Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

By Fred HoffmanHealth & Fitness Nutrition Education Leisure How To Home & Garden

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred episodes

April 05, 2024 323 Gold Medal Plant Winners. Thin Your Fruit Trees Now!
Each year the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society puts out its list of Gold Medal winning Plants. Usually these plants are chosen for their adaptability to the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. This year, the chosen plants have a much wider range of possible success, including USDA Zone 9 and possibly up to Zone 10, and down to Zone 3.
Also: Now is the time in warmer places of the nation to get outside and thin the fruit from many of your deciduous fruit trees, as the fruit is beginning to form right after flowering.

It’s all in Episode 323 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred - Gold Medal Plant Winners, and Why You Should Thin the Fruit on Your Fruit Trees Now!
We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net.
Pictured: Magnolia “Genie”, a 2024 PHS Gold Medal Plant Winner

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

2024 PHS Gold Medal Plants:
Asparagus, ‘Millenium’
Florida Anise tree, Illicium ‘Woodland Ruby’
Magnolia ‘Genie’
Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Sugar Shack’
The Japanese Roof Iris, Iris tectorum
Foamflower, Tiarella cordifolia ‘Brandywine’
Philadelphia Flower Show
Fruit Thinning Tips (UCANR)

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: fred at farmerfred.com

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: farmerfredh
Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
40 min
April 02, 2024 322 Q&A Transplant a Fruit Tree? How to Remove a Stuck Plant From a Nice Pot
Q&A Transplanting Old, Large, Fruit Trees? (segment begins at 00:25)
Q&A Why Are My Radishes Only Producing Leaves? (7:10)
Q&A Remove an Overgrown Plant from a Nice Pot Without Breaking It? (12:19)

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.
Pictured: Chanticleer Pear Trees
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

California Rare Fruit Growers

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]

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
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/
Twitter/X: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
25 min
March 29, 2024 321 Spring Rose Care Basics - Diseases and Insects
From now through Mother’s Day, roses will start putting on their first and best show across the country. What do your rose bushes need to get off to a good start in early Spring? Master Rosarian Charlotte Owendyk of the Sierra Foothills Rose Society talks about getting ahead of early spring rose pest and disease problems, before they can do too much damage to those brilliant first blooms. She also discusses the best fertilizers and irrigation systems to use to help thwart pest and disease issues, as well, for your rose bushes in the coming months.
It’s all in Episode 321 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred - Spring Rose Care Basics
We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Pictured: Rose Mosaic Virus Disease (Photo: Gail in Napa)
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Sierra Foothills Rose Society
Sacramento Rose Society
Rose Mosaic Virus (UCANR)
Rose Diseases and Abiotic Disorders (UCANR)
Roses: Insects and Mites (UCANR)
Farmer Fred Rant Blog: Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects
USDA Guide to Japanese Beetles
Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) for Japanese Beetle grubs
Milky Spore for Japanese Beetle grubs

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]

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
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/
Twitter/X: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
46 min
March 26, 2024 320 Q&A Citrus, Cats, Tomatoes
Questions from listeners include:
Why Your Citrus Tree Leaves May Be Yellowing (at 00:24 of podcast)
Cat-Proofing Your Raised Bed Garden (13:03)
Good Tomato Seed Sources (17:44)

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.

Pictured: The Citrus Grove at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Diagnosing Citrus Diseases and Deficiencies via Leaf Color (UCANR)
Sacramento County Master Gardener Website
Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
Dan Vierria’s Sac Co Master Gardeners’ Tomato Variety List

Totally Tomatoes
Tomato Growers Supply Co
Burpee Seeds
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Tomato Fest
Seeds ’n Such

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]

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
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/
Twitter/X: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
23 min
March 22, 2024 319 How to Plant and Care for a Shade Tree
Today, we cover the basics of correctly planting and caring for a shade tree. We chat with consulting arborist Gordon Mann, who reminds us, when it comes to choosing a spot to plant a shade tree, it’s all about the soil. Plus, he explains the importance of correct planting techniques, especially freeing up that tree’s root zone.
But there’s a lot more. As Gordon explains, watering your trees correctly is a big part of the process of growing a shade tree.
We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

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.

Pictured: Chinese Pistache Tree in the Autumn

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Gordon Mann, Consulting Arborist, websites:
Mann Made Resources
California Tree and Landscape Consulting
Find a Consulting arborist at:
International Society of Arboriculture
American Society of Consulting Arborists

Sacramento Tree Foundation - How To Plant a Tree
i-tree (tools for assessing trees)

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]

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.
Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
52 min
March 19, 2024 318 Q&A Rosemary Propagation, Best Peach for Baking, Cover Crops, Blueberry Containers
Q&A Rosemary Propagation? (at 00:24 of podcast)
Q&A Best Peach for Cooking/Baking? (08:10)
Q&A Cover Crop crimping? (12:14)
Q&A Blueberry containers? (19:05)
Want To Leave Us a Question? (21:22)
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.

