Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

• Seed Starting Tips, including how to read seed packet instructions : 00:24
• The Hori Hori Knife; Oxalis and bittercress weed control tips: 19:06
• Want to Leave Us a Question? Here's How: 32:39

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:  Young tomato plants, hardening off.

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/

seed propagation mats
seed starting supplies
seed starting light systems
Renee’s Garden Seeds
Farmer Fred Veg Planting Calendar for USDA Zone 9
Garden Kneeler and Seat
Hori-Hori Knife
Hairy Bittercress Weed control tips
Oxalis weed control tips

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: @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.

Quite often, when a new or curious gardener wants to know, “What should I plant in my garden?” One of my common responses is: “it’s hard to go wrong with All-America Selections Winners.” 

The AAS  has been independently trialing and judging plants, across North America, since the 1930’s. The judges are experts in the field of horticulture, including seed and plant developers, arboretums, garden centers, public gardens, and land grant universities.

Among the AAS winners that I’ve tried that have found a nearly permanent place in my garden include the "Arizona Apricot" Gaillardia,  the "Queen Sophia" marigold, "Sugar Snap" peas,  sweet peppers such as the "Cornito Giallo" , "Giant Marconi", and my all-time favorite sweet pepper, the "Gypsy". And,  tomatoes: Big Beef, Celebrity, Chef’s Choice Orange, and Juliet.

So, what are the 2024 winners? That’s what we are going to delve into today.

We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory,  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:  Skytree Broccoli, a 2024 All-America Selections 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/

All-America Selections website, where you can find more information about the plants mentioned in this episode.

Previous Garden Basics episodes that discuss former All-America Selections winners:  Ep. 243,  Ep. 168 and 169,  Ep. 66

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
Farmer Fred website
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram / Threads: 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.

The Tuesday edition of the Garden Basics podcast is back, where we will answer garden questions each week.
Today's question is from Meredith in Maryland: "Hi Farmer Fred!  I love your podcast and have learned so much. I wanted to see if you had a list of garden tools or products you like. I have a big birthday coming up so I want to get a wish list in order!   Thanks for your help."
Good question! Let's get several ideas from other experienced gardeners, as well, including America's Favorite Retired Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower.

Among the garden gift suggestions:
Garden Kneeler and Seat

Felco hand pruners (or any quality bypass pruners)

Corona Blade Sharpener

Felco Sharpening Stone

Quality Spading Fork

Heavy Duty Loppers

Winged Weeder

Hula Hoe

Ratchet loppers

Hori-Hori Knife

Drywall Saw (For root pruning)

Garden Apron

Bench Vise (to secure blades while sharpening)

Garden Gloves

Arm Protectors

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: @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.

What are you planning on doing in the garden in 2024? The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has spoken to gardeners, growers and professional nurseries and landscapers throughout America to find out what’s on their to do list this year…or not to do.

For example, quieter gardening is a trend. So is how leaves from your trees are being put to use. Among the popular plants for 2024: Fruit trees, houseplants, ornamental grasses, sedges and an overwhelming demand for hydrangeas. Also homeowners are getting tired of dealing with one commonly used plant that has lots of problems and requires lots of work: boxwoods.

We talk with the vice president of horticulture for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Andrew Bunting, about these trends. Plus he has info about the upcoming edition of the largest flower show in the nation, The Philadelphia Flower Show, which has been going strong since 1829.

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:  A Butterfly Lands on a Zinnia

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: The Plant Lover’s Guide to Magnolias by Andrew Bunting
Philadelphia Flower Show
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Gold Medal Plants of 2023
2024 PHS Garden Trends List

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
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

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]

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.

Today, we present a double dose of the Debbies on the Garden Basics podcast. First, Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington has tips on what to look for when selecting those bare looking roses that are hitting the nurseries this winter. Some garden center them packaged in plastic wrap, some nurseries will pot up the bare rose plants in containers, and some nurseries with have plunged those bare root roses directly into a bed of sawdust. Debbie Arrington has advice on how to tell if the rose you are selecting is healthy. 

Then, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, answers a listener’s question about a very aggressive weed that’s taking over the yard. What is it, and how do you control it? Debbie Flower has bermudagrass control techniques.

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:  Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington with her “Marilyn Monroe” rose competition 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/

Planting Bare Root Roses
Bermudagrass Control
Soil Solarization
Turflon Ester (for bermudagrass control)
Turflon Ester label
Tori-Hori Knife for weeding

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

What were the most downloaded Garden Basics with Farmer Fred  podcast episodes of 2023? What were the most listened-to segments?
Here are the Top 5 winners of 2023, chosen by you, the listeners.
Topics include tomatoes (naturally), container gardening, plant arranging, and - the most listened-to topic of not just 2023, but the highest listenership of any episode in all four years of the Garden Basics podcast: cucumbers!
It's nearly two hours worth of great gardening information to kick off Year 5 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. Thanks for listening!

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 lot of tomatoes

Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors!

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Topic Links:
Book: "Container Food Gardening" by Pam Farley
Wild Boar Farms (tomato seeds)
Don Shor's Redwood Barn Nursery
Julia Oldfield's Big Oak Nursery
Sacramento County Master Gardener's Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Farmer Fred on TikTok

Twitter/X: @farmerfred

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.

1. The Top Homegrown Vegetables, pt. 2 (Begins at 1:49)
2. The 2023 Tomato Preview Show (14:02)
3. Soil Irrigation Basics (33:52)
4. Fall Garden Basics (51:23)
5. 11 Tips for Garden Success (1:14:17)

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 river of tomatoes and peppers (Heirloom Expo)

Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors!

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Farmer Fred on TikTok

Twitter/X: @farmerfred

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.

Christmas Tree Care Tips, for both cut and living trees: at 1:36 of the podcast.
Why are the Leaves on My Citrus Tree Turning Yellow?: 9:37
Why are My Citrus Fruit Splitting?  25:22

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: A Rosemary Christmas Tree Display

Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors!

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Topic Links:

Flashback Episode of the Week: #162 “Prunecipals: Rose Pruning for Maximum Roses”

Sacramento Digs Gardening Newsletter

National Christmas Tree Association

Yellowing Citrus Leaves (UCANR)

Nutri-Rich fertilizer

Blood meal fertilizer

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Farmer Fred on TikTok

Twitter/X: @farmerfred

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, we are talking about New Plants for the 2024 garden year. How about a houseplant that you can eat? And better yet, it’s actually a small cucumber plant! Have you heard of the petchoa (Pet-Koa)? It’s a cross between a petunia and a calibrichoa, the plant you may know as Million Bells. The petchoa is a plant with large flowers and a tidy habit for baskets, planters, or gardens. Those and more new plants for 2024. It’s all on today’s episode.

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: “Quick Snack” Cucumber

Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors!

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Topic Links:

Flashback Episode of the Week: #144 Using Wood Ash in Your Garden

National Garden Bureau: New Plant Introductions for 2024

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Farmer Fred on TikTok

Twitter/X: @farmerfred

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.

The tasty fruits that we delve into today may not be familiar to you, especially if you live west of the Rocky Mountains. However, elsewhere in the country,  pawpaws and native persimmons are a taste treat. Master Gardener and international gardening expert Quentyn Young tells us about growing and pruning pawpaws and native persimmons throughout the United States.

From Dave Wilson Nursery, Phil Pursel says the best fruit, vine and berry deals are coming soon to a nursery near you. In the west, they are probably already there. We’re talking bare root fruit trees, vines, berries and more, available now as rather barren looking sticks that might be in small pots, ready for planting. (Originally aired in Ep. 67)

And our favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, has a warning: Think before you apply a "frost protectant" spray. She offers some alternatives. (Originally aired in Ep. 67)

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: Pawpaw Tree

Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors!

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Topic Links:

Flashback Episode of the Week: #279 Fall Gardening Basics
Growing Pawpaws (Kentucky St U)
Growing Pawpaws (Cornell U)
Growing Pawpaws (UCANR)
Growing Native Persimmons (Penn St Extension)
New Roots Farm Sacramento
New Roots Programs throughout the US (International Rescue Committee)
UC Santa Cruz Video: Planting Bare Root Fruit Trees
Dave Wilson Nursery: Fruit Harvest Date Charts

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman
Farmer Fred on TikTok
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.