In Episode 124 of the Encyclopedia Botanica Podcast, Hilary discusses how to cultivate strawberries with guest Kate Fessler, a researcher from the University of Minnesota. The podcast covers the differences between cultivated strawberries (Fria X ananassa) and woodland strawberries (Fria vesca), growing conditions, and techniques for planting and maintaining strawberry patches. Kate explains the benefits of June bearing, day-neutral, and everbearing strawberries, and offers detailed advice on fertilizing, spacing, and long-term maintenance. She also touches on the importance of consulting local extension services for advice tailored to specific regions.

Join Hilary as she dive's back into the 2017 episode on growing potatoes! Discover everything from sourcing seed potatoes, planting techniques, and caring for your crops, to harvesting and troubleshooting. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or trying your hand at potatoes for the first time, this episode is packed with insights, including the best potato varieties and the mysterious relationship between brassicas and potatoes. Tune in to elevate your gardening game this potato planting season!

The show notes!

Episode 124 of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast features a conversation with Professor Emeritus Michael Raupp from the University of Maryland. The discussion centers around stink bugs, identified as a major pest in gardens. Professor Raupp explains the characteristics, life cycle, and origins of stink bugs, noting their spread from Asia to most of the United States and parts of Canada. The interview also covers the damage stink bugs cause to various crops, their feeding habits, and potential control methods including trap crops, mechanical control, and organic pesticides. Raupp emphasizes the importance of understanding the pest’s life cycle for effective management and encourages fostering biodiversity in gardens to support natural predators. The episode concludes with advice on identifying stink bugs and useful resources for gardeners.

Professor Raupp's blog: Bug of the Week

Seattle Urban Farm Co. show notes: seattleurbanfarmco.com

In this episode of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, guest expert Rod Lamborn discusses the legacy of his father, Dr. Calvin Lamborn, the father of the sugar snap pea. Rod shares anecdotes about his father's pioneering work in pea breeding, specifically the creation and development process of the sugar snap pea. The conversation also covers the challenges faced in maintaining the purity of the sugar snap pea seed stock, the degradation over time, and efforts to restore it with the collaboration of Johnny's Selected Seed. Additionally, they discuss the differences between the original sugar snap and the super sugar snap varieties and the future of pea varieties including new developments and innovations at Magic Seeds.

In episode 123 of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, host Hilary Dahl and her husband and business partner, Colin McCrate discuss the practice of string trellising in gardening. Colin, an experienced gardener, explains the benefits and methods of vertical and horizontal string trellising, including the use of hemp and jute twine. They describe how this technique supports various crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and peas, enhancing ease of pruning, harvesting, and plant health. Practical tips and recommendations are provided for managing crops and optimizing garden space using string trellising.

SECRET SALE: this February ONLY, we'll be offering EB podcast listener $45 off each Freyr trellis purchased. Use code EBTRELLIS25 at checkout. Discount also applies to Freyr trellis bundles. Limit one code use per customer, but can be used on multiple trellises or bundles in one order.

In episode 122 of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, Hilary discusses the cultivation of Camellia sinensis, the tea plant with Gavin McFarlane of Minto Tea Company . They delve into its specific needs such as soil type, irrigation, and ideal growing conditions. Gavin shares the history of Minto Tea Company, details his experience, and explains the process of developing tea varieties and growing tea. The episode outlines the distinctions between tea types—green, black, and white—based on processing methods. Practical advice on pruning, propagation, and harvesting the plant is provided, along with the cultural conditions necessary for its optimal growth. Further, he explains in detail the processes of making green, white, and black tea, highlighting the importance of oxidation and drying.

For those interested in learning more about tea cultivation and processing, check out Minto Tea Company

In episode 121 of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast Mary Colombo of Wild Roots Farm in Oregon joins Hilary to discuss growing radicchio. They delve into the complexities and benefits of growing this Italian vegetable. Mary shares her experiences and strategies for growing radicchio, its history, the best planting and harvesting practices, and the different varieties available. They also talk about the ideal conditions for radicchio and address common challenges, such as dealing with pests and diseases. The episode includes practical tips for home gardeners and emphasizes the crop's value for year-round farming.

In this episode of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, Hilary and co-host Kellie Phelan discusses practical tips for smart seed ordering to optimize your home garden. Highlights include key considerations for determining the quantity of seeds needed, differences in starting crops from seeds versus buying transplants, and factors affecting seed longevity. This episode is designed to empower both novice and experienced gardeners to make informed decisions about their seed purchases to ensure a fruitful and manageable gardening experience.

Smart Seed Ordering pt. 2: Show Notes

Hilary and guest Kelly Phelan discuss the importance of seed ordering in gardening, touching on topics such as the benefits of growing from seed, how to choose seed suppliers, and understanding seed definitions like organic vs. non-organic, open-pollinated vs. hybrid, and heirloom seeds. They also delve into the differences between hybrid seeds and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The episode aims to provide listeners with foundational knowledge that can help make informed decisions about their seed orders.

Smart Seed Ordering pt.1: Show Notes

In episode 120 of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, host Hilary Dahl is joined by Meg Cowden, author of 'Plant Grow, Harvest, Repeat: Growing a Bounty of Vegetables, Fruits, and Flowers by Mastering the Art of Succession Planting.' They discuss Meg's background in forestry and natural resource management, her journey into gardening, and the evolution of her extensive garden. The conversation delves into the nuances of succession planting, crop layering, and interplanting techniques, with Meg offering insights into her methods and how they can be applied in various garden sizes and climates. They also touch on the importance of understanding plant lifespans, direct seeding crops, and planning for fall gardens by considering the Persephone period.