Pictured: Rosemary plant with bee

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Rosemary Propagation Tips from UCANR
Dave Wilson Nursery Fruit Taste Test Results
Roller/Crimpers in Agriculture (VT Cooperative Extension)
Farmer Fred Rant: Growing Blueberries in Containers
Galvanized stock tanks

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]

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
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/
Twitter/X: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
23 min
March 15, 2024 317 The 2024 Tomato Preview Show!
It’s time for the annual Garden Basics Tomato preview show! Once again, you’re invited to easedrop on a conversation between two real tomatoheads, myself and Don Shor, proprietor of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California.
We recap our tomato successes and failures of 2023, and talk about what we will be planting in 2024, featuring the tried and true tomato varieties, along with several newcomers, more than two dozen varieties that we pass judgment on and will attempt to grow. Or not grow.
Don also has tips for making your tomato growing efforts in 2024 a rousing success…as long as the weather cooperates.

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.
Pictured: The Tomato Staircase at a previous National Heirloom Exposition
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Prominent tomato varieties mentioned in today’s podcast. More info about these varieties can be found in the Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter.
Rugby
Chef’s Choice Orange
Juliet
Bodacious
New Girl
Tough Boy
Blue Ribbon
Pineapple
Champion
Purple Boy
Bush Early Girl
Itz a Keeper
Super Fantastic
Jet Star
Principe Borghese
Riesetomate tomato
Sungold
Barry’s Crazy Cherry
Sweet Carneros Pink
Pork Chop
Michael Pollan
Gardener’s Delight
Big Beef
4th of July
Sweet Million
Super Sauce
Orange Wellington
Dr. Wyche’s Yellow
Purple Tomato (a GMO variety)
Sacramento County Master Gardener’s Favorite Tomatoes (Facebook)

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]

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
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/
Twitter/X: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
1 hr 10 min
March 13, 2024 316 Master Gardener Secrets - Peach Pruning to Growing Tomatillos
It's Q&A Tuesday!
1. What are the benefits of summer pruning of fruit trees, especially peaches? (at 00:25 of podcast)
2. Where can I find more information about caring for perennials? (02:48)
3. How do I care for a young apple tree? Should I remove any flowers or small fruit? (06:58)
4. Are dwarf citrus plants for indoors available? (08:25)
5. How can I prepare coir (Coconut husks) for a potting mix? (13:57)
6. How do I grow tomatillos? (15:28)

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.
Pictured: Red Delicious Apple (Bisbee spur)
The Bisbee spur Red Delicious apple is noted for its "large size as well as its firm, crisp, juicy flesh, with a distinctive, sweet, tangy flavor." (Fruit, Berry and Nut Inventory, Third Edition)
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Book: Pruning and Training by Christopher Brickell
Book: Sunset Western Garden Book
Citrus Trees: Four Winds Growers
Tomatillo recipe
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]

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
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/
Twitter/X: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
24 min
March 12, 2024 Master Gardening Secrets: From Pruning Peach Trees to Growing Tomatillos
It's Q&A Tuesday!
1. What are the benefits of summer pruning of fruit trees, especially peaches? (at 00:25 of podcast)
2. Where can I find more information about caring for perennials? (02:48)
3. How do I care for a young apple tree? Should I remove any flowers or small fruit? (06:58)
4. Are dwarf citrus plants for indoors available? (08:25)
5. How can I prepare coir (Coconut husks) for a potting mix? (13:57)
6. How do I grow tomatillos? (15:28)

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.
Pictured: Red Delicious Apple (Bisbee spur)
The Bisbee spur Red Delicious apple is noted for its "large size as well as its firm, crisp, juicy flesh, with a distinctive, sweet, tangy flavor." (Fruit, Berry and Nut Inventory, Third Edition)
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Book: Pruning and Training by Christopher Brickell
Book: Sunset Western Garden Book
Citrus Trees: Four Winds Growers
Tomatillo recipe
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]

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
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/
Twitter/X: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
24 min
March 08, 2024 315 Choosing Backyard Chickens. What is HPAI Disease?
Maybe you’re thinking of starting a new hobby, by adding a chicken or two or three to your backyard; or maybe you’re already a seasoned home chicken owner. You’ll want to hear today’s episode. Urban chicken consultant and certified poultry inspector Cherie Sintes-Glover of ChickensForEggs.com has advice on how to choose a chick from your local feed or farm store, and how to avoid choosing a rooster. Also, she discusses a poultry disease that is ravaging several states currently. It’s HPAI - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

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.
Pictured: A cute little chick
Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Chickens for Eggs website
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - U. Minn
HIghly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - UCANR
National Backyard Poultry Conference - Cooptastic!
Video - Backyard Basics of Poultry, with Dr. Maurice Pitesky, UC Davis
Book: City Chicks by Patricia Foreman
Book: Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow
Book: Raising Chickens for Dummies
Garden Basics podcast, Ep. 260 - Raising Chicks and Hens (including best breeds for kids)
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]

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman
Twitter/X: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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

About Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

From the publisher's feed

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…