Master Gardener Emily Clem talks with Jesse Akozbek whose passion for food foraging, along with his encyclopedic knowledge, is impressive. He talks about the concept of eco-culture, a blend of foraging and gardening. From acorns, hickory nuts, coneflowers, and American lotus, to name a few, Jesse gives a step-by-step guide for gathering and preparing good (and good for you) food from nature. He introduces his new foraging app - Gather - to help identify and safely forage plants. Besides being a fun and healthy practice, Jesse talks about the detachment many people feel with nature and how foraging helps reconnect them to their ecological roots. This podcast highlights many plants, recipes, and  tips on when and where it is legal to forage.

 Links:
https://feralforaging.com/
https://www.aces.edu/     (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://mastergerdeners-limestonecountyalabama.org/
https://www.alpl.org/

Have questions about this episode? Email: askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay     

Master Gardener Emily Clem talks with ACES Extension Agent, Brian Brown, about beneficial and non-beneficial weeds. He stresses that many weeds, often seen as nuisances, are actually beneficial. Clover, for example, adds vital nitrogen to the soil and attracts pollinators. In controlling invasive weeds, Brown recommends planting resistant varieties and modifying environmental conditions before resorting to chemical control. He suggests using pre-emergent herbicides for winter weeds and creating physical barriers for invasive species like bamboo. Kudzu, Bradford Pear trees, and Mimosa trees are some of the more invasive species, but the number one weed in our area is Chinese privet, and Brown offers several methods to remove it.

Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org/
https://www.alcpl.org/

Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay    

Master Gardener Soozi Pline talks with Jayne Luetzow, Regional Agent for Northwest Alabama Cooperative Extension office, about pruning. Step by step pruning techniques, including when to prune, why to prune, and what tools to use. A master class in pruning trees and shrubs with specific mentions of azaleas, hydrangeas, and roses, as well as a discussion of the controversial crepe 'murder' pruning technique. 

Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.alcpl.org/

The Athens-Limestone Public Library has a wide selection of books on local gardening
Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay     

Master Gardener Emily Clem talks with Master Beekeeper Bud Rogers about backyard beekeeping for the hobbyist. These busy pollinators are masters of efficiency and can make an amazing difference in the output of your backyard garden. They talk about how bees make honey and tips to avoid getting stung. Bud avidly promotes beekeeping as an accessible hobby with equipment adapted for people in wheelchairs or unable to lift heavy weights.  

Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org/
https://www.alcpl.org/

The Athens-Limestone Public Library has a selection of books on beekeeping and native plants. 
Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music and images from Pixabay      
      

Kate Gribbin, Recreation Manager, along with Hallie Porter, Development Director, and Jennifer Johnson, Master Gardener, highlight the new pollinator gardens of the North Alabama Land Trust. Started in 1987 as a means to keep development off Monte Sano Mountain, the Land Trust now covers 10 counties, 10,000 acres and has 10 nature preserves for education and recreation. With newly planted pollinator gardens at Blevins Gap and Harvest Square, they talk about the Land Trust's role in preserving our natural resources amidst North Alabama's increasing growth and expansion.

Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.landtrustnal.org/2023/04/17/northal-native-plants/
https://www.alcpl.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30c0WX-kOHI    (pollinator garden at Blevins Gap video)

The Athens-Limestone Public Library has a wide selection of books on native plants. 
Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay     

 Master Gardener, Emily Clem, welcomes Lynne Wenineger from Alabama A&M University. The curator of the herbarium at A&M, Lynne talks about the importance of collecting and preserving plants for study in the plant library. From gathering specimens in the field, to pressing, and cataloging, Alabama is the 4th ranked state in the US for biodiversity and several plant species are found nowhere else in the world.

Links:
http://floraofalabama.org/    (Alabama Plant Atlas)
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.alcpl.org/

Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay 

Master Gardener, Emily Clem, welcomes Travis Roddy of the International Crane Foundation. They talk about the cranes that winter here in North Alabama, including sandhill cranes and the endangered whooping cranes.

Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://savingcranes.org/  (International Crane Foundation)
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/wheeler  (Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge)
https://www.alcpl.org/

Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay     

Limestone County Master Gardeners Emily Clem and Soozi Pline talk about native plants that grow well in the North Alabama region.  They identify plants, season by season, that bloom and provide food for pollinators all year long. In the process of naturalizing their own home properties, Emily and Soozi identify which plants work for different sun and soil conditions. They agree that gardening is often trial and error and even Master Gardener experts make mistakes!

Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.landtrustnal.org/2023/04/17/northal-native-plants/
https://www.alcpl.org/

The Athens-Limestone Public Library has a wide selection of books on native plants. 
Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay    

Limestone County Master Gardener, Emily Clem, talks with Rhonda Britton, Former Home Grounds Agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension and current Campus Engineer at Auburn University's Research and Innovation Campus in Huntsville. Rhonda gives a step by step guide to growing shiitake mushrooms for home gardeners.

Links:
https://www.sweetgrownalabama.org/sga-members/626
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.alcpl.org/

 Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
 Music by Pixabay   

Limestone County Master Gardener, Emily Clem, talks with Kerry Steedley, Regional Extension Agent for Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources.  They discuss which native fruit and nut plants you can grow to produce food for both you and the Pollinators!

Books discussed in this episode and available at Athens-Limestone Public Library:

Bringing nature home : how you can sustain wildlife with native plants / Douglas W. Tallamy
Native plants of the Southeast : a comprehensive guide to the best 460 species for the garden / Larry Mellichamp 

                     Links:
https://www.izelplants.com/  (native plant resource)
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.alcpl.org/

 Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
 Music by Pixabay     

Springtime in the garden!  Master Gardeners give planting and pruning guides for April and May. From flowers, grasses, and shrubs to veggies, fruits, and nuts, find out when to plant as well as how to fertilize and deter pests. Garden Tip: It's better to water deeply and less frequently to establish good root systems in new plants before the hot summer weather sets in!

  Links
https://www.aces.edu/
http://mg.aces.edu/
https://www.alcpl.org/

If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org   
Music from Pixabay   

Everything you need to know about what to do in your garden as we transition from winter to spring! Master Gardeners Diane and Heronda give planting and pruning guides for February and March. Tip:  After getting some long-awaited nice weather days, don't be fooled into planting early because it can frost into late March / early April here in North Alabama. 

  Links
https://www.aces.edu/
http://mg.aces.edu/
https://www.alcpl.org/

If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org   
Music from Pixabay  

Master Gardener Emily Clem talks with Urban Regional Extension Agent, Marcus Garner, about garden pest management. He talks about specific pests (aphids, hornworms, fire ants, Japanese beetles, deer) and how to control them using organic methods. From soap and water, oils, hand picking methods, even using strong smelling plants, there are natural ways to control pests. If insecticides are used, Marcus stresses the importance of Personal Protective Equipment and following directions on the label. Regarding weeds, it's all about early detection. He strongly recommends spending time in your garden daily to inspect plants for pests and other damage before they become a big problem.

Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org/
https://www.alcpl.org/

Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay   

If you think of winter as a dormant time in your garden, think again! Winter is prime time to plant trees and shrubs. Master Gardeners Janis and Janet talk about what to do during December and January to keep your garden in top shape.  Topics include weed control, soil testing, hardy annuals, and Spring bulbs. 

  Links
https://www.aces.edu/
http://mg.aces.edu/
https://www.alcpl.org/

If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org   
Music from Pixabay 

Fall is planting time! Master Gardeners Carol and Jay talk about how to winterize your garden and what to plant to enhance winter curb appeal. They also give tips on fall veggies, spring bulbs, and perennials for both sun and shade. Bonus: Jay goes in depth on caring for knock out roses and crepe myrtles.

 Links
https://www.aces.edu/
http://mg.aces.edu/
https://www.alcpl.org/

If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org   
Music from Pixabay

Master Gardeners Emily and Diane talk about native plants as a lawn substitute, small ornamental trees for your front yard, and foundation plants that resist disease. Also, how to rake your leaves in the fall. Spoiler alert: Don't! August and September garden tips.

Links
https://www.aces.edu/
http://mg.aces.edu/
https://www.alcpl.org/

 If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org  

Master Gardeners of Limestone County, Alabama talk about how to care for your garden in June and July. They also answer questions from local residents about weeding, lawn care, and the importance of choosing the right plant for the right place.

Links
https://www.aces.edu/
http://mg.aces.edu/
https://www.alcpl.org/

 If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org 

Limestone County Extension coordinator, Chris Becker, and Master Gardener, Janis Dill, talk about environmentally conscious ways to control pests in gardens in Limestone County, Alabama.

Links
https://www.aces.edu/
mg.aces.edu
https://www.alcpl.org/

 If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org 

The Master Gardeners of Limestone County, Alabama talk about ways they are engaging the community in how to grow better gardens and cultivate healthy lifestyles with their programs.

Links
www.aces.edu
mg.aces.edu
www.alcpl.org

 If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org 

An overview of the Limestone County Extension program and the ways its outreach impacts one in three Alabamians with programs in agriculture; forestry, wildlife, and natural resources; family and consumer sciences; economic and community development; 4-H and youth development; and urban affairs.

Links
www.aces.edu
mg.aces.edu
www.alcpl.org

 If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org 

Limestone County Extension coordinator, Chris Becker, talks about pruning and knowing when and how to prune to promote healthy growth on plants and trees in Limestone County, Alabama.

Links
www.aces.edu
mg.aces.edu
www.alcpl.org

 If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org 

Limestone County Extension coordinator, Chris Becker, talks about the importance of soil testing and how to amend it for the best plant and vegetable produce in gardens of Limestone County, Alabama.

Links
www.aces.edu
mg.aces.edu
www.alcpl.org

 If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org 

Master Gardeners of Limestone County, Alabama identify native plants that you can plant to attract birds and bees and beneficial bugs to your home garden. They offer tips on where to buy plants and how to landscape with native species. 

Links
www.aces.edu
mg.aces.edu
www.alcpl.org

 If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org 

Master Gardener Emily Clem talks with North Alabama Extension Agent, Brian Brown about plant irrigation. Alabama gets 50-60 inches of rain yearly, but not always when plants need it. Brian covers both spray and drip irrigation systems and recommends smart controllers. Drip irrigation helps prevent plant disease and is also cost effective. He gives a step by step guide on a set up that can cost as little $50 for a basic system. Hint: save your tuna cans, they are the exact size to measure one inch of water, which is the weekly recommendation for watering your garden.

Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.alcpl.org/

Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay  

The Master Gardeners of Limestone County Alabama talk about how to rid your garden of invasive species and introduce native plants that are environmentally friendly and easier to grow.

Sources and links mentioned in the podcast:

Nonnative Invasive Plants of Southern Forests: a field guide for identification and control can be downloaded from the usda.gov website.
To find native plants by zip code: Native Plants Finder (www.nwf.org)
Alabama Invasive Plants Council: ALIPC (se-eppc.org)
Alabama Extension: www.aces.edu
Master Gardener Extension:  mg.aces.edu
Athens Limestone County Public Library:  www.alcpl.org

If you have gardening questions, please submit to gotquestions@alcpl.org

Master Gardener Emily Clem talks with Extension Agent, Allyson Shabel, about plant propagation. They discuss the different ways gardeners can get new plants from their already established home or neighbor gardens. Highlighting the technique of plant cuttings, seeds, and plant layering, Allyson gives details about the best practices and tools to give new plants the best start. 

 Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.alcpl.org/

Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay 

Master Gardeners Emily Clem and Kathy Cook give a tour of The Library Garden. Designed by landscape architect, Carol Lambdin, the garden  includes raised beds, a butterfly garden, a wet area, and shaded sections. Now three years old, the garden is full of native trees, plants and edibles, and visitors are encouraged to take home berries and veggies in season. In addition, the garden has become a great home for insects and a few resident birds. Kids of all ages enjoy the grassy area, bubble rock fountains and winding footpaths. Volunteers are always welcome to help maintain the garden.

 Links:
https://mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org/
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.alcpl.org/

Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay       

Master Gardeners Emily Clem and Kathy Cook talk about the benefits of composting. Gardeners with clay soil know it needs a lot of amendment for growing plants. Kathy gives easy to follow, step by step instructions for both new and experienced growers. A great way to recycle kitchen scraps and yard scraps, and it's also therapeutic. So good for the soil and good for the soul! 

 Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.alcpl.org/

Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay      

Master Gardener Emily Clem has a conversation with Toby Gray about the value of oak trees. As the Plant Recorder for the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Toby talks about the variety of oaks and their place in the ecosystem. With the newer trend in landscaping encouraging native plants and wildlife, oaks play a significant role in providing food for both insects and animals.  He also talks about the best way to cultivate an oak for home landscapes.  

Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.alcpl.org/

Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay      

Master Gardeners Emily Clem and Melissa Kirkindall talk about hummingbirds. Melissa has years of experience studying hummingbirds and talks about the different species, their migration, habitats, feeding, and what plants attract them to backyard bird enthusiasts. With nests the size of a walnut, the smallest hummer fits on the tip of an eraser and the largest measures eight and a half inches long! More fascinating facts in this podcast!

Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.alcpl.org/

The Athens-Limestone Public Library has a wide selection of books on local gardening and birding
Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay     

Master Gardener Emily Clem talks with horticulturist, Katrina Mitchell, from the Huntsville Botanical Gardens about Alabama's endemic plants. With its diverse ecosystem of mountains, plateaus, valleys, rivers and glades, Alabama boasts over 3000 native plant species. Among those are over 28 endemic plants that grow only in Alabama and nowhere else in the world. Identifying, locating, and conserving these rare and often endangered plants are the topics of this podcast. 

 Links:
https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)
https://www.alcpl.org/

The Athens-Limestone Public Library has a wide selection of books on local gardening
Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay