Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

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

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred episodes

December 16, 2022 244 2023 Fruit Tree Planning
Retail nurseries here on the West Coast are already getting in shipments of berry plants and fruit trees. The rest of the country will start seeing the arrival of these tasty edible and beautiful crops throughout the winter. