardening knowledge. This paid version allows us to maintain high-quality, engaging content without the distractions of commercial advertisements. I encourage you to consider becoming a paid subscriber, as the reasonable subscription rates are designed to broaden access to beneficial gardening insights while supporting the continued operation of the newsletter. But, hey, free subscribers are welcome, too. After all, it’s just gardening, which is our happy place. I also reiterate the availability of all previously aired Garden Basics episodes, which will remain hosted at gardenbasics.net . I highly recommend downloading any of the old episodes that interest you before they potentially disappear, ensuring that you have access to that valuable content as we move forward with our new format and location. Join me in exploring the Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter and podcast, where not only will you find continued conversations about gardening, but also additional resources that will leave you feeling more informed in your gardening endeavors. Be sure to subscribe at gardenbasics.substack.com and stay connected with our evolving community of smiling people with constant dirt under their fingernails. Thank you for your continued support, as we embark on this new adventure together. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 3

Debbie Flower, America's Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, drops by to discuss essential strategies for protecting potted and in-ground plants when a frost or freeze is expected. Topics include relocation, mulching, watering, and the use of frost cloths. We explore alternatives to frost cloths, tackle plant hygiene prior to indoor living, and managing indoor challenges like pests and humidity. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Cover Photo: Agribon 70 frost cloth covering a Meyer Lemon Tree Links: Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids! “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and podcast. Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping! Links: Frost Cloths Anti-Transpirants plant stand rollers indoor plant lights greenhouse heaters All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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? • 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 and subscribing to the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter . Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 26

Today, we delve into the Garden Basics archive for three segments about the importance of building your soil in the fall. We talk with America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, and Sacramento’s Organic Advocate, Steve Zien. We explore the vital role of nitrogen in gardening. We address a listener's concern about low nitrogen levels in soil, discussing the challenges of measurement as well as alternative testing methods. We emphasize the significance of organic amendments, such as compost and cover cropping, particularly with crops like fava beans, to enhance nitrogen levels and overall soil health. Our conversation also covers the detrimental effects of high-salt synthetic fertilizers. And, we talk about sustainable gardening practices that promote nutrient cycling and plant growth. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Cover Photo: Cover Crops, including fava beans, clover, oats Links: Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids! “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and podcast. Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping! Links: Crop Rotation Chart Book: “Grow Now” by Emily Murphy All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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? • 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 and subscribing to the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter . Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 19

We share essential fall gardening tips for both the garden and the orchard. Also, Debbie Flower offers a primer on correct watering techniques. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Cover Photo: Water Breaker Nozzle (Photo: Dramm) Links: Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids! “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and podcast. Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping! Links: Leaf Vac/Shredder Smart Pot Compost Sak Australian Finger Lime Avocados for USDA Zone 9 peat pots/peat pellets Vermiculite for seed starting Dramm Watering Video: Watering 101 Dramm breaker nozzles for fine spray watering Hunter MP Rotator sprinklers Outdoor sprinkler water measuring devices Farmer Fred Rant: How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need? Olla Watering Pots All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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? • 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 and subscribing to the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter . Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 12

Farmer Fred interviews garden writer Jen McGuinness, author of "Bird-Friendly Gardening," who highlights the urgent need for creating habitats for declining bird populations in North America. Jen shares her personal journey of transforming her Connecticut lawn into a wildlife habitat, overcoming skepticism from neighbors, while promoting eco-friendly gardening practices. The discussion covers bird photography, the significance of incorporating water and native plants in gardens, and strategies for preventing bird-window collisions. Jen offers practical advice on optimal plant choices and maintenance. She also addresses challenges like invasive species and provides resources from her book to help gardeners of all levels create welcoming environments for birds. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Cover Photo: Black Hooded Oriole (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) Links: Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids! “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping! Book - Bird-Friendly Gardening Jen McGuinness, FrauZinnie.com All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 . Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 5

Today, we talk with Joseph Lofthouse about landrace gardening, which emphasizes the cultivation of locally adapted crops. Lofthouse shares his methods of developing diverse seed varieties, seed-saving techniques, and efficient watering practices in his high desert mountain climate of northeast Utah. He discusses successful experiments with corn, beans, melons, and other crops while highlighting the importance of genetic diversity for resilience and food security. His techniques just might be worth a try no matter where you live! 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Photo: various styles of promiscuously pollinating popcorn Links: Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids! “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping! More information about landrace gardening and Joseph Lofthouse All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 . Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 29

Gardeners who want to save water with wise irrigating techniques might consider an unusual approach: plant crops that don't require much water in the first place. Today, Marlene Simon, the Plant Lady, of the Flower Power Garden Hour podcast and I talk about low water use vegetables, as well as how to condition your soil to use less water more effectively. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: the low water use Tepary bean variety, Colonia Morelos Links: Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids! “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping! Flower Power Garden Hour podcast with Marlene Simon, the Plant Lady UCANR: Your Food Garden in a Drought Drought Resistant Crops and Varieties All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 . Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 22

In this episode, we talk with Don Shor from Redwood Barn Nursery about summer gardening - specifically tomatoes - in the context of this year's mild weather. We share successes with tomato varieties like Dr. Wyche’s Yellow and Chef's Choice Orange, while addressing challenges like blossom end rot and effective watering techniques. Don offers insights on various tomato cultivars, including promising hybrid-heirloom crosses, including the one pictured - the Genuwine - a cross between the Costaluto Genovese and the Brandywine. We also discuss the growing trend of peppers as perennials, along with best practices for cultivating them and other crops like cucumbers and rhubarb in hot climates. The conversation blends practical gardening tips with personal experiences for all levels of gardeners. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: The Genuwine tomato, a new hybrid formed by two heirloom crosses - Costaluto Genovese and Brandywine. (Photo: Don Shor) Links: Help Support This Podcast with a monthly donation! Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids! “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping! Redwood Barn Nursery, Davis, CA All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 . Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 15

Q&A: How to Grow Fava Beans as a cover crop or an edible. Controlling Roof Rats in the Garden (good luck!) Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids! 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Melon Damage from Rats? Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping! All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 . Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 8

One of the best places to get your garden questions answered is at the annual gathering of local Master Gardeners, gardening professionals, and horticultural consultants at Harvest Day, held the first Saturday of August each year at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center in Sacramento County, California. And last Saturday was no exception. A question I posed to several dozen of the pros there was this: “What is the one garden tip you would like people to know?” Here’s their answers. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Part of the crowd of gardeners at the vegetable garden information tables, at Harvest Day 2025. Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping! Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Sacramento Cactus and Succulent Society Sierra Foothills Rose Society El Dorado Nursery and Gardens Sacramento Digs Gardening newsletter Miridae Mobile Nursery Sacramento Perennial Plant Club Soil Moisture Probes Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito Vector District Ed Able Fruit Solutions (Youtube) Emerald City Interior Landscape Services All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Aug 1

Why are some of my plants turning yellow and dying? One possibility: fusarium wilt. We address the challenges posed by fusarium wilt, a destructive, soil-borne fungal disease impacting favorite garden plants like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. But it’s not just edibles. Fusarium wilt can strike trees, shrubs and perennials such as palm trees, prickly pear cactus, pyracantha, chrysanthemum, daffodils and gladiolus. What's a gardener to do? We have tips for thwarting - and living with - fusarium wilt. (Originally aired in Ep. 312). Pictured: a date palm tree infected with fusarium wilt. (Photo: CDFA) 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 . Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter Fusarium Wilt Information from: UC Ag & Natural Resources University of Minnesota The Missouri Botanical 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Jul 25

In this episode of the Garden Basics podcast, I speak with succulent expert Debra Lee Baldwin about the world of edible succulents. We delve into what defines succulents, their survival in arid conditions, and their nutritional benefits. Baldwin highlights notable varieties such as Agave tequilana (Blue Agave) and Opuntia, discussing their culinary uses and growth requirements. She shares tips on preparing these plants for consumption and reveals the value of lesser-known edibles like purslane. Baldwin also emphasizes succulents' role in food security. Also, we get a quick tip from Debbie Flower on where to place snail bait in a raised bed (not near the plants!) Originally aired in Ep. 61. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: the edible succulent, purslane. Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping! Debra Lee Baldwin's Success with Succulents website Snail and Slug Control Tips from UCANR All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Jul 18

We examine the growing wildfire risks for homeowners, particularly in fire-prone areas across the United States. We get insights from Kevin Marini, a UC Defensible Space Advisor. He highlights the importance of maintaining clear spaces around homes and managing vegetation in three defensive zones. Originally aired in Episode 361. Pictured: Aftermath of the Altadena (CA) Wildfire, January 2025. Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: The Dance of Defensible Space , by Kevin Marini UCANR Fire Network: Creating a Defensible Space U. Nevada-Reno: Mulch and Flammability CalFire Demonstration Fire Video IBHS Research Center Ember Storm Test Video FireSafe Marin CA Native Plant Society list of fire-resistant plants More Wildfire Protection Tips : Utah State University University of Nebraska-Lincoln Vail, Colo. Ashland, Oregon Minnesota/Wisconsin Fort Worth, TX British Columbia, Canada All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Jul 11

To celebrate Episode 400 of the Garden Basics podcast, we present the four most listened-to garden topics in the history of the podcast. Topics include: starting a victory garden; growing caneberries; container gardening basics; and planting and growing shade trees. This edition runs a bit (!) longer than normal...over two hours. Move over Joe Rogan, this one is worth a long summer road trip! 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: raised bed with peppers, raspberries, Pam Farley with containers, Crape Myrtle tree in bloom Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! National Garden Bureau Victory Garden Blogs Growing Caneberries Pam Farley website - Brown Thumb Mama Pam Farley book - “Container Food Gardening” American Society of Consulting Arborists How to Plant a Tree All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Jul 4

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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: seed packets Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “Where are all the Ripe Tomatoes?”. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Botanical Interests Seed Company Glossary All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Jun 27

In this podcast, you’ll hear from these U.C. Sacramento County Master Gardeners and their favorite aromatic plants: Collete Armao - Scented Geraniums Dan Vierria - the Tuberose Kathy Hellesen - Lemon Verbena Greta Lacin - Sage (Salvia), especially sages for cooking Teri Van Airsdale - the banana shrub (Magnolia figo) And bonus audio - an interview with Master Rosarian Charlotte Owendyk about her 10 most favorite fragrant roses, including 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 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Magnolia figo (banana shrub) 'Port Wine' Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “Aromatic Plants and Roses - More Info”. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Fair Oaks Horticulture Center All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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? GardenBasics.net • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 20

Master gardeners share lessons from their mistakes, covering topics like thinning fruit, plant spacing, and pest management, highlighting gardening as a continuous learning experience filled with humor and growth. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: crowded fruit on a donut peach tree Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “Gardening and Gratitude”. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Fair Oaks Horticulture Center “Sacramento Digs Gardening” newsletter All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Jun 13

Today, we dive into the world of cucumbers, the second most popular crop among backyard gardeners. Debbie Flower shares her expertise on cucumber varieties, growing techniques, and addressing common issues like bitterness. We discuss the importance of starting with fresh seeds, maintaining warm soil, and ensuring consistent moisture for optimal growth. Debbie also explains how to identify and manage male and female flowers, trellising for space optimization, as well as pest and disease management. (Originally aired in May, 2023) 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Cucumbers Growing on a Trellis Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “Should You Prune Off Tomato Flowers?” By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Cucumber growing info from Sonoma County Master Gardeners Cucumber Pests Cucumber seeds All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Jun 6

We explore the concept of a survival garden, focusing on growing nutritious crops that enhance healthy living. We redefine "survival garden" as a means to reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods while improving dietary intake. Our discussion includes practical tips for cultivating calorie-rich vegetable staples like corn, beans, and potatoes, evaluating their yields and family preferences. The episode covers specific planting techniques for various vegetables, along with our personal gardening experiences, highlighting the adaptability needed for successful growth and storage of crops. Ultimately, we aim to inspire you to embrace gardening as a sustainable practice that enriches nutrition and well-being. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Heirloom Popcorn - Pennsylvania Butter Flavored Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “Growing Microgreens” By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! “Growing A Survival Garden” - Modern Farmer, October 2024 Mushroom Growing Kits Microgreen Seed Sources - Johnny’s Selected Seeds , Harris Seeds Bean Seeds - Yellow Indian Woman (Buckeye Bean) , Bingo Beet Seeds - Choggia , Golden Growing Sweet Corn Information (Iowa State) Sweet Corn Production in California (UCANR) All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Farmer Fred website : http://farmerfred.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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? • 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 .

May 30

Episode 394 features climate scientist Daniel Swain of Weather West and UCANR discussing the link between gardening and weather patterns. He provides tips on monitoring conditions, setting up weather stations, and adapting practices amid National Weather Service budget cuts. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Davis Vantage Pro Weather Station (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “What is a Grocery Store Vine-Ripened Tomato?” By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Daniel Swain / WeatherWest on YouTube Home Weather Stations Davis Instruments Weather Stations All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

May 23

Farmer Fred and Debbie Flower share tips for managing pests like whiteflies and slugs, highlighting organic solutions and beneficial insects to help you reclaim your garden. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Whiteflies on a Citrus Leaf (Photo: Flickr/epitree) Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: Controlling Slugs in Mulch. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects The Good Bug Hotel Beneficial Insects for Whitefly Control Whitefly Control Product - Bug Buster O Sluggo for Snail and Slug Control Sluggo Plus for Snail, slug, and earwig control Other Slug/Snail Control Products Earwig Control Tips from UCANR All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

May 16

Debbie Arrington of the Sacramento Rose Society club introduces Master Gardener Farmer Fred and horticulture professor Debbie Flower at a recent meeting of the club. Fred and Debbie don't necessarily talk about roses, though. They share 10 essential tips to boost your overall gardening success—from innovative seed germination techniques to managing soil health and tackling invasive pests. This lively discussion emphasizes daily garden observation and sustainable practices, ensuring your garden thrives beautifully. Get ready to dig deep into the art of gardening! 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Rose Show at the Sacramento Rose Society. Roses: Whirlaway, Marriotta, Magic Show, Dolly Parton Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: Tips for more effective drip irrigation on raised garden beds. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Fair Oaks Horticulture Center The Force of Rainwater Hitting bare soil Hairy Bittercress weed exploding seeds All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

May 9

If you love melons, this episode is a must-listen! In Episode 391 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, we chat with Gail Pothour from the Sacramento County Master Gardener Program about growing mouthwatering melons at home. Discover tips on germination, pest management, and the benefits of harvesting at peak ripeness for maximum flavor. Gail also shares her unique trellising techniques and highlights exciting melon varieties like Lambton and Kajari. Tune in for a juicy journey into the world of homegrown melons. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Muskmelons growing on a trellis, with the fruit in t-shirt slings. (Photo: Gail Pothour) Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: more words and pictures about all the melon varieties we talked about in this podcast. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Book - “Melons for the Passionate Grower” by Amy Goldman All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

May 2

Get ready to spice up your garden in Episode 390 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred! Join Master Gardener Gail Pothour as we explore the vibrant world of peppers—discussing their health benefits, essential growing tips, and delicious culinary uses. From sweet varieties like the Gypsy to mildly hot options like the Mariachi, you’ll discover peppers that will light up your garden and your meals! Packed with practical advice for both seasoned pros and newbies, this episode is your go-to guide for thriving pepper plants. Tune in for a pepper-centric journey that will elevate your gardening game. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Colorful Sweet peppers Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: more about all the pepper varieties we talked about in this podcast. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You! Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Soil Thermometers Chile Pepper Institute - New Mexico State University Garden Basics, Ep. 25: Peppers - the Hot and the Sweet Giant Whitefly Control (UCANR) South American Tomato Leaf Miner (UCANR) All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Apr 25

In Episode 389 of *Garden Basics with Farmer Fred*, learn to deter pesky squirrels and manage soil moisture. Farmer Fred, Debbie Flower, and Steve Zien share tips on protecting gardens and optimizing watering techniques. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Squirrel! (Photo by Joe Mabel) Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (by becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!) Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Squirrel Controls (UCANR): Ground Squirrels Tree Squirrels Soil Moisture Meters Soil Probes Farmer Fred Rant Blog Page: Don’t Let Drip Irrigation Become Drip Irritation Soil Tests at Universities: Texas A&M Soil Testing Colorado St. Soil Testing U. Mass/Amherst Soil Testing All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Apr 18

Master Gardener Gail Pothour shares tips on growing summer and winter squash. We cover variety selection, planting, pest management, harvesting, and storage of squash to boost your yield. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Male and Female Squash Flowers Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (by becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!) Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ All America Selections Squash varieties mentioned in today’s podcast: Gold Rush Bossa Nova Sunburst yellow scalloped squash Green Lightning squash Early Prolific Straightneck Squash Tivoli Spaghetti Squash Waltham butternut squash Black Futsu butternut squash Sweet Jade Kabocha squash OTHER PLANTS MENTIONED: Green Zebra zucchini Honey Boat Squash Ortolana di Faenza zucchini Galeux d’ Eysines pumpkin Rouge Vif d’ Etampes pumpkin Jarrahdale pumpkin Marina Di Chioggia pumpkin African Blue Basil Wild Magic Basil All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Farmer Fred website : http://farmerfred.com As an Amazon Associate , I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Got a garden question? • 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 .

Apr 11

America’s Favorite College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, and I answers questions about the importance of building “reaction wood” in seedlings, greenhouse airflow, scale pest management for fruit trees, and the benefits of organic mulch. Once again, we’re here to promote proactive gardening practices for healthier gardens. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Tomato Seedlings building "Reaction Wood" Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (by becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!) Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ “Teaming with Bacteria” (book) by Jeff Lowenfels Scale Control Tips (from UCANR) Thigmotropism - What is That? All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Apr 4

Farmer Fred and Debbie Flower provide practical advice on cultivating table and wine grapes, focusing on the essentials such as sunlight, well-drained soil and variety selection. Also: peach leaf curl controls, prematurely falling figs, no-till gardening benefits. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: A cluster of grapes on the vine (Photo: UCANR) Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Fair Oaks Horticulture Center “Growing Grapes for Beginners” - West Virginia University Training and Pruning Grapes - UCANR No-Tiil Gardening - Sonoma Co Master Gardeners Peach Leaf Curl Info - UCANR All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Mar 28

Prepare to be inspired as we dive into a creative and sustainable approach to gardening with Sacramento County Master Gardener Gail Pothour. We explore how to turn everyday household items and scrap materials into stunning and functional garden art. Whether it’s using an old manhole cover as a striking stepping stone or transforming downed trees into rustic pathways, Gail shares her innovative methods for infusing charm and creativity into any garden space. We explore the many ways she's embraced repurposing, showcasing the beauty of sustainability in a tangible, hands-on manner. This episode blends creativity with pragmatism. Gail's enthusiasm for gardening and her resourceful methods bring an upbeat energy to the conversation, making it a delightful listen for aspiring and seasoned gardeners alike. Plus - "Will my blueberry plants recover after being weed trimmer whipped by my grandson?" 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Gail’s Repurposed Items in the Garden Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 28 edition features more about Gail’s repurposed garden) Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Scilla peruviana Bilbergia nutans New Zealand Lemonade Tree Large Binder Clips (for securing frost/shade cloth to PVC supports) Mesh Wastebasket for plant protection (much cheaper at a Dollar-type Store) All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Mar 21

Essential tips for beginner gardeners, focusing on starting small, plant selection, spacing and companion planting, along with maintenance strategies and the value of involving children and keeping a gardening diary. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: An all-container first garden Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 21 edition features more about first gardens) Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Six-inch mesh grid reinforcement wire Hori Hori Knife Soil Moisture Meter Soil Thermometer Smart Pots Planting Calendars by USDA Zone (from Urban Farmer) Planting Calendar for Northern California Manual Water Timer Drip Irrigation Systems for Containers Microsprayers All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Mar 14

If you’re a tomato-head, this is the episode for you! We dive into the world of tomatoes with Don Shor from Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We discuss our favorite tomato varieties to plant for the 2025 gardening season. What’s new and intriguing? What’s old and good? Plus, Don has tips for choosing reliable varieties if you are new to tomato gardening, as well as good advice to get those young plants off to a healthier start. It’s Episode 383, The 2025 Tomato Preview Show! 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: The Rugby tomato Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 14 edition features more about tomatoes) Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ What is “Breaker Stage” for tomatoes? (from the Farmer Fred Rant blog page) TOMATO CATALOGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST: Wild Boar Farms Seeds ’n Such Tomato Fest Johnny’s Selected Seeds Burpee Seminis Seeds Tomato Growers Supply Co. Totally Tomatoes Norfolk Healthy Produce (The Purple Tomato) All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Mar 7

In this episode: • The benefits of delayed winter pruning of fruit trees, with orchardist and Master Gardener Quentyn Young. • Controlling ants in raised garden beds, with America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. • Protecting your garlic crop in winter weather. • Redwood tree roots vs. raised garden beds. Guess who wins? How to build up your defenses against tree roots. With Debbie Flower. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: The March bloom of the Garden Gold dwarf Peach tree. Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 7 edition features Debbie’s recipe for ant bait) Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Ant Control Products Outdoor Ant Bait Station Liquid borate for ant control Fair Oaks Horticulture Center (Sac. Co. Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden) Soil Solarization Tips Backyard Orchard Culture: Tips for controlling fruit tree height All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 28

Tips for protecting your backyard chickens from the bird flu. Compost for potted plants. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Backyard Chicken Coop (Wikimedia Commons/Josh Larios) Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Previous Podcasts about chickens: Ep. 315 Choosing Backyard Chickens Ep. 310 Homegrown Chicken Food? Ep. 220 Chickens vs. Summer Heat Ep. 204 Backyard Chicken Care Ep. 052 Winter Chicken Care Ep. 006 Backyard Chickens! (Beginner’s basic info) ChickensforEggs.com - Cherie Sintes-Glover Feeding Your Flock - UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - Center for Disease Control Fair Oaks Horticulture Center (Sac. Co. Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden) Composting for the Home Gardener All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 21

Today: Practical flower seed starting techniques, such as the critical timing for beginning various flowers and the correct depth for planting those seeds. And, Debbie Flower shares with us her trick for careful watering of newly planted seeds. Also, she has important tips when transplanting those young flowering plants into the garden. 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 . Now, full episodes on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Zowie Yellow Flame Zinnia Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Dramm 1000 Water Breaker Nozzle "Zowie Yellow Flame" Zinnia All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 14

We talk with Diane Blazek, the executive director of All-America Selections (AAS), exploring the newly announced 2025 winners of top-performing garden plant varieties. Each year, AAS winners undergo rigorous trials, evaluated by expert judges, to ensure they will thrive in diverse U.S. and Canadian climates. Diane highlights standout varieties like the high-yielding tomato variety, “Tonatico”, the sweet and crunchy “Pick-N-Pop” pepper, and the visually striking “Murasaki Fioretto” cauliflower. We also cover herbs and flowers, including the resistant “Piedmont” basil and the vibrant Zinnia, “Zydeco Fire”. This episode is rich with advice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking the latest quality varieties for their gardens. 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 .. Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: AAS 2025 National Award Winner, Celosia "Flamma Pink" Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ All-America Selections 2025 Garden Plant Winners Scoville Scale for Peppers All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 7

We tackle the management of four-legged garden fruit tree pests with Debbie Flower. We discuss listener concerns about squirrels, raccoons, and rats, exploring protective measures and the importance of exclusion methods. Our conversation also covers strategies for deterring deer and effective, humane rat control tactics. We share practical tips for ongoing maintenance and highlight the relationship between gardening and wildlife, encouraging listeners to check the Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter for additional resources. 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 .. Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: A Tree-Munched Green Persimmon Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Backyard Orchard Culture Basics (maintaining short fruit trees) Wire Mesh Fruit Bag Protection Hardware Cloth Barn Owl Boxes Rat Traps Rat Poison Restrictions in California All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 31

Want bountiful tomatoes and beautiful roses in 2025? Today, we cover essential tips for starting tomato seeds and winter rose pruning. Debbie Flower shares insights on timing for planting tomato seeds and the benefits of starting them indoors. We discuss nurturing seedlings and the advantages of hybrid varieties for beginners. Master Rosarian Charlotte Owendyk explains winter pruning techniques for healthier rose growth this spring. 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 . Now on YouTube (audio). Pictured: Tomato Seedlings Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ All America Selections Tomato Winners Concrete Reinforcement Wire Sheets (6” mesh) Soil Thermometers Ep. 374 Pepper Seed Germination Tips American Rose Society The Best Roses for America (and rose pruning)(Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter of Jan. 21, 2022) How to Prune a Climbing Rose All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 24

Episode 376 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast offers more sustainable gardening tips for all gardeners. We cover managing hackberry aphids using less toxic methods with Debbie Flower; growing tips and benefits of the herb, self-heal with Master Gardener and herb specialist Ruth Ostroff; and advice from Organic Consultant Steve Zien, using fallen leaves for winter soil nourishment. 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 .. Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: The Herb, Heal-All (Prunella Vulgaris) (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Fair Oaks Horticulture Center More Information about the Herb, Heal-All (Prunella) Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects (Episode 41 of this podcast) Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects, part 1 (Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter) Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects, part 2 (Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter) All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 17

We delve into cool season gardening with Master Gardener Gail Pothour and retired college horticultural professor Debbie Flower. We explore best practices for growing peas, focusing on varieties like sugar snap and snow peas, while discussing germination tips, planting times related to frost dates, and inventive trellising methods using materials such as bicycle wheels. Shifting to tulips, we address a listener question about improperly stored sprouted bulbs. Debbie shares her expertise on proper bulb storage, planting depth, and vital conditions to avoid mold, alongside the effects of vernalization (cold storage of bulbs) and etiolation (long, weak stems). The episode provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced gardeners, equipping listeners with essential strategies to cultivate peas and ensure vibrant tulips come spring. Pictured: All America Selections Winner, the Snak Hero pea . 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 . Also available on YouTube . Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Snak Hero Pea Oregon II Sugar Pod Peas Sugar Magnolia Peas Magnolia Blossom Peas Mushroom brush Species Tulip information Zone information for tulip growing All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 10

Tips for starting pepper seeds. How to care for pepper seedlings. With Debbie Flower. Protecting your yard and home from wildfire. With Kevin Marini, University of California Defensible Space advisor. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and accurate, human-reviewed transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net . Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout . Pictured: Pepper Seed Packets Links: “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ More Pepper Seed Germination TIps The Dance of Defensible Space , by Kevin Marini UCANR Fire Network: Creating a Defensible Space U. Nevada-Reno: Mulch and Flammability CalFire Demonstration Fire Video IBHS Research Center Ember Storm Test Video FireSafe Marin CA Native Plant Society list of fire-resistant plants MORE WILDFIRE PROTECTION TiPS : Utah State University , University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Vail, Colo. , Ashland, Oregon , Minnesota/Wisconsin , Fort Worth, TX All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Farmer Fred website The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 • 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 3

We're kicking off the 2025 season with the garden interviews that were the Top 3 topics that drew the most interest from you, the listeners, in 2024. Debbie Flower and I have the tips to start your first garden, along with advice for anyone who wants a successful. Blueberry experts, including Master Gardeners and professional blueberry growers, delve into the knowledge you need for growing the best blueberries ever. And, we talk with noted doctor and gardener, The Fresh Physician, Doctor Laura Varich, about the heart healthy garden. It’s all in today’s Episode 373, the "Greatest Garden Hits of 2024". 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: Blueberries Links: Smart Pots Dave Wilson Nursery Farmer Fred Rant Blog: Tips for the Beginning Vegetable Gardener Solarize your soil to control weeds, diseases Reciprocating Hoe (aka Hula Hoe, Scuffle hoe) Dripworks (drip irrigation supplies and tutorials) AmpleHarvest.org for your excess backyard produce Farmer Fred Rant Blog Page: Grow Blueberries in Containers Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Dave Wilson Nursery Video: Container Blueberries for Small Spaces Heart Healthy Foods Newsletter from Fresh Physician My Fitness Pal Black Seed (Black Cumin, Nigella Sativa) Ground Flaxseed Devil's Ear Lettuce Tokyo Bekana Chinese Cabbage Book: " The One Minute Workout " by Martin Gibala All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 . • 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 27, 2024

