Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

How do you plant seeds in a garden bed full of mulch? America’s favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, and I quickly answered that and then veered into a very scenic bypass - as is our custom. This time: we rank garden mulches from best to worst. If you want to know the best products to use for a mulch - and the ones to avoid - you’ll want to listen. 
Also: what the worms in your worm bin are trying to tell you about what they want in order to be happy, this fall and winter.

It’s episode number 284, Mulches Ranked from Best to Worst. Fall Worm Bin Care.

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: Four High-Ranked Mulches: Arborist chips, compost, straw, shredded leaves

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Sept. 22, 2023 Newsletter: The “Fast Food” Garden
Flashback Episode: #238 Teaming with Bacteria


Please Support Our Sponsors!
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
HeirloomRoses.com Add the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount (good until 10/31/23)

Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

Sacramento Tree Foundation’s Mulch Rankings
Sheet Mulching
Vermicomposting (Raising worms for worm castings)

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/
Twitter: @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.

• Fall Vegetable Soil Preparation (at 2:08 of podcast)
• Fall Fruit Tree Care (9:54)
• Fall Rose Care (17:23)
• Preserving Tomatoes (27:40)
• How long do garden pesticides last? (35:24)

It’s all right here, in episode number 283,  Fall Garden Preparation; and, How Long Can You Store Pesticides?

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: Japanese Persimmon Tree

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Sept. 15, 2023 Newsletter:  Fall Worm Bin Care and Feeding

Flashback Episode: #231 Joe Lamp’l: Vegetable Gardening

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

Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

Nutri-Rich 4-3-2 fertilizer
HeirloomRoses.com Add  code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount (exp. 10/31/23)
“Roses For Dummies” by Lance Walheim
UC Davis Arboretum All-Stars: Roses
“Sacramento Digs Gardening” newsletter
Bt - Bacillus Thuringensis organic pesticide
Spinosad organic pesticide

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/

Twitter: @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.

Renee Shepherd of Renee’s Garden talks about the "cut and come again" leafy green garden, how anyone can be enjoying fresh lettuce, spinach, chard, cabbage and other nutritious greens on a daily basis, no matter how small your yard.

Want to make your own mulch? We have tips for purchasing a chipper/shredder - the features that it should have for a hassle-free experience. 

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: Cut & Come Again Greens

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Sept. 8, 2023 Newsletter:  What is Organic Gardening?
Flashback Episode: #236 Deer Control, Fruit vs. Heat, Shredder/Vac

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

ReneesGarden.com
cut & come again food garden (video)
Cut & Come Again Greens
Indoor Grow Lights
JB’s Power Equipment, Davis, CA
BCS Chipper Shredder
Other Chipper/Shredders

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 

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.

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@farmerfred

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

 What does it take to have the best cool season organic garden in your neighborhood? The best soil! We have tips. Also: advice for controlling tomato hornworms.

It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS  at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net and at Buzzsprout.

Pictured: Fall Greens.

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter, https://gardenbasics.substack.com  including “What’s Stressing Your Dogwood Tree? It May Be You”
Flashback Episode: GB 233 Soil Questions. Grow Winter Tomatoes? Yes!

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

Tomato Hornworms
Tomato Pinworms
Tomato Fruit Worms

Soil Testing: UMass/Amherst, Texas A&M, Colorado St.
Home Soil Test Kits
Soil Sleuth
Soil Probe
pH test kits
Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects
The Good Bug Hotel
Bt - Bacillus Thurgiensis (tomato worm control)

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

FarmerFred.com
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.

Got a garden question? 

• E-mail: [email protected]
• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 
• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics
• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

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

Shade Cloth Basics (1:45)
Fall Lawn Care, Organically (18:42)

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: Shade Cloth on Blackberries at Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Aug. 25, 2023 Newsletter: Tomatoes Not Ripening? Blame the Heat. Tomato Worms.

Flashback Episode: GB 227 Understanding Drip Irrigation
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Heirloom Roses https://heirloomroses.com  Use the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount!

Shade Cloth Information
List of Potato-Leaf Tomatoes (Reimer’s Seeds)
Cutting Heights for Turf Varieties (UCANR)
Fall Lawn Renovation

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/
Twitter: @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.

Despite the triple digit temperatures of late August and early September, this is the time to be planning your fall garden, including starting the seeds of some of the healthiest, most nutritious vegetables that you can grow. America’s favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower answers the fall garden questions of a college student who wants to try to grow a cool season garden for the first time.
And, nursery owner Don Shor talks about the best varieties of vegetables to try in your fall and winter garden. That interview was originally aired in September 2022.
It’s episode number 279, Fall Garden 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, Dave Wilson Nursery and Heirloom Roses. 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: Fall Garden Plants and Seeds

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Aug. 18, 2023 Newsletter: Japanese Maple Trees vs Summer Heat
Flashback Episode: GB 254 Plants That are a Show For the Nose

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Heirloom Roses https://heirloomroses.com use the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount!

Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects (The Good Bug Hotel)
Ep. 12 First Garden? Tips for Success!
Ep. 256 Container Gardening Basics
Redwood Barn Nursery, Davis CA
Organic Fertilizer for Japanese Maple Trees

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/Threads: farmerfredhoffman

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

Got a garden question? 

• 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.

Wherever you garden, you have had to endure days and days of sizzling summer temperatures. Your garden is trying to survive those heat waves, as well. Today, Debbie Flower and I  have tips for getting your garden through triple digit heatwaves and a lot more. Recorded live  at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center in Sacramento on August 5, 2023.

• Why you don’t want to use garden soil in containers. (7:02)

• The best potting mix to use for a container plant. (8:48)

• What’s happening to the roots of plants in containers on a 100-degree day. (15:24)

• How to better protect your outdoor potted plants in a heatwave.(16:47)

• The differences in shade cloth, and how to use it. (22:30)

• How to reuse old potting soil. (27:30)

• Are you watering your container plants effectively? Probably not. (31:11)

• What do you put in the bottom of a plant container to aid drainage? Nothing! We tell you why. (32:40)

• How to save garden seeds to last for years. (43:17)

• And, how to get pepper seeds to germinate in half the time. (49:59)

That’s a lot, and it’s all in today’s episode, number 278, Hot Summer Garden Tips, Live!

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, Dave Wilson Nursery and Heirloom Roses. Let’s go!

p.s. Check the transcript for explanations of "hospital implement" and "always-available moisture sensor"..

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. 

Pictured:  Fred & Debbie at Harvest Day

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter
Aug. 11, 2023 Newsletter: More Hot Weather Garden Tips

Flashback Episode: GB195 Best Roses for Cut Flowers

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Heirloom Roses https://heirloomroses.com use the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount!

Shade cloth: Peaceful Valley Farm Supply , Charley’s Greenhouse & Garden

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
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.

Got a garden question?
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964.
• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics
• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

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

You’re looking at your crowded kitchen counter and wondering, what the heck are we going to do with all these tomatoes, peppers and zucchini?  Hey, you grew it, now eat it! Today, we explore tasty recipes for your abundant summer harvest. (01:31)
Also, we have tips for sharpening your garden tools. (16:00)
And, we explore one ingredient of fertilizer, phosphorus. Is it radioactive? (25:01)

It’s all in today’s episode, number 277, You Grew It, Now Eat It: Summer Harvest Recipes

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, Dave Wilson Nursery and Heirloom Roses. 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:  Easy Fig Pizza

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Aug. 4, 2023 Newsletter: Fall Garden Tips
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Heirloom Roses https://heirloomroses.com use the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount!

Flashback Episode: GB 240 All About Potatoes
See You at Harvest Day, Saturday Aug. 5
Sacramento Digs Gardening Recipes
Sharpening Hand Pruners Video
RobertKourik.com
Robert Kourik’s Phosphorus Radioactivity Test Results
Soil Testing: UMass/Amherst, Texas A&M, Colorado State, Harmony Farm Supply

Corona Tool Sharpener
Felco Tool Sharpening Stone

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/Threads: 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.

If you’re currently growing roses in containers, or are thinking of adding a few potted roses to your patio or balcony, this is the episode for you.
• We get the tips from a professional rose grower, Ben Hanna, owner of HeirloomRoses.com (at 1:22).
• Also, Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington solves some tree rose woes for a listener
( 27:30).
• And, I chat with a local garden club about the need to keep an eye on soil temperatures in container plants during the summer, with tips for cooling them off. (45:16)

It’s all in today’s episode, number 276, Container Rose Growing 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!

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:  Rose in a Smart Pot

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
July 28, 2023 Newsletter: Jalapeno-gate

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

Flashback Episode: 265 Soil Irrigation Basics

See You at Harvest Day, Saturday Aug. 5

Planting a Rose in a Container: Video (HeirloomRoses.com)
How to Grow and Train a Climbing Rose: Video  (HeirloomRoses.com)
How to Grow a Rose from a Cutting (UCANR)
Sacramento Digs Gardening Recipes
Soil Test Sites:  U. Mass/Amherst, Colorado State, Texas A&M
Soil Test Kits
Moisture Meters
Soil Thermometers

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

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

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.

Those aren’t little white flowers on your woody perennials and shrubs. Look closer. What is it? It’s not a flower, it looks and feels like a wad of spit!
That would be the cocoon for the aptly named spittlebug. What’s a gardener to do about this pest which can be found throughout North America?

America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower tackles that and more of your yuck-inducing garden questions, including: should you eat green potatoes? Why does my boxwood shrub smell like cat urine? What is all this white mold around the roots of my plants?
It’s all in today’s episode, number 275, Spittlebugs and More of Your Questions.
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:  spittlebug cocoon on rosemary

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
July 21, 2023 Newsletter: Droopy Leaves vs Heat

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

Flashback Episode: 266 Cucumber Basics

See You at Harvest Day, Saturday Aug. 5

Herbicide Damage of Boxwoods (U. of Minn)

Spittlebugs (UCANR)

Meet the Beneficial Insects poster

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
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.

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.