Garden Basics with Farmer Fred – Details, episodes & analysis

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: [email protected] 

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.

 “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: [email protected] 

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.

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: [email protected] 

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.

Setting foot into the garden for the first time? Looking to expand your gardening horizons?  Wondering where to begin?  Start small…with container gardening. We talk with Pam Farley, author of the new book, “The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening.” Experienced gardeners will pick up handy tips, too.

You’ll find out:

• You’ll find out the best tools and implements to use to add drain holes in wood, ceramic, metal and terracotta pots.

• Different pots have different shapes: square, round, rectangular, cylindrical, vase shaped. Each of those will look better in certain parts of the yard. We will direct you to the right place for those pots.

• And to keep those pots draining, Pam Farley has some tips and tricks for keeping the water flowing.

We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery.  Let’s go!

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

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

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

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

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

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

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics
• E-mail: [email protected] 

Thank 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 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: [email protected]

Thank 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 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: [email protected] 

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 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: [email protected] 

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 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: [email protected] 

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 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.

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: [email protected] 

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