In this episode, we reflect on the ups and downs of Northern California’s 2024 tomato gardening season, with Don Shor of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We share insights on the successful varieties, such as Rugby, Chef’s Choice, and Jet Star. But we also point out the ones that struggled, and failed, during 2024’s record breaking July heat waves here (I’m looking at you, heirlooms!). We explore the effects of weather on tomato growth, including coping with extreme heat, and a comparison of heirloom versus hybrid tomato varieties, with planting tips. Anyone in the world growing tomatoes will glean valuable information from this chat, despite the truism, ALL GARDENING IS LOCAL. It’s all in today’s episode number 372, "2024 Tomato Winners (and losers!)". 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 accurate transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net . Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Pictured: A Good Tomato Harvest Links: Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Redwood Barn Nursery, Davis CA For more information about the TOMATO VARIETIES mentioned in this podcast, visit the “ Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter ” of Dec. 27, 2024 All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 20, 2024

In today’s episode, we explore America’s top 10 homegrown vegetables. We are guided by Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour. From tomatoes—America’s favorite, with 86% of gardeners growing them—to cucumbers, sweet peppers, hot peppers, squash, beans, lettuce, peas and more, we cover essential tips for garden success in your backyard. In Part 1: Tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, beans, and carrots. In Part 2 (after the commercial break): summer squash, onions, hot peppers, lettuce, and peas. 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: Cucumbers on a Trellis Links: Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Rapid City (SD) Journal Newspaper: 10 most popular vegetables grown in American gardens National Gardening Association: Top 5 Homegrown Vegetables All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 13, 2024

The healthiest food you can eat is the food you grow yourself! In this episode, we speak with Dr. Laura Varich from FreshPhysician.com about the vital role of nutrition in supporting immunity, especially during the winter months. We explore the balance of immunity rather than just boosting it. And we discuss the correlation between diet and chronic diseases. Dr. Varich highlights the benefits of a plant-centered diet and compares germ theory with terrain theory. We also emphasize the immune-boosting properties of specific foods like turmeric and the health advantages of gardening. Lastly, we share resources from her website for actionable insights on living a healthier lifestyle. 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: Immunity Boosting (and Inflammation-Reducing) Homegrown Onions and Garlic Links: Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Website: FreshPhysician.com (Dr. Laura Varich) Turmeric Growing info (U. of VT) All About Yacon (UCANR) How to Grow Yacon The Dietary Inflammatory Index All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 6, 2024

If you are about to set foot into a garden for the first time in the coming new year, or looking to expand your gardening horizons, and you are wondering where to begin, a good tip is to start small…with container gardening. Today, we talk with Pam Farley, who is the writer and photographer behind the highly successful gardening website, brown thumb mama dot com. And, she is the author of the book, “The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening.” Even experienced gardeners will pick up a few handy tips on dealing with all the various kinds of containers you can use to grow edibles and flowers. You’ll find out: • That not all drill bits are created equal. You’ll find out the best tools and implements to use to add drain holes in wood, plastic, ceramic or 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. Pam Farley will direct you to the right places for those different shaped pots. • And to keep those pots draining, Pam Farley has some tips and tricks for keeping the water flowing. Today, it’s container gardening basics! 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! Photo: Mandarins in Wood Half Barrels Links: 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 Farmer Fred Rant: Tomato Blossom End Rot All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net website “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Farmer Fred website : http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Nov 29, 2024

Today, we venture into the critical realm of invasive pests, zeroing in on the invasive shot hole borer (ISHB), a formidable newcomer from southern Asia threatening California's trees. We navigate through the fascinating biology of the ISHB, discussing its rapid spread and dire consequences for urban and native forests alike, not only threatening California’s tree canopy, but over 65 species of trees throughout the country. We are joined by Dr. Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann from the University of California Cooperative Extension, who sheds light on the pest's impact to a wide variety of ornamental trees, including a very important agricultural crop, avocado trees. We will emphasize the importance of monitoring and early detection of the Invasive Shot Hole Borer, with Dr. Nobua-Behrmann outlining diagnostic signs and mitigation strategies. We highlight integrated pest management techniques and the potential of biological controls, such as the introduction of parasitoid wasps. 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: Trunk of a heavily infested California sycamore (Photo by Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann, UC Cooperative Extension) Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Topic Links: Introduction to Invasive Shothole Borers (Video) Invasive Shothole Borer list of susceptible trees Invasive Shothole Borer Management Tips (video) How to Spot the Invasive Shot Hole Borer (Assessment link) All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net website "Beyond the Garden Basics" Newsletter Farmer Fred website : http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Nov 22, 2024

In this episode, along with America's Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, Debbie Flower, we discuss the importance of soil health, effective pruning techniques, and the value of learning from gardening failures. Water management strategies and proactive pest control are also highlighted, along with the joy of simply spending time in the garden. Packed with practical tips from a wide variety of Master Gardeners, this episode offers valuable insights for gardeners of all levels. 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: 95 Pounds of Tomatoes Harvested Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Topic Links: Top Ten Habits of Successful Gardeners: Pt. 1 Top Ten Habits of Successful Gardeners: Pt. 2 Book: Pruning and Training Podcast: Ep. 79 Seed Starting Tips. Reusing old potting soil. Farmer Fred Rant Blog: Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects Hedgerow California Native Plants to Attract Beneficials FloraLife Flower Food Brooklyn Botanical Garden: Cut Flower Care Flashback Episode of the Week: #247 Trees vs. Storms 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Nov 15, 2024

Farmer Fred and Debbie Flower discusses ant management in raised beds. Master Food Preserver Wendy Rose talks about garden food preservation techniques and how to wow the judges at county and state fairs with your homemade preserves. 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: Ant Control Product in Fruit Tree 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/ Flashback: Ep. 197 Compost Tea Explained Debbie Flower’s Recipe for Ant Control CA State Fair Canning Competition Guide UC Master Food Preserver Program The National Center for Home Food Preservation (U of GA) 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/ Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social 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 .

Nov 8, 2024

If you live in the milder areas of the country, November is an excellent month for planting and establishing shade trees. Today, we cover the basics of correctly planting and caring for a shade tree. We chat with consulting arborist Gordon Mann, who reminds us, when it comes to choosing a spot to plant a shade tree, it’s all about the soil. Hmm, where have I heard that before? Plus, he explains the importance of correct planting techniques, especially freeing up that tree’s root zone. But there’s a lot more. As Gordon will explain, raising a tree is much like raising a child. It takes years of diligence on your part to see good results. Both fall and spring are excellent for tree planting, Gordon Mann’s advice on planting and caring for a shade tree bears repeating, here on Episode 365, Fall is For Shade Tree Planting. 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: Chinese Pistache Tree in the Autumn 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/ Gordon Mann, Consulting Arborist, websites: Mann Made Resources California Tree and Landscape Consulting Find a Consulting arborist at: International Society of Arboriculture American Society of Consulting Arborists Sacramento Tree Foundation - How To Plant a Tree i-tree (tools for assessing trees) 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter . Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Nov 1, 2024

Ep. 364 10 Quick Tips for a Successful Garden • Julia Oldfield of Big Oak Nursery in Elk Grove, CA talks about creating a container garden that would be sure to slow down cars and wowing the walkers going by your front yard, using only three plants. (at 3:19 of the podcast) • Is there a cheaper way to make seed starting mix. Brad Gates, he of Wild Boar Farms tomato fame, says, yes there is. (6:06) • 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. (8:42) • 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. (16:53 ) • Small apples are all the rage, perfect for putting in a lunchbox. But what’s a good variety to grow? Tom Spellman of Dave Wilson Nursery has some ideas on that. (26:21) • Master Garden Pam Bone is in love with a certain peach variety. And you could be growing one, too. (29:02) • Thinking you’re going to chase away turkeys or deer or skunks or rats or ants or just about any other pest from your yard, house or garden by using sound devices, shiny devices or an impulse sprinkler? Debbie Flower says, think again. (33:04) • The Brown Thumb Mama, Pam Farley, works her magic on a strawberry plant by turning one plant, into many. And it’s easy. She will explain how. (40:11) • Canadian garden writer Robert Pavlis shares his secrets for creating a successful garden by implementing the cut and drop method. He has the details. (43:27) • And finally, I’d like you to try to grow popcorn. I think you will like the results. I know you will like the taste. (49:58) (Edited rerun of Ep. 258) 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: Eastern Dobsonfly, with a Penny for Size Reference (Colo. St. U) 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 Farmer Fred website http://farmerfred.com 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. 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 25, 2024

Listening and following the advice in this episode is more important than ever if you use herbicides, especially when we repeatedly chant our mantra: "Read and Follow All Label Directions." America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower and myself start by tackling the widespread confusion surrounding Roundup, a brand historically synonymous with its active ingredient, glyphosate. As glyphosate use by homeowners is being phased out here in California and other states, we explore the newer formulations that have replaced it. Many consumers may assume that Roundup still contains glyphosate, but Debbie explains that consumers must be vigilant in reading and understanding the fine print of these products. Our conversation also touches on alternative approaches to weed control, such as manual methods and less toxic solutions. But we caution against misconceptions surrounding "natural" products, like high-concentration vinegar. We point out the hazards associated with such products, which can be deceptively dangerous, and the necessity for registered pesticides to pass rigorous evaluations before being released to homeowners. Today, it’s Episode 363, Weed Killers Just Got More Confusing. 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! Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link, good until Oct. 31, 2024) LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS SHOW Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter (Sept. 24, 2024) - Weed Killers U. TN Extension - " Update on Roundup Branded Herbicides for Consumers " 30% Vinegar MSDS Safety Sheet How to Read a Garden Pesticide Label Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question at 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 GardenBasics.net website Farmer Fred website : http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter/X: @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 .

Oct 18, 2024

Today, we chat with Diane Blazek, executive director of All-America Selections and the National Garden Bureau, about the best plants to be adding to your garden this Autumn for long, cool season blooms. We explore various options such as annuals, herbaceous perennials, and bulbs. Diane highlights her favorite bulbs, especially daffodils, noting their resilience and bloom timing. We have practical gardening tips too, including soaking nasturtium seeds for quicker germination and using markers to identify bulb locations. The conversation covers other plant varieties like snapdragons and dianthus. We also touch on the benefits of asters and the visual appeal of crocuses, primroses, violas, and ornamental kale. The episode is packed with expert advice for gardeners at all levels looking to enhance their fall planting efforts. Today, it’s Episode 362, Fall Plants for Winter and Spring color. 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: “Baby Gold” Nasturtium (Photo: AASWinners.com) Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link, good until Oct. 31, 2024) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: AASWinners.com NGB.org Nasturtium ‘Baby Gold’ Snapdragon ‘Double Shot’ Dianthus ‘Capitan Magnifica’ Ornamental Kale ‘Glamour Red’ 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter/X: @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 .

Oct 11, 2024

We examine the wildland-urban interface and its growing wildfire risks for homeowners, particularly in fire-prone areas like California and other western states. We talk about the concept of hardening your landscape from the Ember Ignition Zone with insights from Kevin Marini, a UC Defensible Space Advisor. He highlights the importance of maintaining clear spaces around homes and managing vegetation in three defensive zones. Today, it’s Episode 361, Defensible Space Landscaping Tips. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: A Landscape with Defensible Space (Photo: FiresafeMarin.org) Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: The Dance of Defensible Space , by Kevin Marini UCANR Fire Network: Creating a Defensible Space U. Nevada-Reno: Mulch and Flammability CalFire Demonstration Fire Video IBHS Research Center Ember Storm Test Video FireSafe Marin CA Native Plant Society list of fire-resistant plants More Wildfire Protection Tips : Utah State University University of Nebraska-Lincoln Vail, Colo. Ashland, Oregon Minnesota/Wisconsin Fort Worth, TX British Columbia, Canada Got a garden question? • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • 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 .

Oct 4, 2024

Today, we are talking avocado cultivation with Greg Alder, he’s an avocado grower in Southern California, a San Diego County Master Gardener, and he’s the director of the California Avocado Society. Who better to answer a question about the care and feeding of a Mexicola avocado, in Northern California. Greg shares practical tips on watering, and common pitfalls to avoid. We also delve into avocado pollination, highlighting the unique characteristics and taste of various varieties, including Gwen, Hass, and Fuerte. This is for aspiring backyard avocado tree growers, in many states, both outdoors and indoors. 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. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Bacon Avocados Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: GregAlder.com , home of the gardening website The Yard Posts . UC Riverside Avocado info Farmer Fred Rant Blog Page: Want to Grow Avocados? Good Luck! Soil Test Links Texas A&M Colorado State UMass-Amherst 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter/X: @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 .

Sep 27, 2024

They’re known as tree rings, or tree surrounds. Basically, it’s a demilitarized zone for your trees, where the trunk and roots are safe from weed whackers and lawn mowers as well as competing plants (especially lawns). It might be a short term solution for a newly planted tree. But leave it in place longer than that, and problems can ensue. Debbie Flower, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, tells us about those issues. Is using cardboard for mulch in a garden a good idea? We tackle that question today, as well. And finally, we revisit the subject that many gardeners with a fairly new greenhouse might be thinking about right now. How to grow tomatoes during the winter. We get into the best varieties for growing in a greenhouse, and the problems that might pop up. (Originally aired in Episode 56). And be forewarned: the flavor might turn out to be just a couple of notches above supermarket quality. But at least it’ll be freshly picked, and packed with more nutrition. 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. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: A protective tree ring Links: Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate Now! Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Sheet Mulching Winter Greenhouse Tomato Growing 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter/X: @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 .

Sep 20, 2024

Have you done the necessary work to have a thriving fall vegetable garden? What about the soil? What have you done to give those new plants a great start? We talk with Sacramento County Master Gardener Gail Pothour about how they prepare the vegetable gardens for fall planting at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center. And at the Fair Oaks Vegetable Center, they will be trying out some interesting new vegetables, as well. Also, we find out more about a cherry that is really best left for the birds. The Catalina cherry. 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. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: The cover crop, “Rose Red” Buckwheat Links: Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate Now! Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Candy Cane Chocolate Cherry Sweet Pepper “Rose Red” Buckwheat (cover crop) Soil Solarization 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter/X: @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 .

Sep 13, 2024

The change in the September weather is your best opportunity for a new round of planting vegetables in your garden, the cool season crops: broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, garlic, kale, onions, peas, potatoes, shallots, and all those versatile, healthy greens: lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, Chinese cabbages, and so much more. But which varieties should you plant? We have the strategies today for a successful cool season garden. Also, what is a crisis nursery? Is it the dumpster behind your favorite garden center? Is it an emergency hospital for houseplants? No, it’s much better than that. 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 . Let’s go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Cool Season Greens, Waiting to be Planted Links: Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate Now! Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate Now! Redwood Barn Nursery, Davis, CA USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map Tips for the Fall and Winter Vegetable Garden Sacramento Century Challenge Ride Sacramento Children’s Home Crisis Nursery 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 6, 2024

We talk with fruit tree expert Ed Laivo today about how to control the four-legged varmints (as well as the winged ones) that get to your backyard fruit before you do. Plus, he has recommendations for potting mixes to grow fruit trees in containers. Is it safe to solarize soil with clear plastic to kill weeds or a lawn, if there’s a fruit tree in the middle? Debbie Flower tackles that one. And in parts of the midwest and all along the East Coast, there’s a pest on the loose that feeds on over 100 different plants - the Asiatic Garden Beetle. We discuss controls. 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. Pictured: Squirrel Eating an Apple (Photo: Joe Mabel ) Links: Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate Now! Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Ed-Able Solutions (Fruit trees) GroPower Fertilizer Down to Earth Fertilizer Coir (chunks) Acid Based soil mixes Soil Test Kits Soil Testing Services: UMass/Amherst Colorado State U Texas A&M Asiatic Garden Beetles ( UMass , NC State , U-KY , U-FL , U-NH Soil Solarization for Gardens and Landscapes (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 Farmer Fred website : http://farmerfred.com As an Amazon Associate , I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 30, 2024

“Can you grow rhubarb here?” For those who have moved from colder climates to the warmer USDA zones, that might be a popular question. Memories of rhubarb pie, jams, and more while growing up back East or in the Midwest might have you hankering for fresh rhubarb. The plant, however, dislikes climates where summers get over 90 degrees on a regular basis. And, it prefers a bit of chill in the winter, as well. And the short answer is, “yes, you can grow it here,” with a few reservations (you might have to grow it as an annual), as well as some tips for picking the right varieties and getting the seeds to sprout. Today, it's Rhubarb Growing Basics for Warmer Climates. 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. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: “Success” Rhubarb Plant, growing in Sacramento, CA (Photo: Ruth Ostroff) Links: Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate Now! Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids . Donate Now! Book: “Luther Burbank, his Methods and Discoveries” Rhubarb Seed Catalog: French Harvest The Great Rhubarb Experiment is On! (CA Rare Fruit Growers , West L.A.) “Success ” Rhubarb seed Luther Burbank Farm and Gardens , Santa Rosa CA How to Grow Rhubarb Texas Style , (Texas A&M) 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 23, 2024

Fred and Debbie Flower discuss the trend of lawn elimination and alternative landscape options to save water. They explore lawn alternatives that require less maintenance and water, such as no-mow lawns, fescue varieties, and groundcovers like dymondia, kurapia, and clover. They also discuss the need for proper irrigation and maintenance in all types of landscapes. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Lawn Substitute/Groundcover Test of Mow-Free Fescues Links: Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate Now! Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Other links/notables mentioned in today’s podcast: Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids UC Davis Arboretum All Stars Alternatives for Lawns (California Native Plant Society) Native Groundcovers for California Cal Flora (native plant database for California) Book: Lawn Gone!: Low-Maintenance, Sustainable, Attractive Alternatives for Your Yard by Pam Penick Website: SF-based Vision Designs' " Four Water Saving Plants to Replace Your Thirsty Lawn " 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 16, 2024

Today, we talk with Kevin Marini, a community education specialist with the University of California Cooperative Extension, about the topics of soil and successful gardening. We talk about the pros and cons of using native soil versus commercial soil, the importance of improving native soil, the use of bagged mixes in raised beds, and the role of organic matter and fertilizers in gardening. We also touch on the benefits of mulch and the importance of proper watering techniques. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and improving your native soil for successful gardening. 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. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Home Made Seed Starting Mix Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate to help the Sacramento Children's Home Crisis Nursery Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter, Aug. 16: Tips for Growing Rhubarb in a Hot Climate Good quality soil moisture meters Soil Sampler Probes 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 9, 2024

What are the best mint varieties to use for cooking? We talk with a professional herb grower about the myriad of culinary herb choices available. Is there a better summer flower than Zinnias? This colorful warm weather annual comes in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and flower shapes…and it makes for a great cut flower, too! America’s Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, Debbie Flower talks zinnias, along with cut flower care so that they can last a long time indoors. 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 , Dave Wilson Nursery , and Heirloom Roses . Let’s go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Zinnia varieties “Crouching Tiger” and “Hidden Dragon” Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Morningsun Herb Farm Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter, Aug. 9: Skirt Pruning Fruit Trees Johnny’s Selected Seeds - Zinnias Park Seeds - Zinnias 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 2, 2024

In this episode, Farmer Fred and Kevin Marini discuss the importance of thinning fruit trees and maintaining their height. Kevin Marini, a certified arborist and community education specialist with UC Cooperative Extension, also talks about the benefits of keeping fruit trees at a manageable height, the process of bringing down the height of a tree, and the different types of pruning cuts. 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, Dave Wilson Nursery, and Heirloom Roses. Let’s go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Peach trees maintained at a height of six feet at Hodges Nursery, Durham, CA Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center , Saturday, Aug. 3. Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter, Aug. 9: Five Steps for Fruit Tree Care (and more!) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Nevada County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden Backyard Orchard Culture - Dave Wilson Nursery 3-Cut Pruning Method Pruning to Save the Branch Collar How to Sharpen Hand Pruners 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 26, 2024

Looking to start a first garden in a new home? Before digging, do some planning, and some research. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, Debbie Flower, and I have tips for getting that first garden off to a great start at your new home. And, we answer about how to garden when there’s a concrete patio in the way. 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. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Soil Texture Triangle Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center , Saturday, Aug. 3. Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Soil Texture Triangle (U. of Wisc.) How to conduct a soil texture test (Clemson U.) Soil Testing Services: UMass/Amherst Colorado State U Texas A&M 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter/X: @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 .

Jul 19, 2024

Gardening and being in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety. Forest bathing, or simply spending time in a natural environment, has been shown to have calming effects. Having a garden or indoor plants can also provide stress relief. Aromatic plants, such as jasmine, lavender, and mint, can have a soothing effect on the mind and body. Taking the time to slow down, enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of nature can help alleviate stress and improve mental well-being. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, is a firm believer who stops and smells the roses, and other aromatic plants, that can calm down your day. 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. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: The Fragrant Winter Daphne Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center , Saturday, Aug. 3. Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: “Forest Bathing” story - Washington Post, July 9, 2024 Study: “Feasibility Study on Indoor Therapeutic Horticulture to Alleviate Sleep and Anxiety Problems” MorningSun Herb Farm , Vacaville CA Garden Basics, Ep. 198 “Top 10 Fragrant Roses” 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 : The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 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 .

Jul 12, 2024

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Garden Gold Peach in Bloom Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center , Saturday, Aug. 3. Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Dave Wilson Nursery Taste Test Results - Peaches and Plums Improving Sandy Soils (NCSU) The Yak (National Library of Medicine) Citrus Soil Mix (Container Citrus Production, Clemson U.) Soil Drainage - The Garden Professors Soil Myth Busting for Extension Educators: Soil Structure and Functionality 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Jul 5, 2024

It’s a holiday weekend and you might be traveling. What about a Garden Basics playlist for that long car ride or for listening to while lounging around someplace cool? We have suggestions for that playlist - the five most listened-to Garden Basics episodes. Also: wherever you live, you can probably grow some kind of berries. Today, we revisit our chat with Master Gardener and expert raspberry and boysenberry grower, Pam Bone, who has lots of good tips for growing these tasty, healthy treats. And to wrap up this episode, we tackle the question, what are those slugs doing in the compost bin? 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. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Raspberry Trellis System. Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Top 5 Listened-to Episodes of the Garden Basics Podcast: 1. #319 How to Plant and care for a shade tree 2. #266 Cucumber Growing Basics 3. #256 Container Gardening Basics 4. #258 10 More Garden Quick Tips 5. #263 The Top Homegrown Vegetables, Pt 1 Growing Caneberries in the Sacramento Region University Soil Testing Services : Texas A&M , Colorado State , UMass/Amherst 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 GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Garden Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website 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 .

Jun 28, 2024

How do use and adjust a soil thermometer? Why is my soil pH so variable at different soil depths? How do you use cardboard to replace a lawn and start a garden? Those are some of the questions, along with scenic bypasses - of course - that we’ll be tackling today. And there’s a lot of great garden tips in those scenic bypasses today. It’s all in Episode 346 of today’s 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. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Soil Thermometer Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Soil Thermometers Instructions for Soil Thermometers (Australia) Soil Thermometer calibration (Wisconsin) Soil Temperature Chart for Seeds Sheet Mulching with Cardboard (UCANR) What is Hugelkultur? (Oklahoma St. U) Understanding pH (UCANR) pH Test Kits University Soil Testing Services : Texas A&M , Colorado State , UMass/Amherst 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 21, 2024

Did you know rose petals are edible, and contain lots of healthy fiber? That's part of today’s podcast, recorded live, in February 2024, at the Sacramento Rose Society's monthly meeting. The main topic is growing the Heart Healthy Garden! And roses can be an edible part of that healthy landscape. This podcast episode features foods to grow that can help lower your cholesterol and blood sugar numbers, as well as help control your blood pressure. Plus, steps to take for "how" and "when" to eat, to help you on the pathway to better health. It’s all in today’s Episode 345, The Heart Healthy Garden, Live! 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. Pictured: The Dick Clark rose Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) "Beyond the Garden Basics" Newsletter of 5/27/22: “Heart Healthy Tips…” (contains photos, links to studies mentioned) Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Fiber Content of Foods in Common Portions Study: Chemical Composition of rose, sunflower and calendula flower petals for human food use Study: Beneficial medicinal effect and material applications of rose Note: The Garden Basics podcast has returned to its once a week release schedule, on Fridays. 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 18, 2024

In this episode of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, Fred Hoffman and Master Gardener Gail Pothour discuss saving tomato seeds. They address the question of whether saved tomato seeds will produce the same tomato variety and provide tips for ensuring seed purity. The conversation covers topics such as flower structure, pollination, isolation techniques, and seed fermentation. Answering another question, Debbie Flower and Fred discuss the best method for sowing annual flower seeds on mulched soil. 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: Organza bag protecting/isolating the flower of a Jimmy Nardello pepper (source: Wikimedia Commons) Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link, good until Oct. 31, 2024) Organza bags for isolating tomato flowers Seed Savers Exchange - Exserted tomato flower parts explained Book: The Seed Garden: The Art and Practice of Seed Saving 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Jun 14, 2024

We pay a visit to the garden of America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. It’s a living classroom on thriving low water use plants. Debbie talks in detail about the plants, many of which are California natives, and discusses the strategies of hydrozoning (grouping plants together based on their watering needs), designing focal points and the ongoing tasks of restraining plants (lots of pruning). Of course, we throw in all sorts of garden tips. It’s another fun, scenic bypass chat. By the way, what’s a garden tour without pictures? Get a look at the plants we’re talking about, in this week’s Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter . It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery . Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: A portion of Debbie Flower’s low-water use garden Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Green Cone Composter Olla Watering Pots 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 11, 2024

Master Gardener Fred Hoffman and his guests answers garden questions from listeners on the Tuesday edition of the Garden Basics podcast. The first question is about weed cloth and its impact on soil improvement and fertilization. Fred and Debbie Flower advise removing the weed cloth and using just mulch instead. The second question is about planting carrots in California's climate. Fred explains that carrots can be grown year-round in milder coastal climates, but in the Central Valley, they have a hard time germinating and growing in hot temperatures. Master Gardener Gail Pothour also shares tips for planting carrot seeds and suggests using radishes as an indicator for carrot germination. 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: Garden Carrots Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link, good until Oct. 31, 2024) Top 5 Garden Vegetables, Ep. 263 Garden Basics Podcast Soil Temperature Conditions for Vegetable Seed Germination (GN 154 ) Soil Thermometer Landscape Fabric - A Cautionary Tale 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.ne t • 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Jun 7, 2024

Something a little different today. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower and myself take a stroll through the Farmer Fred backyard garden, talking about the plants, and discussing the strategies to make them successful plants, with, of course, all sorts of garden tips thrown in. It’s the ultimate scenic bypass episode yet! It’s all in Episode 341 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast: Fred’s Garden Tour, with Debbie Flower. Next Friday, we’ll be touring Debbie’s fabulous garden. By the way, what’s a garden tour without pictures? Get a look at the plants we’re talking about, in this week’s Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter , which will also have this podcast, so you can listen to what we have to say and scroll down to see the plants and paraphernalia, as well. Find a link to the Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter in today’s show notes, or go to substack.com/gardenbasics and subscribe, as well. It’s free. Meanwhile, 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. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Fred's backyard raised beds Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Jun 4, 2024

Farmer Fred and Debbie Flower discuss: •The impact of climate and weather on gardening success. •Understanding cross-pollination and its implications for seed saving and plant breeding. •The importance of local conditions and location-specific knowledge in gardening. •Different perspectives on the best US cities for gardening, highlighting the influence of location on gardening success. Pictured: Bees on Flowering Onions Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link, good until Oct. 31, 2024) Seed Savers Exchange Isolation Guide Sacramento Digs Gardening - A Gardener’s Summer Tool Kit Tulle Fabric (Alternate use for Insect/bird protection ) Insect Netting 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

May 31, 2024

In this episode of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, the focus is on how to water clay soil and other tips for gardening in clay. Debbie Flower, America's Favorite retired college horticultural professor, shares valuable insights on the topic. The episode covers the characteristics of clay soil, the importance of organic matter, watering techniques, mulching, and the use of cover crops. The conversation also delves into the impact of soil structure on crop production and the benefits of no-till and cover cropping practices. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Fred on Mulch Mountain Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Sand-Silt-Clay Jar Demonstration Lawn Sprinkler Watering Measuring Cups Moisture Meters Peaceful Valley Farm Supply cover crop chart Results of study of soil benefits of no-till, cover cropping on CA farmland 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

May 28, 2024

In this episode of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, Fred and his expert guests answer questions about: • Squash pollination woes with Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour. • The timing and application of plant fertilizer, with America's Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. • Choosing tart/sour cherry trees for cooking purposes, with Phil Pursel of Dave Wilson Nursery. Pictured: Male, Female Summer Squash Flowers Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link, good until Oct. 31, 2024) Dave Wilson Nursery Cherry Varieties Dave Wilson Nursery You Tube Videos 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

May 24, 2024

If you’re the type of gardener that buys flowering plants at a nursery that are covered in blooms, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, will explain why you shouldn’t do that, and a lot more nursery plant shopping tips! Also, we have tips for starting an elementary school garden. And you don’t have to be a school teacher to do it. We talk with a couple of very enthusiastic California Master Gardeners who are spreading the word with tips on how to start a school 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. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Plants at a Nursery Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Get an Extra Memorial Day Weekend Smart Pots discount, May 24-27, 2024 only ! Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) William Brooks Elementary School Garden Info / Donate (to donate: click on "donate box". On new donate page, click on "Donate" box again, then click on "garden".) Between Two Shrubs (School Garden) on Instagra m kidsgardening.org 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

May 21, 2024

In this episode, Farmer Fred answers a listener's question about burying kitchen scraps in the garden. He discusses the potential problems with this method, including attracting scavengers and affecting the quality of the soil microbiology. He suggests composting the kitchen scraps first or using alternative methods like African keyhole gardens. Debbie Flower recommends the Green Cone composter. In the second part of the episode, Farmer Fred and Debbie Flower discuss the best time to plant a flowering tree, specifically the Magnolia 'Genie'. They talk about the benefits of planting in the fall and the challenges of planting in the spring or keeping the tree in a container over the summer. 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: Genie Magnolia (Photo: Monrovia) Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link, good until Oct. 31, 2024) Dave Wilson Nursery “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter: African Keyhole Gardens National Gardening Association Thread: “Kitchen Waste Buried in Garden Soil?” Green Cone Composter Garden Basics Ep. 196 Indoor Composters ‘Genie’ Magnolia info 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

May 17, 2024

The first chat today involves roof rats (and is an encore presentation while construction is ongoing here at Barking Dog). It will be particularly useful for those of you with large yards, or acreage, or even a small farm, in which you have a large orchard. And for those of you suburban dwellers who might have a few citrus trees, or, for that matter, any tree with fruit, well, you know the damage that rats can do to that fruit. But it’s not just the fruit. Roof rats, especially, can girdle your backyard fruit trees, dramatically shortening their lifespan. If your yard is large or your yard is small, and you have roof rats, we have tips, courtesy of University of California’s Ag and Natural Resources retired farm advisor Rachael Long. Last week we talked with a Master Food Preserver about easy recipes using garden fresh asparagus and maybe those lemons that you might have still clinging to your lemon trees. It’s all in Episode 335 of today’s 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. Let’s go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: A Roof Rat in a Tree (photo: UCANR) Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link, good until Oct. 31, 2024) Roof Rats Asparagus Facts and Recipes 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

May 14, 2024

The first question on the Tuesday Q&A edition of the Garden Basics podcast is about growing rhubarb in hot weather. Fred and his guests, Master Gardeners Kathy Morrison and Ruth Ostroff, discuss their experiences with growing rhubarb in Sacramento. They also share a rhubarb recipe. The second question is about grow lights for starting tomato and pepper seeds indoors. Fred and Debbie Flower explain the importance of using wide-spectrum light systems and mixing different types of bulbs. Debbie also emphasizes the need for air circulation and movement for young plants. Fred and Debbie discuss different options available in the market for lighting systems for seedlings. 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: Rhubarb stalks Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ LED and Flouorescent Light Systems for Seedlings How to Start Rhubarb Seeds (Texas A&M) Source for Rhubarb seeds (in Australia!): http://www.frenchharvest.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11 Upside Down Rhubarb Cake recipe (from Master Gardener Kathy Morrison, the Sacramento Digs Gardening newsletter) 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

May 10, 2024

We are in the midst of spring construction here, so we are taking the opportunity to not shout over the whine of power saws and the banging hammers. Instead, we will be revisiting some of the most popular segments ever aired on our podcast. In Episode 83, we explained why feeding your soil yields better results than feeding your plants. Sound confusing? We get the lowdown from Gisele Schoniger of Kellogg Garden Products . Also, America's Favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, and I hung out at a nursery, looking at all the snail and slug control products that are available. Which are the most effective? Which ones are, shall we say, are dubious? We find out. And from Episode 9, we discuss growing your own protein. And I'm not talking about a backyard full of creatures that moo, cluck, and oink. We chat with Master Gardener and vegetable expert, Gail Pothour, about tips for growing protein rich plants. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots , and HeirloomRoses.com . Let’s go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: A mix of dry bean varieties Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Snail and Slug Control Tips (UCANR) Snail and Slug Control Products Gardner & Bloome Fertilizer Products Growing Beans (UC Davis Vegetable Research and Information Center) Bean Seed Varieties Yellow Indian Woman Bean seeds Strike bush bean seeds Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe , at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 7, 2024

Farmer Fred and Don Shor from Redwood Barn Nursery answer a garden question from a listener about whiteflies on grapes. But are they really whiteflies? They discuss how to control whiteflies and leaf hoppers on grapevines, the use of organic sprays, and the importance of correct pest identification. Also, Debbie Flower answers a question about removing the first tomato that appears on your plants. Does it help, Yes or No? Then, Master Gardener and fruit tree expert Quentyn Young joins the conversation to discuss planting citrus trees on mounds for better drainage. 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: That First Tomato - Take It Off…or Not? Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Redwood Barn Nursery, Davis, CA Whitefly Identification (UCANR) Leafhopper Identification (UCANR) Extreme Bush Tomato Tomato Growing (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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

May 3, 2024

Mid to late spring is cucumber planting time in most of North America, and we have more cucumber growing tips for you today. We covered a lot of cucumber growing basics back in episode 266 last May, but today, cucumber cheerleader and America's favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, has more cucumber planting advice for you, whether you start cucumbers from seed or from nursery-purchased transplants. And by the way, choose carefully if you're shopping for cucumber plants. Debbie will tell us what to look for. Plus, properly training the growth of your cucumbers can help thwart a lot of disease and pest problems as well. Debbie tells us how. It's all in episode 331 of today's Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, Cucumbers, Starting and Training. 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 SmartPots and heirloomroses.com. Let's go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Cucumbers on a Trellis Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Chicken Manure Pelletized Fertilizer Quick Snack Cucumber Seeds and more Chelsea Prize Cucumber Seeds and more Garden Panel Trellis for Cucumbers 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Apr 30, 2024

In Episode 330, Q&A - Gail from Orangevale, CA wants to start a vegetable and flower garden in her backyard, which is currently covered in Bermuda grass. Debbie Flower, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, and I suggest waiting a year and using soil solarization to kill off the Bermudagrass. We also recommend starting small with container gardening and using organic mulch to keep the soil soft. We discuss the challenges of dealing with Bermudagrass and the benefits of soil solarization. For the next question, from David in Arizona, Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour touches on David’s question about the use of black plastic mulch on the soil (not usually recommended for home gardeners), and comments on David’s suggestion of using hydrogen peroxide as a treatment for early blight on tomatoes (Nope. Sorry, Dave) 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: Soil Solarization Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Garden Basics Ep. 116 Growing Citrus in Containers Soil Solarization (From UC-ANR) Hori-Hori Knife Bermudagrass Control (From UC-ANR) Kurapia as a ground cover 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Apr 26, 2024

This episode is entitled, How to Water Your Garden. “What!?!” you’re probably thinking. “Of course I know how to water my garden, lawn, and indoor plants, I’m a gardener!” As Farmer Fred Garden Rule #8 says: “If it works for you, fine. But keep an open mind.” Join us as America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has advice on how to properly and thoroughly irrigate all your plants from newly planted seeds to vegetables to flowers to lawns, shrubs and trees. I bet by the end of our chat, there will be at least one irrigation tip that will have you saying, “I did not know that!” 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! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , GardenBasics.net. Also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: A Dramm 1000-hole water breaker nozzle for newly planted seeds Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ peat pots/peat pellets Vermiculite for seed starting Dramm Watering Video: Watering 101 Dramm breaker nozzles for fine spray watering one gallon tank sprayer with adjustable nozzle Hunter MP Rotator sprinklers Outdoor sprinkler water measuring devices Farmer Fred Rant: How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need? Olla Watering Pots Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Apr 23, 2024

In this episode of the Garden Basics Podcast, Farmer Fred and Master Gardener Susan Muckey discuss composting and answer a listener's question about adding nitrogen to a compost pile. They explain that adding nitrogen is not necessary for most compost piles and discuss the ideal carbon-nitrogen ratio. They also provide tips for turning a compost pile and maintaining the right temperature. In the second part of the episode, Quentyn Young, Master Gardener and orchard specialist, joins the conversation to discuss strategies for dealing with peach leaf curl, including planting late ripening peach varieties. 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: Compost Bin at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center 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 Rapid Composting Method Dave Wilson Nursery Fruit Harvest Chart Compost Thermometer Compost Bins Garden Fork for Turning Compost Dormant Season Copper Sprays for Peach Leaf Curl 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Apr 19, 2024

The healthiest food you can eat, is the food you grow yourself. Where have you heard THAT before? Today, let’s grow a heart-healthy garden! What are the foods you can plant that are best suited, chemically, to help reverse what might be going on around your ticker, including high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, and stress? We talk with Dr. Laura Varich, the Fresh Physician, about those foods that can do your heart a world of good.. It’s all in Episode 327 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast - Growing The Heart Healthy Garden. You, or your family, or your friends, who might be struggling with metabolic disorders may learn some new techniques and foods that might improve the quality of their lives. Don’t be shy about sharing this episode with them. It’s the Heart Healthy 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 . Let’s go! Pictured: Snow Peas, high in soluble fiber 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, the Fresh Physician Heart Healthy Foods Newsletter from Fresh Physician My Fitness Pal Black Seed (Black Cumin, Nigella Sativa) Ground Flaxseed Devil's Ear Lettuce Tokyo Bekana Chinese Cabbage Book: " The One Minute Workout " by Martin Gibala 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Apr 16, 2024

Q&A - Working with Coir, Peat Moss, Perlite, etc. Reusing Old Potting Soil. 00:24 Q&A - Runaway Plum Tree! 16:10 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: Wheelbarrow with Homemade Potting Mix 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/ Perlite Peat Moss Coir Vermiculite Pumice Drip Irrigation Micro Sprayers 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Apr 12, 2024

Appearing now (or soon) on a peach or nectarine tree near you: Peach Leaf Curl? What is this fungus that causes the leaves on these trees to redden, pucker, and curl? And how can you control it? (Please note, I did not say, “eradicate”). America’s favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower has some tips. Also, we go back about eight years for an interview with Marta McDowell, author of the book “All the Presidents’ Gardens”. It’s a look at the White House gardens, through the centuries. And which president was the most active gardener while living in the White House? If you know that answer off the top of your head, you need to get on Jeopardy as soon as possible! It’s all in Episode 325 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred - Peach Leaf Curl Control Tips…and, a chat with the author of the book, “All the Presidents’ 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 . 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: Peach Leaf Curl 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/ Copper Sprays for Peach Leaf Curl Book: All the Presidents’ Gardens by Marta McDowell 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Apr 9, 2024

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: Pizza Pie Crop Rotation 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/ LaMotte Soil Test Kits (and others) Farmer Fred Rant: Pizza Pie Crop Rotation Garden Nutri-Rich Fertilizer Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Electric Chipper/Shredder Jeff Lowenfels’ “Teaming With…” Books Soil Testing Services: UMass/Amherst Colorado State U Texas A&M 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Apr 5, 2024

Each year the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society puts out its list of Gold Medal winning Plants. Usually these plants are chosen for their adaptability to the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. This year, the chosen plants have a much wider range of possible success, including USDA Zone 9 and possibly up to Zone 10, and down to Zone 3. Also: Now is the time in warmer places of the nation to get outside and thin the fruit from many of your deciduous fruit trees, as the fruit is beginning to form right after flowering. It’s all in Episode 323 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred - Gold Medal Plant Winners, and Why You Should Thin the Fruit on Your Fruit Trees 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 . Pictured: Magnolia “Genie”, a 2024 PHS Gold Medal Plant Winner 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/ 2024 PHS Gold Medal Plants: Asparagus, ‘Millenium’ Florida Anise tree, Illicium ‘Woodland Ruby’ Magnolia ‘Genie’ Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Sugar Shack’ The Japanese Roof Iris, Iris tectorum Foamflower, Tiarella cordifolia ‘Brandywine’ Philadelphia Flower Show Fruit Thinning Tips (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 at farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredh Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 2, 2024

Q&A Transplanting Old, Large, Fruit Trees? (segment begins at 00:25) Q&A Why Are My Radishes Only Producing Leaves? (7:10) Q&A Remove an Overgrown Plant from a Nice Pot Without Breaking It? (12:19) 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: Chanticleer Pear Trees 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/ California Rare Fruit Growers 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Mar 29, 2024

From now through Mother’s Day, roses will start putting on their first and best show across the country. What do your rose bushes need to get off to a good start in early Spring? Master Rosarian Charlotte Owendyk of the Sierra Foothills Rose Society talks about getting ahead of early spring rose pest and disease problems, before they can do too much damage to those brilliant first blooms. She also discusses the best fertilizers and irrigation systems to use to help thwart pest and disease issues, as well, for your rose bushes in the coming months. It’s all in Episode 321 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred - Spring Rose Care Basics 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: Rose Mosaic Virus Disease (Photo: Gail in Napa) 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/ Sierra Foothills Rose Society Sacramento Rose Society Rose Mosaic Virus (UCANR) Rose Diseases and Abiotic Disorders (UCANR) Roses: Insects and Mites (UCANR) Farmer Fred Rant Blog: Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects USDA Guide to Japanese Beetles Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) for Japanese Beetle grubs Milky Spore for Japanese Beetle grubs 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Mar 26, 2024

Questions from listeners include: Why Your Citrus Tree Leaves May Be Yellowing (at 00:24 of podcast) Cat-Proofing Your Raised Bed Garden (13:03) Good Tomato Seed Sources (17:44) 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: The Citrus Grove at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center 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/ Diagnosing Citrus Diseases and Deficiencies via Leaf Color (UCANR) Sacramento County Master Gardener Website Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Dan Vierria’s Sac Co Master Gardeners’ Tomato Variety List Totally Tomatoes Tomato Growers Supply Co Burpee Seeds Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Tomato Fest Seeds ’n Such 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Mar 22, 2024

Today, we cover the basics of correctly planting and caring for a shade tree. We chat with consulting arborist Gordon Mann, who reminds us, when it comes to choosing a spot to plant a shade tree, it’s all about the soil. Plus, he explains the importance of correct planting techniques, especially freeing up that tree’s root zone. But there’s a lot more. As Gordon explains, watering your trees correctly is a big part of the process of growing a shade 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 . 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: Chinese Pistache Tree in the Autumn 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/ Gordon Mann, Consulting Arborist, websites: Mann Made Resources California Tree and Landscape Consulting Find a Consulting arborist at: International Society of Arboriculture American Society of Consulting Arborists Sacramento Tree Foundation - How To Plant a Tree i-tree (tools for assessing trees) 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 19, 2024

Q&A Rosemary Propagation? (at 00:24 of podcast) Q&A Best Peach for Cooking/Baking? (08:10) Q&A Cover Crop crimping? (12:14) Q&A Blueberry containers? (19:05) Want To Leave Us a Question? (21:22) 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: Rosemary plant with bee 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/ Rosemary Propagation Tips from UCANR Dave Wilson Nursery Fruit Taste Test Results Roller/Crimpers in Agriculture (VT Cooperative Extension) Farmer Fred Rant: Growing Blueberries in Containers Galvanized stock tanks 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Mar 15, 2024

It’s time for the annual Garden Basics Tomato preview show! Once again, you’re invited to easedrop on a conversation between two real tomatoheads, myself and Don Shor, proprietor of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We recap our tomato successes and failures of 2023, and talk about what we will be planting in 2024, featuring the tried and true tomato varieties, along with several newcomers, more than two dozen varieties that we pass judgment on and will attempt to grow. Or not grow. Don also has tips for making your tomato growing efforts in 2024 a rousing success…as long as the weather cooperates. 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: The Tomato Staircase at a previous National Heirloom Exposition 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/ Prominent tomato varieties mentioned in today’s podcast. More info about these varieties can be found in the Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter. Rugby Chef’s Choice Orange Juliet Bodacious New Girl Tough Boy Blue Ribbon Pineapple Champion Purple Boy Bush Early Girl Itz a Keeper Super Fantastic Jet Star Principe Borghese Riesetomate tomato Sungold Barry’s Crazy Cherry Sweet Carneros Pink Pork Chop Michael Pollan Gardener’s Delight Big Beef 4th of July Sweet Million Super Sauce Orange Wellington Dr. Wyche’s Yellow Purple Tomato (a GMO variety) Sacramento County Master Gardener’s Favorite Tomatoes (Facebook) 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Mar 13, 2024

It's Q&A Tuesday! 1. What are the benefits of summer pruning of fruit trees, especially peaches? (at 00:25 of podcast) 2. Where can I find more information about caring for perennials? (02:48) 3. How do I care for a young apple tree? Should I remove any flowers or small fruit? (06:58) 4. Are dwarf citrus plants for indoors available? (08:25) 5. How can I prepare coir (Coconut husks) for a potting mix? (13:57) 6. How do I grow tomatillos? (15:28) 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: Red Delicious Apple (Bisbee spur) The Bisbee spur Red Delicious apple is noted for its "large size as well as its firm, crisp, juicy flesh, with a distinctive, sweet, tangy flavor." ( Fruit, Berry and Nut Inventory, Third Edition ) 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: Pruning and Training by Christopher Brickell Book: Sunset Western Garden Book Citrus Trees: Four Winds Growers Tomatillo 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@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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 . Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 8, 2024

Maybe you’re thinking of starting a new hobby, by adding a chicken or two or three to your backyard; or maybe you’re already a seasoned home chicken owner. You’ll want to hear today’s episode. Urban chicken consultant and certified poultry inspector Cherie Sintes-Glover of ChickensForEggs.com has advice on how to choose a chick from your local feed or farm store, and how to avoid choosing a rooster. Also, she discusses a poultry disease that is ravaging several states currently. It’s HPAI - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. 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 cute little chick 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/ Chickens for Eggs website Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - U. Minn HIghly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - UCANR National Backyard Poultry Conference - Cooptastic! Video - Backyard Basics of Poultry , with Dr. Maurice Pitesky, UC Davis Book: City Chicks by Patricia Foreman Book: Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow Book: Raising Chickens for Dummies Garden Basics podcast, Ep. 260 - Raising Chicks and Hens (including best breeds for kids) 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman Twitter/X: @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 .

Mar 5, 2024

The Title says it all. Tips for saving time in the garden: automate, elevate, de-elevate, eliminate, and delegate. 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 battery-operated irrigation timer for an outdoor faucet 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 - Garden Time Savers Water Timers - Manual, Mechanical (no batteries needed) Water Timers - Battery Operated Water System Timers - electric Dripworks - Drip Irrigation Planning Guide 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Mar 1, 2024

What is the definition of an heirloom vegetable, such as an heirloom tomato? It depends who you ask. It’s kind of like the word “natural”: it has no legal definition. "Heirloom vegetable" could mean: a) a plant that reproduces true from seed; b) it's an old variety; and/or c) it's a traditional family seed, passed down through the generations. And what exactly is a hybrid tomato of a hybrid vegetable or flower? Our resident horticulturist, Debbie Flower, will help settle any confusion you might have when it comes to heirlooms versus hybrids. And we answer the question, what’s all that sticky stuff on my car windshield? If you're parked under a tree, it's probably honeydew, a secretion of any number of sucking insects, but more than likely, it's aphids. How do you control aphids in a tree? Debbie Flower and I have some suggestions. It’s all in Episode 313 of Garden Basics - Heirlooms vs Hybrids. Battling Aphids in Trees 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: Heirloom and Hybrid 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/ U. of Texas Vegetable Nutrition Comparison, 1950-1997 Farmer Fred Rant: Heirloom Vegetables: Are They Better for You? Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects Controlling Ants (with Debbie’s Ant Control Formula) 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 27, 2024

Question from listener Linda: " We have fusarium wilt in our garden. We are putting in raised beds in April. What kind of barrier should go in at the bottom of the beds to prevent the wilt getting into the raised bed?" Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that is widespread. Plants that contract it start getting yellowing leaves, and that's usually followed by the death of the entire plant. Fusarium can infect many more plants than tomatoes. The list includes trees, shrubs, and summer annuals, including some of your favorite garden plants besides tomatoes: peppers, potatoes, melons, eggplant, strawberries, onions, cucumbers, and more can all be attacked by specific forms of Fusarium. So can many ornamental flowers. What's a gardener to do? Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour and myself discuss how Fusarium can get established in your garden, and the tools available to home gardeners to control the spread of this fatal plant disease, including using raised garden beds. Note that we said, "control"...not "eradicate". 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 healthy tomato stem on the left; a Fusarium-infected stem on the right. 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/ Fusarium Wilt Information from: UC Ag & Natural Resources University of Minnesota The Missouri Botanical 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Feb 23, 2024

Last Week, we gave you tips for starting your pepper plants from seed. Today, we have tips for starting your summertime tomatoes from seed. And now’s the time to begin, Again, we get a little help from America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. She has ingenious ways of determining if your old tomato seeds are still any good. She has advice on which media is best for starting tomato seeds. And, the importance of cleaning your pots thoroughly, before planting tomato seeds. And if that wasn’t enough, Debbie talks about the importance of light and wind for those young tomato seedlings. It’s all in Episode 311 of Garden Basics - Tomato Seed Starting 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: Tomato Seedlings 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/ Burpee Tomato Seeds Heirloom Tomato Seed Collection Totally Tomatoes Catalog Tomato Growers Supply Co Tomato Fest Lighting Systems, Propagation Mats for Seedlings Call House and Garden at Fort Ross 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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Feb 20, 2024

Joshua from Missouri asks: " We own chickens and are trying to become more self sufficient and sustaining. Instead of buying feed for them, is there a way to grow their whole diet in the garden? I've looked online, but the only nutrition info about a chicken's diet is mainly their protein percentage needed. What about all the other macro and micronutrients? Is there a list of crops to grow that would make a balanced, nutritious daily meal for the egg layers? So far, I've done the math and about 1 1/2 cups of soybeans would meet all the daily protein needs for my 6 chickens but I have no idea about everything else. Also, how different will a chicken's diet need to be if they are meat chickens? Thank you! For the answers, we turn to Urban Chicken Consultant (really!) and State Certified Poultry Inspector, Cherie Sintes-Glover, of ChickensForEggs.com . 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: Coq Orpington Chicken 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 Cooptastic Backyard Poultry Conference, Mar. 15-16 UC Davis Backyard Poultry Page 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 • The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com • Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" • Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ • Twitter/X: @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 .

Feb 16, 2024

We are at the time of the year to start pepper seeds indoors. Pepper seeds, can be notoriously slow to germinate, sometimes taking up to three weeks. We have tips to speed up pepper seed germination, with a little help from America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. Have you heard of coppicing? It’s a drastic pruning technique where some woody plants are cut back, close to ground level to stimulate the growth of vigorous shoots. I happened upon a demonstration of coppicing in a perennial garden recently. What the heck is coppicing? We have the details. It’s all in Episode 309 of Garden Basics - Pepper Seed Starting Tips. And Coppicing of woody ornamental 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 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: Pepper Seedlings 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/ Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter: More Pepper Germination Tips Fair Oaks Horticulture Center University of Washington Native Plant Coppice Garden Propagation Mats for Seed Starting Dramm Water Nozzles (1000 holes) One Gallon Pump Sprayer with adjustable nozzle 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 Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 13, 2024

Q&A Lawn Drainage Improvement Tips (00:25 of pod) Perennial Plant Pruning Information (16:01 of pod) 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: Lawn aerator and dethatcher 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 Blog: Rain Draining Strategies Lawn Aerator Lawn Dethatcher UC Integrated Pest Management Home Page Sunset Western Garden Book Sunset National Garden Book Book: Pruning and Training 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 9, 2024

Do you want a successful garden? Before planting, you need to do some planning. And if it’s a first garden, you need to do a lot of planning. It’s not overwhelming, but it is necessary for a productive garden of food and flowers. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, and I offer tips for your first garden or a new garden. Tips that will save you a lot of time and money in your pursuit of getting your family the healthiest food possible, as well as the most colorful flowers to attract some garden help in your battle against the bad bugs. Today, it’s episode 307, First Garden? New Garden? We Have 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: Raised Bed Garden Under Construction 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 Blog: Tips for the Beginning Vegetable Gardener Solarize your soil to control weeds, diseases Reciprocating Hoe (aka Hula Hoe, Scuffle hoe) Dripworks (drip irrigation supplies and tutorials) AmpleHarvest.org for your excess backyard produce 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 6, 2024

Sacramento County Master Gardener and orchardist Quentyn Young answers a question from Missouri about raising mason bees, an excellent garden pollinator (better than honeybees!). Mason Bee Basics, Pt. 1 0:23 Mason Bee Basics, Pt. 2 11:06 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: Mason Bee Houses in Barcelona, Spain 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/ Master Gardener Quentyn Young: “Mason Bees” Video Fair Oaks Horticulture Center , Sacramento Co., California Pennsylvania State University: Mason Bees for Pollination Insectary Plants (UC-IPM) Farmer Fred Rant Blog: “Bring on the Bees” 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 2, 2024

Garden experts agree: if you are an inexperienced gardener or a first time gardener, you’re best, confidence-building step is to plant easy to grow vegetables, flowers, and fruit. For those taking their first steps into growing fruit, especially for those with a limited space, perhaps just a patio area, it’s hard to beat container grown blueberries. Give them some basic needs, and you’ll have fresh, nutritious blueberries for years and years. How do you start? What are the best varieties to grow? What are their needs for water, fertilizers, and soil? That’s what we are going to delve into today, on the Garden Basics podcast. 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: Jewel Blueberries 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 Blog Page: Grow Blueberries in Containers Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Dave Wilson Nursery Video: Container Blueberries for Small Spaces 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jan 30, 2024

• Seed Starting Tips, including how to read seed packet instructions : 00:24 • The Hori Hori Knife; Oxalis and bittercress weed control tips: 19:06 • Want to Leave Us a Question? Here's How: 32:39 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: Young tomato plants, hardening off. 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/ seed propagation mats seed starting supplies seed starting light systems Renee’s Garden Seeds Farmer Fred Veg Planting Calendar for USDA Zone 9 Garden Kneeler and Seat Hori-Hori Knife Hairy Bittercress Weed control tips Oxalis weed control 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jan 26, 2024

Quite often, when a new or curious gardener wants to know, “What should I plant in my garden?” One of my common responses is: “it’s hard to go wrong with All-America Selections Winners.” The AAS has been independently trialing and judging plants, across North America, since the 1930’s. The judges are experts in the field of horticulture, including seed and plant developers, arboretums, garden centers, public gardens, and land grant universities. Among the AAS winners that I’ve tried that have found a nearly permanent place in my garden include the "Arizona Apricot" Gaillardia, the "Queen Sophia" marigold, "Sugar Snap" peas, sweet peppers such as the "Cornito Giallo" , "Giant Marconi", and my all-time favorite sweet pepper, the "Gypsy". And, tomatoes: Big Beef, Celebrity, Chef’s Choice Orange, and Juliet. So, what are the 2024 winners? That’s what we are going to delve into today. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, 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: Skytree Broccoli, a 2024 All-America Selections Winner 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 website, where you can find more information about the plants mentioned in this episode. Previous Garden Basics episodes that discuss former All-America Selections winners: Ep. 243 , Ep. 168 and 169 , Ep. 66 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 Farmer Fred website The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram / Threads: 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 23, 2024

