What is the secret to delicious hot sauce? Hot peppers or chilies? How many species of Capsicum are cultivated for their spicy fruits? What qualities are worth seeking when purchasing a grow light? These questions answered and so much more as the ChilliChump shares the spicy details about all things Capsicum!

Opening tune: Solanaceae by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Shaun (ChilliChump) connections:

main page: https://chillichump.com/

seed shop: https://chillichumpseeds.com/

awesome software: https://seedsio.com/

videos: https://www.youtube.com/chillichump

Craig LeHoullier shares profound insights into the world of tomato growing, breeding and tasting!

Opening tune: Solanaceae by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Craig LeHoullier's Links:

Craig's website and blog: https://www.craiglehoullier.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nctomatoman/

https://victoryseeds.com/

What are some differences between flour, flint, dent, sweet and pop corn? How can you reliably save your own corn seeds? Why should you consider saving seeds and selecting for your bio-region?

In this episode Don Tipping (of Siskiyou Seeds) shares stories, histories, growing insights and experiences that he has amassed throughout his adventures with Zea mays (corn)!

Opening tune: Vegetable Canon by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

To reach Don Tipping and view his amazing works:

https://www.siskiyouseeds.com/

Can you grow onions on a roof? Which species of Allium can be harvested all winter long? What do you call a plant that is beautiful, tasty and attractive to pollinators?

In this episode I was joined by the extreme salad and onion man, Stephen Barstow, to explore the amazingly diverse Allium genus.

Opening tune: Vegetable Canon by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

How to reach Stephen, view some of his work and gorgeous Allium photos:

Stephen's blog: edimentals.com

Edimentals on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/273637002647408

Youtube video of The Allium Garden Chicago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n6Ucq3tlHo

The Allium garden at Ringve (Chicago): https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10156846106840860

KVANN's World Garden and other collections at Væres Venner: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10158907489285860

Edimentalliums (Allium 2012-2021): https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150966880345860.471791.655215859

The Edible Garden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVkv8ghbcNY

Norwegian Seed Savers: kvann.no

KVANN (Norwegian Seed Savers) Allium guild on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/413417636047520

Are sweet and hot peppers the same species? What is the Scoville scale? In which growing conditions do Capsicum annuum plants flourish? Can you save your own pepper seeds?

This episode is an introduction to Capsicum annuum!

Opening tune: Vegetable Canon by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

References:

https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170108/nutrients

https://peppergeek.com/how-to-store-pepper-seeds/

https://www.ishs.org/ishs-article/288_24

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/capsicum-annuum

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-the-scoville-scale#the-origins-of-the-scoville-scale

What is orach? How closely is it related to quinoa? What does Atriplex hortensis taste like?

This episode is the second half of a conversation with Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seeds. He shares inspiring insights into world of Atriplex hortensis and Chenopodium quinoa!

Frank's seed selections: https://www.wildgardenseed.com/

Opening tune: Amaranthaceae by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Is quinoa a high protein food? How much seed can one plant be expected to produce? What processing is required to obtain these delicious and nutritious seeds? Are you seeking a natural shampoo? Look no further, Chenopodium quinoa is all that and so much more!

This episode is part one of a two part conversation with Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seed Company about all things quinoa!

Frank Morton: https://www.wildgardenseed.com

Opening tune: Amaranthaceae by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Beetroot, spinach beets, Swiss chard, sugar beets, mangel wurzel and fodder beets are all the same species?! Which plant is the wild ancestor of this widely cultivated vegetable? What is mangel wurzel? Why should you consider growing and incorporating Beta vulgaris into your diet?

Opening tune: Amaranthaceae by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

References:

https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Beta_vulgaris.html

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353802475_Evolution_of_Root_Morphology_in_Table_Beet_Historical_and_Iconographic

https://www.betterhensandgardens.com/growing-mangel-beets-for-chickens/

https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Beta_vulgaris.html

https://www.seedsavers.org/grow-beet

https://www.nutritionadvance.com/beet-greens-nutrition-benefits/

What nutritional benefits make amaranth a potential super food? Aside from striking beauty, why ought you consider growing Amaranthus spp in your garden? How is amaranth historically significant? What species of Amaranthus are most commonly grown and which for what purpose? In this episode I was joined in conversation by Dr. Rob Myers to disscuss all things Amaranthus!

Dr. Rob Myers' book is called Amaranth: An Ancient Grain and Exceptionally Nutritious Food

Amaranth non-profit network: http://www.amaranthinstitute.org

Opening tune: Amaranthacea by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

What is the difference between 'smooth' and 'savoy' leaf spinach? What ought you consider when choosing which Spinacia oleracea cultivars to grow? In which growing conditions does spinach thrive? This episode explores some of the particularities of this popular member of the Amaranthacea family!

Opening tune: Amaranthacea by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

References:

Ribera, A., van Treuren, R., Kik, C. et al. On the origin and dispersal of cultivated spinach (Spinacia

oleracea L.) https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-020-01042-y

https://www.seedsavers.org/grow-spinach

What is the compound in the oil of Nepeta cateria that makes it such an effective insect repellent? How were higher essential oil yielding catnip plants developed? What has the research concluded about the effectiveness and potential for this herb? How can you grow it at home for yourself, your pollinators and your feline friends to enjoy? I was joined by William Reichert to explore all things Nepeta cataria!

To contact William Reichert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-reichert-ph-d-053565169/

The Rutgers lab with which he did this work: https://newuseag.rutgers.edu/

William Reichert's dissertation (breeding and nepetalactone repellent efficacy): https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/60974/

Opening tune: Botanical Berceuse by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Magnoliaceae evolved flowers before the emergence of bees, how did this shape its pollination strategies? What makes the Magnolia flower perfect? In which growing conditions does Magnolia officinalis flourish? What compound gives M.officinalis essential oil its distinctive aroma? This episode is a brief introduction to a fascinating, ancient, historically significant tree.

Intro tune: Botanical Berceuse by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

References:

Magnolia Pollination:

https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/garden-scoop/2018-05-05-magnolia-pollination

New Insights into Breeding and Propagating Magnolias. Thomas Ranney and Dominic Gillooly,

Department of Horticultural Science, Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and

Extension Center, North Carolina State University:

https://mcilab.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/ranney-and-gillooly-2014.pdf?fwd=no

Phenolic Constituents from the Stem Bark of Magnolia officinalis:

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/np800494e

Magnolol: A multifunctional compound isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant

Magnolia officinalis, European Journal of Integrative Medicine:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2011.09.002

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382011001405

Neuroprotective effect of honokiol and magnolol, compounds from Magnolia officinalis, on beta-amyloid-induced toxicity in PC12 cells: https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3178

In this episode we take a shallow dive into wetland terminology!

Intro tune: Waterplant Waltz by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Resources:

http://www.wetlandpolicy.ca

https://www.ducks.ca/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/

Vine or bine? What parts of Humulus lupulus are edible? Why are hops added to beer? What are alpha and beta acids? In this episode Nathan Vadeboncoeur shares fascinating insights, history and the science of hops growing and brewing!

To learn more about Nathan's terroir brewery: https://projecthop.beer/

or follow projecthop on Instagram

Opening tune: Botanical Berceuse by Carmen Porter (https://carrmenporter.com)

Is the flavor of Passiflora incarnata fruit reminiscent of other species of passion fruits? What other parts of the plant are edible? Does maypop require trellising? What are ideal growing conditions? In this episode I am joined by Nate Kleinman of the Experimental Farm Network to talk about all thing Passiflora incarnata. He shares his insights and experience from seed collection and planting through to harvesting and processing.

To learn more or get involved with the Experimental Farm Network:

https://www.experimentalfarmnetwork.org/

To purchase seeds and browse their catalogue:

https://store.experimentalfarmnetwork.org/ or EFNseeds.com

To view another fascinating project in which Nate is involved:

https://www.coopgardens.org/

Intro tune: Botanical Berceuse by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Which chamomlie is typically used to make a soothing herbal brew? What garden conditions are required for chamomile to flourish? Throughout history chamomiles have been used extensively medicinally, cosmetically and aesthetically. In this episode we'll take a look at Matricaria recutita (syn. M. chamomlia) and Chamaemelum nobile (syn. Anthemis nobilis), both known commonly as chamomile.

Opening and closing music: Botanical Berceuse by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

References:

Singh, Ompal et al. “Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): An overview.” Pharmacognosy reviews

vol. 5,9 (2011): 82-95. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.79103

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210003/

https://heritagegarden.uic.edu/german-chamomile-matricaria-recutita

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/chamomile

Lavender is the common name given to a few species of the Lavandula genus. Each has different uses and dominant compounds. What are the most commonly grown species and how do they differ? How closely are they related? Which has the best flavor for cooking? What are their dominant compounds? How does this affect the aroma of their essential oil?

Opening tune: Botanical Berceuse by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

References:

Renata Prusinowska, Krzysztof B. Śmigielski, Composition, biological properties and therapeutic effects of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.). A review. http://www.herbapolonica.pl/articles/view/1346

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/eucalyptol

Iman Bajalan., (2015) Chemical composition of lavandin essential oil (Case study: Borujerd from Iran). J. Appl. Sci. & Agric., http://www.aensiweb.com/old/jasa/rjfh/2015/March%202015/12-14.pdf

Insawang S, Pripdeevech P, Tanapichatsakul C, Khruengsai S, Monggoot S, Nakham T, Artrod A, D'Souza PE, Panuwet P. (2019) Essential Oil Compositions and Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Five Lavandula stoechas Cultivars Grown in Thailand. Chem Biodivers. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.201900371

M. M. Barazandeh (2002) Essential Oil Composition of Lavandula latifolia Medik from Iran, Journal of Essential Oil Research, doi: 10.1080/10412905.2002.9699784

https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/a-helpful-guide-to-buying-your-lavender-essential-oil.html

https://www.lavenderwind.com/lavender-essential-oils/

What makes lemon balm smell so good? Why is it called Melissa officinalis? What growing conditions does it prefer? Is it related to mint? What are some ways to enjoy this delightful herb?

Opening tune: Botanical Berceuse by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/melissa-officinalis

Abolfazl Shakeri, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Behjat Javadi. Melissa officinalis L. – A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 188, 2016

https://www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com/articles/study-of-genetic-diversity-in-lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis-l-populations-based-on-morphological-traits-and-essential-o.pdf

What is the latest research regarding squash bee flower preferences, range expansion and morphology? Where did squash bees and most of the Cucurbita spp. that we grow originate? How can you encourage these amazing native bees to pollinate your squash? Dr Margarita Lopez-Uribe shares her extensive knowledge!

To see more of the fantastic research projects being conducted at her lab: https://lopezuribelab.com/

To contact her directly: mml64@psu.edu

Opening tune: Beeloved by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Shannon shares insights into the amazing diversity of wonderful, Cucurbitaceae heirloom varieties! We explore open pollinated squash, melon, cucumber and watermelon varieties that have been developed and grown all over the world.

Baker Creek Seed Company: www.rareseeds.com

Opening tune: 'Beeloved' by Carmen Porter (www.carmenporter.com)

What is the difference between a hybrid and an heirloom? How can you ensure that your saved squash seeds will grow true to the parent plant? Seed saving is the reclaiming of seed sovereignty!

Opening tune: 'Beeloved' by Carmen Porter (www.carmenporter.com)

References:

https://www.seedsavers.org/site/pdf/grow-save-squash.pdf

https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/tools-supplies/seed-storage-guide.html?q=seed%20viability

How do the different Cucurbita species indicate ripeness? Subtle cues signal that the time is right for harvest. What is squash curing? Under optimal conditions, Cucurbita spp can be enjoy all winter!

Opening song: Beeloved by Carmen Porter (www.carmenporter.com)

References:

https://www.nda.agric.za/docs/Brochures/PG_Squash.pdf

Introducing three common, North American, pest insects that love squash as much as I do! When do they emerge? Where do they lay their eggs? What problems can they cause if their populations are high? What can be done to reduce their numbers?

Opening song: Beeloved by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

References:

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/VEG/BEAN/striped_cucumber_beetle.html

https://extension.psu.edu/why-are-my-cucurbits-wilting

https://ipm.illinois.edu/diseases/rpds/926.pdf

https://rodaleinstitute.org/science/articles/verification-of-parasitism-of-striped-cucumber-beetles-and-bacterial-wilt-of-cucurbits-using-molecular-analyses/

https://www.thomas.k-state.edu/lawnandgarden/docs/squashbugs.pdf

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/squash-bug-anasa-tristis/

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/leaf/squash_bug.htm

https://extension.psu.edu/squash-vine-borer

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/leaf/squash_vine_borer.htm

In this episode Andrew Millison shares some his knowledge and adventures. His extensive travels and teaching experience give him unique insights into the workings of water systems.

Opening music: Waterplant Waltz by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Linking up with Andrew Millison:

Andrew's website: https://www.andrewmillison.com/

Andrew's awesome YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgb_TbreMgfDdLKkr4yYJHw

Permaculture Water Summit: https://permaculturesummit.online/

Oregon State University Permaculture Design Course: https://workspace.oregonstate.edu/osu-permaculture-design

When are the optimal conditions for Cucurbita seed germination? What location characteristics are favorable for planting squash? Is indoor or direct seeding right for your situation? Keep records!

Opening tune: 'Beeloved' by Carmen Porter

Contact at https://carmenporter.com

Squash and mastodons? Do bumble and honey bees collect Cucurbit pollen? What does some of the current research suggest about the history of squash distribution and Cucurbit bee (Peponapis pruinosa) habitat expansion?

Opening and closing tune: 'Beeloved' by Carmen Porter

References:

Logan Kistler, Lee A. Newsom, Timothy M. Ryan, Andrew C. Clarke, Bruce D. Smith, George H. Perry. Gourds and squashes (Cucurbita spp.) adapted to megafaunal extinction and ecological anachronism through domestication. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Dec 2015

Brochu, K.K., van Dyke, M.T., Milano, N.J. et al. Pollen defenses negatively impact foraging and fitness in a generalist bee (Bombus impatiens: Apidae). Scientific Reports 10, Article 3112 (2020)

Horticulture Seminar Series Fall 2020: Margarita Lopez-Uribe, Penn State University: https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/1_1k6dxy8h

Cucurbitacin: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cucurbitacin

Meet Peponapis pruinosa (Eastern cucurbit bee or squash bee)! This native bee is the most efficient pollinator for the Cucurbita genus (squash). Where do they nest? What is their life cycle? How can you encourage them to live in your garden?

The opening tune is called 'Beeloved' by Carmen Porter. It is available for listening at https://carmenporter.com and on all streaming platforms.

References:

Mathewson, John A. (1968), Nest Construction and Life History of the Eastern Cucurbit Bee, Peponapis pruinosa (Hymenoptera: Apoidea), Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society, Vol. 41, No.2.

Paul D. Hurd, Jr., E. Gorton Linsley, and A. E. Michelbache (1974), Ecology of the Squash and Gourd Bee,Peponapis pruinosa, on CultivatedCucurbits in California(Hymenoptera: Apoidea), Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, Number 168.

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/57679-Peponapis-pruinosa

Cucurbitaceae is a family with many familiar and tasty members. In anticipation of the first tune, this episode will focus on the Cucurbita genus. What are the most commonly grown species of the Cucurbita genus? And (briefly) what differentiates them from each other?

If you want to chat about squash, hit contact at https://carmenporter.com/

What is bionomial nomenclature? Why is it important? What is a taxonomic hierarchy? This episode offers a brief yet practical introduction to the scientific classification system of living organisms. Did you know that there is a spider named after Johnny Cash? We'll touch on that too.

If you have any favorite scientific names or stories, sent them my way at https://carmenporter.com/

Welcome to Song and Plants! In this episode we will explore the why and how this podcast came to be and what to expect moving forward!

For more songs, plants, videos and smiles visit me at https://carmenporter.com

What are beneficial ways of keeping water onsite to build a lush habitat for humans and wildlife? How can you locate the best spot to construct a pond in your landscape? What indicators can give hints about existing subterranean water systems? When is the best time to shape your land for water retention?

From cold plunges, land regeneration, habitat diversification, climate resilience, soundscape enhancement to intense beauty and entertainment, water nurtures living systems. In this episode Ben Falk of Whole Systems Design shares profound insights into the workings and wonders of water systems!

Opening tune: Waterplant Waltz by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

To contact Ben Falk, see more of his glorious work, register for courses or order his brilliant book (The Resilient Farm and Homestead):

https://www.wholesystemsdesign.com/

What is forest beer? How can you collect a yeast starter from the wild? Can lacto-fermentation be successful with little to no brine?

We are surrounded by wild food! In this episode Pascal Baudar shares profound insights into the world of wildcrafting cuisine. His knowlege regarding traditional preservation methods, combined with his passion for flavour, kindles creative and exciting ways to make use of abundant, invasive plants!

Opening tune: Waterplant Waltz by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Pascal Baudar:

The forager and courses: https://www.urbanoutdoorskills.com

His pottery: https://www.pascalbaudarceramics.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pascalbaudar/

https://www.instagram.com/wildcraftedceramics/

How are nettles prepared and eaten traditionally? Which are some tasty wild water plants and what considerations insure safe harvest? How can learning the plant families facilitate developing identification skills and expand culinary possibilities?

Alan Bergo explores foraging and the incredible culinary potential of wild plants!

Opening tune: Waterplant Waltz by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Alan Bergo amazing website:

https://foragerchef.com/

Alan Bergo's book 'Flora' in Sam Thayer's shop:

https://www.foragersharvest.com/store/c2/Books

How long have humans been cultivating peas? What types of Pisum sativum are best for your garden? At which temperatures do peas thrive?

This episode is all about Pisum sativum in less than 5 minutes!

Opening tune: Vegetable Canon by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

References:

https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_pisa6.pdf

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/nypmctn13507.pdf

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/pea

https://www.britannica.com/science/nitrogen-fixing-bacteria

Are sweet potatoes related to potatoes? What are some root colors other than orange? What do you need to know before growing Ipomoea batatas in your garden?

In this episode I was joined by Kate Garvie of Heartbeet farm to discuss all things Ipomoea batatas!

Opening tune: Vegetable Canon by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Where to learn more about and reach Kate:

kate@heartbeetfarm.ca

https://heartbeetfarm.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/heartbeetf

https://instagram.com/heartbeet_farm?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

The EFAO farmer led research program:

https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/EFAO-Sweet-Potatoes-2020-final-audio.pdf

How does a seedless watermelon grow from a seed? Are watermelon seeds edible? Where did Citrullus lanatus originate?

This episode is all about Citrullus lanatus (watermelon)!

Opening tune: Vegetable Canon by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

References:

https://cucurbitbreeding.wordpress.ncsu.edu/watermelon-breeding/seedless-watermelon-breeding/

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2101486118

http://www.sci-news.com/genetics/kordofan-melon-genome-09692.html

https://watermelontimes.com/watermelon-history/

https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/watermelon/infos

https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2020/7/watermelon-DT/

https://www.seedsavers.org/grow-watermelon

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/citrullus

What is a land race? How is promiscuous pollination different from open pollinated? How do you maintain diversity over multiple seasons? Can a land race be scaled down successfully to flourish in a home garden? Does Joseph Lofthouse sing beautifully? All this and so much more in this episode of Song and Plants!

Opening tune: Solanaceae by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

Awesome links:

https://goingtoseed.org/

https://lofthouse.com/