Explore every episode of the podcast The Dirt on Gardening
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Weather Gardening Tips: How to Protect Plants from Frost and Freeze | 25 Feb 2026 | 01:00:01 | |
A major cold snap is pushing freezing temperatures deep into warm climates—bringing serious frost and freeze risk for gardens, fruit trees, and container plants. In this episode of the Dirt on Gardening Podcast, Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist (Derek) share practical cold weather gardening tips to help you protect plants from frost damage, hard freezes, and sustained cold. Support Our Sponsors: | |||
| Seed Starting, Sans Stress: Kicking Off Season 2 | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:58:34 | |
We’re back! In our Season 2 premiere, the three of us shake off some live-stream rust, catch up on travel, family news, and what’s sprouting in our lives and gardens. Then we dive into practical, no‑stress seed starting: start something you love, use your planting calendar, mind your media, keep lights close, and don’t fear a little failure. We talk germination triggers, damping off, fans for sturdier seedlings, when to pull domes and heat mats, how much daily light to give (often 14–16 hours), and making that tricky handoff from tray to garden. We also share what we’re growing this year—Andre’s finally tackling rice and kiwano; Derek’s dreaming gourds and uncommon mints; Gray’s running back Korean melons and firing up Gaillardia ‘Goblin’—plus a nifty sphagnum‑moss propagation box. We swap tips for protecting seedlings in cold snaps (thermal mass, wind shelter, grouping) and even wander into food hot‑takes (raisins? chocolate + fruit?) and the lore of perpetual stew. It’s a lively, learning‑packed kickoff to the season.
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| Don’t Prune Yet! Post‑Freeze Playbook + Indoor Homestead Projects | 04 Mar 2026 | 01:01:46 | |
We’re live with Andre the Farmer, Gray (Urban Gardening with Gray), and Derek (The Chocolate Botanist) talking winter-damaged gardens, small‑space wins, and a big announcement: Gray’s new YouTube series “Q&A with Gray” debuts on the Botanical Interests channel. We swap freeze‑recovery strategies for fruit trees (wait to prune until you’re safely past frost), what to do with flopped annuals, and seed‑starting tips for herbs like rosemary. We also field live questions on mangos after frost and which herbs are truly “easy” depending on your watering style and climate. Indoors and off‑grid, we dive into homestead projects you can do right now: shaking up homemade butter (heavy cream, optional salt/honey, then rinse and pack), simple alcohol‑based extractions/tinctures for teas and DIY, and our top “survival crops.” Gray picks potatoes, beans, and spinach for calories, nitrogen, and storage; Derek goes loofah (cleaning + barter), mint (teas), and a sweetener crop; Andre opts for sweet potatoes (plus edible greens), longevity spinach, and a long‑keeper like squash. We touch on ube/yams and Florida’s invasive winged yam/air potato, and close with community notes, including PlantCon Houston in April. Drop your questions in the comments for next week’s show!
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| Freeze Fallout, GMO Facts, and the Weirdest Plant Truths You Didn’t Know | 10 Mar 2026 | 01:02:35 | |
In this episode of The Dirt on Gardening, join us for a lively, wide-ranging conversation on weird and wonderful plant facts—and real-world garden recovery after Florida’s rare deep freeze. We share firsthand observations of mangoes, bananas, lychees, and avocados taking a hard hit, what to expect from bananas rebounding next season, and why this year might be a lighter workload in my orchard. From there, we dive into myths and truths about GMOs (papaya history in Hawaii, “Roundup Ready” context, and separating tools from companies), the psychology and history of tobacco and smoking culture, and fun clarifications like why baby carrots are a marketing win, the portobello–button mushroom connection, and how cilantro and Brussels sprouts taste can be genetic. We also explore plant science nuggets—corn as grass/seed/fruit, nuts vs. legumes (peanuts, cashews, coconuts), space-grown potatoes, gravitropism vs. geotropism, and a quick primer on aeroponics. Listener Q&A covers fungus gnats in water-rooted garlic, timing sweet potato slips, zone-based mango tips, and growing jackfruit and hibiscus sabdariffa (sorrel). Plus, we shout out community stories, swaps, and upcoming guest Tiffany from Thrive Roots next. | |||
| From NPK to Microbes: Building Healthier Roots (and Fewer Gnats) | 17 Mar 2026 | 01:01:14 | |
In this episode of The Dirt on Gardening, we’re joined by Tiffany Davis, creator of Thryve Roots, for a lively deep-dive into soil health. We unpack the basics of NPK (nitrogen for leafy growth, phosphorus for roots/flowers, potassium for overall vigor), why nutrient mobility matters after heavy rains, and how soil amendments and microbes improve nutrient uptake and water retention without encouraging overwatering. We also touch on pollinator-friendly practices, terpene profiles, and practical propagation tips using moss and amendments. Beyond the science, we swap weekend stories—from unexpected wildlife on the golf course to campus talks at NC State—and answer rapid-fire community questions: fungus gnat control with BTI “tea,” propagating woody cuttings (including cherries), and dialing in seed-starting mixes with coco coir, peat, and perlite. By the end, you’ll have a clearer roadmap for balancing fertilizers with amendments and a teaser for part two on often-overlooked micronutrients.
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| Homesteading for Real: Start Small, Plan Smart, and Grow from There | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:01:35 | |
In this lively episode of The Dirt on Gardening, I’m joined by Andre, Gray, and our special guest Rashad of Afya Farms for a deep dive into modern homesteading—what it really takes, how to start small, and why planning matters. We chat weekend adventures, community shout-outs, and Rashad’s path from houseplants to a thriving, animal-powered homestead in Atlanta. Rashad breaks down efficient meat sources (rabbits vs. chickens), predator pressures, low-maintenance crops, storing food for the off-season, and practical first steps for aspiring homesteaders—from container gardening and tomatoes for canning to soap-making and sourdough. We also tackle squash struggles (powdery mildew tips included), quail vs. chickens for small spaces, the realities of land size, and the importance of creating multiple income streams to sustain the lifestyle. Plus, a quick tour of favorite crops (asparagus wins for patience) and houseplants (hello, monstera!). Support Our Sponsors: | |||
| Nutrients, Fertilizers, Microbes, Living Soil and Manure | 24 Mar 2026 | 01:00:49 | |
In this lively episode of the Dirt on Gardening, we're joined by special guest Nate from Classy Rabbit to continue our deep-dive into plant nutrition—especially the often-overlooked micronutrients. We swap weekend updates (RIP to a towering mango, congrats on Gray’s upcoming Home Depot miniseries, and Derek’s studio reset), then dive into practical, myth-busting guidance on NPK vs. micros, fertilizer antagonism, diagnosing leaf symptoms (like purpleing from potassium/magnesium issues), and why soil biology and structure must come first. Nate explains why rabbit manure is a standout “cold” amendment, how to use and even grind it for faster availability, and the importance of complete, carbon-rich mixes that support microbial life. We tackle real-world questions on sulfur water, chloramine in tap water, coffee grounds, alocasia potting mix, baby shampoo vs. dish soap for pests, and more—while keeping it playful and straight to the poop. Support Our Sponsors: | |||
| Off-Grid Living in Hawaii: Rainwater Harvesting, Solar Power, Food Forests & Homesteading Reality | 28 Apr 2026 | 01:01:16 | |
What does it really take to live off-grid in Hawaii? In this episode of The Dirt on Gardening, we’re joined by special guest Jah (Mr. OffGrider), who shares his real-world experience building a self-sufficient lifestyle on the Big Island. Since 2019, Jah has been developing raw land into a functional off-grid homestead—starting with tents and machetes, and eventually building a shipping container home powered by solar energy and rainwater harvesting systems. He breaks down the challenges of managing moisture, preventing mold, and adapting to Hawaii’s unique climate conditions. We dive deep into food production and sustainable gardening, including growing sweet potatoes, collard greens, corn, and establishing a tropical food forest with bananas, coconuts, starfruit, and red Brazilian pineapples. Jah also shares insights on drought conditions, pest control, and the reality of supplementing food with long market trips. This episode also covers:
Keywords (for SEO): off-grid living Hawaii, homesteading Hawaii, rainwater harvesting system, solar off-grid home, tropical food forest, permaculture gardening, growing sweet potatoes, air layering vs grafting, sustainable living podcast, self-sufficiency tips Support Our Sponsors: | |||
| Mycorrhizae Explained: Soil Fungi, Mushroom Myths, Composting & Garden Biology Basics | 21 Apr 2026 | 01:00:10 | |
This throwback episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast (Season 1, Episode 32) brings us together—Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist—for a fun, wide-ranging conversation that blends real-life gardening with deep dives into soil fungi, mycorrhizae, and garden biology. We kick things off with weekend updates—building new metal raised beds, discovering surprise pineapples, and even saving eggshells in Talenti containers—before diving into the fascinating science of mycorrhizal fungi. We break down what mycorrhizae are, how they help plant roots access water and nutrients, and why adding inoculants can be inconsistent outdoors but more effective in controlled or indoor growing environments. From there, we explore the wild side of fungi, including cordyceps (“zombie ant” fungi), mushroom foraging myths, and massive underground fungal networks. We also tackle practical gardening questions like whether mushrooms in your soil are good or bad, and how to think about building healthy, living soil systems. This episode is packed with practical tips, including:
We wrap things up by inviting you to help shape the future of the show—send us your questions, ideas, and topics for our season finale and beyond. Whether you're into soil health, fungi, composting, or beginner gardening, this episode mixes science, humor, and hands-on experience to help you grow smarter. Keywords (SEO): mycorrhizae explained, soil fungi gardening, mushroom myths garden, composting mulch pile, raised bed gardening tips, air layering fruit trees, pineapple propagation, mushroom compost benefits, living soil gardening, gardening podcast season 1 Support Our Sponsors: | |||
| Foodscaping, Greenhouses, and the Truth About Asparagus: With Coastal Homestead’s Chai Ming | 14 Apr 2026 | 01:02:59 | |
In this lively episode, we kick things off welcoming our special guest, Chai Ming of Coastal Homestead. We trade weekend garden wins and woes—from satsuma scores and mystery Temu avocado reveals to white sapote experiments and recovering orchards—then dive into foodscaping: how to swap ornamentals for edibles, design small-space gardens, and choose durable, drought-tolerant plants for tricky strips like the curbside hellstrip. Chai Ming breaks down edible ground covers (creeping thymes, perennial peanut, sweet potato), comfrey for chop-and-drop, and why thoughtful design (and a square base!) matters when building greenhouses. We also unpack asparagus realities (it’s a long game), the safest ways to think about compost sources, and the nuanced, local-first approach to garden advice. Chai gives a behind-the-scenes look at designing and building The Home Depot’s “From Scratch” Maine project with Epic Gardening—where the team truly did the work: grading, beds, pergola, paths, and greenhouse in ten packed days. We tackle hot listener questions on pet urine/manure in gardens (where safety and proper processing matter), balancing AI garden guidance with trusted extension resources, and the power of community knowledge. We wrap with laughs, lessons, plus a teaser for Andre’s unforgettable “fly story.” Support Our Sponsors: | |||
| Feed Me, Seymour: Plants in Pop Culture From Audrey II to Groot | 07 Apr 2026 | 01:02:16 | |
In this episode of The Dirt on Garden Podcast, we dive into plants in pop culture—from Little Shop of Horrors’ iconic Audrey II and Wizard of Oz’s soporific pop Support Our Sponsors: | |||
| Spring Boom, Summer Stall: Microclimates, Heat-Resilient Gardens, and Food Forests | 05 May 2026 | 01:01:52 | |
In this vibrant episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast, hosts Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist are joined by special guest Malakai of Edible Earth Solutions, tuning in from The Gambia to share real-world insights on tropical gardening, food forests, and climate-smart growing. We kick things off celebrating a 500-download milestone before diving into practical, experience-driven gardening talk—from spring growth explosions to summer slowdowns, and how factors like day length, soil temperature, and watering habits directly impact plant performance. Malakai breaks down how he’s building a thriving tropical food forest in West Africa, sharing actionable strategies for creating resilient systems anywhere in the world. Learn how to design and manage microclimates using windbreaks, canopy layers, and shade, plus when to mulch, compost, and fertilize for crops like moringa, cassava, bananas, and fruit trees. This episode also covers:
Whether you're growing in Florida, Texas, New York, or across the globe, this episode delivers practical gardening strategies, tropical growing knowledge, and soil-building techniques to help you adapt, grow more food, and build resilient systems. From food forests to family, this conversation reminds us that gardening connects communities across climates—and sometimes, the best advice is simple: wake up early, water deeply, and keep planting. Keywords (SEO): tropical gardening, food forest design, microclimate gardening, moringa growing tips, soursop pollination, heat tolerant gardening, edible landscaping, composting and mulching, backyard fruit trees, sustainable gardening podcast Support Our Sponsors: | |||
| Companion Planting, Garden Pests & Healthy Soil: Do Insects Attack Weak Plants? | 02 Jun 2026 | 01:00:33 | |
In this episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast, we—Andre the Farmer and Urban Gardening with Gray—dive into one of the most debated topics in gardening: why pests attack certain plants and how healthy soil impacts plant resilience. Along the way, we mix in gardening science, practical pest control strategies, gardening myths, and plenty of laughs. We explore a fascinating discussion around the Brix index, plant sugars, and the theory that insects are more attracted to stressed or unhealthy plants. Are pests really targeting weak plants first? And can healthier soil biology actually reduce pest pressure naturally? We break down the science, skepticism, and real-world gardening experiences behind the idea. This episode also covers:
Of course, no Dirt on Gardening episode would be complete without some wild tangents—from grits debates and doubles to gardening while ADHD, internet myths, and whether healthy plants really can repel pests naturally. Resources & Sponsors Mentioned:
Keywords (SEO): companion planting, organic pest control, healthy soil gardening, plant pests and insects, neem oil gardening, soil microbiome plants, aphid prevention, blossom end rot tomatoes, gardening podcast, natural garden pest management Support Our Sponsors: | |||
| Spring Gardening Q&A: Soil, Strawberries, Pests & Spring Planting Tips | 26 May 2026 | 01:02:13 | |
In this spring-focused episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast, we—Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist—kick off the growing season with a lively gardening Q&A packed with practical tips, laughs, and real-world garden updates. We dive into everything gardeners are dealing with right now, from spring planting prep and recovering from winter damage to pest control, strawberries, compost, hydroponics, and choosing the right native plants for your region. This episode covers:
Whether you grow on a patio, in raised beds, or across acres of land, this episode is packed with science-backed advice, honest gardening experiences, and community-driven conversation to help you grow with confidence this spring. Resources & Links Mentioned:
Keywords (SEO): spring gardening tips, gardening Q&A podcast, strawberry growing tips, pest control in garden, native plants gardening, compost and soil health, spring planting guide, hydroponic gardening tips, organic pest control, gardening podcast Support Our Sponsors: | |||
| Gardening Q&A: Soil Mixes, Watering Tips, Sugarcane Sourcing & PlantCon Houston | 19 May 2026 | 01:02:34 | |
In this lively, Q&A-driven episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast, we—Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist—answer your best gardening questions and share real-world advice you can actually use. We cover everything from where to source sugarcane in bulk (and how to network with juicers and local farmers) to building the right soil mix for containers and grow bags—with the honest truth: it always depends on your plant, climate, and drainage setup. We also break down:
Along the way, we share updates from our own gardens—late-season potato experiments, unexpected cucumber success, and mango tree recovery—plus our excitement for PlantCon Houston, where we’ll be hosting a grafting class, bringing plant starts, and connecting with the community. Expect a mix of practical tips, science-backed insights, and a few wild moments (yes… we really questioned if pandas are real). Resources & Links:
We also shout out helpful tools like soil and root boosters, tool care essentials, and always recommend checking your local cooperative extension office for region-specific planting calendars and advice. Whether you're just starting out or leveling up your garden, this episode encourages you to experiment, grow bigger than you think, and learn fast from both wins and failures. Got more questions? Keep them coming—we’re building this with you. Keywords (SEO): gardening Q&A podcast, soil mix for containers, watering garden tips, sugarcane sourcing, mosquito control garden, plantcon houston, bamboo vs river cane, beginner gardening advice, urban gardening tips, grow bag soil mix Support Our Sponsors: | |||
| Why Blooms Drop (and How to Stop It): Pollinators, Heat, and Hand-Pollination | 12 May 2026 | 01:01:42 | |
In this episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast, we—Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist—dig into one of the most frustrating gardening problems: flowers that never turn into fruit. We break down the real reasons behind poor fruit set and blossom drop, especially for tropical crops like mango, dragon fruit, and cacao, and share practical solutions you can actually use in your garden. From pollination problems to heat stress and nutrient imbalances, we explain what’s going wrong—and how to fix it. We also explore the often-overlooked world of pollinators. It’s not just about honeybees—wasps, flies, and native pollinators play a huge role in successful fruiting. Plus, we walk through when and how to hand-pollinate for more reliable harvests. In this episode, we cover:
We also answer listener questions on pawpaws, loquats, peppers, and blueberries, share a real-world cautionary story about a social media account hack (and how to recover), and highlight the value of cooperative extension resources for region-specific growing advice. This episode blends science, experience, and community—plus a personal reflection on legacy, travel, and the power of gardening to bring people together. If you’re struggling with fruiting plants or want to boost your harvests, this episode gives you the tools to troubleshoot and succeed. Keywords (SEO): why plants not fruiting, flower drop causes, pollination tips gardening, hand pollination guide, mango pollination, dragon fruit pollination, cacao pollination, fruit set problems, garden pollinators, increase fruit yield gardening Support Our Sponsors: | |||