The Tuesday edition of the Garden Basics podcast is back, where we will answer garden questions each week. Today's question is from Meredith in Maryland: "Hi Farmer Fred! I love your podcast and have learned so much. I wanted to see if you had a list of garden tools or products you like. I have a big birthday coming up so I want to get a wish list in order! Thanks for your help." Good question! Let's get several ideas from other experienced gardeners, as well, including America's Favorite Retired Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. Among the garden gift suggestions: Garden Kneeler and Seat Felco hand pruners (or any quality bypass pruners) Corona Blade Sharpener Felco Sharpening Stone Quality Spading Fork Heavy Duty Loppers Winged Weeder Hula Hoe Ratchet loppers Hori-Hori Knife Drywall Saw (For root pruning) Garden Apron Bench Vise (to secure blades while sharpening) Garden Gloves Arm Protectors 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jan 19, 2024

What are you planning on doing in the garden in 2024? The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has spoken to gardeners, growers and professional nurseries and landscapers throughout America to find out what’s on their to do list this year…or not to do. For example, quieter gardening is a trend. So is how leaves from your trees are being put to use. Among the popular plants for 2024: Fruit trees, houseplants, ornamental grasses, sedges and an overwhelming demand for hydrangeas. Also homeowners are getting tired of dealing with one commonly used plant that has lots of problems and requires lots of work: boxwoods. We talk with the vice president of horticulture for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Andrew Bunting, about these trends. Plus he has info about the upcoming edition of the largest flower show in the nation, The Philadelphia Flower Show, which has been going strong since 1829. 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 Butterfly Lands on a Zinnia 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 Plant Lover’s Guide to Magnolias by Andrew Bunting Philadelphia Flower Show Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Gold Medal Plants of 2023 2024 PHS Garden Trends List 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/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe , at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com As an Amazon Associate , I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jan 12, 2024

Today, we present a double dose of the Debbies on the Garden Basics podcast. First, Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington has tips on what to look for when selecting those bare looking roses that are hitting the nurseries this winter. Some garden center them packaged in plastic wrap, some nurseries will pot up the bare rose plants in containers, and some nurseries with have plunged those bare root roses directly into a bed of sawdust. Debbie Arrington has advice on how to tell if the rose you are selecting is healthy. Then, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, answers a listener’s question about a very aggressive weed that’s taking over the yard. What is it, and how do you control it? Debbie Flower has bermudagrass control techniques. 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: Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington with her “Marilyn Monroe” rose competition winner 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/ Planting Bare Root Roses Bermudagrass Control Soil Solarization Turflon Ester (for bermudagrass control) Turflon Ester label Tori-Hori Knife for weeding 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/Threads: 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@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 5, 2024

What were the most downloaded Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast episodes of 2023? What were the most listened-to segments? Here are the Top 5 winners of 2023, chosen by you, the listeners. Topics include tomatoes (naturally), container gardening, plant arranging, and - the most listened-to topic of not just 2023, but the highest listenership of any episode in all four years of the Garden Basics podcast: cucumbers! It's nearly two hours worth of great gardening information to kick off Year 5 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. Thanks for listening! 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 lot of tomatoes Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Topic Links: Book: "Container Food Gardening" by Pam Farley Wild Boar Farms (tomato seeds) Don Shor's Redwood Barn Nursery Julia Oldfield's Big Oak Nursery Sacramento County Master Gardener's Fair Oaks Horticulture Center 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/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred on TikTok Twitter/X: @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 29, 2023

1. The Top Homegrown Vegetables, pt. 2 (Begins at 1:49) 2. The 2023 Tomato Preview Show (14:02) 3. Soil Irrigation Basics (33:52) 4. Fall Garden Basics (51:23) 5. 11 Tips for Garden Success (1:14:17) 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 river of tomatoes and peppers (Heirloom Expo) Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ 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/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred on TikTok Twitter/X: @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 22, 2023

Christmas Tree Care Tips, for both cut and living trees: at 1:36 of the podcast. Why are the Leaves on My Citrus Tree Turning Yellow?: 9:37 Why are My Citrus Fruit Splitting? 25:22 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 Rosemary Christmas Tree Display Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Topic Links: Flashback Episode of the Week: #162 “Prunecipals: Rose Pruning for Maximum Roses” Sacramento Digs Gardening Newsletter National Christmas Tree Association Yellowing Citrus Leaves (UCANR) Nutri-Rich fertilizer Blood meal fertilizer 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/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred on TikTok Twitter/X: @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 15, 2023

Today, we are talking about New Plants for the 2024 garden year. How about a houseplant that you can eat? And better yet, it’s actually a small cucumber plant! Have you heard of the petchoa (Pet-Koa)? It’s a cross between a petunia and a calibrichoa, the plant you may know as Million Bells. The petchoa is a plant with large flowers and a tidy habit for baskets, planters, or gardens. Those and more new plants for 2024. It’s all on today’s episode. 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: “Quick Snack” Cucumber Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Topic Links: Flashback Episode of the Week: #144 Using Wood Ash in Your Garden National Garden Bureau: New Plant Introductions for 2024 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/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred on TikTok Twitter/X: @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 8, 2023

The tasty fruits that we delve into today may not be familiar to you, especially if you live west of the Rocky Mountains. However, elsewhere in the country, pawpaws and native persimmons are a taste treat. Master Gardener and international gardening expert Quentyn Young tells us about growing and pruning pawpaws and native persimmons throughout the United States. From Dave Wilson Nursery, Phil Pursel says the best fruit, vine and berry deals are coming soon to a nursery near you. In the west, they are probably already there. We’re talking bare root fruit trees, vines, berries and more, available now as rather barren looking sticks that might be in small pots, ready for planting. (Originally aired in Ep. 67) And our favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, has a warning: Think before you apply a "frost protectant" spray. She offers some alternatives. (Originally aired in Ep. 67) 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: Pawpaw Tree Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Topic Links: Flashback Episode of the Week: #279 Fall Gardening Basics Growing Pawpaws (Kentucky St U) Growing Pawpaws (Cornell U) Growing Pawpaws (UCANR) Growing Native Persimmons (Penn St Extension) New Roots Farm Sacramento New Roots Programs throughout the US (International Rescue Committee) UC Santa Cruz Video: Planting Bare Root Fruit Trees Dave Wilson Nursery: Fruit Harvest Date Charts All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website Farmer Fred website : http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred on TikTok 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@farm Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Dec 1, 2023

Today we answer a listener’s question: can we reduce the height of an old, beloved backyard apple tree to a height where we can reach the fruit while standing on the ground? Yes, but it will take several growing seasons for it to return to production. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower and myself talk about all the ways to reduce the height of an overgrown apple tree. Plus, we discuss a gardening trend gaining popularity east of the Rockies: gravel gardening. Which, for you desert dwellers, is not the same as your rock-filled front yards. (originally aired in Ep. 167). 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: Yellow Newtown Pippin Apple (Photo: Dave Wilson Nursery ) Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Topic Links: Flashback Episode of the Week: #158 Problem Plant s Pruning to Restore an Old, Neglected Apple Tree (OSU) Fruit Tree Grafting Info (U. of New Hampshire) Grafting Fruit Trees (Dave Wilson Nursery Video) How to Graft a Fruit Tree (Bark Grafting) (Dave Wilson Nursery Video) Fruit Tree Grafting Supplies Olbrich Botanical Gardens Gravel Garden Basics Gravel Garden Video All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred websit e The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred on TikTok 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 .

Nov 24, 2023

One listener writes in and asks, "What is boring the holes into my Fuji Apples?" More than likely, it is the larvae of the codling moth, a pest that commonly attacks apples and pears. Unfortunately, codling moth is one of the more difficult to control garden pests. However, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, Debbie Flower is here, and we have tips on how to limit codling moth populations. Also, the plant lady, Marlene Simon, has advice on how to protect your outdoor succulents from the ravages of a frost or freeze this time of year. 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: Codling moth larva in an apple (Photo: Washington State University) Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Topic Links: Flashback Episode of the Week: #061 Edible Succulents Codling Moth Control in Apples and Pears (WSU Tree Fruit) Codling Moth (UCANR) Degree Day Calculator Cyd-X and Attractant Traps for Codling Moth Control Spinosad for Codling Moth Control Marlene Simon, The Plant Lady UC Davis Botanical Conservatory Frost Cloths High-Low Thermometers Debra Lee Baldwin, Author - “Succulents Simplified” 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/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred on TikTok 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 .

Nov 17, 2023

Today we take a look at two extremes of vexing garden problems around the world: the tiny, tiny nematodes that attach to plant roots, sucking the life out of them…and one you don’t need a microscope to see: deer. They both love your garden. At least with nematodes there are a few resistant plants. But when it comes to deer resistant plants, well, good luck. It depends how hungry those deer are. So how do you control root know nematodes, and marauding deer? America’s Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, Debbie Flower is here, and we have 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: Deer in the garden Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Topic Links: Flashback Episode of the Week: #144 Using Wood Ash in the Garden Nematode Control (UCANR) Soil Solarization (UCANR) Monterey Nematode Control "Deer in My Garden" Vols. 1 &2, by Carolyn Singer (plants that may be unpalatable to deer) "Effective Deer Fences" University of Vermont "Animal Fencing" University of Georgia " Deer/Elk Fences " Oregon Fish & Wildlife "How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence" Purdue University Options for Deer Fencing University of Kentucky Deer Fencing Choices at Amazon Deer Repellents at Amazon 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/Threads: 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@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Nov 10, 2023

What are the habits of successful gardeners? A couple of Master Gardeners from Santa Clara and San Joaquin Counties, in California pursued that question awhile back. They discovered several tips and tricks that seasoned, happy gardeners use for garden success. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, and myself share their top ten habits of Successful and Happy Gardeners with you, along with our thoughts that take us down, yet again, many scenic bypasses of good gardening information. You might want to listen to this episode more than once, maybe read the transcript as well. Or take notes. Debbie says there’s a good chance a lot of this will be on the final exam. I’m just sayin’… 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 Successful Garden Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Topic Links: Top Ten Habits of Successful Gardeners: Pt. 1 Top Ten Habits of Successful Gardeners: Pt. 2 Book: Pruning and Training Podcast: Ep. 79 Seed Starting Tips. Reusing old potting soil. Farmer Fred Rant Blog: Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects Brooklyn Botanical Garden: Cut Flower Care Flashback Episode of the Week: #247 Trees vs. Storms Hedgerow California Native Plants to Attract Beneficials FloraLife Flower Food Brooklyn Botanical Garden: Cut Flower Care Flashback Episode of the Week: #247 Trees vs. Storms All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Nov 3, 2023

Before the weather chases you back indoors, maybe it’s time you considered a greenhouse to continue your gardening year round: a greenhouse is perfect for starting seeds, maintaining tropical or semi tropical plants such as citrus or orchids, a place to keep your potted plants alive and well in the winter, or growing vegetables year round. 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; ventilation tips; and, things to consider if you're thinking of a lean-to greenhouse, one that attaches to the side of your house. Plus, in an interview that has never aired on the Garden Basics podcast, we get more greenhouse tips from David Branca of Conley’s Greenhouse Manufacturing and Sales in Montclair, California. 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 . 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: Sturdi-Built Trillium Greenhouse Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Topic Links: Website: Sturdi-Built greenhouses Website: Conley’s Greenhouses 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/Threads: 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@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 27, 2023

In many parts of the country, it’s garlic planting time. Debbie Flower and I talk about many aspects of growing backyard garlic. (at 1:25 of podcast) Plus we talk with fruit tree expert Phil Pursel about growing and harvesting persimmons in the fall. (16:26) And Master Gardener Kathy Morrison has fall recipes made from your cool season backyard crops, especially apples. (26:40) 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: Harvest of California Early White Garlic Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Oct. 27, 2023 Newsletter: “How to Stake a New Tree” Jan. 2023 Newsletter Flashback: “Drain That Rain” Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ HeirloomRoses.com Add the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount (good until 10/31/23) Topic Links: Catalog: Filaree Farm (garlic) Book: Growing Great Garlic Book: The Complete Book of Garlic Book: Propagating Plants Website: Sacramento Digs Gardening Fall Cookbook Fair Oaks Horticulture Center 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/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Oct 20, 2023

Today, we compare notes with Davis, California nursery owner Don Shor, an avid tomato grower, about our 2023 tomato successes and failures. And, we check with the tomato trials done this past summer at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center. It’s a wide ranging conversation not only about hybrid and heirloom tomato varieties that were notable for size, flavor, production, vigor..or lack thereof… it also includes some great tips for growing and caring for your 2024 tomato garden, no matter which varieties you choose. Plus, we want to know your own tomato winners and losers of the summer of 2023. We’ll air your tomato thoughts in a future episode. 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 , also available at Buzzsprout . Pictured: Rugby Tomatoes Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Oct. 20, 2023 Newsletter: “The Benefits of Lingering in the Garden” Flashback Episode: #260 “Raising Chicks and Hens” Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ HeirloomRoses.com Add the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount (good until 10/31/23) Our Favorite Tomato Seed Catalogs: Tomato Growers Supply Co. Totally Tomatoes Seeds n Such TomatoFest Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (Rare Seeds) Johnny’s Selected Seeds Burpee Seeds All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe , at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 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 .

Oct 13, 2023

Fall Berry Care (1:58 of podcast) Debbie Flower Explains Stuff I Had Questions About (18:33) We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory (and on location at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center). 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: Blackberries Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Oct. 13, 2023 Newsletter: Fall Berry Care. Debbie Explains Flashback Episode: #182 Growing Raspberries, Boysenberries, Blackberries Please Support Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ HeirloomRoses.com Add the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount (good until 10/31/23) Topic Links: Growing Blackberries (University of California) How to Determine if Old Seeds are Viable (U. of Wisconsin) 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/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @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 .

Oct 6, 2023

Bulb Planting Basics (at 1:27 of podcast) Young Fruit Tree Care (22:04) 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: Daffodils in springtime bloom Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Oct. 6, 2023 Newsletter: Planting Wildflowers and Cover Crops Flashback Episode: #56 Cold Climate Greenhouse Basics. Growing Winter Tomatoes . Thank You for Supporting Our Sponsors: Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ HeirloomRoses.com Add the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount (good until 10/31/23) Topic Links: Sacramento Bulb Planting Schedule Book: All About Bulbs Book: The Gardener’s Guide to Bulbs Tool: Flower Bulb Planter Website: Apple Production in the Home Garden (U. of Arkansas) 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/Threads: 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 .

Sep 29, 2023

Electroculture Gardening vs. the Scientific Method (at 3:08 of podcast) Growing Avocados in Marginal Climates (27:54) 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: Electroculture Gardening Copper Antenna Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Sept. 29, 2023 Newsletter: Potato Growing Tips Flashback Episode: #138 Setting up a Worm Bin. Grapes To Try . Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ HeirloomRoses.com Add the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount (good until 10/31/23) Links Mentioned in the Podcast: Electroculture Report: New Scientist.com Washington Post: Electroculture Explained Growing Avocados from the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County 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/Threads: 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 .

Sep 22, 2023

How do you plant seeds in a garden bed full of mulch? America’s favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, and I quickly answered that and then veered into a very scenic bypass - as is our custom. This time: we rank garden mulches from best to worst. If you want to know the best products to use for a mulch - and the ones to avoid - you’ll want to listen. Also: what the worms in your worm bin are trying to tell you about what they want in order to be happy, this fall and winter. It’s episode number 284, Mulches Ranked from Best to Worst. Fall Worm Bin Care. 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: Four High-Ranked Mulches: Arborist chips, compost, straw, shredded leaves Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Sept. 22, 2023 Newsletter: The “Fast Food” Garden Flashback Episode: #238 Teaming with Bacteria Please Support Our Sponsors! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ HeirloomRoses.com Add the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount (good until 10/31/23) Links Mentioned in the Podcast: Sacramento Tree Foundation’s Mulch Rankings Sheet Mulching Vermicomposting (Raising worms for worm castings) 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/Threads: 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 .

Sep 15, 2023

• Fall Vegetable Soil Preparation (at 2:08 of podcast) • Fall Fruit Tree Care (9:54) • Fall Rose Care (17:23) • Preserving Tomatoes (27:40) • How long do garden pesticides last? (35:24) It’s all right here, in episode number 283, Fall Garden Preparation; and, How Long Can You Store Pesticides? 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: Japanese Persimmon Tree Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Sept. 15, 2023 Newsletter: Fall Worm Bin Care and Feeding Flashback Episode: #231 Joe Lamp’l: Vegetable Gardening Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Links Mentioned in the Podcast: Nutri-Rich 4-3-2 fertilizer HeirloomRoses.com Add code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount (exp. 10/31/23) “Roses For Dummies” by Lance Walheim UC Davis Arboretum All-Stars: Roses “Sacramento Digs Gardening” newsletter Bt - Bacillus Thuringensis organic pesticide Spinosad organic pesticide 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/Threads: 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 .

Sep 8, 2023

Renee Shepherd of Renee’s Garden talks about the "cut and come again" leafy green garden, how anyone can be enjoying fresh lettuce, spinach, chard, cabbage and other nutritious greens on a daily basis, no matter how small your yard. Want to make your own mulch? We have tips for purchasing a chipper/shredder - the features that it should have for a hassle-free experience. 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: Cut & Come Again Greens Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Sept. 8, 2023 Newsletter: What is Organic Gardening? Flashback Episode: #236 Deer Control, Fruit vs. Heat, Shredder/Vac Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ ReneesGarden.com cut & come again food garden (video) Cut & Come Again Greens Indoor Grow Lights JB’s Power Equipment, Davis, CA BCS Chipper Shredder Other Chipper/Shredders 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 Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 1, 2023

What does it take to have the best cool season organic garden in your neighborhood? The best soil! We have tips. Also: advice for controlling tomato hornworms. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery . Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net and at Buzzsprout . Pictured: Fall Greens. Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter, https://gardenbasics.substack.com including “What’s Stressing Your Dogwood Tree? It May Be You” Flashback Episode: GB 233 Soil Questions. Grow Winter Tomatoes? Yes! Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Tomato Hornworms Tomato Pinworms Tomato Fruit Worms Soil Testing: UMass/Amherst , Texas A&M , Colorado St . Home Soil Test Kits Soil Sleuth Soil Probe pH test kits Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects The Good Bug Hotel Bt - Bacillus Thurgiensis (tomato worm control) All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com FarmerFred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: 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? • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe , at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • 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 .

Aug 25, 2023

Shade Cloth Basics (1:45) Fall Lawn Care, Organically (18:42) 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: Shade Cloth on Blackberries at Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Aug. 25, 2023 Newsletter: Tomatoes Not Ripening? Blame the Heat. Tomato Worms. Flashback Episode: GB 227 Understanding Drip Irrigation Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Heirloom Roses https://heirloomroses.com Use the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount! Shade Cloth Information List of Potato-Leaf Tomatoes (Reimer’s Seeds) Cutting Heights for Turf Varieties (UCANR) Fall Lawn Renovation 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/Threads: 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 .

Aug 18, 2023

Despite the triple digit temperatures of late August and early September, this is the time to be planning your fall garden, including starting the seeds of some of the healthiest, most nutritious vegetables that you can grow. America’s favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower answers the fall garden questions of a college student who wants to try to grow a cool season garden for the first time. And, nursery owner Don Shor talks about the best varieties of vegetables to try in your fall and winter garden. That interview was originally aired in September 2022. It’s episode number 279, Fall Garden Basics. 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 , Dave Wilson Nursery and Heirloom Roses . 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 Garden Plants and Seeds Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Aug. 18, 2023 Newsletter: Japanese Maple Trees vs Summer Heat Flashback Episode: GB 254 Plants That are a Show For the Nose Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Heirloom Roses https://heirloomroses.com use the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount! Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects (The Good Bug Hotel) Ep. 12 First Garden? Tips for Success! Ep. 256 Container Gardening Basics Redwood Barn Nursery, Davis CA Organic Fertilizer for Japanese Maple Trees All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman As an Amazon Associate , I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Got a garden question? • 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 .

Aug 11, 2023

Wherever you garden, you have had to endure days and days of sizzling summer temperatures. Your garden is trying to survive those heat waves, as well. Today, Debbie Flower and I have tips for getting your garden through triple digit heatwaves and a lot more. Recorded live at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center in Sacramento on August 5, 2023. • Why you don’t want to use garden soil in containers. (7:02) • The best potting mix to use for a container plant. (8:48) • What’s happening to the roots of plants in containers on a 100-degree day. (15:24) • How to better protect your outdoor potted plants in a heatwave.(16:47) • The differences in shade cloth, and how to use it. (22:30) • How to reuse old potting soil. (27:30) • Are you watering your container plants effectively? Probably not. (31:11) • What do you put in the bottom of a plant container to aid drainage? Nothing! We tell you why. (32:40) • How to save garden seeds to last for years. (43:17) • And, how to get pepper seeds to germinate in half the time. (49:59) That’s a lot, and it’s all in today’s episode, number 278, Hot Summer Garden Tips, 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 , Dave Wilson Nursery and Heirloom Roses . Let’s go! p.s. Check the transcript for explanations of "hospital implement" and "always-available moisture sensor".. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net . Pictured: Fred & Debbie at Harvest Day Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter Aug. 11, 2023 Newsletter: More Hot Weather Garden Tips Flashback Episode: GB195 Best Roses for Cut Flowers Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Heirloom Roses https://heirloomroses.com use the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount! Shade cloth: Peaceful Valley Farm Supply , Charley’s Greenhouse & Garden All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: 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? • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe , at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • 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 .

Aug 4, 2023

You’re looking at your crowded kitchen counter and wondering, what the heck are we going to do with all these tomatoes, peppers and zucchini? Hey, you grew it, now eat it! Today, we explore tasty recipes for your abundant summer harvest. (01:31) Also, we have tips for sharpening your garden tools. (16:00) And, we explore one ingredient of fertilizer, phosphorus. Is it radioactive? (25:01) It’s all in today’s episode, number 277, You Grew It, Now Eat It: Summer Harvest Recipes 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 , Dave Wilson Nursery and Heirloom Roses . 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: Easy Fig Pizza Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Aug. 4, 2023 Newsletter: Fall Garden Tips Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Heirloom Roses https://heirloomroses.com use the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount! Flashback Episode: GB 240 All About Potatoes See You at Harvest Day , Saturday Aug. 5 Sacramento Digs Gardening Recipes Sharpening Hand Pruners Video RobertKourik.com Robert Kourik’s Phosphorus Radioactivity Test Results Soil Testing: UMass/Amherst, Texas A&M , Colorado State , Harmony Farm Supply Corona Tool Sharpener Felco Tool Sharpening Stone All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 28, 2023

If you’re currently growing roses in containers, or are thinking of adding a few potted roses to your patio or balcony, this is the episode for you. • We get the tips from a professional rose grower, Ben Hanna, owner of HeirloomRoses.com (at 1:22). • Also, Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington solves some tree rose woes for a listener ( 27:30). • And, I chat with a local garden club about the need to keep an eye on soil temperatures in container plants during the summer, with tips for cooling them off. (45:16) It’s all in today’s episode, number 276, Container Rose Growing Basics. 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: Rose in a Smart Pot Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com July 28, 2023 Newsletter: Jalapeno-gate Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Flashback Episode: 265 Soil Irrigation Basics See You at Harvest Day , Saturday Aug. 5 Planting a Rose in a Container: Video ( HeirloomRoses.com) How to Grow and Train a Climbing Rose: Video ( HeirloomRoses.com) How to Grow a Rose from a Cutting (UCANR) Sacramento Digs Gardening Recipes Soil Test Sites: U. Mass/Amherst , Colorado State , Texas A&M Soil Test Kits Moisture Meters Soil Thermometers All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 21, 2023

Those aren’t little white flowers on your woody perennials and shrubs. Look closer. What is it? It’s not a flower, it looks and feels like a wad of spit! That would be the cocoon for the aptly named spittlebug. What’s a gardener to do about this pest which can be found throughout North America? America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower tackles that and more of your yuck-inducing garden questions, including: should you eat green potatoes? Why does my boxwood shrub smell like cat urine? What is all this white mold around the roots of my plants? It’s all in today’s episode, number 275, Spittlebugs and More of Your Questions. 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: spittlebug cocoon on rosemary Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com July 21, 2023 Newsletter: Droopy Leaves vs Heat Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Flashback Episode: 266 Cucumber Basics See You at Harvest Day , Saturday Aug. 5 Herbicide Damage of Boxwoods (U. of Minn) Spittlebugs (UCANR) Meet the Beneficial Insects poster All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.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 .

Jul 14, 2023

America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower and myself tackle more of your garden questions today. Have you ever wondered, or even tried, planting into a container filled with straight compost? It might work for awhile, but eventually, you’re going to have problems. We have solutions to that issue. Gardeners and homeowners in just about any section of the country that has faced a drought may be rethinking their water-thirsty lawns. Is there a successful turf substitute? For some, the answer just might be a lawn created by clover. We talk about the clover varieties that might be the most successful at serving as a green area, especially since it is somewhat drought tolerant and resistant to dog urine. It’s all in today’s episode, number 274. 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 bag of compost Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com July 14, 2023 Newsletter: Is Your Fertilizer Radioactive? Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Flashback Episode: #258 More Quick Tips! See You at Harvest Day , Saturday Aug. 5 Start from Seed or Transplant? (U. of Neb.-Lincoln) The Clover Option (turf substitute) (U.C. San Joaquin Co. Master Gardeners) Organic Amendments for Landscape Soils UCANR All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram and Threads: 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 .

Jul 7, 2023

It could be one of the prettiest insects you’ll ever see. It could also be one of the most voracious insects to find in your garden or on your farm. And right now it’s spreading throughout the eastern United states and into the midwest. It’s the spotted lanternfly. What does it look like? What crops can it overtake? How do you control the spotted lanternfly? Also, Debbie Flower and I tackle more of your garden questions, such as how do you plant in mulch? (Carefully). Is there a trick to successfully planting carrot seeds? (Yes). And, "New branches are growing from the bottom of the trunk of my peach tree that I thought had died. Will this tree make it?" (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 . 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: spotted lanternfly (Photo: PA Dept of Ag) Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com July 7, 2023 issue: "Six Common Tomato Problems" Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Flashback Episode: #189 Stop Tomato Blossom End Rot Now See You at Harvest Day , Saturday Aug. 5 Spotted Lantern Fly Information Home made seed tape Is Your Tea Bag Compostable? All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.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 .

Jun 30, 2023

Today, America’s Favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower and myself tackle your garden questions. And they are all about bugs: Aphids, wasps, gnats, drain flies and for some people - especially if they are allergic to them - bees. And that one serves as an introduction to one of the more vexing questions we received: are there any plants to repel bees? It’s all in today’s episode 272, Questions and Answers about Bugs. 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: Aphids on a bean plant leaf. Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com June 30, 2023 Newsletter: Selecting and Caring for Garden Hand Tools Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Flashback Episode: #209: Droopy Plants? What to do before you add water. See You at Harvest Day, Saturday Aug. 5 Aphid Control Tips Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects Moth or Drainfly Control U of GA Newswire: The Wrong Stuff for Bees Yellowjacket bucket trap Meet the Beneficial Insects (poster) Ant Control Tips Farmer Fred Rant Blog Page: Ants! All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.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 • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com • 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 .

Jun 23, 2023

11 Tips for Garden Success, recorded live, at the Lincoln Hills/Sun City (CA) garden club, May 2023. • All Gardening is Local. (6:04) • Know Your Soil. (10:27) • Right Plant, Right Place. (20:47) • Mulch, Mulch, Mulch. (23:13) • Mother Nature Bats Last. (26:38) • What's Old is New Again. (32:06) • Everything You Know is Wrong. (38:37) • If It Works for You, Fine. But Keep An Open Mind. (42:40) • Read and Follow All Label Directions. (43:44) • Life is Too Short to Put Up with a Problem Plant. (46:40) • Bermuda Grass is Forever. (49:20) Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 16, 2023

Ready to discover the world of dragonflies and learn how they can benefit your garden? Join us as we chat with Pat Murphy, a Placer County Master Gardener and dragonfly enthusiast, who shares her wealth of knowledge on these incredible insects. With a 95% success rate as predators and the ability to control mosquito populations, dragonflies are a gardener's best friend. We'll also hear from America's favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, as she teaches us how to up-pot tomato plants for a quickerharvest. 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: Flame Skimmer Dragonfly 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/ Flashback Episode: #182 Growing Raspberries, Blackberries, Boysenberries Dragonfly info: Garden Good Guys: Dragonflies Know Your Dragonflies How Dragonflies Catch Prey in Mid-Air Dragonflies Dragonfly (Wikipedia) Outdoor Water Features (Amazon) All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com 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 • 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 .

