You've worked diligently on your yard and garden this year. It would be a shame if it were all undone by a few hungry bunnies this winter.

In this episode, Don and John go over some safe and humane tactics for protecting your perennials, shrubs and trees from rabbits, voles, deer and other critters. Plus, they go over a listener's approach to overwintering amaryllis that could have you enjoying their triumphant blooms next season.

If you have a flower bed that feels a little flat or a patch of yard in need of a refresh, ornamental grasses could be the lift they need.

In this episode, Don and Jon go over some of the reasons you might consider adding ornamental grasses to your yard along with the usual helpful hints for care and recommendations for varieties that might suit your needs.

A common refrain here at Growing Together is that there's usually something going on with your garden, no matter what time of year, and the same holds true for your local garden centers.

In this episode, Don and John are joined by Luke Nygard, the owner of Nygard Nursery in Dilworth, Minn., for some reasons to give your local nursery a visit even though winter is coming fast. Luke also shares how he transitioned from professional drummer to full-time gardener to business owner.

Learn more about Nygard Nursery on their website: https://www.nygaardnursery.com/

Now that our garden beds are sealed up for the winter, it's time to check in our favorite off-season roommates: our houseplants.

In this episode, Don and John go over some basic tips for houseplant care, like optimal watering practices and intentional care. Plus, they discuss the importance of giving your houseplants something of a social life. Plants need friends, too.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a longtime trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Your fellow 'Growing Together' readers and listeners have lots of questions about getting ready for winter, and you likely do, too.

In this episode, Don and John rummage around in the ol' Growing Together mailbag to answer questions about snow mold, voles, harvesting carrots and other late autumn tasks.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a longtime trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Did you know pumpkins are a fruit, not a vegetable? And that the jack o'lantern may have sprung from a story about a deal with the devil?

In this episode, Don and John embark on the surprising tale of the pumpkin. Pumpkins occupy a unique space in human history and, in some cases, occupy a giant space in our gardens.

Modern tools like YouTube and podcasts put valuable gardening information right at our fingertips. How could a dusty 90-year-old book still possibly be relevant?

In this episode, Don and John crack open "The Complete Book of Gardening Magic" to see how well its advice holds up and share several insights from it.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a longtime trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Trees do so much for us. They provide shade, protect us from the wind, give us fruit to eat and give us color in the fall.

Trees also have special care needs. In this episode, Don and John discuss some strategies for planting trees in your yard, providing you with a few ideas of what to plant and some guidelines for giving them their best shot.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a longtime trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

With the season winding down, but still fresh in our memory, it's a good time to talk about what worked in our gardens and what didn't meet our expectations.

In this episode, Don and John share the triumphs and tribulations they saw in their own gardens this year, from varieties that flourished to strategies that left them thinking "what was I thinking?" It's a healthy exercise that will pay dividends next season.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a longtime trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

You might be looking forward to a bounty of harvest produce and the burst of fall colors right now, but don't slow down for winter just yet.

In this episode, Don and John go over tasks you should be doing during fall to get everything buttoned up for winter. While you're at it, you can start getting preparted to hit the ground running next spring.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a longtime trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

A garden full of fresh, delicious produce is a vital step toward a great meal, but it isn't the only step.

In this episode, Don and John welcome chef Ryan Nitschke to talk about his favorite garden ingredients and ways to prepare your garden's bounty, especially around harvest time.

Nitschke has been a chef in Fargo area restaurants for years and has a wide array of food ventures with business partner Nikki Ness Berglund that includes Luna Fargo on South University Drive, Fargo, Sol Ave. Kitchen in Moorhead, Nova Eatery at Fargo Brewing and most recently, Mangata Wine & Raw Bar and Unicorn Park Foodery in Brewhalla. 

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a longtime trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

A well-tended yard doesn't just look good. It can taste good, too.

In this episode, Don and John discuss edible landscaping, the notion that your trees and shrubs can provide a literal feast in addition to being a feast for your eyes. They discuss some popular berry, tree and vine varieties for our climate that might also inspire your next menu item.

When we think of fall color, we're usually talking about trees, but many flowers and ornamental grasses can add their own dash of color to your yard and garden.

In this episode, Don and John talk about mums, asters and grasses that can prolong the joy of garden color long after summer begins to fade into autumn.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

You might think of Labor Day as the time when you start closing down shop for the year, but it's also the time when you can start laying groundwork for next year.

In this episode, Don and John go over some of the most fruitful tasks for your Labor Day/early September to-do list, like fertilizing your lawn, splitting geraniums and tackling your toughest weeds.

Topics in this episode:

0:42 Don's vacation seeing gardens on Martha's Vineyard, Boston and Hyde Park
6:40 Are tomatoes late this year?
12:50 The transition time of the Labor Day holiday
13:52 The most important time of year to fertilize your lawn
15:45 This is the best time to control lawn weeds
16:58 What kind of fertilizer should we be using?
18:54 Overseeding your trouble spots
20:06 What to use for spot spraying
21:31 Making cuttings from your geraniums
23:34 Dig and divide peonies
24:38 Planting tulip, daffodil, hyacinth bulbs
26:15 Moving rhubarb
28:30 Planning your garden expansion
30:27 Harvesting vegetables and fruits 

Labor Day is approaching quickly, marking yet another point of transition as we begin to move from summer to fall.

In this episode, Don and John take you through a few of the tasks that should be completed around Labor Day, including fertilizing and weeding your lawn and finding an indoor spot for some of your outdoor plants.

The hardest work of the growing season is behind us, and the work that is left comes with delicious returns.

In this episode, Don and John talk about harvesting the bounty from your garden, from melons and squash to onions and garlic. They'll tell you when to pick them, how to pick them correctly, and how to store them...with a few tips on how to best enjoy them.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Podcast co-host John Lamb's yard and garden, tucked away on a quiet Moorhead street, has a number of eye-catching features, from vigorous hostas to ingenious hanging baskets lining a fence. They all work together to make his yard a great place to be.

In this episode, Don visits John's yard to learn a few new things, offer some advice, and awe at the giant arbor vitae that act as a cool breezeway on a hot day.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

You can see the fruits of Don Kinzler's labors before you even pull into the driveway. A lush, vibrant flower garden greets you as you arrive, and it's just a hint of the many varieties and laden vegetable plants on his property.

In this episode, Don and John take a tour through Don's yard and gardens to get Don's prospective on his favorite plants to grow and how he approaches growing his own garden.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Any gardener in the Red River Valley and surrounding region knows the voice of WDAY Chief Meteorologist John Wheeler, who has been providing forecasts and weather insights on air here since 1985.

But what's happening in his garden? In this episode, Don and John welcome Wheeler in to tell us about his love of hot peppers, his 'forest' of anise, and the joy of having a quiet place to listen to a baseball game. 

With their eye-popping blossoms that burst just as the summer hits its peak, lilies are the star of the show in one of the busiest times of the season.

In this episode, Don and John give you everything you need to know to get started with lilies and climatis, another favorite during the high summer months.

For more information on the July 25 NDSU garden tour, visit our website: https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/ndsu-garden-tour-offers-unique-experiences-for-everyone

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Lawns are such a common sight in our neighborhoods and in our culture, you might think they're a constant.

They aren't, of course. Lawns have a history that leads back to European nobility and a future that is reacting to changes in climate and reflecting new values. In this episode, Don and John spend some time grazing the issue of lawns and give you advice on making yours look its best.

To quote Guy Clark, there's only two things that money can't buy, and that's true love and homegrown tomatoes.

We can't help you with the true love part, but in this episode Don and John aim to help you grow better tomatoes in your garden, whether it's dealing with blossom end rot, finding the right time to pinch and prune, or choosing a variety to fit your tastes.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

July 4th isn't just a holiday for Americans to celebrate Independence Day. It's also Independence Day for your garden.

In this episode Don and John talk about the tasks you can start setting aside on or about July 4th, including fertilizing or harvesting some plants.

(For our Canadian friends, Canada Day works just fine for this rule of thumb, too.)

After many years listening to concerns from fellow gardeners in the area, a few of them pop up frequently. 

You likely have had the same questions yourself. In this episode, co-hosts Don Kinzler and John Lamb go over the most frequently asked questions from gardeners in our area. Topics include: rusty lawn dust, blossom end rot, bumpy lawns, managing wasps and hornets, apple trees not bearing fruit, and many more.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Your riding mower might make you feel like royalty as you leisurely cut the grass on a hot day...but, you're missing out on some much-needed exercise when you do.

In this episode, Don and John welcome NDSU Extension Food and Nutrition Specialist Julie Garden-Robinson for a discussion about health and gardening, including why you should keep sweating behind your push mower. Julie also has some tips for how to get the most nutrition from your harvest bounty.

Mary Holm, host of the long-running Pioneer PBS program "Prairie Yard & Garden," absolutely loves to be in the garden and her enthusiasm is contagious.

Holm joins the podcast this week to talk about the show, give her advice for new gardeners, and share her love of plants with all of us.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Gardening is a fun, relaxing activity ... but weeds can really get on your nerves.

In this episode, Don and John talk about the best ways to manage weeds in your yard and garden, whether that's preventative measures, chemicals, or a kitchen knife and good knee pads.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Container gardening is having a moment nowadays as more people liven up their decks and patios with interesting potted plants, or turn to pots as a way to breathe life into smaller outdoor living spaces.

What are thrillers, spillers and fillers? In today's show, Don and John give you some ideas on what to put in your pots and talk about how to give them the best care.

There's a bit of a trend among homeowners in our area this season: patchy-looking lawns.

What's causing your lousy lawn and what's the best way to get it into shape? Don and John tackle turf in this episode, giving you the knowhow you need to get the sharpest blades on the block.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

With the threat of a late frost become less and less likely, now's the time to think about getting your trees, shrubs, perennials and more into the ground and off to a good start.

In this episode, Don and John go over some of the most commonly planted items and give you some tips and tricks to plant them correctly.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Garden centers are opening across our region, stocked with new varieties, colors and twists on old favorites.

Don and John are joined by Audrey Gilbraith for a rundown of the exciting new annuals, vegetables, perennials and more available this season.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

You have burning questions, Don and John have answers.

In this episode of "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" our hosts field questions from fellow gardeners in need of help or recommendations. If you have your own questions you'd like handled during the show, email Don Kinzler at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Your local garden center or greenhouse will likely be busy this time of year, so it's a good idea to do come prepared.

Don and John spend this episode sharing their ripened wisdom on how to get the most out of your trip to the garden center, from having the dimensions of your planting area at hand to the first thing you should do when you get your new plants home.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Every winter is different, just as every growing season is different, and each one presents you with its own challenges to overcome and timeline for action.

In this episode, Don and John emerge from our long, cold, wet winter and offer some things for you to consider based on what they're observing. Is there still time for pruning? What do you do about snow mold or voles? Listen now for all that and more.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Gardening doesn't just happen in the soil. Before the snow melts and the weather turns warm, it happens in the inspiration and planning for a better yard (Don calls it "thought gardening").

In this episode, Don and John recommend books, magazines, social groups, websites and YouTube accounts that will provide fertile ground for your gardening imagination and give you loads of useful information. We've listed a few of them below as well.

• "Flowers Between the Frosts," Dorothy Collins | https://www.amazon.com/Flowers-Between-Frosts-Gardens-Seasons/dp/0911042768
•  The Prairie Garden | https://www.theprairiegarden.ca/
• Books by Eric Bergeson | https://ericbergeson.com/
• "Growing Perennials in Cold Climates" | https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/growing-perennials-in-cold-climates
• "Growing Shrubs and Small Trees in Cold Climates" | https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/growing-shrubs-and-small-trees-in-cold-climates
• "Growing Roses in Cold Climates" | https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/growing-roses-in-cold-climates
• "The Northern Gardener" | https://northerngardener.org/what-we-do/magazine/
• "Fine Gardening" | https://www.finegardening.com/
• North Dakota State Horticulture Society | https://www.facebook.com/NDSHS/
• Minnesota State Horticultural Society | https://www.facebook.com/mnhort/
• Monty Don | https://www.montydon.com/
• Garden Answer | https://www.youtube.com/c/gardenanswer

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

As you build out your yard and develop your garden, you'll inevitably find the need to put down some mulch to cover the ground and create pleasing areas around your growing spots.

In this episode, Don and John go over a few key points on mulch, edging and maintenence, including things to consider when choosing rock or mulch and how to prevent weeds.

Topics:

• 0:00 Intro
• 1:33 Today's topic: Mulching
• 2:12 Listener question: What is this powdery substance on my lilacs?
• 4:36 How ground cover has changed
• 9:42 Maitaining rock mulch
• 11:34 Preventing weeds with a pre-emergent herbicide
• 19:46 A disadvantage to rock mulch
• 21:07 Wood mulch; chips vs. shredded
• 23:52 The advantages and disadvantages of wood mulch
• 25:02 What to put underneath wood mulch
• 26:51 Tips for using cardboard under mulch
• 30:00 Wood vs. rock mulch
• 31:17 Rubber pellets
• 35:02 Edging

Will Tums help your tomatoes? Will anything grow under a black walnut tree?

In this week's episode, Jon and Don tackle some old wive's tales about garden and lawn care, dispelling some myths and giving you alternatives that work.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Climate change isn't just something that's happening on a global scale. In fact, you're likely to see effects literally in your own backyard.

In this episode, Don and John discuss the ways drought, warmer soil and invasive species could have an impact on your yard and garden.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Planning your yard might seem like a daunting task. What should it look like, and what plants should you invest in?

In this episode, Don and John have loads of useful advice and moral support for anyone looking to plan and create a beautiful yard and garden.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

The emerald ash borer is a small and rather beautiful-looking insect, but it has had a catastrophic effect on trees in communities across our region. What does it mean for your ash trees? Don and John go over everything you should know.

Plus, Don talks about some new developments at the Northern Plains Botanic Gardening Society (https://www.npbgs.org/)

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Your gardening tools have been neglected for too long. With spring around the corner, it's time to get them sharp and ready for use. Don and John go over some basic tips for maintaining your garden tools and discuss how to make sure your pesticides or fertilizers are ok for use after sitting all winter.

Also, after an unfortunate encounter with his snowblower, Don thinks we might have a vole problem in our region this spring.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Have you come down with what Don calls "houseplant fever?" Houseplants have exploded in popularity the past few years as new generations of growers realize the life they bring to your home, especially during our long winter months.

Don and John talk about the immense popularity of houseplants, some tips for their care and the benefits they bring to your health and wellness.

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"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

In this episode, Don and John talk about preventing rabbit damage and what you need to know about starting your seeds indoors. And, it's almost time to prune your apple trees.

"Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

Co-host John Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

To read Don's weekly gardening columns, visit The Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/don%20kinzler

Welcome to the first episode of "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast," a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest. In this episode, we introduce you to Don Kinzler, our gardening expert. Don is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, North Dakota, a lifelong gardener, and a trusted resource for gardeners throughout our region.

You'll also meet John Lamb, arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. John bought a house a few years ago and has taken up gardening, so he has a lot of questions for Don.

If you have a question for an upcoming episode of "Growing Together," email Don at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

You have questions, Growing Together has answers.

In this episode, Don and John open up the listener mailbag to hear what's vexing you in your garden. Plus, they share in a couple of listener successes.

If you have a question for Don Kinzler, send an email (with a photo, if possible) to donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

2:29 What's eating my tomatoes?
9:52 What's the best product for post-emergent weed control?
14:54 What's wrong with my baby oak trees?
20:51 White poinsettia success
23:38 How do I care for an apple tree still in the pot?
26:49 Why are leaves falling off my crabapple tree?
32:15 What is this horned caterpillar in my purslane?
37:07 Why is my plum tree bleeding sap?
38:57 Bergenia flower success
40:47 Should I order bare-root day lillies?
42:35 Can I prevent further harm to my storm-damaged tree?
46:01 When is the best time to prune maple trees?
49:23 Is this apple fungus?
52:38 How do I revive a neglected lawn?

If there's a favorite gardening activity of yours, chances are you'll be able to do it during the month of August.

In this episode, Don and John break down some of your main to-do items for the month of August, including fertilizing, weeding and dividing some perennials. You could likely start picking tomatoes or digging a few potatoes, too, and you might still be able to plant some radishes and greens.

Topics in this show:

0:00 Intro
2:03 Listener question: Slime molds
4:09 Grinding stumps for mulch
5:54 Introducing Samantha, NDSU Extension intern
7:56 Fertilizing annuals in late summer
9:11 Water soluable fertilizers on leaves
11:06 Deadheading 
12:53 Digging and dividing perennials
18:08 Fertilizing your lawn
21:36 Aerating and seeding your lawn
26:34 Weeding your lawn
29:39 Fall tree and shrub care and planting
32:41 Tomatoes
36:14 Early potato harvest
38:45 Things you can still plant
39:38 What to look for with squash
41:15 When to harvest onions
43:32 Checking in on your apples

As we enter the high summer season, you might be looking at your vegetables and wondering if they're coming along as well they should. 

In this episode, Don and John (and special guest Casey) take stock of midsummer vegetables and give you some tips on seeing them through to success.

Like the plants we love, conversations between gardeners often flower and flourish as we share knowledge and insight, and nowhere was this more apparent than this year's Red River Garden Tour.

In this episode, Don and John relive the highlights of the 2025 Garden Tour and invite you along to participate next year when area gardeners invite you into their yards to share their love of growing.

See more from this year's Red River Garden Tour here: https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/red-river-valley-garden-tour-opens-yards-to-the-public

(The Growing Together crew is taking some time off to enjoy the summer, so in the meantime, please enjoy this republished episode from August 2024.)

If you're excited by the idea of canning but feel unsure about where to start, this episode is made for you.

In this episode, Don and John sit down with Rita Ussatis, Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent at NDSU. With years of experience both practicing and teaching canning, Rita shares her wealth of knowledge to help you take that first step.

If you're the kind of gardener who runs out of room in your gardening, climbing and vining plants are an intriguing prospect.

In this episode, Don and John talk about growing up, not out, with vining and climbing plants.