Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower and myself tackle more of your garden questions today. 

Have you ever wondered, or even tried, planting into a container filled with straight compost? It might work for awhile, but eventually, you’re going to have problems. We have solutions to that issue.

Gardeners and homeowners in just about any section of the country that has faced a drought may be rethinking their water-thirsty lawns. Is there a successful turf substitute? For some, the answer just might be a lawn created by clover. We talk about the clover varieties that might be the most successful at serving as a green area, especially since it is somewhat drought tolerant and resistant to dog urine.

It’s all in today’s episode, number 274.

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 bag of compost

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
July 14, 2023 Newsletter: Is Your Fertilizer Radioactive?

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

Flashback Episode: #258 More Quick Tips!

See You at Harvest Day, Saturday Aug. 5

Start from Seed or Transplant? (U. of Neb.-Lincoln)

The Clover Option (turf substitute) (U.C. San Joaquin Co. Master Gardeners)

Organic Amendments for Landscape Soils UCANR

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 and Threads: 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.

It could be one of the prettiest insects you’ll ever see. It could also be one of the most voracious insects to find in your garden or on your farm. And right now it’s spreading throughout the eastern United states and into the midwest. It’s the spotted lanternfly. What does it look like? What crops can it overtake? How do you control the spotted lanternfly?

Also, Debbie Flower and I tackle more of your garden questions, such as how do you plant in mulch? (Carefully). Is there a trick to successfully planting carrot seeds? (Yes).  And, "New branches are growing from the bottom of the trunk of my peach tree that I thought had died. Will this  tree make it?" (It depends).

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:  spotted lanternfly (Photo: PA Dept of Ag)

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
July 7, 2023 issue: "Six Common Tomato Problems"

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

Flashback Episode: #189 Stop Tomato Blossom End Rot Now

See You at Harvest Day, Saturday Aug. 5

Spotted Lantern Fly Information

Home made seed tape

Is Your Tea Bag Compostable?

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.

Today, America’s Favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower and myself tackle your garden questions. And they are all about bugs: Aphids, wasps, gnats, drain flies and for some people - especially if they are allergic to them - bees. And that one serves as an introduction to one of the more vexing questions we received: are there any plants to repel bees?

It’s all in today’s episode 272, Questions and Answers about Bugs. 

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:  Aphids on a bean plant leaf.

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
June 30, 2023 Newsletter: Selecting and Caring for Garden Hand Tools

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

Flashback Episode: #209: Droopy Plants? What to do before you add water.

See You at Harvest Day, Saturday Aug. 5

Aphid Control Tips
Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects
Moth or Drainfly Control

U of GA Newswire: The Wrong Stuff for Bees

Yellowjacket bucket trap

Meet the Beneficial Insects (poster)

Ant Control Tips
Farmer Fred Rant Blog Page: Ants!

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
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964.
• 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.

11 Tips for Garden Success, recorded live, at the Lincoln Hills/Sun City (CA) garden club, May 2023.
• All Gardening is Local. (6:04)
• Know Your Soil. (10:27)
• Right Plant, Right Place. (20:47)
• Mulch, Mulch, Mulch. (23:13)
• Mother Nature Bats Last. (26:38)
• What's Old is New Again. (32:06)
• Everything You Know is Wrong. (38:37)
• If It Works for You, Fine. But Keep An Open Mind. (42:40)
• Read and Follow All Label Directions. (43:44)
• Life is Too Short to Put Up with a Problem Plant. (46:40)
• Bermuda Grass is Forever. (49:20)

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

Ready to discover the world of dragonflies and learn how they can benefit your garden? Join us as we chat with Pat Murphy, a Placer County Master Gardener and dragonfly enthusiast, who shares her wealth of knowledge on these incredible insects. With a 95% success rate as predators and the ability to control mosquito populations, dragonflies are a gardener's best friend. We'll also hear from America's favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, as she teaches us how to up-pot tomato plants for a quickerharvest.

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:  Flame Skimmer Dragonfly

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/
Flashback Episode: #182 Growing Raspberries, Blackberries, Boysenberries

Dragonfly info:
Garden Good Guys: Dragonflies
Know Your Dragonflies
How Dragonflies Catch Prey in Mid-Air
Dragonflies
Dragonfly (Wikipedia)

Outdoor Water Features (Amazon)

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
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
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964.
• 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.

Imagine reducing the risk of high cholesterol, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease with a simple change in your diet and lifestyle. Join us as we discuss the incredible connection between a whole food, plant-based diet and better brain health, with expert insights from Dr. Laura Varich of FreshPhysician.com.

