Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

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 BuzzsproutPictured: Squirrel, BirdsLinks: 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 ControlsGround Squirrel ControlsDymondia ground coverKurapia ground coverMow-Free Turf ground coverHybrid Improved Bermudagrass VarietiesClover as a ground coverAll About Farmer Fred:The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Twitter: @farmerfredFarmer 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

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 GardeningPam Farley’s website, BrownThumbMama.comEpisode 168-Award Winning Vegetables and Flowers, Pt 1Episode 169-Award Winning Vegetables and Flowers, Pt 2Blossom End Rot of Tomatoes (Garden Basics Episode)Farmer Fred Rant: Tomato Blossom End Rot All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter: @farmerfredFarmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Ask A Farmer Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in CanadaListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyThank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter

Since the name of the show is Garden Basics, let’s cover something that’s basic, but not necessarily easy or successful.  America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower walks us step by step through  the topic of how to repot a plant. It’s not as simple as you might think, and we offer tips to make sure your repotting efforts are more successful. Some Topics covered include:• What is a sure fire way of knowing your plant has overgrown the pot?  It’s a habit you should get into doing on a regular basis. (2:30)• If a plant is overgrown in a pot, do you need to use a bigger pot? (4:23)• What’s the easiest ways of removing a cramped plant from its pot? Debbie has a serious tool for the job, a garden implement that no gardener should be without. (5:27)• Should you fertilize a newly repotted plant? (26:45)We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery.  Let’s go!Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at BuzzsproutPictured: 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 knifeSoil Mixes For Container Gardening (UC)UC Properties of Soil Mix ComponentsFarmer Fred Rant: Make Your Own Planting MixDr. Linda Chalker Scott - Soil Structure and FunctionalityRaffaele 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: @farmerfredFarmer 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 GardenBasiAsk A Farmer Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in CanadaListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyThank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter

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 BuzzsproutPictured: 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 podcastSplit Pea Soup Recipe (Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter) All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Twitter: @farmerfredPost: @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

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 BuzzsproutPictured: A Freezing Brugmansia That Wishes It Was in USDA Zone 10Links: 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 booksThe Garden Professors on Facebook All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe 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: @farmerfredFarmer 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

Guest: Quentyn Young, UC Master Gardener, Orchard Specialist, and Landscape DesignerTopics: 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 BuzzsproutPictured: 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 websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Twitter: @farmerfredFarmer 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

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 appearanceLinks: 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 websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Twitter: @FarmerFredFarmer 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.netThank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter

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 BuzzsproutPictured: A Food Garden, as seen from the kitchen windowLinks: 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 ReferencesDripworks Video Series on Drip Irrigation Drip Irrigation Kits Moisture Meters All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe 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

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: RaspberriesLinks: 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 InformationFarmer Fred Vegetable Planting Calendar for Northern CaliforniaBook: Grow Now  by Emily MurphyUCANR: Sheet Mulching (Lasagna Gardening)Hugelkultur (extreme lasagna gardening)All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comFacebook:  "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

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 PicksFarmer Fred Rant Blossom End RotFarmer Fred Rant Tomato Garden AdviceAll About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "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

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 BuzzsproutPictured: A storm-toppled birch treeLinks: 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 HazardsThinning vs Heading Pruning TechniquesFind an arborist at TreesAreGood.org (International Society of Arboriculture)Find a Consulting Arborist at the American Society of Consulting ArboristsUnderstanding the 3-cut pruning method and tree branch collarsSacramento Tree Foundation Pruning InfoPG&E Pruning Near Power LinesSMUD Tree Protection Near Power LinesArbor Day Foundation: Tree Care TipsQuality Felco Bypass Hand PrunersTree Pruning EquipmentAll About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "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

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 tomatoesLinks: 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 MarchAmple Harvest.org   directory for the closest food pantry/food closet that wants your excess harvestAll-America Selections Award Winners“The Plant Lovers’ Guide to Magnolias” by Andrew BuntingAll About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "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

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 GardenLinks: 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 ShowGravel GardeningFour Plants for More Pollinators and BeneficialsAll About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "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

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 BuzzsproutPictured: Dapple Dandy and Flavor Queen  PluotsLinks: 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 TreesDWN Most Popular Fruit Tree Varieties by StateTop 50 Fruit tree VarietiesFruit Variety RecommendationsHarvesting Trees at Dave Wilson: the GK DiggerFF Rant: Blueberries in containers: the Soil MixAll About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "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

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 TomatoLinks: 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 WinnersPropagation Mats (Bottom Heat mats for seedlings)Pepper Germination Tips (Farmer Fred Rant Blog)Garden Basics podcast: Pepper Germination TipsAll About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Ask A Farmer Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in CanadaListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyThank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter

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 BuzzsproutPictured: Rat Gnawing on Prickly Pear FruitLinks: 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 InfoBiocharInternational Biochar InitiativeRoof Rats InfoBaiting for Roof Rats in OrchardsSnap Rat TrapsAll About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter https://twitter.com/farmerfredThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "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@farmeAsk A Farmer Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in CanadaListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyThank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter

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 BuzzsproutPictured: MicrogreensLinks: Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/SOIL TESTS:U Mass AmherstColo. St.Texas A&MDo-It-Yourself Soil Testing EquipmentMicrogreens Growing KitsKitazawa SeedsJohnny's Selected SeedsJohnny's Microgreens ChartMicrogreen Growing InformationAll About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter https://twitter.com/farmerfredThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "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 thAsk A Farmer Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in CanadaListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyThank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter

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 potatoesLinks: 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 UCANRRenee's Garden: PotatoesSlow Food Ark of TasteSOIL TESTS:U Mass AmherstColorado St.Texas A&MConditioning Straw BalesSunset National Garden BookAll About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter https://twitter.com/farmerfredThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "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 hereAsk A Farmer Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in CanadaListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyThank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter

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 BuzzsproutPictured: Leaf Footed BugLinks: 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 BooksControlling Leaf Footed Bugs (UCIPM)Hand-Held Insect VacuumSac Digs Gardening NewsletterAll About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter https://twitter.com/farmerfredThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com And thank you for listening.Ask A Farmer Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in CanadaListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyThank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter

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 BuzzsproutPictured: Book Cover: "Teaming with Bacteria" by Jeff LowenfelsLinks: 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 LowenfelsPlant a Row for the HungryAmple Harvest (Directory of food banks and pantries, nationwide)All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter https://twitter.com/farmerfredThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "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. • FillAsk A Farmer Answering questions and sharing information about food and farming in CanadaListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyThank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter