Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

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

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred episodes

February 24, 2023 254 Plants That Are Shows for the Nose
One joy of having a garden are aromatic plants. Annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees that emanate a pleasant smell while you’re walking through the yard, especially in the afternoon and evening. Shows for the nose.

(1:21) We talk with New York- based aromatherapist Amy Anthony about the power that various aromatic plants can instill in us, making us happier, calmer and braver. Really!

(40:05) Plus, Master Gardener and chef/instructor Andi MacDonald shares her recipe for vegan split pea soup, whose ingredients you might be growing in your garden right 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. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout
Pictured: Flower of the ‘Port Wine’ Magnolia figo, the banana shrub.
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/
NYC Aromatica website and Essential Aromatica podcast
Split Pea Soup Recipe (Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter)

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
Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/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.
49 min
February 17, 2023 253 Garden Tips to Save Time, Money, Water. Live!
What should you do when an unexpected heavy frost or freeze damages your plants? (4:25)
How can mulch save you water? (8:32)
Are those extra ingredients in fertilizers and potting soils worth the expense? (17:10)
What’s a good soil recipe for starting seeds? (20:31)
Why is soil pH important? (25:11)
What’s a good soil mix for growing blueberries? (28:21)
How can you get seeds to germinate more quickly? (29:30)
How can you tell if those old seeds are any good? (31:36)
What is an inexpensive way to protect young plants in the garden in early spring? (34:00)
Are eucalyptus wood chips ok to use in the garden? (36:55)
How do you mulch around irises? (41:45)
Are cedar wood chips ok to use in the garden? (38:28, 43:20)
Why do you need a fan blowing on young indoor seedlings? (45:41)
How do you control soil grubs? (47:44)
Wow, that a lot of questions. And America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, and I, provide the answers (or opinions) at this, a live mid-February recording at the Elk Grove (CA) Garden Club. A splendid time was had by all. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, Live (sort of) brought to you 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 Freezing Brugmansia That Wishes It Was in USDA Zone 10
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/
chipdrop.com (free wood chips)
Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott Garden Myths books
The Garden Professors on Facebook

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: 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.
52 min
February 10, 2023 252 Winter vs Summer Fruit Tree Pruning, Container Drainage, Cool Vegetables
Guest:
Quentyn Young, UC Master Gardener, Orchard Specialist, and Landscape Designer
Topics:
Winter vs Summer Fruit Tree Pruning (1:27)
Tips for Improving Container Drainage (10:17)
Unusual Cool Season Vegetables worth a try now (21:59)

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: Late UC Farm Advisor Chuck Ingels winter pruning a nectarine tree.

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/
Broccolini
Chinese Broccoli
Sprouting Broccoli
Guylon Chinese Broccoli
Chioggia Beets
White Beets
Watermelon Radish
Icicle Radish
Black Spanish Radish
Salanova Lettuce
Dandelion Greens

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.
36 min
February 03, 2023 251 Garden Basics 2022 Greatest Hits Pt. 4 Spring Garden Tips, Live!
Welcome to Part 4 of our four part series, 2022’s greatest hits of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. The four parts include the top 10 most listened-to segments last year.

In part 1, in Ep. 248, we talked about how to grow tomatoes.
In part 2, in Episode 249, we talked with "Grow Now" author Emily Murphy about a way to build your soil without having to purchase bags of potting mix. It’s called lasagna gardening. And we visited with Master Gardener Pam Bone, with good tips for growing raspberries and boysenberries.
In Episode 250, it was a Debbie Flower extravaganza. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor discussed how to reuse old potting soil, tips for reducing water use in the yard, and a checklist for starting your first garden or a new garden.
Today in Part 4, just like every good rock group has a live album, we had a live podcast last Spring, at the Folsom, California Garden Club. It’s one of the most listened to podcasts of 2022,
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: Debbie Flower at the Folsom Garden Club appearance
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 About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Farmer Fred website
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
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
Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
58 min
January 27, 2023 250 Garden Basics 2022 Greatest Hits, Pt. 3. A First Garden Checklist
Welcome to Part 3 of our four part series, the 2022 greatest hits of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. The four parts include the top 10 most listened-to segments last year. Today it’s a Debbie Flower extravaganza. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor discusses how to reuse old potting soil, tips for reducing water use in the yard, and a checklist for starting your first garden. And if you’ve moved and are thinking of starting a new garden, a lot of these first garden tips may include ideas you haven’t considered before starting that new garden.
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 Food Garden, as seen from the kitchen window
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/
Farmer Fred Rant: Tips for the First Garden
Landscape Design Tools and References
Dripworks Video Series on Drip Irrigation
Drip Irrigation Kits
Moisture Meters

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: farmerfredhoffman
Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/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 hr 6 min
January 20, 2023 249 Garden Basics 2022 Greatest Hits, Part 2, Berries, Lasagna Gardens
Welcome to Part 2 of our four part series, the 2022 greatest hits of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, Part 2. The four parts include the top 10 most listened to segments last year. In part 1 last week, we talked about tomatoes. That included choosing the easiest to grow varieties, pruning, the best tomatoes for containers, and battling diseases, and one in particular, blossom end rot. This time around we’ll be talking with Emily Murphy, author of the book, Grow Now. she explains gardening techniques that goes beyond no-till gardening. She calls it, no-dig gardening, also called lasagna gardening.
But first, we present the most listened- to segment in the Garden Basics podcast last year. In fact, it is the all time leader in listenership. It’s all about growing berries, with Master Gardener Pam Bone. She has lots of good tips for growing these tasty, healthy treats.
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, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.

Pictured: Raspberries

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

Berry Varieties to Consider
UCANR Growing Caneberries in the Sacramento Region
Raspberry, Blackberry Production Guide (Cornell U.)
Best Way To Train Raspberries (Penn St)
University of Massachusetts/Amherst Soil Test Information
Colorado State University Soil Test Information
Farmer Fred Vegetable Planting Calendar for Northern California

Book: Grow Now by Emily Murphy
UCANR: Sheet Mulching (Lasagna Gardening)
Hugelkultur (extreme lasagna gardening)

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.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.
50 min
January 13, 2023 248 Garden Basics Greatest Hits 2022 Pt. 1 Tomato Mania
It’s the first month of 2023, and we have a look back, well, actually, it’s a listen back, to the most popular Garden Basics segments of 2022. It’s those chats that got the biggest audiences last year. It’s our Top 10 of 2022, and it’s going to take four weeks to get through all of them. We have thoughtfully divvied them up by subject matter. And guess what garden subject got the most downloads? Tomatoes took four of the Top 10 positions in 2022. So, today’s Greatest Hits, Part 1, includes four segments all about tomatoes: the easiest tomatoes to grow; prune out the earliest forming flowers on tomato plants for better production, yes or no; the best tomatoes for patio containers; and strategies for dealing with the never ending tomato question: "Why are the bottoms of my tomatoes turning brown and wrinkly?" That would be blossom end rot.
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: Tomatoes!
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/
Redwood Barn Nursery - Don’s Tomato Picks
Farmer Fred Rant Blossom End Rot
Farmer Fred Rant Tomato Garden Advice
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: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/
Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/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]
And thank you for listening.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
1 hr 14 min
January 06, 2023 247 Trees vs. Storms
Winter storms are ravaging the country. Heavy winds, rain, and snow are toppling trees from coast to coast, crushing cars, homes and power lines. Why are so many trees falling? It could be due to the lack of care by the homeowners. Or the city. Or whoever owns the trees. Today, we have tips from tree expert and Master Gardener Pam Bone for discovering some of the structural weaknesses that can lead to toppling trees, and how you can help prevent disaster from striking. It’s Trees vs. Storms.
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 storm-toppled birch tree
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/
Inspect Landscape Trees For Hazards
Thinning vs Heading Pruning Techniques
Find an arborist at TreesAreGood.org (International Society of Arboriculture)
Find a Consulting Arborist at the American Society of Consulting Arborists
Understanding the 3-cut pruning method and tree branch collars
Sacramento Tree Foundation Pruning Info
PG&E Pruning Near Power Lines
SMUD Tree Protection Near Power Lines
Arbor Day Foundation: Tree Care Tips
Quality Felco Bypass Hand Pruners
Tree Pruning Equipment
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/
Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/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.
58 min
December 30, 2022 246 Gardening Trends 2023 Pt. 2
We continue our chat from last episode about the future of gardening in 2023 with Andrew Bunting, vice president of Horticulture with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. And we’ll find out about the big Philadelphia Flower Show coming up in March.
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 bountiful harvest of tomatoes
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/
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society / Philadelphia Flower Show in March
Ample Harvest.org directory for the closest food pantry/food closet that wants your excess harvest
All-America Selections Award Winners
“The Plant Lovers’ Guide to Magnolias” by Andrew Bunting

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/
Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/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]
And thank you for listening.
Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
37 min
December 23, 2022 245 Gardening Trends for 2023 Pt. 1
The term, "gardening", has many facets, many meanings. And, as you might imagine, all gardeners are local, too. So what are the gardening trends sweeping the country right now? And what can we look forward to as far as garden trends in the coming year? The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has a pretty powerful Magic 8-ball to figure out those answers. Today, as well as in the next episode of Garden Basics, we talk about the future of gardening in 2023 with Andrew Bunting, vice president of Horticulture with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. And we’ll find out about the big Philadelphia Flower Show coming up in March.
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 Gravel Garden

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/
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the Philadelphia Flower Show
Gravel Gardening
Four Plants for More Pollinators and Beneficials

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/
Post: @farmerfred ( https://post.news/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.
31 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…