Dive into the power of leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and microgreens, and how they can help protect our brains from cognitive decline. We also take a closer look at the potential health benefits of growing turmeric, incorporating herbs, spices, berries, whole grains, nuts, and teas into our diet, and the dangers of ultra-processed foods. Learn how to grow your very own Brain Food Garden and keep your mind and body in top shape by tuning into this enlightening episode.

Other guests today include Master Gardener Gail Pothour, who mentions several tasty lettuce varieties that resist bolting in the heat. Plus, America's Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, answers a listener's question about which perennial herbs can be grown outdoors in Colorado.

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:  Healthy Microgreens

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/

Flashback Garden Basics Episode: #191 Should You Prune Tomato Flowers?
Episode 228 with Dr. Laura Varich of FreshPhysician.com
Johnny’s Selected Seeds - Microgreen Mixes

Bekana Cabbage

“Game Changers” documentary movie

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange list of herb hardiness zones

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

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.

Tired of pesky ants ruining your garden beds and invading your home? Join us as we chat with Debbie Flower, America's favorite retired college horticultural professor, who shares her personal formula for getting rid of these unwanted pests. We'll uncover the secrets of boric acid ant bait and explore why it's crucial for it to reach the queen in order to wipe out the entire colony.

We also have a conversation with Master Food Preserver and State Fair Food Judge, Wendy Rose. Discover how to save an early partial harvest for delicious recipes later in the season and learn the insider tips to winning big with your jams, jellies, and preserves at county and state fair competitions. If you're looking to snag some awards, don't miss this episode!

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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:  Greenway Liquid Ant Killing Bait, KM AntPro Liquid Ant Bait Station

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/

Flashback: Ep. 197 Compost Tea Explained

Debbie Flower’s Recipe for Ant Control
CA State Fair Canning Competition Guide
UC Master Food Preserver Program
The National Center for Home Food Preservation (U of GA)

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.

• Have you ever wondered how to attract more birds to your yard? We have a tip to bring more birds, using sound. (07:28)
• Thinking of removing all or part of your lawn to save water, or  expand your garden? Now’s the time to take action, and we will show you how. (10:05)
• Are there cures for common tomato problems, such as flower drop or blossom end rot? Yes, and no. We explain.  (20:02)
• How much should you water your lawn or garden?  (40:01)

“We”, would be myself and America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower. We recorded a live podcast, at the California State Garden Club district meeting in Sacramento. 

It’s all in today’s episode 267, More Garden Tips, Live!  It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you 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. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured:  Farmer Fred, Debbie Flower

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/

Flashback: Ep. 192 Easiest Tomatoes to Grow
soil solarization
sheet mulching
Cornell Soil Mix recipe
Bt Dunks (for Mosquito control)
Garden Tool Sharpeners
Moisture Meters
Soil Probe (Soil Auger)

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
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.

According to one recent national poll of backyard gardeners, cucumbers are the second favorite crop for growing. In a poll conducted by the National Gardening Association, 86% of gardeners cited growing tomatoes as their favorite, and cucumbers came in number 2. 

We’ve talked about tomatoes extensively on this podcast. But, how do you grow and enjoy cucumbers? We’ve got the varieties, the growing techniques, the harvesting tips and advice on how to get rid of the bitterness of certain cucumbers. America’s favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, is an avowed fan of the cucumber, so who better to turn to for cucumber growing basics.  

Plus, have you ever wondered how bees communicate to the other bees that they’ve found a site filled with pollen-rich plants? They do the waggle dance! We talk to a bee expert who has studied these dance moves. 

 It’s all in today’s episode 266, Cucumber 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: slicing cucumber

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/

Flashback Ep. 151: How to Grow Popcorn, Pumpkins
Cucumber pest info from UC Ag & Natural Resources
cucumber seeds
The Honeybee Dance Language

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.

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.

Proper soil moisture is necessary for healthy plant growth. Do you know how moist your garden soil is right now? What are the easiest, best ways to determine the moisture level of your soil? How do you install a drip irrigation system on  a raised garden bed, which has a totally different moisture pattern than your in-ground garden? How do you pick a soil moisture meter or a soil probe? Don't forget that your choice of fertilizers plays a part in proper irrigation. And we talk with a Master Gardener about how to grow bush varieties of zucchini, vertically.  A great solution for the small space gardener.

It’s all in today’s episode 265, Soil Irrigation 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: Moisture Meter, Soil Probe

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/

Flashback Ep. 116: Less Water for Fruit Trees. Growing Citrus in Containers.
Soil Test Services:
UMass Amherst Soil Test
Colorado State U soil test
Texas A&M Soil Test

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.