Prepare to be inspired as we dive into a creative and sustainable approach to gardening with Sacramento County Master Gardener Gail Pothour. We explore how to turn everyday household items and scrap materials into stunning and functional garden art. Whether it’s using an old manhole cover as a striking stepping stone or transforming downed trees into rustic pathways, Gail shares her innovative methods for infusing charm and creativity into any garden space. We explore the many ways she's embraced repurposing, showcasing the beauty of sustainability in a tangible, hands-on manner. This episode blends creativity with pragmatism. Gail's enthusiasm for gardening and her resourceful methods bring an upbeat energy to the conversation, making it a delightful listen for aspiring and seasoned gardeners alike.

Plus - "Will my blueberry plants recover after being weed trimmer whipped by my grandson?"

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. 

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: Gail’s Repurposed Items in the Garden

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 28 edition features more about Gail’s repurposed garden)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

Scilla peruviana

Bilbergia nutans

New Zealand Lemonade Tree

Large Binder Clips (for securing frost/shade cloth to PVC supports)

Mesh Wastebasket for plant protection (much cheaper at a Dollar-type Store)

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Essential tips for beginner gardeners, focusing on starting small, plant selection, spacing and companion planting, along with maintenance strategies and the value of involving children and keeping a gardening diary.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. 

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: An all-container first garden

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 21 edition features more about first gardens)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Six-inch mesh grid reinforcement wire

Hori Hori Knife

Soil Moisture Meter

Soil Thermometer

Smart Pots

Planting Calendars by USDA Zone (from Urban Farmer)

Planting Calendar for Northern California

Manual Water Timer

Drip Irrigation Systems for Containers

Microsprayers

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

If you’re a tomato-head, this is the episode for you!

We dive into the world of tomatoes with Don Shor from Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We discuss our favorite tomato varieties to plant for the 2025 gardening season. What’s new and intriguing? What’s old and good? Plus, Don has tips for choosing reliable varieties if you are new to tomato gardening, as well as good advice to get those young plants off to a healthier start. It’s Episode 383, The 2025 Tomato Preview Show!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. 

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: The Rugby tomato

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 14 edition features more about tomatoes)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

What is “Breaker Stage” for tomatoes? (from the Farmer Fred Rant blog page)

TOMATO CATALOGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

Wild Boar Farms

Seeds ’n Such

Tomato Fest

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Burpee

Seminis Seeds

Tomato Growers Supply Co.

Totally Tomatoes

Norfolk Healthy Produce (The Purple Tomato)

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

In this episode:

• The benefits of delayed winter pruning of fruit trees, with orchardist and Master Gardener Quentyn Young.

• Controlling ants in raised garden beds, with America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower.

• Protecting your garlic crop in winter weather.

• Redwood tree roots vs. raised garden beds. Guess who wins? How to build up your defenses against tree roots. With Debbie Flower.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. 

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: The March bloom of the Garden Gold dwarf Peach tree.

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 7 edition features Debbie’s recipe for ant bait)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Ant Control Products

Outdoor Ant Bait Station

Liquid borate for ant control

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center (Sac. Co. Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden)

Soil Solarization Tips

Backyard Orchard Culture: Tips for controlling fruit tree height

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Tips for protecting your backyard chickens from the bird flu.

Compost for potted plants.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. 

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: Backyard Chicken Coop (Wikimedia Commons/Josh Larios)

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Previous Podcasts about chickens:

Ep. 315 Choosing Backyard Chickens

Ep. 310 Homegrown Chicken Food?

Ep. 220 Chickens vs. Summer Heat

Ep. 204 Backyard Chicken Care

Ep. 052 Winter Chicken Care

Ep. 006 Backyard Chickens! (Beginner’s basic info)

ChickensforEggs.com - Cherie Sintes-Glover

Feeding Your Flock - UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - Center for Disease Control

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center (Sac. Co. Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden)

Composting for the Home Gardener

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Today: Practical flower seed starting techniques, such as the critical timing for beginning various flowers and the correct depth for planting those seeds. And, Debbie Flower shares with us her trick for careful watering of newly planted seeds. Also, she has important tips when transplanting those young flowering plants into the garden.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.

Now, full episodes on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: Zowie Yellow Flame Zinnia

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Dramm 1000 Water Breaker Nozzle

"Zowie Yellow Flame" Zinnia

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

We talk with Diane Blazek, the executive director of All-America Selections (AAS), exploring the newly announced 2025 winners of top-performing garden plant varieties. 

Each year,  AAS winners undergo rigorous trials, evaluated by expert judges, to ensure they will thrive in diverse U.S. and Canadian climates. Diane highlights standout varieties like the high-yielding tomato variety, “Tonatico”, the sweet and crunchy “Pick-N-Pop” pepper, and the visually striking “Murasaki Fioretto” cauliflower. We also cover herbs and flowers, including the resistant “Piedmont” basil and the vibrant Zinnia, “Zydeco Fire”. This episode is rich with advice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking the latest quality varieties for their gardens.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout..Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: AAS 2025 National Award Winner, Celosia "Flamma Pink"

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

All-America Selections 2025 Garden Plant Winners

Scoville Scale for Peppers

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

We tackle the management of four-legged garden fruit tree pests with Debbie Flower. 

We discuss listener concerns about squirrels, raccoons, and rats, exploring protective measures and the importance of exclusion methods. Our conversation also covers strategies for deterring deer and effective, humane rat control tactics. We share practical tips for ongoing maintenance and highlight the relationship between gardening and wildlife, encouraging listeners to check the Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter for additional resources.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout..Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: A Tree-Munched Green Persimmon

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Backyard Orchard Culture Basics (maintaining short fruit trees)

Wire Mesh Fruit Bag Protection

Hardware Cloth

Barn Owl Boxes

Rat Traps

Rat Poison Restrictions in California

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Want bountiful tomatoes and beautiful roses in 2025? Today, we cover essential tips for starting tomato seeds and winter rose pruning. Debbie Flower shares insights on timing for planting tomato seeds and the benefits of starting them indoors. We discuss nurturing seedlings and the advantages of hybrid varieties for beginners. Master Rosarian Charlotte Owendyk explains winter pruning techniques for healthier rose growth this spring.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Now on YouTube (audio).

Pictured: Tomato Seedlings

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

All America Selections Tomato Winners

Concrete Reinforcement Wire Sheets (6” mesh)

Soil Thermometers

Ep.  374 Pepper Seed Germination Tips

American Rose Society

The Best Roses for America (and rose pruning)(Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter of Jan. 21, 2022)

How to Prune a Climbing Rose

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Episode 376 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast offers more sustainable gardening tips for all gardeners. We cover managing hackberry aphids using less toxic methods with Debbie Flower; growing tips and benefits of the herb, self-heal with Master Gardener and herb specialist Ruth Ostroff; and advice from Organic Consultant Steve Zien, using fallen leaves for winter soil nourishment.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout..Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: The Herb, Heal-All (Prunella Vulgaris) (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
More Information about the Herb, Heal-All (Prunella)

Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects (Episode 41 of this podcast)

Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects, part 1 (Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter)

Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects, part 2 (Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter)

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.