Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

By Fred Hoffman

Tips for beginning and experienced gardeners. New episodes arrive every Friday. Fred Hoffman has been a U.C. Certified Master Gardener since 1982 and writes a weekly garden column for the Lodi News

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246246 ratings

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FAQs about Garden Basics with Farmer Fred:

How many episodes does Garden Basics with Farmer Fred have?

The podcast currently has 389 episodes available.

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred episodes:

April 18, 2025 388 Squash Growing Basics
Master Gardener Gail Pothour shares tips on growing summer and winter squash. We cover variety selection, planting, pest management, harvesting, and storage of squash to boost your yield.
Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net.
Now on YouTube (audio)
Pictured: Male and Female Squash Flowers
Links:
“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (by becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!)
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
All America Selections Squash varieties mentioned in today’s podcast:
Gold Rush
Bossa Nova
Sunburst yellow scalloped squash
Green Lightning squash
Early Prolific Straightneck Squash
Tivoli Spaghetti Squash
Waltham butternut squash
Black Futsu butternut squash
Sweet Jade Kabocha squash

OTHER PLANTS MENTIONED:
Green Zebra zucchini
Honey Boat Squash
Ortolana di Faenza zucchini
Galeux d’ Eysines pumpkin
Rouge Vif d’ Etampes pumpkin
Jarrahdale pumpkin
Marina Di Chioggia pumpkin
African Blue Basil
Wild Magic Basil
All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net
“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.
Got a garden question?
• 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.
...more
45min
April 11, 2025 387 Q&A: Reaction Wood and Seedlings. Controlling Scale. Plants and Mulch.
America’s Favorite College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, and I answers questions about the importance of building “reaction wood” in seedlings, greenhouse airflow, scale pest management for fruit trees, and the benefits of organic mulch. Once again, we’re here to promote proactive gardening practices for healthier 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: Tomato Seedlings building "Reaction Wood"
Links:
“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (by becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!)
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
“Teaming with Bacteria” (book) by Jeff Lowenfels
Scale Control Tips (from UCANR)
Thigmotropism - What is That?
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.
...more
35min
April 04, 2025 386 Grape Growing Basics (And More!)
Farmer Fred and Debbie Flower provide practical advice on cultivating table and wine grapes, focusing on the essentials such as sunlight, well-drained soil and variety selection. Also: peach leaf curl controls, prematurely falling figs, no-till gardening benefits.
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 cluster of grapes on the vine (Photo: UCANR)
Links:
“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
“Growing Grapes for Beginners”- West Virginia University
Training and Pruning Grapes - UCANR
No-Tiil Gardening - Sonoma Co Master Gardeners
Peach Leaf Curl Info - UCANR
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.
...more
36min
March 28, 2025 385 The Repurposed, Sustainable, and Creative Garden
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.
...more
32min
March 21, 2025 384 Ideas for a Successful First Garden!
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.
...more
57min
March 14, 2025 383 The 2025 Tomato Preview Show!
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.
...more
54min
March 07, 2025 382 Delayed Winter Pruning of Fruit Trees, and More!
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.
...more
41min
February 28, 2025 381 Backyard Chickens vs. Bird Flu. Composting tips.
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.
...more
40min
February 21, 2025 380 Flower Seed Starting Basics
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.
...more
37min
February 14, 2025 379 AAS Award-Winning Garden Plants for 2025
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.
...more
49min

FAQs about Garden Basics with Farmer Fred:

How many episodes does Garden Basics with Farmer Fred have?

The podcast currently has 389 episodes available.

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