Encyclopedia Botanica

Encyclopedia Botanica episodes:

• 12.04.2021

  Episode 114: Garden Soil Ecosystems with Jeff Lowenfels

  The quality of produce you grow is dependent on the quality of your soil. We are big advocates of doing everything possible to make garden soil the best it can be right from the start, and then working year after...

  
• 11.27.2021

  Episode 113: Wood-Framed Raised Beds

  In this episode Hilary and Colin answer a listener's questions about wood-framed raised bed construction best practices. Their business, Seattle Urban Farm Company has designed and built hundreds of custom raised bed gardens in the Seattle area, so check out...

  
• 11.17.2021

  Episode 112: High tunnels, Hoophouses and Greenhouses

  This week we'll be discussing management techniques for growing in high tunnels, hoophouses and greenhouses! We're thrilled to be joined this week by our good friend and Seattle Urban Farm Co co-founder Brad Halm. Brad is also the...

  
• 11.03.2021

  Episode 111: Powdery Mildew

  This week on the podcast we're tackling powdery mildew! Colin and Hilary are joined by Jenny Rebecca Glass, Extension Coordinator and Plant Diagnostician for the WSU-Puyallup Plant and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory. Jenny will help us answer your questions about the...

  
• 10.27.2021

  Episode 110: Growing Under Cover with Niki Jabbour

  In this podcast we chat with special guest Niki Jabbour about techniques for using structures of all sizes in your garden year-round to extend your season, reduce pest pressure, and improve yields. Show notes: Episode 110: Growing Under Cover...

  
• 10.19.2021

  Episode 109: Cucumbers

  Everything you wanted to know about cucumbers but were afraid to ask. We dig into the history of the cucumber, it's botanical curiosities and why you should start succession planting them. The survey…! In order to keep making...

  
• 09.30.2021

  Fall 2021 New Season Preview!

  After an extended hiatus, we’re back and ready to bring you some amazing new episodes of the Encyclopedia Botanica Podcast! The survey…! In order to keep making this podcast, we need your support by taking this quick, 30...

  
• 06.28.2019

  Episode 108: Garden Beets with Kellie Phelan

  Kellie's back as a special co-host for this last episode of the 2019 season and it's all about growing, harvesting and cooking with beets! Find photos, links to Kellie's business, and more in the show notes for this episode: www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

  
• 06.22.2019

  Episode 107: Harvesting For Quality and Production with Colin McCrate

  Learning proper harvest timing and technique can help increase yields and ensure you get the best tasting produce from your garden. In this episode, Hilary and Colin talk harvesting methodology. They break down the techniques into five categories to help...

  
• 06.07.2019

  Episode 106: Vegetable Gardening Wisdom with Kelly Smith Trimble

  Hilary and Kelly Smith Trimble discuss Kelly's new book, Vegetable Gardening Wisdom; and share simple words of advice and practical inspiration for getting most out of your vegetable garden!  Find photos, links to Kelly's book, and more in the show...

  
• 05.18.2019

  Episode 105: Straw Bale Gardening with Craig LeHoullier

  Turns out gardening in straw bales might be the least expensive and most effective way to create a season-long container garden! Hilary and Craig LeHoullier discuss what a straw bale garden is and how to set one up! Find photos,...

  
• 05.10.2019

  Episode 104: Growing Tomatoes (Re-release)

  Tomatoes are probably the most popular garden vegetable, and for good reason; they're versatile, highly productive, and produce fruits that are far superior to any you can buy at the grocery store. In this episode we'll discuss tips for choosing...

  
• 05.03.2019

  Episode 103: Tomatoes with Emma Biggs

  Emma Biggs talks with Hilary about the techniques she uses to grow 133 varieties of tomatoes, from seed to harvest, on her family’s urban lot in Toronto, Canada. Find photos, links to Emma's work, and more in the show notes...

  
• 04.28.2019

  Episode 102: Edible Garden Design with Stefani Bittner

  Stefani Bittner, owner of Homestead Design Collective, talks with Hilary about how to create a beautiful and productive outdoor living space. Find photos, links to Stefani's work, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/   

  
• 04.19.2019

  Episode 101: Container Gardening with Sara Gasbarra

  In this episode, Sara and Hilary talk about container gardening. Much of Sara’s work is focused on utilizing unused balcony, patio and rooftop space in very urban environments, so this episode focuses on the unique set of needs and challenges...

  
• 04.12.2019

  Episode 100 - Edible Flowers with Rosalind Creasy

  Hilary talks with legendary garden writer, Rosalind Creasy about the joys and perils of eating flowers.  Find photos, links to Ros's books, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

  
• 04.05.2019

  Episode 99: Carrots and Parsnips with Colin McCrate

  Hilary and Colin share everything you need to know to grow your best crop of carrots and parsnips yet!  Find photos, links to Colin's books, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

  
• 03.29.2019

  Episode 98: Backyard Cutting Garden with Kelly Sullivan

  Guest Kelly Sullivan of Botanique Flowers, a Seattle-based floral design studio, talks with Hilary about how she turned her 6,000 square foot city lot into a productive flower farm.    Find photos, links to Kelly's work, and more in the...

  
• 03.22.2019

  Episode 97: Fruit Trees with Tara Austen Weaver

  In this first episode of the 2019 season, Hilary and Tara Austen Weaver discuss planning for, planting and growing fruit trees!  Find photos, links to Tara's work, and more in this episode's show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

  
• 01.26.2019

  Episode 89: Cauliflower- Rerelease

  I've been getting a lot of requests for more crop-specific episodes next season. I love these episodes and would be happy create more if we reach our campaign goal. Remember that everyone who contributes any amount to the 2019 kickstarter...

  
• 01.19.2019

  Mini Q&A Episode + What's in store for the 2019 season!

  Hey There! We have an amazing season of the Encyclopedia Botanica Podcast in store for you! Just like last season, Hilary will be joined by a different guest expert each week. We're hosting a Kickstarter campaign to fund this upcoming season...

  
• 08.28.2018

  Episode 96: August Gardening Q + A

  Hilary and Colin cover a wide range of listener questions in this late-summer Q+A episode.  This is going to be the last regularly scheduled episode of the 2018 season. We're going to take the fall to write, record and produce...

  
• 08.10.2018

  Episode 95: Intuitive Cooking with Shannon Douglas, Brassicas Edition

  In this episode Shannon Douglas of Honest Magazine and Hilary  discuss intuitive cooking tips and techniques for the popular garden brassicas Kale and broccoli. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the...

  
• 07.29.2018

  Episode 94: Tomato Hornworms

  Natalie Carver of DC-based edible landscaping company, Love and Carrots, joins Hilary to share her experience with tomato hornworms. In this episode they discuss how to spot hornworms and their damage in the garden, and the best ways to manage...

  
• 07.13.2018

  Episode 93: July Slack Q + A

  Hilary and Colin chat blueberry care, Brassica pests and the herb chervil in this Q+A episode.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group!...

  
• 07.01.2018

  Episode 92: Hand Pollinating Winter Squash

  This week on the podcast Hilary and Stephen Mirsky, of Seed Savers Exchange, discuss how to increase your winter squash yields through hand pollination.   Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at...

  
• 06.15.2018

  Episode 91: Basil

  Basil is one of those crops that almost everyone wants to grow. It's relatively versatile and it is one of the most productive crops per plant that you can grow in your garden. In this episode Hilary is joined by...

  
• 06.01.2018

  Episode 90: Intuitive Cooking with Shannon Douglas, Spring Crop Edition

  Shannon Douglas of Honest Magazine defines "cooking intuitively" is a style of cooking based on understanding the fundamentals of cooking and paying close attention to your ingredients. In this episode she joins Hilary to discuss some general garden-inspired cooking tips...

  
• 05.18.2018

  Episode 89: Cauliflower

  We're talking cauliflower! This crop is notoriously difficult to grow compared to other plants in the Brassica oleracea family. In this episode we discuss why and steps you can take to maximize your cauliflower growing success!  Your support is what...

  
• 05.04.2018

  Episode 88: Backyard Honeybee Habitat with Mace Vaughn of The Xerces Society

  Backyard beekeeping of honeybees is a great way to increase the number of pollinators in your garden, learn about how pollination works and, of course, the hives provide you with your own source of local honey. One thing that is...

  
• 04.27.2018

  Episode 87: Growing Citrus with Angela Judd

  In this episode, Phoenix area based gardener, Angela Judd and Hilary discuss how to grow citrus. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack...

  
• 04.20.2018

  Episode 86: Quinoa

  In this episode Mark Macdonald of West Coast Seeds joins Hilary to discuss growing the grain quinoa. While many grains are impractical to grow in a home garden or smaller farm, the dense seed heads on quinoa plants provide high yields in...

  
• 04.13.2018

  Episode 85: April Slack Q + A with Colin McCrate

  This Q+A Episode is all about seed starting! We answer questions about starting sweet potato slips, grow lights, and when to move your transplants outside.  {We're busy lining up late-spring and early summer episodes of the #EBPodcast and we need your...

  
• 04.06.2018

  Episode 84: Seed Saving For The Home Gardener, Part 2

  In this episode Hilary and Michela Colley continue their conversation on Seed Saving for the Home Gardener. This week they'll talk more about the practice of seed saving and share tips on how to best to utilize your space, timing...

  
• 03.30.2018

  Episode 83: Seed Saving for the Home Gardener, Part 1

  In this episode Hilary and guest expert Micaela Colley of the Organic Seed Alliance discuss terminology related to seed-saving, including: "open-pollinated", "heirloom" and "hybrid" seeds. {We're busy lining up late-spring and early summer episodes of the #EBPodcast and we need your...

  
• 03.16.2018

  Episode 82: Pollinator Gardens with Justin Wheeler

  This week Hilary and guest expert Justin Wheeler of the Xerces Society will be talking about how to create an effective pollinator habitat in your garden by choosing cultivars that support beneficial insects. We're trying to keep this podcast listener supported, so...

  
• 03.09.2018

  Episode 81: Growing Asparagus with Alley Swiss

  This week Hilary is joined by Alley Swiss, the owner of Filaree Garlic Farm. Filaree Farm, which is know for their premium quality garlic seed, has been expanding their offerings to include several new seed products such as shallot sets,...

  
• 03.02.2018

  Episode 80: March Slack Q + A with Colin McCrate

  This week we're bring back the Slack Q+A episodes! In this episode we'll address questions about crop planning, growing fruit trees in containers, dahlias and much more. The questions that make up the content for these episodes are pulled from...

  
• 02.23.2018

  Episode 79: Sweet Peas with Simon Crawford

  In this episode Hilary and special guest Simon Crawford of Owls Acre Seed share tips on growing gorgeous sweet peas!  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access...

  
• 02.16.2018

  Episode 78: Veggie Garden Remix with Niki Jabbour

  In this episode Hilary and guest expert Niki Jabbour discuss some of the unusual vegetable crops featured in Niki's new book, Veggie Garden Remix! If you're looking to add some variety to your garden this year or you've found yourself frustrated with...

  
• 02.09.2018

  Episode 77: Bare Root Perennials

  If you're thinking about adding edible perennials to your garden, sourcing bare-root plants is not only an economical way to go, but it is also likely to provide you with the most options when it comes to choosing plant variety....

  
• 02.02.2018

  Episode 76: Sugar Snap Peas with Rod Lamborn

  This week on the podcast I'm joined by guest expert, Rod Lamborn. Rod is the son of the well known plant breeder, Dr. Calvin Lamborn, who's also known as the Father of the Sugar Snap Pea. I'm sorry to say...

  
• 01.26.2018

  Episode 75: Dahlias with Nick Gitts

  In this episode Nick Gitts, owner of Swan Island Dahilas, answers all of my burning dahlia care questions. Swan Island Dahlias is a 40 acre dahlia farm located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon and they grow over 360 varieties of...

  
• 01.19.2018

  Episode 74: Starting Onions from Seed with Colin McCrate

  Starting your own onion transplants from seed is inexpensive and allows you the most control when it comes to picking varieties that are well suited for your garden and culinary needs. In this episode guest expert Colin McCrate and I...

  
• 12.15.2017

  Episode 73: Fall Wrap-Up 2017

  Today we’re recapping our favorite crop varieties of 2017, along with our lessons learned and best garden tips. This is our last episode before we take a short winter break. During the break, we'll be working on getting our late-winter...

  
• 12.08.2017

  Episode 72: Chickens with Anne Briggs, Part 2

  This week we continue our conversation about laying hens with guest Anne Briggs. We discuss introducing new hens into your flock, building a chicken coop, and chickens in the vegetable garden.  Huge thanks to Elevate Chiropractic and Rehab for sponsoring...

  
• 12.01.2017

  Episode 71: Chickens with Anne Briggs, Part 1

  This week on the podcast we have special guest Anne Briggs (a.k.a. Anne of All Trades) to talk with us about raising laying hens at home. We had so much to talk about on the subject that we ended up...

  
• 11.21.2017

  Bonus Episode #4: Thanksgiving

  We're taking this week off to spend time with our family and friends, but we wanted to share a quick update with you on what's going on in our gardens, what we're cooking from our gardens this holiday season, and...

  
• 11.17.2017

  Episode 70: Rhubarb

  Rhubarb is perennial garden crop and a low-maintenance gardener’s best friend. Once a rhubarb plant is established, it will require little or no care moving forward. However, additional care will improve your harvest, and on this episode, we’re sharing tips...

  
• 11.10.2017

  Episode 69: November Q + A

  Fall is here, and the days are shorter and colder. Many of us are winding down in our gardens, but not in our garden questions! This episode has a veritable potpourri of topics, including garden pests, keeping pathways weed-free, how...