Jun 9, 2023

Imagine reducing the risk of high cholesterol, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease with a simple change in your diet and lifestyle. Join us as we discuss the incredible connection between a whole food, plant-based diet and better brain health, with expert insights from Dr. Laura Varich of FreshPhysician.com. Dive into the power of leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and microgreens, and how they can help protect our brains from cognitive decline. We also take a closer look at the potential health benefits of growing turmeric, incorporating herbs, spices, berries, whole grains, nuts, and teas into our diet, and the dangers of ultra-processed foods. Learn how to grow your very own Brain Food Garden and keep your mind and body in top shape by tuning into this enlightening episode. Other guests today include Master Gardener Gail Pothour, who mentions several tasty lettuce varieties that resist bolting in the heat. Plus, America's Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, answers a listener's question about which perennial herbs can be grown outdoors in Colorado. 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: Healthy Microgreens 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/ Flashback Garden Basics Episode: #191 Should You Prune Tomato Flowers? Episode 228 with Dr. Laura Varich of FreshPhysician.com Johnny’s Selected Seeds - Microgreen Mixes Bekana Cabbage “Game Changers” documentary movie Southern Exposure Seed Exchange list of herb hardiness zones All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website 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 .

Jun 2, 2023

Tired of pesky ants ruining your garden beds and invading your home? Join us as we chat with Debbie Flower, America's favorite retired college horticultural professor, who shares her personal formula for getting rid of these unwanted pests. We'll uncover the secrets of boric acid ant bait and explore why it's crucial for it to reach the queen in order to wipe out the entire colony. We also have a conversation with Master Food Preserver and State Fair Food Judge, Wendy Rose. Discover how to save an early partial harvest for delicious recipes later in the season and learn the insider tips to winning big with your jams, jellies, and preserves at county and state fair competitions. If you're looking to snag some awards, don't miss this episode! ========================================================== 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: Greenway Liquid Ant Killing Bait, KM AntPro Liquid Ant Bait Station 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/ Flashback: Ep. 197 Compost Tea Explained Debbie Flower’s Recipe for Ant Control CA State Fair Canning Competition Guide UC Master Food Preserver Program The National Center for Home Food Preservation (U of GA) All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.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 .

May 26, 2023

• Have you ever wondered how to attract more birds to your yard? We have a tip to bring more birds, using sound. (07:28) • Thinking of removing all or part of your lawn to save water, or expand your garden? Now’s the time to take action, and we will show you how. (10:05) • Are there cures for common tomato problems, such as flower drop or blossom end rot? Yes, and no. We explain. (20:02) • How much should you water your lawn or garden? (40:01) “We”, would be myself and America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower. We recorded a live podcast, at the California State Garden Club district meeting in Sacramento. It’s all in today’s episode 267, More Garden Tips, Live! It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. 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: Farmer Fred, Debbie Flower 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/ Flashback: Ep. 192 Easiest Tomatoes to Grow soil solarization sheet mulching Cornell Soil Mix recipe Bt Dunks (for Mosquito control) Garden Tool Sharpeners Moisture Meters Soil Probe (Soil Auger) All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com 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 .

May 19, 2023

According to one recent national poll of backyard gardeners, cucumbers are the second favorite crop for growing. In a poll conducted by the National Gardening Association, 86% of gardeners cited growing tomatoes as their favorite, and cucumbers came in number 2. We’ve talked about tomatoes extensively on this podcast. But, how do you grow and enjoy cucumbers? We’ve got the varieties, the growing techniques, the harvesting tips and advice on how to get rid of the bitterness of certain cucumbers. America’s favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, is an avowed fan of the cucumber, so who better to turn to for cucumber growing basics. Plus, have you ever wondered how bees communicate to the other bees that they’ve found a site filled with pollen-rich plants? They do the waggle dance! We talk to a bee expert who has studied these dance moves. It’s all in today’s episode 266, Cucumber Growing Basics. 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: slicing cucumber 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/ Flashback Ep. 151: How to Grow Popcorn, Pumpkins Cucumber pest info from UC Ag & Natural Resources cucumber seeds The Honeybee Dance Language 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 .

May 12, 2023

Proper soil moisture is necessary for healthy plant growth. Do you know how moist your garden soil is right now? What are the easiest, best ways to determine the moisture level of your soil? How do you install a drip irrigation system on a raised garden bed, which has a totally different moisture pattern than your in-ground garden? How do you pick a soil moisture meter or a soil probe? Don't forget that your choice of fertilizers plays a part in proper irrigation. And we talk with a Master Gardener about how to grow bush varieties of zucchini, vertically. A great solution for the small space gardener. It’s all in today’s episode 265, Soil Irrigation Basics. 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: Moisture Meter, Soil Probe 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/ Flashback Ep. 116: Less Water for Fruit Trees. Growing Citrus in Containers . Soil Test Services: UMass Amherst Soil Test Colorado State U soil test Texas A&M Soil Test All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.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 .

May 5, 2023

What are America's Top 10 homegrown vegetables? Last week, in Episode 263, we covered the first five, including tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, beans and carrots. Today, in Part 2, Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour and I talk about summer squash, onions, hot peppers, lettuce and peas, along with growing advice for each one, our favorite varieties, and tips for having more backyard success with those vegetables. Also, Organic Gardening Instructor Steve Zien discusses the benefits of composting and mulching the soil, especially after the harvest. It’s all in today’s episode 264, the Top 10 Homegrown Vegetables, Part 2. 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: hot peppers 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/ Flashback Ep. 007: Feed Your Soil, Not Your Plants Steve Zien's free Zoom Class, " Colossal Compost, Miraculous Mulch, Spectacular Soil" 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 .

Apr 28, 2023

Today: It's America’s Top homegrown vegetables. Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour and I talk about them, along with growing advice for each one, including our favorite varieties. We actually got into such detail about each, we have to divide this chat into two episodes: today’s and next week’s Garden Basics podcasts. So today, we are talking tomatoes (no surprise there that is America’s favorite vegetable to grow) as well as cucumbers, sweet peppers, beans and carrots. Next week: five more! It’s the Top Homegrown Vegetables, Part 1. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery . Pictured: A "river" of tomatoes and peppers, at the 2012 Heirloom Expo Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net . Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Vegetable varieties mentioned in Ep 263 TOMATOES Gail: Brad's Atomic Grape , “ Thorburn’s Terra- Cotta ” , Green Doctor , Purple Boy , “ Goldman's Italian American ” UC Davis Vegetable Research and Information Center: “Cherry Grande”, “Sweet Cherry”, the “Sweet 100”, and the “Red Cherry”. For suitable container varieties they name “Patio”, “Toyboy”, “Better Bush” and “Small Fry.” Fred: Ace, Better Boy, Early Girl, Champion, Whopper, Big Beef, Dr. Wyche’s Yellow, CUCUMBERS Gail - Green Fingers , Silver Slicer , Alibi , VRIC: Pickle Bush, Bush Champion, Parks Bush Whopper, Salad Bush, and Spacemaster. Sweet Slice. PEPPERS Fred- Big Red, Early Sunsation, Ozark Giant , Tequila, Gail - Sweet Roaster , VRIC - Gypsy BEANS Gail-Roman, Strike , Romana, Roc d’Or , Purple Queen VRIC - Goldencrop Wax, Resistant Cherokee Wax, Fordhook 242 Bush, Henderson’s Bush (pole type), King of the Garden (bush butterbean), Dixie Butterpea (butterbean type), Baby Fordhook Bush (butterbean), Contender, Harvester, Roman, Tendercrop, Kentucky Wonder, Romano (Italian), Scarlet Runner Fred - Bingo . CARROTS Fred - Danvers Half-Long , Gail - Chantenay , Imperator Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 21, 2023

What is the most consumed vegetable in the United States? Potatoes! Oddly enough, it’s not even on the top 10 list of backyard garden vegetables. That’s too bad, because the potato varieties that are available for home gardeners are more colorful and flavorful than the varieties you’d find in a grocery store. We revisit a conversation we had with America’s favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, about growing potatoes. She has some tips about choosing potatoes and how to cut and prepare them for planting. Plus, Master Gardener Gail Pothour talks about the best months to be planting your potatoes. As we are fond of saying here, all gardening is local, so that timing will vary. We will also get into the details of colorful, interesting potato varieties, as well as storage tips for your harvested potatoes. It’s all in today’s episode 262, Spring Potato Basics. 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: Colorful 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/ Flashback Ep. 114 Crop Rotation, Clay Soil Santa Clara Co. Master Gardeners - Potatoes Growing Potatoes Organically: Basics From Seed To Storage Potato Varieties: Dark Red Norland French Fingerling Yukon Gold Adirondack Blue Magic Molly Clancy All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe , at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 14, 2023

If you are unfamiliar with multi-budded fruit trees, and you have a small yard and you want a cornucopia of tasty fruit, then a multi-budded fruit tree may be right for you. We tackle a fruit tree question from a listener in Ohio who wants to know: "Is it better to buy a multi-budded fruit tree, or can I do it myself? And how do you graft branches onto a fruit tree?" That last question is better answered by watching a video (for which we have suggestions) or reading a book about fruit tree grafting (and again, we have suggestions). Still, that does not stop up from trying to explain grafting techniques on a podcast. For that, we go over some of the how-to basics of fruit tree grafting. It’s all in today’s episode 261, Multi-Budded Fruit Tree Basics. 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: The Fruits of a 4 in 1 Pluot 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/ Flashback Episode: #27 I Did Not Know That Dave Wilson Nursery Video: Grafting Fruit Trees Dave Wilson Nursery Video: How To Graft a Fruit Tree Book: Propagating Plants Grafting Knives and Supplies All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com 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 .

Apr 7, 2023

Easter egg season is here, and many of you may be thinking, "Why bother painting those eggs? After all, there are breeds of hens that lay beautifully colored eggs. So, Let’s just get some baby chicks, raise the hens, and gather the colorful eggs. Plus, we’ll save money on omelettes!" Many farm supply stores now have those baby chicks in stock. Today, we back up a step or two and talk about what you should have on hand before you buy those baby chicks. You’ll learn about: • What do you feed a baby chick? (9:00) • Why you don’t want to use pine shavings or newspaper as the flooring for your baby chicks. (11:49) • Why you should only offer warm water for baby chicks. (18:00) • Precautions on using heat lamps around your chickens. (27:30) • How to Pick a chick that isn’t a rooster. (31:29) • What are the best breeds of chickens for small children? (34:29) It’s all in today’s episode 260, raising backyard chicks and hens. 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: Cherie and Colorful Chicken Eggs 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/ Flashback Ep. 65 What is a Consulting Arborist? 3 Books and a NYT Newsletter for Raising Backyard Chickens: Story’s Guide to Raising Chickens Raising Chickens for Dummies City Chicks New York Times/Wirecutter Article: “The Best Chicken Coop and Accessories Chick Waterer Chick Brooder Radiant Heat (non-lamps) for Chicks All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com 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 .

Mar 31, 2023

It must be spring, and time for our annual tomato preview show! Today a couple of tomato heads, nursery owner Don Shor and myself, talk about growing tomatoes. Topics include: • The winning and losing tomato varieties of 2022 (remember, all gardening is local) 1:38 • Which tomato varieties we will be planting in 2023, varieties that are old and new. 9:31 • Advice for the first time tomato grower: Start Small. 20:25 • Thwarting Summer Diseases of tomatoes. 35:41 • Don’t plant your tomatoes too early! Timing your tomato planting. 45:41 It’s all in today’s episode 259, The 2023 Tomato Preview Show. 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: Bodacious Tomato 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/ Tomato Diseases (University of California) Garden Basics, Episode 126: Jumping Worms Garden Basics, Episode 217: Jumping Worm Update Redwood Barn Nursery All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net 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. 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

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 17, 2023

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 cove r 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 10, 2023

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: @farmerfre d 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 3, 2023

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 T opics 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 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

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 17, 2023

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 10, 2023

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 3, 2023

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 .

Jan 27, 2023

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 20, 2023

Welcome to Part 2 of our four part series, the 2022 greatest hits of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, Part 2. The four parts include the top 10 most listened to segments last year. In part 1 last week, we talked about tomatoes. That included choosing the easiest to grow varieties, pruning, the best tomatoes for containers, and battling diseases, and one in particular, blossom end rot. This time around we’ll be talking with Emily Murphy, author of the book, Grow Now. she explains gardening techniques that goes beyond no-till gardening. She calls it, no-dig gardening, also called lasagna gardening. But first, we present the most listened- to segment in the Garden Basics podcast last year. In fact, it is the all time leader in listenership. It’s all about growing berries, with Master Gardener Pam Bone. She has lots of good tips for growing these tasty, healthy treats. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery . Let’s go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site, GardenBasics.net . Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout . Pictured: Raspberries Links: Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. Free! https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Berry Varieties to Consider UCANR Growing Caneberries in the Sacramento Region Raspberry, Blackberry Production Guide (Cornell U.) Best Way To Train Raspberries (Penn St) University of Massachusetts/Amherst Soil Test Information Colorado State University Soil Test Information Farmer Fred Vegetable Planting Calendar for Northern California Book: Grow Now by Emily Murphy UCANR: Sheet Mulching (Lasagna Gardening) Hugelkultur (extreme lasagna gardening) All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website : http://farmerfred.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate , I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jan 13, 2023

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 6, 2023

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 .

Dec 30, 2022

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 23, 2022

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 16, 2022

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 9, 2022

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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Dec 2, 2022

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@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 .

Nov 25, 2022

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 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 .

Nov 18, 2022

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. 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 .

Nov 11, 2022

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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Nov 4, 2022

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 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 .

Oct 28, 2022

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? • 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 .

Oct 21, 2022

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. 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

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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 7, 2022

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. 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

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 listening. 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

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 As an Amazon Associate , I earn from qualifying purchases from some 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 .

Sep 23, 2022

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. 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

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. 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

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. 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

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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 9, 2022

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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 6, 2022

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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 2, 2022

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. 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

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 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 .

Aug 26, 2022

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 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 .

Aug 23, 2022

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 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

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 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 .

Aug 16, 2022

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. 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

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

Aug 9, 2022

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 for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 5, 2022

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 YouTube 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 .

Aug 2, 2022

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 YouTube 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 .

Jul 29, 2022

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 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 .

Jul 26, 2022

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 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 .

Jul 22, 2022

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. 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

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. 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

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 As an Amazon Associate , I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. And thank you for listening. 865nR0PXqk6C7INS3wk0 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

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 As an Amazon Associate , I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. 865nR0PXqk6C7INS3wk0 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 .

Jul 8, 2022

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 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 .

Jul 5, 2022

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 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 .

Jul 1, 2022

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. 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

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 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 .

Jun 24, 2022

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

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 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 .

Jun 17, 2022

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" 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 .

Jun 14, 2022

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. 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

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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 7, 2022

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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 3, 2022

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. 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

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 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 qua 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

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 Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube https://ga 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

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: 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. 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

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: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube https://gardenbasics.net/video 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

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/ 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. 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

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 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 .

May 10, 2022

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: 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 6, 2022

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 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 3, 2022

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 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. 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

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: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube https://gardenbasics.net 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

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 snark on Twitter https://twitter.com/farmerfred The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fre 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

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 The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: @FarmerFredHoffman 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

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 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 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

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" 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 purchase 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

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.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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 8, 2022

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: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube https://gardenbas Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 5, 2022

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: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube https://gardenbasics.net/videos Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 1, 2022

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://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 mentio 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

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://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 fro 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

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/ 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. 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

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/ 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. 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

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: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos 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

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 for listening. 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

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 Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred Garden Min Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 8, 2022

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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 4, 2022

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 Newsletter https://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 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 .

Mar 1, 2022

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 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 .

Feb 25, 2022

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: 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. 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

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: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on You 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

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 " https://www.facebook.com/Get-Growing-with-Farmer-Fred-101135776596504/ Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/play 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

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: "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 .

Feb 11, 2022

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 http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden 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 .

Feb 8, 2022

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 on YouTube 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 .

Feb 4, 2022

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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 1, 2022

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 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 .

Jan 28, 2022

'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 Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Vi 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

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: "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 mentione 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

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 " 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jan 7, 2022

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: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate , I earn from qualifying purchases from possible lin 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

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: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from quali 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

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: "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 mention 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

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: 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. 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

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: "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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Dec 3, 2021

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

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 Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garde 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

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 Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouT 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

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 Tomatoe s 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: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Nov 5, 2021

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 Farmer Fred Newsletter 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 As an Am 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

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: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qu 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

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 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 22, 2021

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, 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, and sharing with your gardening friends! 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

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. 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 15, 2021

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 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 12, 2021

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 listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 8, 2021

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 5, 2021

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 1, 2021

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 z innias, 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. 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

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 Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 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

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. 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

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. 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

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 Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from q 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

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 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. 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

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: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube Sign up for the new Garden Basics newsletter , on Substack Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 7, 2021

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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 3, 2021

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: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube Sign up for the new Garden Basics newsletter , on 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

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: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube Sign up for the new Garden Basics newsletter , on Substack (https://fredf82.substack.com). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualify 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

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. 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

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 mentioned here. 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

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 Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden 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 .

Aug 17, 2021

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 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 .

Aug 13, 2021

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. 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

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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 6, 2021

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 Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 3, 2021

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 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 30, 2021

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. 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

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 Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying p 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

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 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 20, 2021

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 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 16, 2021

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. 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

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 9, 2021

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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 6, 2021

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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 2, 2021

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. 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

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 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

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 here 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

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. 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

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 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

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 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

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! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I ear Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 8, 2021

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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 4, 2021

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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 1, 2021

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. 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

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: 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 .

May 25, 2021

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. 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

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

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. 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

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. 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

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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 7, 2021

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 Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: far Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 4, 2021

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. 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

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: 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 .

Apr 27, 2021

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! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I ea 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

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 Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden 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 .

Apr 20, 2021

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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 16, 2021

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 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 13, 2021

Are your tomatoes getting too big for their britches, but you want to wait to plant? Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has some tips about transplanting overgrown tomatoes from small pots directly into the ground. Plus, she shares her tomato and pepper planting secret for turning those newly planted vegetables into even stronger plants. You may never plant your tomatoes the same way again! Master Gardener Pam Bone tackles a vexing topic: what’s better to put on top of your garden soil: finely sifted compost; or, coarse mulch such as tree trimmings? And, the Plant of the Week is a small, flowering tree that has what Warren Roberts of the UC Davis Arboretum describes as the purest white flowers of any blooming plant: the Chionanthus, also known as the Fringe Tree, which is native to many areas of the United States. It’s on episode 93 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: Big Tomatoes in Small Pots Links: Smart Pots 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 9, 2021

It’s a peach without the fuzz. It’s a nectarine, the Honey Halo Nectarine , a sweet piece of fruit with a long harvest season with fruit becoming ripe when the fruit is firm and crunchy, then remains on the tree until it is rich smooth and sweet with juice just running down your arm. Fruit tree expert Ed Laivo of TomorrowsHarvest.com is back with all the juicy details. Plus, we solve your garden question about figs that split while on the tree. We also talk about cold hardy palm trees with a palm tree expert. Plus, retired college horticulture professor Debbie Flower tells us the most important garden task that you need to do, no matter what you’re growing! It’s all on episode 92 of the Garden Basics podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and Tomorrows Harvest. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: The Honey Halo Nectarine Links: Smart Pots! The Honey Halo Nectarine from Tomorrows Harvest Palm Tree Care Tips 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 6, 2021

Planting potatoes? Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has some tips about choosing which potatoes to plant and how to cut and prepare them for planting. Also, she offers a couple of good reasons for growing your potatoes in containers, including ease of harvest and to thwart any diseases that could spread to tomatoes or peppers that might be in the same garden bed. And, the plant of the week is a shrub that is a real show for the nose, the daphne, a great choice for a dry, shady area. Warren Roberts of the UC Davis Arboretum tells us all about it. It’s on episode 91 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: Winter Daphne, Daphne odora Links: Smart Pots ! UC Santa Clara Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners: Growing 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 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 2, 2021

Looking for a later ripening cherry that tastes great and is hardy in some of our colder climates? Fruit tree expert Ed Laivo of TomorrowsHarvest.com returns with one beautiful, deep red cherry variety for Fabulous Fruit Friday that can be grown throughout most of the United States… the Sweetheart Cherry. Plus, we answer your garden questions about painting fruit tree trunks to prevent sun scald, and how to keep tree suckers from popping up all over your yard. It’s all on episode 90 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and Tomorrows Harvest . And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: The beautiful white flowers of the Sweetheart Cherry tree Links: Smart Pots Sucker Stopper Label Tomorrow's Harvest Sunburn Protection Tips for Trees Fruit Ripening Chart for a long harvest season from Tomorrow's Harvest More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple , please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 30, 2021

Thinking of adding a drip irrigation system to your garden? Good idea. Drip systems conserve water and more effectively irrigate the root systems of your plants. But, you have choices. Should the water be delivered via drippers…or microsprayers? Each has its advantages and drawbacks. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, weighs the pros and cons involved with a drip irrigation system. Thinking of buying a rototiller for your garden? Our resident soils expert, Steve Zien, has a better way to improve your soil with that thousand dollars you might spend. And yes, it, too, is a fun, loud, garden implement. And the plant of the week is a tree that is putting on a show throughout the United States in early spring - the redbud. Warren Roberts of the UC Davis Arboretum tells us all about it. It’s all on episode 89 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: In-Line Emitter Drip Irrigation Tubing and a Micro Sprayer Links: Smart Pots ! Chipper/Shredders Rototillers Drip Irrigation Systems Farmer Fred Rant: Drip Irrigation-How Long Do I Water? 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 26, 2021

Do you like apples? Fruit tree expert Ed Laivo of TomorrowsHarvest.com returns with an apple variety that is not only delicious, but can be grown throughout most of the United States. Today on Fabulous Fruit Friday, it’s the Empire apple. If you’re having problems starting your outdoor garden power equipment, it might be your gas. We have tips to make sure your mower, weed trimmer, leaf blower and other gas powered equipment starts on the first pull of the rope or turn of the key. And, our favorite college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has tomato plant pruning tips that can hasten the arrival of those tasty red orbs in the coming months. It’s all on episode 88 of the Garden Basics podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and Tomorrows Harvest . And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: The Empire Apple Links: Smart Pots! Tomorrow's Harvest JB's Power Equipment, Davis, CA K-100 Gasoline Additive 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 23, 2021

Did you know you could grow palm trees in Switzerland? That's great news for all of our eight listeners there. For the 130,000+ listeners here in the U.S., there are hardy palm tree varieties that can survive where winter temperatures drop regularly to below freezing. What are those hardy varieties? Warren Roberts of the UC Davis Arboretum has some suggestions. Transplanting palm trees, whether in pots or in ground, can be a tricky proposition. Our favorite retired college horticulture teacher, Debbie Flower, has some palm transplanting advice, plus we take the usual scenic garden bypasses to talk about the difference between monocots and dicots. Palms, like grasses or corn, are monocots. Don’t worry we’ll explain. And if you’re doing any transplanting or propagation of plants, should you use a product containing Vitamin B-1? Here’s a hint: there’s something you already have that works just as well at aiding transplant shock. It’s all on episode 87 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 lady palm, Rhapis humilis . This lower-growing variety is suitable for permanent planting outdoors where the overnight lows tend to stay above 22 degrees. For colder climates, have the local high school football team haul it indoors for you in Autumn near, bright indirect light. Photo courtesy Great Valley Palms. Links: Smart Pots palm care hardy palms 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 19, 2021

Fruit tree expert Ed Laivo of TomorrowsHarvest.com returns with another sweet treat of a winner for Fabulous Fruit Fridays. It’s the Golden Sweet Apricot , a tasty fruit that can be grown throughout most of the country, all the way down to USDA Zone 5. Plus, we have fruit tree planting tips for you, tips that will help insure the success of your new fruit tree or fruit bushes. There's another way being a gardener can make you healthier: whenever you give someone an extra plant or the harvest from your garden, you are demonstrating the art of kindness. That's an artwork that can make you feel better, too! It’s all on episode 86 of the Garden Basics podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and Tomorrows Harvest. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: The Golden Sweet Apricot Links: Smart Pots Tomorrows Harvest Frog Hollow fruits Garden writer Robert Kourik's books on Drip Irrigation and Tree Roots Planting a Fruit Tree 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 16, 2021

What if the only full sun garden space you have seems to be too hot to grow anything? Perhaps your only sunny spot is against a south-facing wall on top of a concrete patio? There are solutions! Lack of rainfall this year is a growing problem in many states in the west and southwest, as well as other parts of the country. Any portion of the nation is susceptible to an extended drought. Are there any fruit trees you can grow that are considered drought tolerant? We talk about two tasty fruit trees that don’t require much water once established: figs and pomegranates. Also, Warren Roberts of the UC Davis Arboretum talks about a plant that will magically appear on many people’s clothing this week, shamrocks. They’re part of a family of plants that has some saints, and a few sinners, too. It’s all on episode 85 of the Garden Basics podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Smart Pots Dave Wilson Nursery Fig info Dave Wilson Pomegranate info Fig Cookie Recipe Cooling off a Hot Garden Shamrock bulbs, seed 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 12, 2021

Ed Laivo of TomorrowsHarvest.com returns with another sweet treat of a winner for Fabulous Fruit Friday. It’s a donut-style nectarine, called Snack Time. What’s "donut-style" mean? It’s refers to the flattened fruit, cultivars that were developed in Far East thousands of years ago. Debbie Flower, college horticulture professor (retired) and I stop and gawk at the seed racks at a local nursery. You’ll get a lot of great cucurbit (cucumber, squash, melons) planting tips when you eavesdrop on our conversation. It’s all on episode 84 of the Garden Basics podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and Tomorrows Harvest . And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: The Snack Time Donut-Style Nectarine Links: Shop at Tomorrow's Harvest online store Smart Pots! More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple , please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 9, 2021

We revisit one of the most popular segments ever aired on our program: why feeding your soil yields better results than feeding your plants. Sound confusing? It’s actually quite simple! You can learn a lot when you hang out with retired college horticultural professor Debbie Flower at a nursery. We recently spent a morning looking at all the snail and slug control products that are available. Which are the most effective? Which ones are, shall we say, are dubious? We find out. Also, Warren Roberts of the UC Davis Arboretum talks about one of the brightest lights in the late winter garden, the daffodil. It’s all on episode 83 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 Chard is cheery and the Parsley is perky when grown in a raised bed, topped with several inches of oak leaf mulch. The mulch inhibits weeds, moderates soil temperature, preserves soil moisture, and best of all: as it breaks down, it feeds the soil. Links: G&B Organic Fertilizers Worm Castings Worm Bins Snail, Slug Control Products (look for the active ingredient, Iron Phosphate) Daffodils 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 5, 2021

Fabulous Fruit Friday is back on the Garden Basics podcast. Fruit tree expert Ed Laivo will tell us about one of the tastiest cherries you’ve probably never had, but you need to try, and is now available. It’s an old heirloom variety, the Black Republican Cherry . A sweet piece of fruit that has a good story behind its name, as well. Stink bugs love your garden in spring and summer. We have tips for controlling this widespread pest of fruits and vegetables. Also, how to attract birds to your garden to do battle against the bad bugs. It’s all on episode 82 of the Garden Basics podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast is brought to you by Smart Pots and TomorrowsHarvest. com . Pictured: The Black Republican Cherry, from TomorrowsHarvest.com Links: Stink Bug Control Tips Bug vacuums! Attracting Birds to Your 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Mar 2, 2021

If you want to expand your vegetable garden palate this year, this is the episode for you. We talk about vegetable varieties that are tasty, but unappreciated. Broccolini, radicchio, Malabar spinach, Joi Choi, moringa, and much more. Do your garden plans include insectary plants? Those are annuals, perennials and shrubs that attract pollinators and beneficial insects that can battle the bad bugs in your garden, without any chemical help from you. And the Plant of the Week is that cascading fountain of yellow color of late winter and early spring, the forsythia. It’s Episode 81 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots . And we will do it all in under 30 minutes.…let’s go! Pictured: Malabar spinach, unlike many greens, thrives in the heat. And, it will need a trellis. Links: Fair Oaks Blvd Nursery Aspabroc Broccolini Radicchio Malabar Spinach Joi Choi Moringa Pollinator-friendly plant lists state by state (Xerces Society) Insectary Plants Information Forsythia UC Davis Arboretum Smart Pots More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 26, 2021

At some point, you will get the urge to start a wildflower garden in a spot in your yard. Before you begin scattering seeds, take a listen. We have tips from a wildflower expert. What’s the easiest, safest way to clean a backyard fountain or birdbath? Our favorite college horticulture professor (retired), Debbie Flower, applies some elbow grease to that question. Wouldn’t it be nice, if you moved into a rental home, that other people would pay to have you redesign the garden? That’s one of the perks of getting a four-year lease at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC. We talk with Marta McDowell, author of the book, "All the Presidents’ Gardens” about many of the interesting horticultural changes the various residents brought to that famous yard. And, we help you unwind from working at home with a regular daily commute to your happy spot. And that just might be your garden. How a fake commute can boost your physical and mental health when your working from home. It’s all on Episode 80 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Picture: Links: Wildflowers to Attract Beneficial Insects Cleaning a Birdbath or Fountain Book: "All the Presidents' Gardens: Madison's Cabbages to Kennedy's Roses—How the White House Grounds Have Grown with America" by Marta McDowell Washington Post: The Fake Commute For Better Mental Health More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 23, 2021

Welcome to the Garden Basics Seed Starting episode. Growing your summer vegetables and flowers from seed is a fun experience. Plus, there are so many more varieties available as seed. If you have a sunny window or a seed starting kit with a heat pad and lighting system, your ready to plant. And, Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms tells us how he starts his tomato seeds. Also: can you reuse old soil that you might have in containers? As Debbie Flower tells us, it depends. But she has tips for getting that old soil back into top shape. Warren Roberts of the UC Davis arboretum tells us about the Plant of the Week, currently in bloom in many parts of the country: the Winter Jasmine. It’s all on Episode 79 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Peppers take their sweet time to germinate. This picture was taken four weeks after planting the pepper seeds. It will take another 6-8 weeks for they are ready to be planted outside. Farmer Fred Rant: Tomato Seed Starting Tips Seed Starting Supplies Seed Starting Soil UC Davis Arboretum Winter Jasmine More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 19, 2021

Want to help Mother Nature battle your garden pest problems? Give a listen and find out how. Jessica Walliser, author of Plant Partners , talks about scientific proven strategies for incorporating different plants into your vegetable garden to fend off the bad guys by attracting the garden good guys. Also, how deep should you plant that new fruit tree? It’s all on Episode 78 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Picture: Lady Bugs congregating in their native habitat in the Central Sierra Nevada mountains. Links: Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden Farmer Fred Rant: Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects Fruit Tree Planting Dept Tomorrow's Harvest More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple , please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 16, 2021

Dealing with weeds in the garden is bad enough. How do you deal with tree roots in your flower and vegetable beds? We’ve got some tips. Questions about how and when to prune trees and shrubs? We give you a list of good resources. The Plant of the Week is putting on a show for the nose right now. It’s wintersweet. And, how keeping a garden diary and planting a "Gratitude Garden" is good for your mental health. It’s Episode 77 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Winter Daphne (Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata'), a fragrant shrub that's truly a show for the nose in winter or spring throughout most of the United States. Definitely a plant that inspires gratitude! Links: UC recommendations for soil solarization Book: "Pruning and Training" by Christopher Brickell and David Joyce Book: "Structural Pruning, A Guide for the Green Industry" "Training and Pruning Trees" - Urban Tree Foundation Wintersweet In Praise of Gratitude 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 12, 2021

It may be February, but it’s not too late for a New Year’s Garden Resolution: Don’t let your overhead sprinklers hit your vegetable and flower gardens. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, tells us why. We have tips for planting and caring for raspberries and grapes. Confused about all the shovel and pruner choices that are out there? We’ll unearth the best shovel choices for your outdoor tasks and we’ll prune out those shears that you don’t want to use in your garden. Finally, we narrow the gap about dealing with physical and social distancing with your loved ones who need a hug. Caress them with your garden. We’ll tell you how. It’s Episode 76 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Farmer Fred Rant: How Long Should I Run a Drip Irrigation System? Farmer Fred Rant: All About Shovels Farmer Fred Rant: Bypass vs. Anvil Pruners Dave Wilson Nursery Catalog: Raspberries Dave Wilson Nursery Fruit Tube Video: Pruning Grapes Green Acres Nursery and Supply 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 9, 2021

In USDA Zones 9 and 10, February is the month to be starting tomato seeds indoors. For colder climates, you may want to wait until March. We continue our evaluation of great tomato varieties worth trying with Don Shor, owner of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We talk strategy as well as good tomato varieties worth trying in 2021. In the world of unique looking, tasty tomatoes, Wild Boar Farms has the market cornered. We pay a visit with owner Brad Gates, who offers up his tomato seed starting tips. And, UC Davis Arboretum Superintendent Emeritus Warren Roberts tells us about the multi-faceted Cornelian Cherry, which is not a cherry, but a dogwood. The Cornelian Cherry is a tree or shrub that can be grown just about anywhere in the U.S., but is especially successful in colder climates. It’s our plant of the week! It’s Episode 75 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, our tomato variety preview edition, Part 2. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: A myriad of tomato varieties as seen at the Heirloom Expo in Santa Rosa, CA. Links: All-American Tomato Selections Winners Farmer Fred Rant: Short Season Tomato Varieties Farmer Fred Rant: Tips for Starting Tomato, Pepper Seeds What is a "Schmoo"? Tomato varieties mentioned in the Tomato Preview (Part 2): Costaluto Genovese , Principe Borghese , San Marzano , Sweet Million , Sungold , Sweet 100 , Barry’s Crazy Cherry, Beauty King, Michael Pollin, Furry Boar, Pork Chop, Berkeley Tye-Dye, Sweet Carneros Pink , 4th of July , Bush Early Girl , Grushovka, Polar Baby, Oregon Spring V, Sub Arctic Maxi 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? Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 5, 2021

If you plant tomatoes in late April or early May, February is the month for you to be planning your tomato strategy and then start planting tomato seeds indoors. We talk strategy as well as good tomato varieties worth trying in 2021. Are you still attempting to decipher all that tomato terminology in the seed catalogs? We’ve got the help you need! Heavy winds and wild weather has buffeted most of the country the past few weeks. We talk with an arborist who has tips to help you to determine how well your trees will withstand the next windstorm. It’s Episode 74 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, our tomato preview edition, Part 1. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Tomato plants. Too many! Links: All-American Tomato Selections Winners Farmer Fred Rant: Trees vs. Storms Farmer Fred Rant: Tips for Starting Tomato, Pepper Seeds What is a "Schmoo"? Tomato varieties mentioned in the Tomato Preview (Part 1): Early Girl Big Beef Better Boy Champion the Chef’s Choice series Gardener’s Delight Orange Oxheart Carmello 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Feb 2, 2021

Today, we have tips from a Master Rosarian on selecting and planting roses. Listen to this before you go out to buy your roses, because what you’ll hear just might change your mind about where to shop for rose plants now. Are you planting a single variety bare root fruit tree? Did you remember to cut it back by half after planting? We’ll tell you why that is necessary in a backyard garden (P.S. don't do this to multi-budded fruit trees!). And the Plant of the Week is one that’s popular throughout the country: it’s holly. And it’s putting on a show right now. It’s February and we are back to our twice a week schedule for our podcast. Episodes come out every Tuesday and Friday. It’s Episode 73 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes! Pictured: The "Double Knock-Out" shrub rose. Prolific bloomer, easy care, does well on a reduced watering regimen. Links: Farmer Fred Video: How to Plant a Rose More about the Canadian Explorer series of Cold-Tolerant Roses Dave Wilson Nursery Fruit Tube Video: How to Cut Back a Newly Planted Bare Root Fruit Tree The Top Fruit Tree Taste-Test Winners UC Davis Arboretum More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jan 29, 2021

This time of year, hope springs eternal in the minds of gardeners with dreams of a bountiful spring, summer and fall garden, filled with beautiful flowers, delicious fruits, and wonderful vegetables. But for many second year gardeners, as well as many more experienced gardeners, there could be a "sophomore slump". So why does a so-so garden year sometimes follow a wildly successful garden year? Debbie Flower, our favorite retired college horticulture Professor, holds our collective hands and offers tips for thwarting the gardeners' sophomore slump. Also, Phil Pursel of Dave Wilson Nursery has advice on how you can be harvesting fresh fruit from May or June all the way through November and for some, into December. Plus, the University of California Davis Arboretum Superintendent Emeritus Warren Roberts, waxes rhapsodic about the plant of the week, the barberry. And finally, Debbie Flower offers some words of reassuring hope about your 2021 Garden year. It's Episode 72 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we'll do it all in under 30 minutes. Let's go. Pictured: The Plant of the Week - Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) Links: Farmer Fred Rant: Growing Your First Vegetable Garden? Some Tips. Dave Wilson Nursery Catalog Seed starting kits Seed starting soil mixes UC Davis Arboretum More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jan 21, 2021

It can take quite awhile to grow a pepper plant from seed to outdoor transplanting stage. 12 to 16 weeks, which can include up to three weeks for the seeds to germinate. But we can help you speed up that process considerably with pepper seed germination tips from our favorite retired horticulture professor, Debbie Flower. We start a new segment on this show today: the Plant of the Week. And for that we will turn to one of the most knowledgeable horticulturists in the world, Warren Roberts of the UC Davis Arboretum. And, we talk blackberries: how to grow them, how to trellis them (more info about trellising blackberries in the links below) Find out about all this, on Episode 71 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links: Farmer Fred Rant: Tips for Speeding Up Pepper Seed Germination Seed starting kits Seed starting soil mixes UC Davis Arboretum UCANR: All About Blackberries UCANR: What Kind of Trellis System Do Blackberries Require? UCANR: Growing Berries and Grapes in the Home Garden (including lots of trellis pics) More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jan 15, 2021

If you’re venturing into flower and vegetable seed starting in 2021, good for you! It’s fun, and with seeds, there are plenty more varieties to choose from. You may have some leftover seeds hanging around. But will those old seeds germinate? Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has a surefire way to tell. Are you familiar with the pluot? It’s a fruit, it’s a cross between a plum and an apricot. And it truly is one of the sweetest treats that you can grow in your yard. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you will want to grow the pluot. We’ll tell you all about the pluot today. A lot of gardeners like to grow flowers among their vegetables. That’s a great idea! But if you grow tomatoes, there is one very alluring flower that you definitely do not want to grow anywhere near your tomatoes. What is it? Find out on this, Episode 70 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links: Seed starting kits Seed starting soil mixes Farmer Fred Rant: Tips for Speeding Up Pepper Seed Germination Farmer Fred Rant: Make Your Own Planting Mix Farmer Fred Rant: Grow a Pluot tree! Farmer Fred Rant: The Life Cycle of a Tomato Worm UC Davis Arboretum More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jan 8, 2021

For those of us in USDA Zone 9, protecting citrus trees from a frost or freeze is a primary concern. But what about all the gardeners in USDA Zones 9, 8 and 7 that have a yard full of succulents? What is the best way to protect them from cold damage? We talk with the Plant Lady, Marlene Simon , from the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory, who has tips for keeping your succulents alive through the winter. And one of her tips involving water might be the direct opposite of what you are doing! It’s Episode 69 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Picture: a frozen succulent, the aeonium (Photo courtesy Debra Lee Baldwin) Links: Marlene Simon, The Plant Lady, Website UC Botanical Conservatory Book: "Succulents" by Robin Stockwell More Succulent Cold Protection Tips from author Debra Lee Baldwin The Miracle Berry that Marlene referred to Growing the Miracle Berry from Seed Farmer Fred Rant: Preparing your Yard for a Frost or Freeze Farmer Fred Rant: Hard Freeze Coming? How to Prepare Farmer Fred Rant: What To Do (And Not Do) After a Hard Freeze Heavy Duty Frost Cloths by Agribon More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. 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 . 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jan 1, 2021

Happy New Year, and welcome to the beginning of Season 2 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. For many gardeners, planning the 2021 garden is underway this month. Perusing seed catalogs, making choices for the warm season vegetable and flower garden, and perhaps checking out all the dormant plants that are arriving, or will be arriving soon, at area nurseries and garden centers this winter. One of those popular bare root plants that brings out the customers are all the rose varieties that are available. Don’t know much about roses? Not a problem! We cover rose basics on today’s episode with Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington . Check out her "Sacramento Digs Gardening" blog page/newsletter, too. And, we get a sneak peak at the future of gardening with Diane Blazek of the National Garden Bureau . Plus, she has results of a survey where gardeners like you told the National Garden Bureau what they want to ease their garden chores. It’s all on Episode 68 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links: Best Roses for Northern California American Rose Society's Best Roses for each USDA Zone The Best Selling Book: "Pruning and Training" Farmer Fred Rant: Rose Pruning Time is Here Sacramento Digs Gardening Blogpage , by Debbie Arrington and Kathy Morrison National Garden Bureau's Future of Gardening Survey More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. 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 . • Phone 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 As an Amazon Associate, Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Dec 25, 2020

If you live in the West or the South, Perhaps Santa left you some new bare root fruit trees. Back East or up North, maybe it will be the Easter Bunny making those deliveries. Wherever you live, we have tips for planting bare root fruit trees, those six foot tall bare sticks with pretty pictures attached, arriving this winter at nurseries and garden centers (just in case Santa and the Easter Bunny don’t come through for you). Also, which blueberry plants are right for you? Phil Pursel of wholesale grower Dave Wilson Nursery has some ideas about that. And, for those of you nursing tender plants through frosty nights, what are the best ways to protect sensitive plants such as citrus trees and succulents? Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, talks about the good ways, and the not-so-good ways of offering your plants a few degrees of protection on freezing nights. It’s all on Episode 67 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots . And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Dave Wilson Nursery Fruit Tube Video: Good Soil Mix for Blueberries Dave Wilson Nursery Fruit Harvest Chart Frost Protection Tips at the Farmer Fred Rant Blog page Frost Protection Tips for Citrus and Other Subtropicals (University of California) Frost Cloths for cold weather plant protection Warm Christmas-style lights for citrus tree frost protection More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. 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 . 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Dec 18, 2020

If you’re thinking of adding a fruit tree to your garden in 2021, here’s one criteria to think about: of all the fruit trees available, which are the tastiest? Dave Wilson Nursery 's Phil Pursel talks about the tastiest peach tree varieties . Plus, he has advice for pruning and training those new backyard fruit trees so you can have multiple varieties of trees, even in a small garden. It’s all about size control. Or, choose a tasty miniature peach tree variety, such as the Garden Gold peach tree (pictured). What’s new in the way of annuals, perennials and vegetables for 2021? Diane Blazek of All America Selections tells us about the highest rated new plants, tested across the United States. Plus, tree sunburn protection tips. It’s Episode 66 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots . And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links: Smart Pots Dave Wilson Nursery Taste Test Winners All-America Selections Winners for 2021 American Society of Consulting Arborists UC information on tree sunburn my favorite bypass loppers my favorite hand pruners More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. 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 . 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Dec 11, 2020

A fully grown, properly placed, healthy tree can add thousands of dollars of extra value to your property. Yes, your trees can put extra money in your pocket when it comes time to move! In the meantime, how do you know your trees are really healthy? And, how do you know if your neighbor’s trees are healthy? After all, those trees on the other side of the fence might be causing you a lot of extra work, expense, or danger. The only way to find out is to hire a consulting arborist. What does a consulting arborist do? We’ll find out, with Consulting Arborist Michael Santos. And, we have tips for you to determine whether your trees need help, especially during storm season. It’s Episode 65 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes! Links: American Society of Consulting Arborists: Find A Consulting Arborist International Society of Arborists: Find an Arborist Near You Inspect Your Landscape Trees for Hazards More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. 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 . 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Dec 4, 2020

It’s a good thing that Santa parks his sleigh on your rooftop, otherwise, Rudolph, Donner, Blitzen and the rest of his deer crew might help themselves to your garden goodies. Deer love your garden! Are there such things as deer resistant plants? How do you keep deer from ravaging your radishes and rose bushes? We have tips. Plus advice for caring for that new, cut Christmas tree that you’re about to haul home. And, poinsettia pointers from a commercial grower, to keep that holiday houseplant looking good. It’s Episode 64 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes.…let’s go! Links Smartpots! "Deer in My Garden" Vols. 1 &2, by Carolyn Singer (plants that may be unpalatable to deer) "Effective Deer Fences" University of Vermont "Animal Fencing" University of Georgia " Deer/Elk Fences " Oregon Fish & Wildlife "How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence" Purdue University Options for Deer Fencing University of Kentucky Deer Fencing Choices at Amazon Deer Repllents at Amazon Poinsettia Links "How to Select and Care for a Healthy Poinsettia Plant" UC Cooperative Extension Eisley's Nursery, Auburn CA Christmas Tree Care Links "Real Christmas Trees: Which One is Right For You?" Michigan State University Extra Large Capacity (2.5 gallon) Christmas Tree Stand from Amazon Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Nov 27, 2020

Itching to get a bit more dirt under your fingernails during the cold, wet months ahead? Do it indoors, growing microgreens. Some call it vegetable confetti. Microgreens are a perfect topping for salads, soups, stews, tacos and a lot more. What’s in microgreens? They’re leaves…small, colorful vegetable, herb and flower leaves, that pack a wallop of good nutrition. Plus, they grow quickly and easily! Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour has all the tips you need to get your microgreens garden off to a good start in a sunny window; or, on an out-of-the-way desktop aided by some small grow lights. Growing Microgreens. It’s Episode 63 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes! Links Smartpots! Johnny's Seeds Microgreens Johnny's Seeds Microgreens Comparison Chart Kitazawa Seeds Saisai hairless radish leaf seeds Renee's Garden Mix of beets, chard for microgreens Seed Propagation Kits University of Maryland - Microgreen Nutrition "Microgreens are Houseplants You Can Eat" from University of California "Growing Microgreens" from Penn State University "Growing Microgreens Indoors" from the University of Minnesota "What are Microgreens?" from North Carolina Cooperative Extension "Growing Microgreens in the Winter" from North Carolina Cooperative Extension "Microgreens" (includes list of fast growing and slower growing varieties, from the University of Florida) The book, "Microgreens - How to Grow Nature's Own Superfood" by Fionna Hill Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Nov 20, 2020

Those of you in milder climates may still have a few tomatoes clinging to your shivering vines. More than likely, they are probably green tomatoes. You might be wondering, will they ripen? Our favorite college horticulture professor (retired) Debbie Flower says, “It depends how green they are.” She has tips for determining which ones are most likely to ripen, and how to ripen them indoors. Just in case they won’t, we have a recipe for healthy oven baked green fried tomatoes…without the frying. Also, how to multiply your strawberry patch, for free! And we bring back succulent expert Debra Lee Baldwin to talk about one more edible succulent…dragon fruit. It’s Episode 62 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes! Links: Smart Pots Farmer Fred Rant: Will Those Green Tomatoes Turn Red? Debra Lee Baldwin: 10 Edible Succulents and How to Prepare Them Book: "Propagating Plants" by Alan Toogood and the American Horticulture Society BrownThumbMama.com Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Nov 13, 2020

If you're staring at the picture accompanying this episode, you might be wondering: "Where is the edible succulent in this spinach-cherry tomato-feta cheese salad?" It's those little green nuggets on top, the leaves of Portulacaria afra, also known as Elephant's Food plant. It's a succulent that you can grow in the drier, milder areas of USDA Zone 9, or in a greenhouse anywhere. And, yes, elephants do eat it. Succulent expert and author of " Succulents Simplified ", Debra Lee Baldwin, talks about edible succulents. And, of course, I bring up tequila. Also, college horticulture professor (retired) Debbie Flower has some important tips about where to position snail bait in a raised bed garden. It’s Episode 61 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast: Edible Succulents, brought to you by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes.…let’s go! Links: Smart Pots Great succulent info at DebraLeeBaldwin.com Ten Edible Succulents and How to Prepare Them How to make an Elephant's Food Salad video The books of Debra Lee Baldwin Succulents: Care and Maintenance Snail Control (Sluggo/Iron Phosphate) Product Label Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Nov 6, 2020

If the idea of growing cool season vegetables makes you yawn, we’re going to wake you up today with interesting, unusual, colorful and tasty varieties of fall and winter vegetables that you may not know about, that are worth a try in your garden. Unusual radishes (such as the "White Icicle" radish, pictured) and beets, colorful lettuce and cabbage varieties, different, easy to grow broccoli-like plants, and tasty cool season flowers that should be part of your edible garden. We talk about those with local nursery manager Quentyn Young, who is famous for stocking his nursery shelves with unusual edibles. Plus, we will attempt to stave off a pest that may want to munch on those goodies, snails and slugs . Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has some tips. It’s Episode 60 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes.…let’s go! Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Links: Smart Pots! Fair Oaks Blvd Nursery Broccolini Chinese Broccoli Sprouting Broccoli Guylon Chinese Broccoli Beets for Greens Chioggia Beets White Beets Watermelon Radish Icicle Radish Black Spanish Radish Salanova Lettuce Dandelion Greens Fava Beans Bell Beans Farmer Fred Rant: Controlling Snails and Slugs Snail Control Tips from the University of California 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 30, 2020

So, you want to grow an avocado tree? Can’t say it’ll work where you live. But what the heck, you gotta try, right? We’ve got tips for you to give it a good start , no matter where you are. It’s Fabulous Fruit Friday, and today we tackle the persnickety but popular avocado, with fruit expert Ed Laivo from Tomorrow's Harvest . And horticulture professor Debbie Flower fights off the spider mites on your plants. Control strategies include a blast of water , insecticidal soap, or neem oil. It’s Episode 59 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and Tomorrow’s Harvest . And we will do it all in under 30 minutes.…let’s go! Garden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Links: Tomorrow's Harvest Avocado Tree Special! Smart Pots! Farmer Fred Rant: Growing an Avocado Tree? Good Luck! Spider Mite Control Tips 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 27, 2020

Maybe you’ve got a large lot. Maybe you’ve got a few acres. Maybe you’ve been hankering to get yourself a tractor. Before you spend your children’s inheritance on a piece of machinery, you need to ask yourself some questions. We talk backyard tractor basics on today’s show. Also we discuss less toxic weed killers. And, how the change of seasons - and the change of the clock this weekend - may not be particularly healthy for you (Seasonal Affective Disorder)…unless you’re a gardener. And how your garden can brighten the gloomy days ahead for the people you care about, as well. It’s Episode 58 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links: Smart Pots Kubota Tractor Natria Herbicide Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects How To Smile with a Mask On Social Distancing vs Physical Distancing (last article) More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 23, 2020

Fabulous Fruit Friday is back, and today, Ed Laivo of Tomorrow's Harvest tells us about an early bearing fruit with a long hang time on the tree, the White Diamond Nectarine. Plus, Ed has tips for improving the chances for your new fruit trees to succeed…by checking the soil drainage before you plant. Can you grow a fruit tree from a seed? Professor Debbie Flower says…it depends. It’s Episode 57 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and Tomorrows Harvest. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes.…let’s go! Links: Smart Pots Tomorrow's Harvest White Diamond Nectarine How Can I Improve My (Expletive deleted) Clay Soil? More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 20, 2020

If you’ve been bit by the gardening bug, it won’t be long before you’ll be craving a hobby greenhouse . With a greenhouse, you can get a jump on spring planting, keep tender plants from freezing in the winter, and, perhaps most fun of all, starting all sorts of delicious fruit and vegetable varieties from seed, varieties you possibly wouldn’t find at a nursery. And there’s no reason why you can’t be growing tomatoes, peppers, greens, strawberries and lots more anytime of the year…if you have a properly outfitted greenhouse, even if you live in snow country. Today on Garden Basics, we get tips for cold climate greenhouses, special considerations for those of you who want to be munching on fresh, homegrown cherry tomatoes while shoveling snow. I’ve got a few tips for you, as well, about which tomato varieties do best in the winter greenhouse. Also, Debbie Flower has a way to keep your homebound kids enthralled with a simple science experiment…growing radishes in CD cases. It’s Episode 56 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes.…let’s go! Links: Smart Pots Sturdi-Built Greenhouses ATC Hazards by Location for determining local snowloads on rooftops. Growing Winter Tomatoes in a Greenhouse: Tips More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 16, 2020

It’s Fabulous Fruit Friday, and today we talk with Ed Laivo of Tomorrows Harvest about a delicious, sweet, crunchy white peach, the Ivory Angel. And, Ed explains why your fruit trees need cold winter weather . Master Food Preserver Laura Doyle tells us what to do with all the apples you might be harvesting this month: make some apple jelly. Plus, she goes over the basics of using a water bath canner . And, Professor Debbie Flower explains USDA zone maps . It’s Episode 55 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and Tomorrow’s Harvest. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links : Smart Pots Tomorrow's Harvest Ivory Angel white peach Chill Hours Explained UC Master Food Preserver Program National Center for Home Food Preservation Water Bath Canning Basics for Apples, More Apple Recipes Canning Jars and supplies Jelly Bag More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 13, 2020

Why should we, here in the warm, sunny areas of the United States, have all the fun growing citrus? If you're in snow blower tune-up mode now, you could also be growing citrus trees such as lemons, limes and more…indoors! We talk with the man who literally wrote the book on citrus, Lance Walheim , about how to successfully grow citrus inside your house during the winter. You’ve heard me yammer on about the benefits of using leaves as a mulch in your garden. But have you heard about garden tools that can pick up, mulch and bag all those leaves at one time? All you have to do is empty it on your garden bed. We’ll find out about how easy it is to use a combination leaf blower/vacuum, mulcher and bagger, freeing up a lot of your time. Brad Gay of JB's Power Equipment in Davis, CA explains how convenient they are to operate. It’s Episode 54 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots . And we will do it all in under 30 minutes.… Links: Four Winds Growers: advice for indoor growing of citrus UC Mulch Materials Research Report Meyer lemon picture courtesy Tomorrow’s Harvest More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 9, 2020

It’s Fabulous Fruit Friday! Ed Laivo of Tomorrows Harvest tells us about one of the most peach leaf curl resistant varieties of a peach or nectarine that you can grow at home: the Frost Peach . Plus, Ed and I do a deep dive into the mulch pile, singing the praises of topping your garden with wood chips, tree trimmings and more. Don’t worry, we won’t sing. But we do harmonize on how mulch can make your gardening chores a lot easier! Plus, our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, explains why feeding your plants too much fertilizer is not doing them any good at all. In fact, you may be shortening the life of the plant by overfertilizing. Read and follow all fertilizer label instructions. I recommend using a slow-release organic fertilizer. It’s Episode 53 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots and Tomorrow's Harvest . And we will do it all in under 30 minutes.…let’s go! Links: The Frost Peach at Tomorrow's Harvest Smart Pots Fabric Plant Containers Guide to Mulching Landscape Plants: Fertilizing and Watering The Home Orchard by Chuck Ingels (excellent fruit tree book) More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 6, 2020

If you have a pollinator friendly garden, you have all sorts of beautiful flowering plants. Why not bring some of that outdoor splendor indoors? Today, on the Garden Basics podcast, the appropriately named horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, offers tips on how best to harvest and prepare cut flowers for an indoor display (that's a combination of zinnias with garlic & onion flowers in the picture). Also, for those of you living in colder climates, you might have some backyard chickens. How are you gonna warm this winter? Chicken expert Nicole Gennetta of Heritage Acres Market in Colorado has tips. And, as a retired firefighter, she has some very important advice on keeping your chickens and your property from becoming, barbecued, shall we say, due to heat lamp issues. And, how to keep your chicken’s water from freezing in the cold months ahead. It’s Episode 52 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. Brought to you by Smart Pots . And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links: Help Your Cut Flowers Live Longer Heritage Acres Market Side Mount Chicken Water Nipples Submersible Heater for Chickens' Water Supply Sweeter Heater (infrared overhead heater for chicks) Essential Nutrients chicken seed blend Backyard Poultry Health Guide More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Oct 2, 2020

Thinking about buying a rototiller? How about purchasing a chipper/shredder instead? It’s a machine that will make easy work of chopping up your garden clippings, including tree limbs, into the greatest mulch you could possibly own. The latest research shows that rototilling your soil actually damages soil structure and the soil biology. On the other hand, the end result of using a chipper/shredder is going to provide you with a quality of mulch that we like to call, gardeners gold. We get buying tips on chipper/shredders from Brad Gay at JB's Power Equipment in Davis, CA. Also, it’s Fabulous Fruit Friday. Ed Laivo of TomorrowsHarvest.com tells us about one of the sweetest pieces of fruit you can grow at home: the Candy Sprinkles Nectarine (that's what you see in today's picture). It’s all on Episode 51 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Brought to you by Smart Pots and Tomorrows Harvest. Visit smartpots.com/fred for more information and a discount on the original, lightweight, long-lasting fabric plant container, made in the USA. Interested in the Candy Sprinkles Nectarine, as featured on Fabulous Fruit Friday? Visit TomorrowsHarvest.com for more information. Who knows? There might even be a discount coupon waiting for you there! (Spoiler alert: It's GBSPRINKLE) Links: BCS chipper/shredder video Rototilling can damage soil Reasonably Priced Soil Testing: University of Massachusetts/Amherst Colorado State University Candy Sprinkles Nectarine from Tomorrow's Harvest More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 29, 2020

We continue our discussion of easy to grow cool season vegetables with Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour. Last episode, we discussed the easy greens to start in your garden now in USDA Zones 7, 8 and 9. This time, we talk about easy root crops to grow, like carrots , turnips , beets and radishes . Plus tasty fall and winter above ground vegetables like sugar snap peas, snow peas and broccoli. Gail has a list of her favorite varieties to grow for gardeners just starting out. Also, we bounce around the topic of using rubber mulch in the yard, with our favorite retired horticulture professor, Debbie Flower. It’s Episode 50 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smart Pots, and we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 More podcast info including episodes, live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 25, 2020

Looking for easy care, tasty, cool season vegetables to plant now? Look no further than all the nutritious, green leafy crops that love the fall weather. Today, we’re talking the basics for growing lettuce , spinach, chard , cabbage , Chinese greens, and kale, with great growing advice from Master Gardener Gail Pothour, who's also a vegetable expert. And we are introducing a new segment to the show: Fabulous Fruit Friday , presented by Tomorrow's Harvest ! We’ll be showcasing each Friday a tasty variety of fruit that you can grow in your own yard, with a taste that beats anything found in a grocery store. Today: the Scarlet Halo Peach. Plus, tips for growing your backyard orchard. We’ll be talking with fruit tree expert, Ed Laivo of Tomorrow's Harvest. Welcome to Fall, Welcome to Garden Basics with Farmer Fred…and we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s get started! Links: Jericho Lettuce (pictured) Row Covers and Frost Cloth Cold Frames All America Selections Winners Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 More podcast info including episodes, live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 22, 2020

The hot trend of spring is back, this time for fall. The trend? The home-based, back-to-the- land movement, where more and more people are starting a garden. Just as what happened in the spring, nurseries right now are seeing cool season vegetables and flowers flying off the shelves, especially for USDA Zones 7, 8 and 9. For those of you in colder climates, it might mean putting the backyard garden to bed and maybe doing some indoor gardening. But before you put that garden to bed, or if you are not planning on growing any cool season vegetables or flowers, give your garden soil a great big goodnight kiss, by growing a cover crop (such as the one pictured, raised beds that contain cover crops of fava beans, clover and oats) or covering your garden bed in fallen leaves, improving it for next spring. Soils expert Steve Zien tells you how. Blueberry plants will soon start appearing in USDA Zone 9 nurseries, with more to follow as spring approaches next year. We’ve got tips on choosing, planting and pruning blueberries from one of the nation’s foremost blueberry plant growers, Dave Wilson Nursery and their blueberry experts, Tom Spellman and Phil Pursel. Black widow spiders…what are they good for? Plenty, if you have a garden. Debbie Flower explains. It’s Episode 48 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you by Smartpots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Links: Steve Zien's webinar, "Healthy Soil, Happy Landscape" Peaceful Valley Farm Supply Cover Crop Seed Selections Peaceful Valley Farm Supply Cover Crop Solutions Chart Dave Wilson Nursery's How to Grow Blueberries in Containers Dave Wilson Nursery's Blueberry Varieties Farmer Fred Rant: Blueberries Are Part of a Heart-Healthy Garden UC IPM information on Black Widow Spiders Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 More podcast info including episodes, live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 18, 2020

Horticulture expert Debbie Flower rejoins us for Part 2 of Understanding the Language of Seed Packets. This time around, she has good planting instructions for what to do if that seed packet says things like, "darkness aids germination" or "requires light for germination". And, when it says "keep seedbed evenly moist, but how much water do you apply? And, just about every seed packet has instructions on thinning the seedlings, but don't tell you how to thin. Debbie Flower just might change the way you've been doing that. And we talk about something seed packets seldom tell you: how to save leftover seeds for best germination in the years ahead. And, how to test them to see if they are still viable. And there's more on this edition of Garden Basics: Across the country, many states are entering drought status. Watering restrictions might happen, again. If they do, there are a lot of suspicious characters who want to sell you drought cures for your plants. Do any of them work? Washington State Horticulture Professor Linda Chalker-Scott talks about what works, and doesn't work, to help get your garden through a drought. And, nursery owner Julia Oldfield tells us how to combine plants to create a beautiful cool season flower garden, either in the ground, or in containers to keep the beneficial insects and pollinators happy. And to get smiles from anyone who passes by. It's the thrill, chill, spill garden. It's all on Episode 47 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred: Part 2 of Understanding Seed Packets. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links: More garden seed packet terminology here. Great books on saving your own seeds, including Suzanne Ashworth's best selling, "Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners, 2nd Edition". Linda Chalker-Scott is the author of award-winning garden books, including "The Informed Gardener," "The Informed Gardener Blooms Again,"How Plants Work," and much more. Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 More podcast info including episodes, live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 15, 2020

A seed packet might say, “Plant in spring, but if you live in a mild climate, sow in fall.” What is a mild climate? Do you live in a mild climate? You might think so, but the folks at that seed company might disagree. On this episode of Garden Basics, our favorite retired College horticulture professor Debbie Flower tackles that as well as what can be other very confusing terms on a seed packet. Things like, “days to harvest”, bolting, scarify, stratify, and more. Plus, tips on how to store seeds so they'll last for years. It’s all on Episode 46 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred: Understanding Seed Packets, Part 1 Links: Great books on saving your own seeds, including Suzanne Ashworth's best selling, "Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners, 2nd Edition". Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 More podcast info including episodes, live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 11, 2020

Ripping out your summer garden to make room for the fall vegetable and flower garden? Before you stick one broccoli plant or calendula flower in that space, you need to improve your soil. It’s tired! How do you perk it up? One way: let a portion of your garden lay fallow for the summer, as is that bottom raised bed in the picture. But the soil is being replenished, courtesy of all the mulch on top of the bed. Soils expert Steve Zien has faster acting tips for increasing the amount of microbial activity that’s taking place in your soil. And that’s one of the secrets to a bountiful harvest of fruits, vegetables and flowers. We discuss the importance of testing your soil with a pH test kit and an N-P-K test kit , before making any amendments. To lower the pH, Zien suggests soybean meal , hydrolyzed fish fertilizer or earthworm castings . I like soil sulfur to lower the pH. To raise the pH, Zien suggests oyster shell lime or ground limestone . Reasonably Priced Soil Testing: University of Massachusetts/Amherst Colorado State University Use a soil probe or the Soil Sleuth to determine soil moisture before adding plants. Or, use my favorite moisture meter. Zien says the best soil amendments include earthworm castings or good quality compost , which can be placed on top of the garden bed. More information about Steve Zien's web presentation about soil health can be found here. Don Shor of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, CA has a quick tip: don’t leave those plants you just purchased in 6-packs stay in that container for more than a day or two. Move them up to 4” pots and a good quality potting soil if you can’t get them in the ground right away. It’s all on Episode 45 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred: Feed Your Soil: the cool season garden edition, brought to you by Smart Pots. Visit smartpots.com/fred for more information and a discount on the original, lightweight, long-lasting fabric plant container, made in the USA. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Got a garden question? E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. 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: Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 8, 2020

Can there be too much of a good thing? Yes, indeed, if we are talking about fertilizer for your outdoor fruit and vegetable plants . In fact, too much fertilizer can actually reduce the production of fruits and vegetables. Professor Debbie Flower tells us why. Every state in the union can grow table grapes. And this month, you just might have too many grapes, waiting to be picked. Unless you are a professional bird feeder, save those grapes for yourself by making raisins. One method involves using a dehydrator . We get tips on how to do that from a Master Gardener. With all the stuff that’s happening around us these days. We need to be transported more often to our happy place. Not only is a garden the happiest place on earth (sorry Disneyland) but if you have plants that produce enticing aromas, those delightful smells can calm you and send you to a peaceful place. We help make your garden a more relaxing place with plants that are a show for the nose, fragrant plants , like that winter daphne in the picture; and plants that are a show for the ears, after all, who doesn't enjoy the sound of hummingbirds whizzing by; or bees , landing on flowers? It’s all on Episode 44 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, and we will do it all in under 30 minutes. More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 4, 2020

For those of you who live in the West, the South, parts of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic states, (USDA Zones 7, 8, and 9) we get down to specifics in this episode on the best varieties of vegetables to grow during the cooler months of fall and winter: lettuce , spinach , Swiss Chard , cabbage , Chinese cabbage , cilantro, broccoli (pictured), cauliflower, beets , snow peas , fava beans , carrots , celery, onions , garlic , parsnips , shallots and turnips . We’ll tell you about some tasty, easy to grow varieties that maybe you’ve never eaten, such as pak choi , black seeded simpson lettuce , Danvers half long carrots , and Romanesco broccoli . What’s that? Give a listen. It’s Episode 43 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, “Veggies for Fall”. Plus, we’ll tell you why now is a good time to give a final 2020 feeding to your fruit trees. We learn something new, every time, on Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map Tips for the Fall and Winter Vegetable Garden Podcast Episode 18: "Greenhouse Basics" More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Sep 1, 2020

Many gardeners are still enjoying the summer vegetable garden. But get ready…the days will be getting shorter and cooler this month and those vegetables may start to go into decline. Now is time to be planning and planting your second garden of 2020, the fall and winter vegetable garden. Our favorite college horticulture professor (retired), Debbie Flower, has tips for getting your lettuce , spinach , Swiss Chard (pictured), cabbage , Chinese cabbage , cilantro, broccoli , cauliflower, beets , snow peas , fava beans , carrots , celery, onions , garlic , parsnips , shallots and turnips started….if you live in the right zone. We explain the USDA plant hardiness zone maps as well as cold frame basics (for those of you who own snow shovels). Today's episode is presented by Smart Pots, the original, lightweight, long-lasting fabric plant container, made in the USA. Visit SmartPots.com/fred for more information and a special discount. We learn something new, every time, on Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. And we will do it again today in Episode 42, "Cool Season Garden Basics". And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map Fall/Winter Vegetable Garden Varieties for USDA Zone 9 Charley's Greenhouse and Garden Vent Openers (wax hinges) Frost Cloth Row Covers More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 29, 2020

Welcome back to our little insecticidal soap opera, "Who’s Eating My Tomatoes?" College horticulture professor Debbie Flower joins us for our big finale of this three part series, which looks at the insect critters that don’t necessarily chew the tomatoes, but they sure make them look ugly and unappetizing. It's the sucking, piercing, rasping insects of tomatoes that get our attention today, along with a look at the beneficial insects, the garden good guys, that can do a better job than most chemicals at controlling your tomato pests. (Those are braconid wasp eggs on the back of that tomato worm in the picture. When they hatch, the larvae will burrow into the worm and eat the worm from the inside out. Look carefully, you might even see the braconid wasp!) But those good guys need a home in your yard, so we talk about their housing requirements: the flowering plants that should be in everyone’s yard to provide natural control over tomato pests. Think of yourself as building the "Good Bug Hotel." And to wrap up all this tomato talk, we answer the question: The Tomato: Is It a Fruit or a Vegetable? Turns out, both are correct. We’ll tell you why. Links An interactive master list of all tomato pests A chart of beneficial insects for the garden Building the Good Bug Hotel: beneficials and the plants they love Natural Enemies Handbook "Pests of the Garden and Small Farm" 3rd edition More episodes and info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 25, 2020

We continue our conversation with retired horticulture professor Debbie Flower about the critters that are munching on your backyard tomatoes . Last time, we discussed the smaller pests: hornworms, fruit worms, fruit beetles, snails, slugs, earwigs. This time we tackle the larger interlopers who are getting into your tomatoes: rats, squirrels, birds, possum, raccoons, and, of course, deer. Plus, we talk with farm advisor Rachael Long about inviting an eager rodent hunter onto your property… barn owls ...if you’ve got the room. Links: "Deer in My Garden" (Controlling deer with unappetizing plants) by Carolyn Singer "Managing Deer Damage" from the University of Maryland "Low Cost Fence keeps Deer Out" From Good fruit Grower magazine. Bird Netting for Garden Protection from Wilson Orchard & Vineyard Supply Garden Animal Tracks Guide Earwig Control Tips Tree Squirrel Control Tips Ground Squirrel Control Tips Possum Control Tips Gopher Control Tips Rat Control Tips Vole, Meadow Mice Control Tips Snail, Slug Control Tips Pet-safe Slug, Snail control products Copper Barriers for snail, slug control “Songbird, Bat and Owl Boxes” book info: Barn owl nest box plans Using barn owls for rodent control More Info on songbirds, bats, and owls More episodes and info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farme Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 21, 2020

How many times have you gone out to your backyard tomato patch, reached in to harvest what looks like a big, juicy, ripe, red tomato…only to have your fingertips realize…someone’s been eating my tomatoes. Who’s the culprit? Our favorite college horticulture teacher (retired), Debbie Flower, rounds up the suspects and interrogate them one by one. There’s so many possible offenders, it will take us two episodes to get through them all. Plus, we will offer tips on controlling those unwanted tomato chewers, and tell you about the garden good guys that are helping you out. And some of those good guys…you might not even think of them as being beneficials. But they are. U.C. Farm Advisor Rachael Long tells us about the mud dauber wasp , which can be very effective at controlling another backyard nemesis: black widow spiders. And, Phil Pursel of Dave Wilson Nursery offers a quick tip: why organic fertilizers are so good for your plants. Links: The life cycle of the tomato hornworm. Video of a wasp eating a tomato hornworm. Parasitic wasps lay their eggs on a hornworm. Effective against tomato hornworms: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) How to tell the difference between a yellow jacket and a paper wasp. Impress your friends! Yellow jacket fun facts. Meet the beetles! (The Green Fruit Beetle, that is) Where the blue mud dauber wasp lives in the U.S. Organic fertilizers for fruit trees More episodes and info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 18, 2020

It’s a rather general garden question we received that has a lot of possible answers: "Why am I not getting any tomatoes or zucchini?" But that very general question, with no other details, gives us the opportunity to go through a checklist of all possible causes. One of those reasons just might hit home for you. Blueberry harvest is ending here in California, but it’s still going on in many other states. We pay a visit to a demonstration garden where the Master Gardeners share their secrets for growing great blueberries. And, how to protect those berries from marauding birds. Even if you don’t have an interest in growing blueberries, you just might be interested in the details of their easy-to construct bird barrier to protect your other garden goodies. We learn something new, every time, on Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. And we will do it again today in Episode 38, If your tomatoes or squash not producing, We tell you why. And we will do it in under 30 minutes. Let’s go. Helpful Links: Squash Pollination Tips Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Berry Links Bird Netting for Berry Protection from Wilson Orchard & Vineyard Supply Blueberry Growing Advice from Dave Wilson Nursery Nutri-Rich Fertilizer More episodes and info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 14, 2020

Don’t let drip irrigation become drip irritation. Today’s entire show is on drip irrigation basics: how to install it, how to run it, how to maintain it. We talk with garden author Robert Kourik , he wrote the seminal book about the subject, it’s called “ 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 2-week, 3-week or month-long stretch of no rain. A drip irrigation system, ready to go, could save your garden in case that short drought pops up. 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 learn something new, every time, on Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. And we will do it again today in Episode 37, Drip Irrigation Basics. But we won’t do it in under 30 minutes; it’ll probably be closer to 40 minutes…because water is hard. sorry. Helpful Links: Robert Kourik website The book, "Drip Irrigation for Every Landscape and All Climates" (Second Edition) Dripworks Drip Irrigation website Raindrip drip irrigation parts website Evapotranspiration Rates for California Evapotranspiration Rates for the World More episodes and info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 11, 2020

Welcome to another edition of the Garden Basics podcast, once again with the subtitle, "I didn’t know that!" College Horticulture professor (retired) Debbie Flower tackles the question, is it better to fertilize your plants in the morning or the evening? Or does it matter? Debbie points out…it depends on the temperature. It’s not celery, it’s not a lettuce you'd recognize, it’s Celtuce! Also called stem lettuce, asparagus lettuce or Chinese lettuce, Celtuce is popular in upscale restaurants for its crispy, flavorful stems and leaves. And now is the time to be growing it. We get all the basics about growing Celtuce on today’s show, from Matt Mattus , author of the book, " Mastering the Art of Vegetable Gardening: Rare Varieties, Unusual Options, Plant Lore and Guidance " It’s harvest season for many popular backyard garden fruits and vegetables. But do you know the ideal time for harvesting tomatoes, peppers, squash, melons, eggplants and more? And, once you take them in the house, do you know where to store them? It’s probably not the refrigerator. Also, here's a link on how to store your backyard fruits as well as more vegetables. We learn something new, every time, on Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. And we will do it again today in Episode 36, and we will do it in under 30 minutes! Let’s go. More episodes and info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 7, 2020

We pick up where we left off with the last episode, with a taste test of one more edible flower that you just might have growing in your yard: roses. Both the rose petals and the rose hips from the rose plant are edible. We talk with Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington who says, some rose petals and rose hips taste better than others. Which taste the best? Stick around. When it comes to applying pesticides, read and follow all label directions. That’s the takeaway message from Gisele Schoniger, the organic educator for Kellogg Garden Products. But, she explains, maybe you don’t need to apply any pesticides to control those problematic insects and diseases in your garden. We will tell you about less toxic alternatives that work as well as what to look for in a safer pesticide product. When you first handled your tomato plants at the beginning of the season, did you rub your finger along the stem and pick up the scent of those tiny hairs? Don’t deny it. You did. We all enjoy that first whiff of the scent of a tomato, a promise of things to come. You might recall back in Episode 3 we learned the benefits of planting tomatoes deeply. Many gardeners think those fine hairs become roots when you bury much of the stem of that young tomato plant in the ground. Our favorite college horticulture professor (retired), Debbie Flower, says no, they don’t become roots. Where do the new tomato roots come from? Then what’s the purpose of those tiny tomato hairs along the stem…other than to give you a show for your nose every spring? You might be surprised to learn of their true purpose. I was. We learn something new, every time, on Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. And we will do it again today in Episode 35, and we will do it in under 30 minutes! Links: More about rose hips. Sacramento Dig Gardening Blog by Debbie Arrington. Growing Edible Flowers in Your Garden (GN 155) Sacramento Co. Coopertive Extension Colorado State University Extension “Edible Flowers” "The Edible Flower Garden" , by Rosalind Creasy. More about those tomato roots along the stem, tomato stem primordia Organocide, Bee-Safe 3-in-1 Spray. More on Kellogg Garden Products. More episodes and info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Gro Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Aug 4, 2020

Clipping off the flower heads on your basil plants to send the energy back to the plant to produce more green leaves? Good idea! Are you tossing out those cut flower heads of the basil? Bad idea. How about serving them as a garnish in a salad or soup? For that matter, why not start serving many of the flowers you might have in your garden on the dinner table? Today, vegetable expert and Master Gardener Gail Pothour talks about all the edible flowers that you may not have thought about munching on: borage, calendulas, citrus flowers, lavender, nasturtium, apple flowers, rose petals, and even using zucchini or daylily flowers for stuffing! And we tell you the flowers to avoid, as well. College horticulture professor Debbie Flower explains how to thwart bringing home any soil diseases that you might have in that pile of mulch or compost. It’s Episode 34 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, and we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links: Growing Edible Flowers in Your Garden (GN 155) Sacramento Co. Coopertive Extension Colorado State University Extension “Edible Flowers” "The Edible Flower Garden" , by Rosalind Creasy. More episodes and info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 31, 2020

We do read the comments you post at the various podcast services. And we respond. Recently, at the Apple Podcast site, Sage posted: “Will you please address the mystery seeds being mailed to Americans? This is super scary and I believe you can help prevent something awful since you have the audience. Thanks in advance!” You’re welcome, in advance, Sage. Yes, here’s one mystery in which there are still a lot of question marks. What’s the deal with all the unsolicited seed packets being mailed not only to gardeners in the United States, but all over the world? The seed shipments have fooled inspectors, because the packages are labeled as containing something else, such as jewelry or toys. The packages originate usually from China, and Kyrgyzstan. Is it just a marketing gimmick, known as " brushing ", a way to increase the notoriety and page placement on online selling sites…or, is their something nefarious about those seeds? Are they seeds of invasive or poisonous plants? Do the seeds contain plant viruses or bacteria? College horticulture professor (retired) Debbie Flower explains how a seed can carry a virus or bacteria, including the biggest threat to the country's citrus industry, the bacteria, Citrus Greening Disease (HLB). Whatever you do, don’t plant those seeds. And don’t throw them away, either. We’ll tell you how you can help solve this mystery. We do have more calming things to talk about here today: information on where to get inexpensive soil tests, here and here ; and, how to tame the heat in peppers that you’ve grown that are just too hot, including habanero and serrano chile peppers. Dave DeWitt , author of "The Complete Chile Pepper Book" has the solution. Don’t plant those seeds. Spend less than a half hour with us here, on Episode 33 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. Let’s go. More episodes and info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 28, 2020

We’re into that time of the summer when, with a very serious look in her eye, and wearing a tomato-stained apron, my wife sternly says: "Next year, don’t plant so many cherry tomato plants!" In my defense, there were only five cherry or grape-sized tomato plants in the ground this year: Sungold, Sweet Million, Gardeners Delight, Juliet and Valentine. Still, my wife is the one who has to do something with all those tomatoes. So, after spending the better part of a Sunday in a hot kitchen roasting tomatoes, I can understand her point of view. Are you suffering from tomato burnout? Zucchini overload? A cornucopia of cucumbers? If so, you are not alone. If you’re a long time listener to the Garden Basics podcast, you might be asking yourself as your lugging in another bucket full of backyard produce…"didn’t I hear an episode about food banks and food pantries that gladly welcome excess garden produce?" Here then, for you, and for many many others in the weeks to come, an expanded encore edition of our interview with Gary Oppenheimer, the founder of AmpleHarvest.org . For everyone else who will be consuming their own tomato harvests, here's a link to that nifty garden wagon pictured on today's podcast...perfect for hauling tomatoes to the kitchen. Maybe afterwards I can get my wife to share her roasted tomato recipe on the air with us. And after listening to it, you just might be in the market for a convection oven. And a water bath canner. More information about safe water bath canning. In today's Q&A segment, a listener is wondering about the dimensions and materials of the raised beds pictured on the Garden Basics title page. Wonder no more... Debbie Flower talks about what to do when your cool season vegetables begin to bolt when the weather gets too warm. You could enjoy the beneficial insects that visit those flowers of the bolted crops; or, serve up those flowers in meals! Here's a link to safe plants to munch on. More episodes and info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available a the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 24, 2020

If you’ve ever talked with a gardener who uses the excrement of worms around their plants, you may be familiar with their wide eyed look of rapture talking about all the benefits of using, to put it more politely and accurately, worm castings. Today, we will dig deep into the Farmer Fred audio archives to hear gardeners sing the praises of raising worms, and using their output, if you will, in the garden, a practice known as vermicomposting. Members of the worm castings choir chime in with their high praise for the lowly worm: from 2004, best selling author Amy Stewart , author of the book, " The Earth Moved: On the Remarkable Achievements of Earthworms "; from 2017, Sacramento County Master Gardener and vermicomposting specialist Susan Muckey discusses the worm bins at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center ; and in a recent conversation, organic educator Giselle Schoniger, who works for a company, Kellogg Garden Products, that sells worm castings . Shall we go play with the worms? Let’s fill your worm bin . And, we’ll do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go. More info about vermicomposting. The book, "Worms Eat My Garbage", by Mary Applehof. Ants in Your Worm Bin? A Solution. More episodes and info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available a the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 21, 2020

Bees are one of the best pollinators to have flying around your food garden. It’s been said that bees are responsible for one out of every three bites of food you eat. Today, we take attracting bees to your garden one step further: how about raising your own hive of honeybees? We talk with one of the world’s foremost bee authorities, Dr. Norman Gary, on how you can become a successful backyard beekeeper. He is the author of the book, "The Honeybee Hobbyist." Maybe you just want to attract bees to your yard to help pollinate your food garden. Here's a list of plants for California that attracts bees. And for the entire country, check out this very informative bee website for even more plants. Are you familiar with parsnips? This tasty, nutritious root crop matures in cold weather but needs to get planted soon for harvest after the frost season begins. We talk parsnips with a big fan of this carrot relative, Matt Mattus, author of the book, “Mastering the Art of Vegetable Gardening”. Matt mentions his favorite parsnip variety, Gladiator. Find it at Renee's Garden seed company. Gardening takes patience. Lots of patience. Years of patience. That’s the crux of a popular saying among nursery employees about growing plants… sleep, creep, leap . College Horticulture professor (retired) Debbie Flower will explain. We’re buzzing with great garden information on this, episode 30 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 17, 2020

Confused about that tall wall of soil products you see in the nursery? Garden Soil, Planting Mix , Potting Mix , which do you choose for your plants? We talk with soil educator Gisele Schoniger about the right soil amendments for you. Fruit tree questions abound this time of year, we tackle your peach and apricot issues. And, college horticulture professor Debbie Flower insists, your roses do not have thorns . What? We are sticklers for accuracy on this, episode 29 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 14, 2020

Looking for easy-to-grow fruit trees, loaded with tasty fruit, every summer? It’s hard to beat peaches and plums. Today we talk with fruit tree expert Phil Pursel of Dave Wilson Nursery about the delicious choices available. For peaches, try the O'Henry , Harken , the Donut Peach , Red Baron , Contender, Elberta, Babcock, Garden Gold . For plums, it would be the Weeping Santa Rosa , Burgundy , Emerald Beaut . And we touch upon the plum crosses, pluots and pluerries . For best results, especially to maintain tree vigor, use organic fruit tree fertilizers because of their lower dosages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Control peach leaf curl with dormant season sprays. For more fruit tree selections, how-to videos and where to find the nursery nearest to you that carries Dave Wilson Nursery fruit trees - visit DaveWilson.com . Also: our favorite college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, takes the bitterness out of cucumbers. Grow them in full sun and choose hybrid cucumber varieties such as Diva, Sweet Success, Cool Breeze, Summer Dance, Improved Long Green, Eversweet, Ashley, Sunnybrook, Saticoy Hybrid, and Lemon. We are burp-free on this, episode 28 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. p.s. That's the Garden Gold peach in bloom in the picture. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 10, 2020

You think you’re learning something new every time YOU listen to the Garden Basics podcast? Heck, I learn something new in each episode, as well. So, this time around, it’s a compilation of garden knowledge that will definitely make you a better gardener, and a better food shopper. We will call this episode, I DID NOT KNOW THAT. College horticulture professor Debbie Flower talks about the benefits of cutting the roots of plants before you stick them in the ground, and most importantly, HOW you cut those roots. A former guest on the show, Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, recommends washing off all the soil from woody plants before sticking them in the ground. Also, which soil and fertilizer amendments to add to a planting hole (How about liquid seaweed or kelp meal, says I. How about none, says Debbie. Compromise: add it to the top of the soil after planting). Hot chile pepper expert Dave Dewitt talks about the myth of the Hatch Chile , and how those oversized jalapeño peppers that you might see at the market may not pack much heat…which for many of us, might be a good thing. Dave Dewitt is the author of many chile pepper books. Planting tips, pepper advice, on this episode of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 7, 2020

It seemed like a simple enough garden question to answer: The writer of the email said: “I have never cared for a young peach tree or any other variety so I don't know what to do since I got it in the ground. Now what?” The writer included a picture of the tree, which you can see attached to this episode. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, and I ended up having more questions and comments after closely studying the picture. The end result? a show, mostly dedicated to how to plant a fruit tree to insure success. Also in this episode: a Quick Tip for keeping new soil in a pot from coming out the drain holes. And, this week's Feel Good moment: the joy of eating a piece of homegrown fruit. Over the sink. A wonderful, juicy mess! So, grab a piece of home grown fruit and Give us a listen! It’s all part of Episode 26 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jul 3, 2020

Today, we’re talking about two of the ten most popular backyard garden vegetables: sweet peppers and hot peppers. We talk with the man whom the New York Times dubbed the Pope of Peppers, Dave Dewitt. Besides offering up tips on how to grow hot peppers, but also how to overwinter them for a second year crop (some varieties are better than others for this). Plus, he has the remedy for what to swallow after you’ve bitten down on a pepper that is just too hot. And no…it’s not water or beer, and its not milk! Looking for different varieties to try? Check out some of these from a previous Pepper Tasting Party. And we get questions about sweet pepper problems. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, tackles the case of the falling flowers from pepper plants. Sound familiar? Give us a listen! It’s all part of Episode 25 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. More info about why vegetables shed blossoms prematurely here. An informative NuMex Joe E. Parker pepper seed packet from Renee's Garden. The Scoville Scale, explained. An easier way to germinate pepper seeds. And kids... don't try this at home. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 30, 2020

Maybe the only sunny area you have for a garden is currently a lawn. How about reducing the size of that lawn and converting it to a food and flower producing garden? Or, maybe you’re trying to get rid of persistent weeds in a current garden. Or maybe your soil has pests or diseases such as nematodes or verticillium wilt. This is the time of year to tackle all those tasks…with soil solarization. Were going to tell you how to heat up the soil to kill off an unwanted lawn, do away with bermudagrass, and thwart soil borne pests and diseases, resulting in some of the best soil you’ve ever had, using clear plastic . Soils expert Steve Zien has the tips. Here's what we did in our own yard. This episode is brought to you by Smart Pots . Visit smartpots.com/fred for a money-saving offer on the original, award-winning fabric planter, USA-made. Listen to learn how to win a free, Smart Pots 6-foot long bed ! (By the way, if the podcast service you listen to doesn't have a ratings/comment section, you can send your ratings/comment here to enter this contest.) Don’t be in a hurry to pick apples from your backyard trees. In many cases, the longer you wait, the better they taste, and that is especially true for one particular very popular apple variety that is probably harvested two months too soon. And as you stroll through the garden, maybe you’re noticing some wilting plants, browning leaves or lack of growth. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has a quick tip on solving a very common problem in yards and gardens: ignored irrigation systems. Make sure your drip irrigation on-off valves are open! It’s all part of Episode 24 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Get comfortable on the clear plastic sheeting and give us a listen. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 26, 2020

It's every gardener's wall of confusion: the shelves and shelves of plant fertilizers, available at the local nursery. Which one should you use? The granular, the liquid, the box, the bottle or the bag? And do you really need separate fertilizers for each kind of fruit or vegetable you're growing? And what do all those numbers on the fertilizer label mean? Do you really need to use fertilizers, at all? Our favorite college horticulture professor (retired) Debbie Flower joins us in the studio to talk garden fertilizers. She points out that two of the tell-tale signs that your plant needs nitrogen: the older leaves are turning yellow, and the newer leaves are smaller than normal. Also, using more fertilizer - or fertilizers with high levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) - can poison plants. More is NOT better. Flower recommends using fertilizers with "single digit" levels of N, P, and K. This episode is brought to you by Smart Pots . Visit smartpots.com/fred for a money-saving offer on the original, award-winning fabric planter, USA-made. Listen to learn how to win a free, Smart Pots 6-foot long bed ! (By the way, if the podcast service you listen to doesn't have a ratings/comment section, you can send your ratings/comment here to enter this contest.) Plus, we answer one listener's question that may also be vexing you and your garden right now: how do I get rid of all those gosh darn squash bugs that are sucking on the zucchini, melons, cucumbers and pumpkin leaves? One prong of Flower's three-pronged approach to controlling squash bugs: encourage populations of beneficial insects that prey on squash bugs, especially the mini-wasps and tachinid flies . Planting the right flowers nearby can encourage these garden good guys to take up permanent residence in your garden. More details about that here. It’s all part of Episode 23 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Grab a magnifying glass (for the fertilizer labels) and a bucket of soapy water (for the squash bugs) and give us a listen. We will do it all in under 30 minutes. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 23, 2020

Today we find out how plants work. And how you can have a successful garden with even less work by helping those underground workers. Washington State University Horticulture Professor Linda Chalker Scott , author of the book, "How Plants Work" , talks about the amazing intersection of plants, plant roots, your soil and your mulch … once again proving, your working too hard and spending too much money on something that nature perfected a long time ago. She tackles a few more garden myths, too, something she's famous for in her two earlier books, " The Informed Gardener " and "The Informed Gardener Blooms Again." This episode is brought to you by Smart Pots . Visit smartpots.com/fred for a money-saving offer on the original, award-winning fabric planter, USA-made. Listen to learn how to win a free, Smart Pots 6-foot long bed ! (By the way, if the podcast service you listen to doesn't have a ratings/comment section, you can send your ratings/comment here to enter this contest.) Flowers contribute a lot to the fruit and vegetable garden. they can attract pollinators, hummingbirds, beneficial insects as well as adding beauty. One plant in particular is a pollinator magnet: the Peruvian lily, also know as alstroemeria. It’s also one of the longest lasting indoor cut flowers, too. As long as you don’t cut it. We will explain. How’s that avocado tree doing in your yard? Unless you live in the milder parts of California and Florida, it’s probably not doing very well. We have tips for increasing your chances of actually getting an avocado tree to produce. Maybe. Well, probably not. But what the heck, you gotta try, right? It’s all part of Episode 22 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Cozy up on the mulch and give us a listen. We will do it all in under 30 minutes. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 19, 2020

Today, we are all about tomatoes! We do some tomato troubleshooting with Don Shor, owner of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, CA. We tackle typical tomato issues: the flowers fall off (it will solve itself, unless you are loving it to death with too much nitrogen fertilizer); blight diseases (avoid overhead watering, unless it's rain-caused. In which case, prune out and discard the damaged parts); whiteflies (a forceful spray of water or neem oil ); blossom end rot (deep, infrequent watering, maintaining an even soil moisture level...not too soggy, not too dry); sun scald ( shade cloth ); wilt problems (good luck); and, of course, tomato hornworms ( scissors or snippers , Bt , Spinosad ). Every tomato needs support. The best tomato supports, and the longest lasting, are tomato cages you make yourself out of either sheets or rolls of six inch mesh concrete reinforcement wire. Those little "tomato cages" that are widely sold? They're not big enough to support a vigorously growing tomato plant...but are great for pepper plants! This episode is brought to you by Smart Pots . Visit smartpots.com/fred for a money-saving offer on the original, award-winning fabric planter, made in the USA. Listen to learn how to win a free, Smart Pots 6-foot long bed ! (By the way, if the podcast service you listen to doesn't have a ratings/comment section, you can send your ratings/comment here to enter this contest.) It’s all part of Episode 21 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Gather a few cherry tomatoes to munch on, and give us a listen. We will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 16, 2020

We want to make gardening easier for you. Garden author (and contrarian) Robert Kourik explains the benefits to your soil and plants if you not only don’t rototill the soil, but also limit your digging. “No-dig” your way to your best garden ever! This episode is brought to you by Smart Pots . Visit smartpots.com/fred for a money-saving offer on the original, award-winning fabric planter, made in the USA. Listen to learn how to win a free, Smart Pots 6-foot long bed ! (By the way, if the podcast service you listen to doesn't have a ratings/comment section, you can send your ratings/comment here to enter this contest.) Garden pesticides can be very confusing, especially when several different formulations have the same brand name . Our in-house college professor, Debbie Flower, talks about the importance of reading and following label directions, now, more than ever. Soon, if not already, you will be harvesting more from your garden than you know what to do with it all. How about feeding the hungry with all those extra tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and peaches? We talk with the founder of AmpleHarvest.org , which is connecting overwhelmed gardeners with local food pantries who want your fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s all part of Episode 20 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Put down your shovel, gather a few cherry tomatoes to munch on, and give us a listen. We will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 12, 2020

Today we tackle a summertime evening tradition: drinking while watering. No, we’re not going to try to sober you up. But we do have advice on how long to stand there with a hose, while mindlessly watering the lawn and garden. (hint: half a beer per plant) While you’re mindlessly watering, you might be thinking: why aren’t my squash plants having sex? What? YOU never used the excuse, “It’s too hot”? Sex and the single zucchini. We’ll tell you how to help those plants make more zucchini. Yes, the boy and the girl flowers have to be in the mood. And, our soils expert Steve Zien LOVES worm castings as a soil amendment in the vegetable and flower garden. He loves worms so much, he keeps them in his kitchen in a worm bin ! And he may be on to something. We have tips for making your own worm poop uh, castings… at a fraction of the cost of what you’d pay to buy a bag of worm castings at the nursery. This episode is brought to you by Smart Pots . Visit smartpots.com/fred for a money-saving offer on the original, award-winning fabric planter, made in the USA. College horticulture professor (retired) Debbie Flower offers advice on how long to water a lawn and garden, as well as how to determine how much water you've applied. Bottom line: apply an inch of water a week to those plants (and turf) that need it. You can measure the water using cat food cans, tuna fish cans, or go in to the kitchen and get several of these . Or, spend some money for something fancy like this. Vegetable expert and Master Gardener Gail Pothour channels her inner Masters & Johnson to explain the birds and the bees to us, as it relates to squash plants and why you might not be getting any zucchini right now, or why the fruit is small and falling off . Common reasons for fruiting failure: the male and female flowers are not opening together; heat has killed the viability of the pollen; lack of bee activity. And yes, Steve Zien really does keep his red wigglers and worm bin in the house. It’s all in Episode 19 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, as always, we will do it all in under 30 minutes. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 9, 2020

Today, we’re talking greenhouse basics. 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, overwinter tender plants, or turn it into your own, personal, year-round food and flower factory! This episode is brought to you by Smart Pots . Visit smartpots.com/fred for a money-saving offer on the original, award-winning fabric planter, made in the USA. We talk with Mark Seibert of Sturdi-Built greenhouses about the questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a greenhouse. Things to consider for a greenhouse include where are you going to put it (sun is good; too much sun...not so good). Stuck with a shady yard? There's a 21st Century answer to that predicament. How are you going to heat and cool the greenhouse (generally, keep it above 40 degrees and less than 90 degrees...depending on what you're growing). Tips for installing water and electricity (you'll want those). Tips on installing a foundation (make it level!). 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 (but you'll need screening to keep the bugs out). The pros and cons of choosing the greenhouse material for walls: glass or polycarbonate? The pros and cons of choosing the frame: aluminum, plastic or wood. And special considerations if you're thinking of a lean-to greenhouse, one that attaches to the side of your house. In our Quick Tips segment: Starting a salsa garden? One with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, ohhh, wait a minute…what about cilantro? That’s vital for just about any salsa recipe. But if you live in a hot summer climate, growing cilantro is best left for the cooler months, and harvested in late winter or early spring. What’s a salsa loving gardener to do who wants fresh, home grown cilantro in the summer? Renee Shepard of Renee's Garden seed company talks about how to grow cilantro in hot summer areas. Also, cilantro substitutes for summer growing from Morningsun Herb Farm's Rose Loveall-Sale. It’s all in Episode 18 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, as always, we will do it all in under 30 minutes. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 . Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfr Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 5, 2020

What's the easiest fruit tree variety to grow? Apples! We talk with Phil Pursel of Dave Wilson Nursery about the wide variety of apple trees available for the home gardener, as well as tips for growing a 6 or 7 foot tall apple tree (and yes, you will still get plenty of fruit!). This episode is brought to you by Smart Pots . Visit smartpots.com/fred for a money-saving offer on the original, award-winning fabric planter, made in the USA. Phil Pursel of Dave Wilson Nursery tells us about the top-selling apple trees: Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious . And, if you're not sure which apple variety to choose, check out 20 years worth of taste test results at the Dave Wilson Nursery website . Learn more about choosing, planting, pruning and caring for your apple trees at the Dave Wilson Nursery Fruit Tube Video page. Prof. Debbie Flower explains why starting a fruit pit, such as an avocado pit, in a glass of water, will produce roots...they are not the same high quality as the roots that you would get if you had started that pit in a soil mix. We answer the question: "Can poisonous plants be added to a compost pile?" Soils expert Steve Zien talks about what you can add to a compost pile...and what you should avoid adding. More info here. And, a University of Texas study comparing the nutritional value of supermarket vegetables from 1950 (good nutrition) and 1999 (not so good). It's another reason why you want to grow it yourself! More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred ( https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629 ). Garden Basics with Farmer Fred comes out every Tuesday and Friday. 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? Call and leave or test us a question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 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: Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Jun 2, 2020

This episode is brought to you by Smart Pots . Visit smartpots.com/fred for a money-saving offer on the original, award-winning fabric planter, made in the USA. Ladies and gentlemen, this is how we water a plant. No! Don’t hit pause! Really, we have some tips about watering your garden that just might be new to you, no matter how many years you’ve held a garden hose! College horticulture professor Debbie Flower explains how correct watering can lead to healthier container plants, and that includes using the right equipment, including a water nozzle that's thorough, yet gentle. Debbie teaches us how to count...a vital function for applying the right amount of water (you might be surprised to learn how high you'll have to count for a plant in a one-gallon container). We talk with Renee Shepherd of Renee’s Garden seed company, about a dependable, beautiful, tasty leafy green for the summer that you can easily grow in a vegetable or ornamental garden: Swiss Chard. And, she shares a recipe using chard from her latest book, Renee's Garden Cookbook. Automate, Elevate, Eliminate, Delegate : those are the keys to several effective garden time savers, or just to make it easier on your mind and body whenever you head out into the yard. We talk about the benefits of raised beds, updating your irrigation control system, keeping fruit trees short, plus a real time-saver: removing part (or all) of your lawn to make room for an edible/ornamental garden, using soil solarization or sheet mulching . It’s all in Episode 16 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, and we’ll save you some time here, too… You’ll get your ears back in under 30 minutes. More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fred https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com 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 Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 29, 2020

Today, we take a look at your tomato garden. Are they in small containers? Are they sprawling along the ground? Does it resemble more of a tomato jungle than a tomato garden? Those are three of the most common mistakes new tomato growers commit. Don Shor of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California talks about how to correct those mistakes, and many others. He points out that one of the biggest causes for tomato issues is irregular watering. What about pruning tomatoes? "Only if you want fewer tomatoes", says Shor. He gets into the topic of growing tomatoes in raised beds, and points out that new soil in raised beds drains too quickly and spreads too narrowly. But after a few years, and after mulching and amending, that soil moisture will last longer and spread out, too. One way he suggests to improve water flow: don't pull out the tomato plants. Just cut off the plant at the soil level. That will improve the soil. For blossom end rot, Tums are not the answer, says Shor. The alleged calcium deficiency that brings on blossom end rot is actually environmental issues, such as weather, the type of soil, irregular watering. Shor says stick with tomato varieties that are known performers in your area. You can try a few heirlooms or other recommendations, but generally, stick with the winners. Among his favorite easy to grow tomatoes are Sungold , Sweet 100, Sweet Million, Juliet, Champion, Park's Whopper and Early Girl. Do you like to plant from seeds? Do you know the correct depth to plant them? Do you know how to water a new seedbed so those seeds don’t go flying all over the place? Professor Debbie Flower has planting and watering tips for the new garden bed. The correct depth, she says, is 2-3 times the diameter of the height of the seed, when it's laying on a table. If the seeds are very small, just cover them with a light coating of vermiculite. For watering, Flower recommends a Dramm red soft shower nozzle for a newly planted seedbed so as to not disturb the seeds. She attaches that to the end of a long watering wand, and then turns the nozzle to face the sky, and lets the water gently hit the seedbed. Do you have a tree in your yard that looks like it might just take a tumble onto your garden beds? We have tips for finding an expert in your area to make an on-site evaluation. It’s all in Episode 15 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, and we’ll save you time here, too. We will do it all in under 30 minutes. Thanks for listening to Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. It comes out every Tuesday and Friday (so far, so good). Please subscribe, and leave a comment. Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 26, 2020

The college horticulture professors take over Episode 14, but we keep it to the basics. Don't worry, none of this will be on the Final. Linda Chalker-Scott teaches at Washington State University, but she may be better known as the author of a couple of best-selling garden books: "The Informed Gardener" and "The Informed Gardener Blooms Again" . Both books deal with persistent garden myths and why they don't work. We talk about why rocks in a plant container actually can harm your plants (it's a water issue). But she gives us a cure for soil that might come pouring out of the drain holes the first time you water. Chalker-Scott might also convince you to quit buying landscape fabric to thwart weeds (there's a lot of issues with those fabrics that effect your soil, your plants...and, it doesn't stop weeds, in the long run). Other myths that get shattered here: why adding sand to clay soil will not improve the drainage; why Vitamin B-1 does not help your plants; and why it's OK to water your leafy plants on a hot afternoon (the leaves won't burn. really). We dive into a big pile of oak leaf mulch with college horticulture professor Debbie Flower. Is it gardener's gold? After listening to this, come autumn, you'll be rounding up all the fallen oak leaves in your neighborhood! I discuss how I grind up my neighbor's oak leaves: put them in a metal trash can until the can is half full, stick in my lightweight electric string trimmer, and whirrrr away! About a 5:1 reduction of leaf volume that makes an excellent fall, winter and spring mulch! If you want more leaf reduction, you might want to invest in one of these. Flower also explains why the most common mulch available, bark chips, isn't good for vegetable gardens. And, why you shouldn't be using fresh lawn clippings or sawdust as a mulch, period. Here's more about the pros and cons of various mulch products. It's OK to plant fruit trees in the heat of the summer. We'll tell you the whys and the hows. Finally, it's blueberry harvest season here. Is there a healthier, sweeter, more versatile taste treat that can grow in anyone's garden? I think blueberries take that trophy. Why are blueberries so healthy for you? Soluble fiber! Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, 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. Thanks for listening to Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. It comes out every Tuesday and Friday (so far, so good). It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe, and leave a comment. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed. 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 Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 22, 2020

Quit growing fruit trees, will you? Grow fruit bushes, instead! We talk with a nursery person who wrote a book advocating keeping all your fruit trees no taller than you can reach from the ground. That way, you can grow more varieties of peaches, plums, apples, oranges and other fruit-bearing plants in your yard, without a need to ever get on a ladder. And you will still harvest enough fruit for you and your family…with plenty left over. Do you have old packets of seeds around? Are they still viable? Our in-house college horticulture professor has tips for increasing seed germination from those old seed packages. Why you should start cuttings and fruit pits in soil, not water. Spring and summer are the colorful seasons for zinnias, an annual flower that attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and other beneficial insects. And zinnias just might be good for your mental health because of their brightly colored blooms and their multiple uses, both outdoors and indoors. It’s all in Episode 13 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, and we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Links: "Grow a Little Fruit Tree" by Ann Ralph Pepper Seed Germination Tips Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects Plants to Attract the Pollinators Park Seeds Zinnia Collection Zinnia Seeds from Johnny's Seeds 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 Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 19, 2020

New to gardening? Or, you just want to learn some better ways to garden? This is the episode for you. College horticulture professor Debbie Flower has tips to make your first garden a successful garden. And, for you more experienced gardeners, we have tips that can make your garden more productive. Or to put it more bluntly, you will be learning from the previous mistakes of two gardeners with over 100 years of experience. Also, there is a lot of worry and concern about what will become our new normal way of life for 2020 and beyond. We suggest a “new normal” for you that can ease your worries and keep you smiling. Oh, get your imagination out of the gutter…it involves gardening. It’s Episode 12 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, and we will do it all in under 30 minutes! Links: Tips for a Successful Vegetable Garden Terrific Tomato Tips How a Garden Makes You Healthier and Happier 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 Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 15, 2020

Yes, you can grow tomatoes in containers! Maybe all you have is a small, sunny patio or maybe you have lousy soil, or maybe you just want to be able to move the plants around. With some help, of course. We have tips on great containers for great tomatoes from nursery owner Don Shor who loves tomatoes. There are a lot of fertilizers out there. Which ones are best for growing vegetables? Our soils expert, organic advocate Steve Zien , has tips for choosing, and effectively using, fertilizers on your plants. Our in-house college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, solves the mystery of the browning citrus leaves. And, we have a nifty trick for easily planting teeny tiny carrot seeds. Growing tomatoes in containers, fertilization tips, citrus leaf questions. Welcome to Episode 11 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we’ll do it all in under 30 minutes. Links: Growing Tomatoes in Containers: Tips Short-growing tomato plants worth considering Tomato Troubleshooter Growing your First Vegetable Garden? Some tips. Fertilizers FAQ from University of California 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 Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 12, 2020

Snails, slugs, earwigs…who’s chewing on your plants? Well, in fairness, it could be birds, too. But today we have control tips for the slimy and sinister looking Big 3 of Snails, Slugs and Earwigs. Did you know that one out of every three bites of food you eat is courtesy of a bee? We have advice on attracting bees and other pollinators to your yard. We chat with author Kim Eierman about her latest book, The Pollinator Victory Garden . It’s on this, Episode 10 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we’ll have you in and out in under 30 minutes! Don’t worry, we won’t sting you. Links for this show: Earwig control tips Snail and slug control tips Information about Sluggo Plus 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. All About Farmer Fred: Visit the Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and more on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 8, 2020

Taken a trip lately to a grocery store? Notice the empty meat shelves? Notice the price jumps on what’s left of the beef, chicken and pork? Worried about you and your family getting enough protein? Maybe it’s time to grow your own protein. And I’m not talking about a backyard full of creatures that moo, cluck and oink. I’m talking about garden plants that are rich in protein. We talk with Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour about tips for growing protein-rich plants. During these days of shelter-in-place, your garden can be your happy place, an oasis of gratitude. And gratitude is something that can really help get you through these trying times. Developing gratitude as an attitude…and your garden can be a big part of that. Welcome to Episode 9 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. We’ll have you in and out in under 30 minutes. Let’s get started! Links for today's show: All about growing beans , from the UC Vegetable Research and Information Center The Little Book of Gratitude , by Robert Emmons All About Farmer Fred: Visit the Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and more on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred " Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTube Garden columnist, Lodi News-Sentinel Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 5, 2020

Want to get your kids out in the garden, growing food that they will enjoy eating, too? Pam Farley, The Brown Thumb Mama , has suggestions for Vegetables and Fruits Kids Love To Grow. Roses are blooming, and the bad bugs have found them! Our favorite college horticulture teacher, Debbie Flower, tackles two of the prime culprits this time of year: aphids and thrips. Want to grow food? But all you have is a small backyard or patio that is mostly shade? Today’s Quick Tip offers up some vegetables that will do just fine there, growing in containers. All of us are battling cabin fever, along with uncertainty and worry about the future. As gardeners, though, there are some things we can do to raise emotional spirits of residents throughout the neighborhood, even those you don’t know. It's called "Yard Of The Day", and it’s easy, it's fun, and the whole family will get a little exercise, too! Welcome to Episode 8 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. We’ll have you in and out in under 30 minutes. No standing in line! No masks! And we won’t take your temperature. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

May 2, 2020

Quit fertilizing your plants! Feed your soil instead. Episode 7 goes deep into what makes for a successful plant. If you think plant roots are sucking up the liquid or granular fertilizer that your pouring on them, think again. Plant roots aren’t straws. Instead there are billions of microscopic beneficial fungi and bacteria in the soil that are converting those fertilizers into a usable form for the plant, and delivering the finished product to the plant roots. The better you treat those beneficial critters, the healthier will be your plants. It’s all about the soil. On Episode 7, we talk with Giselle Schoniger of Kellogg Garden Products about how this process works, and actually how easy it is to improve your soil, and your plants. We talk with a soils expert about why you should spend your money on a chipper/shredder instead of a rototiller, and how that rototiller can damage your soil. Are your winter greens and cool season vegetables like broccoli and cauiliflower starting to bolt, turning bitter and uneatable? Our in house college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, explains why that happens. But there is a very beneficial side to all that bolting, a result that can actually reduce your garden pest problems. It’s all on this week’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Podcast, and we will do it all in less than 30 minutes! Let’s get started! Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 28, 2020

People lately aren’t just starting vegetable and flower gardens as a way to help them get through the Coronavirus pandemic. They’re getting chickens, too. There’s been a big demand for baby chicks. People want to have more available forms of protein… just in case that much talked-about meat shortage comes about. But what do you know about picking out and raising baby chicks? Not much, I bet. We bring on an urban chicken consultant, Cherie Sintes-Glover of chickensforeggs.com to fill you in on baby chick basics. Recommended backyard chicken raising books: Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens City Chicks Guide to Keeping Microflocks by Patricia Foreman Also, tips to ease your weeding chores. Tools and techniques that make weeding less time consuming, such as the hula hoe , triangle hoe and winged weeder-style hoe . And, the benefits of mulch , especially for weed control. We talk about one of the best plants to grow for cut flowers, the alstroemeria , also known as the Peruvian lily. And, they attract a lot of interest from the garden good guys - bees, hummingbirds and pollinators. Plus, we help make your garden a more relaxing place with plants that are a show for the nose, fragrant plants …and the ears, after all, who doesn't enjoy the sound of hummingbirds whizzing by; or bees , landing on flowers? It’s all on this week’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Podcast, and we will do it all in less than 30 minutes! Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 24, 2020

We save some money and some time on today's episode. Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms tells us about his "Cheapskate Salad Bowl": how you can grow and harvest lettuce quickly (within a month) and cheaply (using nursery planting trays). And, you don't have to worry about it bolting in the summer heat. Watch his video of the process here. Plus, Brad talks about all the unique and wildly popular tomato varieties that he grows for sale. Another way to save money in the garden: make your own plants from existing ones! College horticulture professor Debbie Flower describes the propagation methods for the popular herb, rosemary. One of the best books on Plant Propagation is by Alan Toogood and it was recently updated. It's called "Propagating Plants: How to Create New Plants for Free" . Even better: this thick book just got more portable, as a Kindle edition . Who has time to wait for pepper seeds to germinate? We have tips for speeding up that process, from three weeks down to a week and a half...or less. One of the keys: be sure to use a potting soil that matches the pH needs of the pepper seeds. More info on The Farmer Fred Rant blog: "Pepper Seeds Slow to Germinate? Some More Tips" Soil pH and Plants List Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 22, 2020

We talk with nationally known family life blogger Pam Farley, also known as the Brown Thumb Mama , about garden activities to do with the kids while you are sheltered in place. Our favorite college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, delves into your questions about controlling one of the most prevalent of springtime garden pests, aphids. More info on controlling aphids. Tips on how you and your family can grow one of the healthiest of snack foods, Popcorn. And we will do it all in less than 30 minutes! Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 17, 2020

On Episode 3 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, we have a nifty way to stick tomato and pepper plants in the ground, a method guaranteed to produce a stronger plant. More information. We talk about a really basic seed saving technique: how and where to store those half-filled, left over packets of seeds you have…somewhere. Did you look in the garage? I hope they’re not there. And the reason you may want to search the house for those seed packets now? You won’t find seeds of popular varieties at the nursery or online right now…because many of them have been swooped up, and you can blame the anxiety surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. We talk with the president of a seed company about why orders are not getting refilled for customers and stores, and what you can do to better store your current supply of seeds to guarantee that they will germinate next year, and the year after that. More information. We bring in college horticulture professor Debbie Flower to answer your garden questions. Today’s question deals with a common problem with backyard and indoor citrus trees: yellowing leaves. More information. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 14, 2020

Master Gardener Gail Pothour tells us how to have a microgreens garden in the kitchen. Choosing the tastiest blueberry varieties; how to grow blueberry plants . The importance of thinning young vegetable seedlings and young fruit . What are you grateful for? Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .

Apr 11, 2020

:00 Why another garden podcast? 1:14 The importance of gardening during these days of "Shelter in Place". What is Integrated Pest Management? The right plant in the right place. 5:51 The Victory Garden 2.0 with Diane Blazek, All-America Selections. 18:30 Answers to Your Garden Questions - "What are the Most Dependable Tomatoes to Grow?" 27:12 Questions to Ask Yourself while Sheltered in Place. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter .