Explore every episode of the podcast Garden Basics with Farmer Fred
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 356 Q&A - Controlling Fruit Tree Pests, Soil Solarization around trees, The Asian Garden Beetle | 06 Sep 2024 | 00:32:23 | |
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. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Squirrel Eating an Apple (Photo: Joe Mabel) Links: Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate Now! Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Ed-Able Solutions (Fruit trees) Soil Testing Services: 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 All About Farmer Fred: 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. | |||
| 355 Rhubarb Growing Basics for Warm Climates | 30 Aug 2024 | 00:40:38 | |
“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. 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 Dave Wilson Nursery 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 Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: 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. | |||
| 346 All About Soil Thermometers, pH Testing, Cardboard Mulch | 28 Jun 2024 | 00:29:08 | |
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! Pictured: Soil Thermometer Links:
Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 256 Container Gardening Basics | 10 Mar 2023 | 00:42:52 | |
Setting foot into the garden for the first time? Looking to expand your gardening horizons? Wondering where to begin? Start small…with container gardening. We talk with Pam Farley, author of the new book, “The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening.” Experienced gardeners will pick up handy tips, too. You’ll find out: • You’ll find out the best tools and implements to use to add drain holes in wood, ceramic, metal and terracotta pots. • Different pots have different shapes: square, round, rectangular, cylindrical, vase shaped. Each of those will look better in certain parts of the yard. We will direct you to the right place for those pots. • And to keep those pots draining, Pam Farley has some tips and tricks for keeping the water flowing. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Pam Farley, author - “The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening” Links: Book - The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 255 To Repot or Not? | 03 Mar 2023 | 00:47:54 | |
Since the name of the show is Garden Basics, let’s cover something that’s basic, but not necessarily easy or successful. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower walks us step by step through the topic of how to repot a plant. It’s not as simple as you might think, and we offer tips to make sure your repotting efforts are more successful. • What’s the easiest ways of removing a cramped plant from its pot? Debbie has a serious tool for the job, a garden implement that no gardener should be without. (5:27) We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Daphne Odora, Winter Daphne. Is it too big for the pot? Links: All About Farmer Fred: Got a garden question? Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 254 Plants That Are Shows for the Nose | 24 Feb 2023 | 00:48:35 | |
One joy of having a garden are aromatic plants. Annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees that emanate a pleasant smell while you’re walking through the yard, especially in the afternoon and evening. Shows for the nose. Pictured: Flower of the ‘Port Wine’ Magnolia figo, the banana shrub. Links: NYC Aromatica website and Essential Aromatica podcast All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter: @farmerfred Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred ) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 253 Garden Tips to Save Time, Money, Water. Live! | 17 Feb 2023 | 00:52:00 | |
What should you do when an unexpected heavy frost or freeze damages your plants? (4:25) Wow, that a lot of questions. And America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, and I, provide the answers (or opinions) at this, a live mid-February recording at the Elk Grove (CA) Garden Club. A splendid time was had by all. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, Live (sort of) brought to you by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!
Links: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 252 Winter vs Summer Fruit Tree Pruning, Container Drainage, Cool Vegetables | 10 Feb 2023 | 00:35:26 | |
Guest: Pictured: Late UC Farm Advisor Chuck Ingels winter pruning a nectarine tree.
Broccolini All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 251 Garden Basics 2022 Greatest Hits Pt. 4 Spring Garden Tips, Live! | 03 Feb 2023 | 00:57:39 | |
Welcome to Part 4 of our four part series, 2022’s greatest hits of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. The four parts include the top 10 most listened-to segments last year. In part 2, in Episode 249, we talked with "Grow Now" author Emily Murphy about a way to build your soil without having to purchase bags of potting mix. It’s called lasagna gardening. And we visited with Master Gardener Pam Bone, with good tips for growing raspberries and boysenberries. In Episode 250, it was a Debbie Flower extravaganza. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor discussed how to reuse old potting soil, tips for reducing water use in the yard, and a checklist for starting your first garden or a new garden. Today in Part 4, just like every good rock group has a live album, we had a live podcast last Spring, at the Folsom, California Garden Club. It’s one of the most listened to podcasts of 2022, We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Debbie Flower at the Folsom Garden Club appearance Links: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 250 Garden Basics 2022 Greatest Hits, Pt. 3. A First Garden Checklist | 27 Jan 2023 | 01:05:20 | |
Welcome to Part 3 of our four part series, the 2022 greatest hits of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. The four parts include the top 10 most listened-to segments last year. Today it’s a Debbie Flower extravaganza. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor discusses how to reuse old potting soil, tips for reducing water use in the yard, and a checklist for starting your first garden. And if you’ve moved and are thinking of starting a new garden, a lot of these first garden tips may include ideas you haven’t considered before starting that new garden. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: A Food Garden, as seen from the kitchen window Links: Farmer Fred Rant: Tips for the First Garden All About Farmer Fred: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 249 Garden Basics 2022 Greatest Hits, Part 2, Berries, Lasagna Gardens | 20 Jan 2023 | 00:49:19 | |
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. | |||
| 248 Garden Basics Greatest Hits 2022 Pt. 1 Tomato Mania | 13 Jan 2023 | 01:13:46 | |
It’s the first month of 2023, and we have a look back, well, actually, it’s a listen back, to the most popular Garden Basics segments of 2022. It’s those chats that got the biggest audiences last year. It’s our Top 10 of 2022, and it’s going to take four weeks to get through all of them. We have thoughtfully divvied them up by subject matter. And guess what garden subject got the most downloads? Tomatoes took four of the Top 10 positions in 2022. So, today’s Greatest Hits, Part 1, includes four segments all about tomatoes: the easiest tomatoes to grow; prune out the earliest forming flowers on tomato plants for better production, yes or no; the best tomatoes for patio containers; and strategies for dealing with the never ending tomato question: "Why are the bottoms of my tomatoes turning brown and wrinkly?" That would be blossom end rot. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Tomatoes! Links: Redwood Barn Nursery - Don’s Tomato Picks All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred ) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 247 Trees vs. Storms | 06 Jan 2023 | 00:57:46 | |
Winter storms are ravaging the country. Heavy winds, rain, and snow are toppling trees from coast to coast, crushing cars, homes and power lines. Why are so many trees falling? It could be due to the lack of care by the homeowners. Or the city. Or whoever owns the trees. Today, we have tips from tree expert and Master Gardener Pam Bone for discovering some of the structural weaknesses that can lead to toppling trees, and how you can help prevent disaster from striking. It’s Trees vs. Storms. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: A storm-toppled birch tree Links: Inspect Landscape Trees For Hazards Quality Felco Bypass Hand Pruners All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred ) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 345 The Heart Healthy Garden, Live! | 21 Jun 2024 | 00:40:48 | |
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. 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! Pictured: The Dick Clark rose Links: "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 Note: The Garden Basics podcast has returned to its once a week release schedule, on Fridays. • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics 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. | |||
| 246 Gardening Trends 2023 Pt. 2 | 30 Dec 2022 | 00:36:14 | |
We continue our chat from last episode about the future of gardening in 2023 with Andrew Bunting, vice president of Horticulture with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. And we’ll find out about the big Philadelphia Flower Show coming up in March. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: A bountiful harvest of tomatoes Links: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society / Philadelphia Flower Show in March All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred ) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 245 Gardening Trends for 2023 Pt. 1 | 23 Dec 2022 | 00:30:40 | |
The term, "gardening", has many facets, many meanings. And, as you might imagine, all gardeners are local, too. So what are the gardening trends sweeping the country right now? And what can we look forward to as far as garden trends in the coming year? The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has a pretty powerful Magic 8-ball to figure out those answers. Today, as well as in the next episode of Garden Basics, we talk about the future of gardening in 2023 with Andrew Bunting, vice president of Horticulture with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. And we’ll find out about the big Philadelphia Flower Show coming up in March. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: A Gravel Garden Links: All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred ) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 244 2023 Fruit Tree Planning | 16 Dec 2022 | 00:53:01 | |
Retail nurseries here on the West Coast are already getting in shipments of berry plants and fruit trees. The rest of the country will start seeing the arrival of these tasty edible and beautiful crops throughout the winter. Shop early for the best selection, because most nurseries will only be getting in one shipment. But which fruit trees or berry plants should you get? Which ones taste the best? Which ones are right for your area? Today, we talk with Phil Pursel from wholesale grower Dave Wilson Nursery. He’ll help you plan your 2023 fruit garden and orchard. The healthiest food you can eat is the food you grow yourself! We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Dapple Dandy and Flavor Queen Pluots Links: DWN Harvest Chart for Potted Fruits (berries, grapes, figs) All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/farmerfred ) Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 243 All America Selections 2023 Plant Winners | 09 Dec 2022 | 00:36:09 | |
It may not be planting time, but it certainly is planning time for your 2023 garden. Looking to plant something different? A good place to start is with the All America Selections winners. This is a yearly compilation of new plant entries, annuals and perennials, ornamentals and edibles, that have won the praises of plant expert judges in trial gardens from coast to coast. The 2023 entries include new winning tomato and pepper vegetable varieties, as well as colorful annual and perennial flowers, including ground covers and houseplants, 11 plants in all, that have been chosen by judges as the 2023 All America Selection winners. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: 2023 AAS Winner, the Zenzei Tomato Links: All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 242 Biochar. Roof Rats. | 02 Dec 2022 | 00:38:07 | |
You may have heard the term, “biochar”, being used in gardening circles. What exactly is “biochar”? And why is it being added to more and more soil products that you could find at the nursery? We will find out. Also, Roof Rats! They’re not just for your attic anymore. If conditions are right, they will invade your fruit and nut plants outdoors, and in some instances, move out there. We have control tips for roof rats, and how they differ from other rodents you might find in your garden. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Rat Gnawing on Prickly Pear Fruit Links: Biochar Info All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@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. | |||
| 241 House Strip Planting Ideas. Microgreens | 25 Nov 2022 | 00:35:28 | |
You might live in a house or condo that has a narrow strip of soil right next to the house. What precautions do you need to take before you plant in that two foot wide strip? We answer a listener’s question on that very topic, with the help of America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Microgreens Links: SOIL TESTS: Do-It-Yourself Soil Testing Equipment All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us 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. | |||
| 240 All About Potatoes | 18 Nov 2022 | 01:03:21 | |
I find it amazing how one simple question opens the door for a podcast that turned out to be about an hour long. Today, here on episode 240, we delve into the world of potatoes. How to grow them, how to store them, and - the question that started all of this from a listener - what are the best potatoes to grow? We’re talking potatoes today - the most consumed vegetable throughout the world - with America’s Favorite Retired College horticulture professor, Debbie Flower; as well as Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Yukon Gold potatoes Links: Our Favorite Potato Varieties: Jelly, Yukon Gem, Yukon Gold, Russian Banana Fingerling, Corolla, Bodega Red, Norgold Russet, Red la Soda, Kennebec, White Rose, German Butterball. Potato Scab UCANR SOIL TESTS: Conditioning Straw Bales All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 239 Overwintering Pepper Plants. Roses for the Heat. Leaf Footed Bugs. | 11 Nov 2022 | 00:37:40 | |
Today, we tackle some of the garden questions that have come in from around the country, such as: We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Leaf Footed Bug Links: Dave DeWitt's Collection of Pepper Books All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 238 Teaming with Bacteria | 04 Nov 2022 | 01:09:49 | |
Teaming with bacteria. Now there’s a title sure to send the casual gardener to another podcast. But bear with me, please. What if I told you that the future of plant fertilizer was not fertilizer? It will be… bacteria. That’s according to Jeff Lowenfels, author of the book, Teaming with Bacteria. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, geeks out on garden science with Jeff, who, for the last 20 years or so, has written other garden books about plant nutrition, microbes and fungus. As you might imagine, Debbie Flower had a wonderful time talking with Jeff. Me? I was busy thinking about buttered popcorn. You’ll have to listen to find out why. I tell you what, if you listen to the entire episode, you’ll get garden psychic bonus points. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Book Cover: "Teaming with Bacteria" by Jeff Lowenfels Links: Teaming with Bacteria by Jeff Lowenfels All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill 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. | |||
| 237 Bagged Worm Castings - Two Views | 28 Oct 2022 | 00:45:59 | |
Last Spring (Episode 193), Debbie Flower and I discussed the viability of bagged worm castings. According to one study published in a peer review journal, bagged worm castings start losing their effectiveness after 60 days. There are those who disagree with that study, calling it invalid. Today, we revisit our chat about bagged worm castings with Debbie Flower, and add in an opposing viewpoint, from longtime organic gardening advisor Steve Zien. We leave you to draw your own conclusions about the viability of bagged worm castings. Also, as timely as the decorations on your front porch in late October, we have a tasty recipe for Curried Pumpkin Soup. The secret? Adding in other winter squash varieties that you might be growing in your own garden. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Bagged Worm Castings Links: Journal of Applied Horticulture: “Effect of Storage on Some Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Vermicast” Epsoma Organic Potting Mix Curried Pumpkin Soup Recipe available at the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.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. | |||
| 344 Q&A - Tomato Seed Saving? Seeding Mulched Area? | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:15:19 | |
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 Organza bags for isolating tomato flowers Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website:
Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 236 Heat vs Fruit Trees. Deer Control. | 21 Oct 2022 | 00:58:20 | |
Many areas of the country suffered through prolonged heat waves in September. And now, your fruit tree orchard may have problems. We have ideas on how to help your fruit trees get through next year’s heatwaves. You’ve seen the bags and boxes of fertilizers and soil amendments that say, “Now, containing mycorrhizae!” Is that a good buy? America’s Favorite College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, gives her take on that. Also, she has tips for thwarting deer in your garden. Finally, an outdoor power equipment expert tells us about the latest item that can blow your fallen leaves into a pile, suck them up, and them grind them up, perfect for topping a garden bed in the cold season. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Quentyn Young with a heat-stressed 'Stella' Cherry Tree Links:
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 235 Horse Manure as Fertilizer? Wildfire Landscaping Tips | 14 Oct 2022 | 00:54:17 | |
If you have horses, or access to horse manure, you might want to use that manure to fertilize your plants. What are the precautions you need to take? America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has those warnings. Wildfires are a fact of life throughout rural and not so rural areas of many states. 1 in 6 Americans lives in an area that could face a wildfire. How can you protect your property to slow down the chance of damage from flying, burning embers? We talk with a University of California wildfire specialist on easy steps you can take to protect your home and modify your landscape to ease the wildfire threat. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: The Source for Horse Manure Links: Video: Wildfire Ember Storm Test on a Typical Home Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe. • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 234 Fall Cleanup. Grow Berries. Winter Mulch | 07 Oct 2022 | 00:58:06 | |
Besides making the autumn garden prettier, Debbie Flower mentions some early cleanup fall chores that can help reduce next year’s insect and disease problems in your garden. Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics Farmer Fred website And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 233 Soil Questions. Winter Tomatoes? Yes! | 30 Sep 2022 | 00:29:05 | |
What does your soil need for a thriving garden? Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, tackles your questions about what you should add - or not add - to your soil. And it’s winter tomato time! What? You can grow tomatoes in the winter? What do you need to grow tomatoes in the winter? The right environment - a greenhouse with a heater is ideal - and the right tomato varieties, for tomato growing winter success. Today, it’s winter tomato tips! We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: winter tomatoes in the greenhouse (with hanging whitefly traps) Soil Test Services: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 232 Making Citrus Infused Beverages | 27 Sep 2022 | 00:27:35 | |
I’m big on making the garden a multi sensory treat. Something for the eyes, the tastebuds, the fingertips and especially the nose. Today’s show for the nose specialty is citrus. Lance Walheim, long time garden book author and rare citrus grower, talks about using bergamot oranges for infusing in gin. Plus, other citrus varieties that will offer something for your nose as well as taste buds in whatever kind of drink you add citrus. Don’t know what a bergamot orange is? You’ve come to the right place to find out what it is and how to grow it, as well as clear up the internet confusion about what a bergamot orange really looks like. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in less than 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Bergamot Orange Bergamot Orange Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 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. | |||
| 231 Joe Lamp'l Vegetable Gardening | 23 Sep 2022 | 00:55:26 | |
We have a wide ranging discussion with nationally famous TV gardener, Joe Lamp’l, about his new book, the Vegetable Gardening Book. But we also venture into the warm season garden when he talks about his tomato cages, which are built to look good and last a lifetime. Pictured: Joe Lamp’l The Vegetable Gardening Book by Joe Lamp’l Got a garden question? • Leave a question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Farmer Fred website: And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 230 Establishing Low Water Use Plants. Cover Crops | 20 Sep 2022 | 00:31:38 | |
Autumn begins this week, and fall is definitely for planting. The air is cooler, but the soil is still warm, perfect for establishing new plants. We revisit a couple of segments to get you into the garden during the next couple of months. Are you thinking of getting some low water-use or drought tolerant plants for your landscape? America's Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has tips to help insure their success. Not planning a fall garden? Then at least feed your garden soil over the winter, with cover crops. We have the basics to get you started. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Fall/Winter Cover Crops of Fava Beans and Oats Peaceful Valley Farm Supply Cover Crops Knowledge Base Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 229 Vegetables, Grapes vs. Heat; Black Widow Spiders | 16 Sep 2022 | 00:24:01 | |
Fall is just around the corner, in just a few days, September 22. Still, in the West and elsewhere, more heat waves are in the forecast. How can you protect your backyard vegetables and grapes from more onslaughts of temperatures in the 90’s and above? Plus, new (or old) disease-resistant grape varieties. We have some tips. The black widow spider - is it a friend or foe in your garden? Debbie Flower, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, answers with a resounding…it depends. Pictured: Grapes or Black Widow Spider Orgazana Bags for Fruit Protection Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 228 Healthy Gardening, Healthy Foods | 13 Sep 2022 | 00:43:27 | |
Why is gardening so healthy for you? We explore that today with Dr. Laura Varich of FreshPhysician.com, who explains the health benefits of gardening, and the healthier benefits of eating what you grow. And that includes some health benefits you may not be aware of, including breathing in and touching the soil itself. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. Pictured: Artichokes are high in soluble fiber. Pretty, too. Dr. Laura Varich’s FreshPhysician.com Farmer Fred Rant Blog: The Heart Healthy Garden UC Davis: Storage Tips for the Freshest Fruits and Vegetables Garden Basics Podcast Ep. 63: Growing Microgreens Indoors Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 227 Understanding Drip Irrigation | 09 Sep 2022 | 00:41:06 | |
Some very irritated gardeners, trying to figure out drip irrigation. So, today’s entire show is on drip irrigation basics: how to install it, how to run it, how to maintain it. We revisit a chat with garden author Robert Kourik, who wrote, “Drip Irrigation for Every Landscape and All Climates.” He’ll tell us that not only will drip irrigation save you money by using less water, drip irrigation can also increase your yield. And drip irrigation isn’t just for states that have typically dry summers; it’s for any area of the country where you might get a month-long stretch of no rain. And if you tried a drip irrigation system years ago and were unhappy with the results, we’ll tell you how the equipment has improved recently to be more dependable and trouble resistant. Pictured: Drip Irrigation System Books and more at RobertKourik.com Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question at Speakpipe, https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: Daily Garden tips Twitter And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 343 A Tour of Debbie Flower's Garden | 14 Jun 2024 | 00:53:00 | |
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. 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. Pictured: A portion of Debbie Flower’s low-water use garden Links: Dave Wilson Nursery Got a garden question? All About Farmer Fred: 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. | |||
| 226 Quick Tips - The Greatest Hits | 06 Sep 2022 | 00:36:38 | |
It seems that on every edition of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, a nugget of very helpful garden information gets tossed into it, that may or may not have anything to do with the subject being discussed. Today, we present the top listened-to quick tips, along with a couple of new ones. You’re going to get short pieces of advice on growing tomatoes, cilantro, battling hornworms, the best time to harvest apples, seed planting tricks, and a lot more quick advice that will save you time and money. It’s Garden Quick Tips, the Greatest Hits! We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Pictured: Tomato Harvest
Renee’s Garden Seeds Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 225 Cool Season Vegetable Tips | 02 Sep 2022 | 00:28:37 | |
September is here, and many of you are still enjoying your summer vegetable garden. But get ready…the days will be getting shorter and cooler this month and those plants may start to go into decline. Now is time to be planning and planting your second garden of 2022, the fall and winter vegetable garden, wherever you might live here in the Northern Hemisphere. Nursery Owner Don Shor has the cool season garden basics. We learn something new, every time, on Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Previous episodes, links, product information, topic search and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Farmer Fred Rant: Cool Season Vegetables Tips Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 224 Mushrooms. Roses for the Heat. Soil Improving Tips. | 30 Aug 2022 | 00:29:03 | |
What are those mushrooms doing in my garden? How do I get rid of them? What are the best roses that thrive in hotter climates? We answer those questions on today’s podcast. Also, we have tips for improving your garden soil during the upcoming fall season. It’s probably the most important part of having a successful garden next year. It's all about the soil! We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Backyard Mushrooms Why Are Mushrooms Popping Up in My Yard? (UCANR) • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 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. | |||
| 223 Browning Tomato Leaves? Making Hypertufa Pots. | 26 Aug 2022 | 00:25:10 | |
A question from a listener is one you may be thinking about while you’re in the garden: why are my tomato leaves turning brown? Possibilities include shaded older leaves; tomato russet mites; whiteflies; aphids; root knot nematodes; fusarium wilt; verticillium wilt; late blight; powdery mildew. But in most of those instances, the tomatoes themselves will show abnormalities. In this case, the tomatoes were perfect. America’s favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, tackles this one. In the middle of that chat, Debbie mentions a use for old potting soil, just in case that is the culprit: making a hypertufa pot. We touched on that topic a couple of months ago, but it was buried inside another tomato question, so you may have missed it. So, here it is again, one use for questionable, old potting soil: making your own hypertufa pot. Debbie explains. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Previous episodes, links, product information, topic search and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: 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. | |||
| 222 Insect Traps - The Good, The Bad, The Bugly | 23 Aug 2022 | 00:34:30 | |
Summer time is insect time, especially in the garden, both the good guys as well as the ones that you didn’t invite. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, tells us about the insect traps that work, and don’t work, when it comes to controlling flies, mosquitoes, yellow jackets, fleas, ants and others. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Yellowjacket Bait Trap Liquid Ant Bait KM Ant Pro Bait Dispenser Yellow Jacket Traps Phermone Traps UCANR: Traps and Barriers for Keeping Pests Out Homemade Fly Trap Homemade Mosquito Trap Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 221 Whitefly Control. Bermudagrass Eradication Tips | 19 Aug 2022 | 00:25:28 | |
Whiteflies. They can overwhelm a garden full of vegetables and flowers, as well as certain trees and shrubs, especially during warm weather. Whiteflies excrete sticky honeydew and cause yellowing or death of the leaves. The good news is: there are a lot of beneficial insects that can help you do battle against whiteflies. Previous episodes, links, product information, topic search and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Whitefly Management Guidelines (University of California) Insectaries: Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 220 Aphid Control Tips. Chickens vs. Heat | 16 Aug 2022 | 00:26:38 | |
Wherever you live, wherever you garden, at some point in the year, your plants will get aphids. This sucking insect enjoys the sap from many of your favorite plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, shrubs and trees. Aphids can also spread plant diseases. Oh, and they do attract ants, who covet the sweet excretions of aphids. We have tips for controlling this widespread garden pest, aphids. Record breaking temperatures persist throughout much of the northern hemisphere this summer. How are your backyard chickens doing with the heat. We have strategies for helping your roosters and hens and chicks cope with triple digit heat, this summer. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Aphids on a rose bud Links: Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects (with pictures of the beneficials) Cherie Sintes-Glover: ChickensForEggs.com • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 219 Summer Fruit Tree Pruning. Lemon Verbena. Tomato Troubles. | 12 Aug 2022 | 00:30:41 | |
Yes, it’s August, and it’s hot out, but the garden is a busy place: harvesting, watering, deadheading, weeding. Wise gardeners have added another chore that will help guarantee future garden success: summer pruning of deciduous fruit trees. We’ll tell you why now nipping back your peach, plum, apple, apricot, cherry, nectarine and other fruit trees will lead to better production next year. Have you heard of lemon verbena? It’s an herb, with showy flowers, and produces leaves that can liven up a lot of your dessert recipes, with a taste that your guests won’t forget. And there are summer tomato issues. We revisit tips for dealing with August’s tomato pests and diseases, as well as too much sun and heat. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in about 30 minutes. Let’s go! Previous episodes, links, product information, topic search and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: Book: The Home Orchard,: Growing Your Own Deciduous Fruit and Nut Trees by Chuck Ingels Dave Wilson Nursery Video: Summer Pruning of Fruit Trees Lemon Verbena Sugar Cookies Recipe Lemon Verbena Ice Cream Recipe Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred at farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 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. | |||
| 218 Smarter Irrigation Controllers | 09 Aug 2022 | 00:27:36 | |
If you have a sprinkler system, a drip irrigation system or a series of soaker hoses, how are you turning those systems on and off? For many gardeners who live in dry summer climates, automatic irrigation control systems are the way to go. And if you have one of those older irrigation control systems, you might be amazed at how the newer, smartphone-controlled systems can ease your watering chores even more. We talk with an irrigation specialist, Don Smith, the water management coordinator for the City of Folsom, California. Not only will you learn about the features on the newest irrigation control systems, you just might discover how inexpensive upgrades to your watering systems can be, thanks to grants and rebates. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Rachio Irrigation Control System Links: Rachio Irrigation Controllers Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube And thank you for listening. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. | |||
| 217 Jumping Worms Update. Donate Your Excess Garden Harvest | 05 Aug 2022 | 00:31:35 | |
GB 217 More Jumping Worms! What to Do with Your Extra Fruits, Vegetables Jumping worms! Unlike red wigglers or earthworms, jumping worms are not garden good guys. They’ll consume a lot of your mulch, leaving behind pellets that are not good for your plants or your soil. And jumping worms are spreading. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has updated information on how you can thwart the jumping worms. What are you going to do with all the summer fruits and vegetables that your garden is producing? Besides canning, dehydrating and freezing, you can donate that extra produce to a food bank or food pantry near you, to feed the hungry. It’s easy, we’ll tell you how. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in about 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Links: Oregon State University: Jumping Worms Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 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. | |||
| 342 Q&A Grow Carrots in Summer? Weed Cloth - Good or Bad? | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:18:31 | |
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. Pictured: Garden Carrots Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Top 5 Garden Vegetables, Ep. 263 Garden Basics Podcast Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics All About Farmer Fred: 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 Twitter/X: @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. | |||
| 216 Drying Fruits and Vegetables | 02 Aug 2022 | 00:35:15 | |
As we are fond of saying on this program every summer, “You grew it. Now, eat it!” Not all at once, of course. What are the best ways to preserve all the fruits and vegetables you grow? One of the easiest is drying them. Sun drying or using a dehydrator is a great way to preserve nutrients while enjoying the literal fruits of your labor throughout the year. But where do you begin? Today, we talk with a Master Food Preserver about drying techiniques for home grown fruits and vegetables. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in just a little over 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Dehydrator Fish Dryer Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 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. | |||
| 215 How to Stake a Tree | 29 Jul 2022 | 00:25:58 | |
A mature, healthy landscape tree can add thousands of dollars of value to your home. And that road to a healthy tree begins as soon as you get the tree home from the nursery. And that’s where many homeowners start making what could be fatal mistakes. Today, Master Gardener and tree expert Pam Bone has the vital tips on how to stake a newly planted tree. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Previous episodes, links, product information, and transcripts at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Links: How to Stake a Tree - Sacramento Tree Foundation The Myth of Staking Trees by Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott Harvest Day, Aug. 6, at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 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. | |||
| 214 Your New Friend, the Soldier Fly. Worm Bins. Slow Compost Cure. | 26 Jul 2022 | 00:27:03 | |
Garden Basics # 214 Soldier Flies, Improving Slow Compost We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured: Soldier Fly on a Worm Bin Napa Co. Master Gardener Penny Pawl: The Soldier Fly Marches On Harvest Day, Aug. 6, at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website: The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 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. | |||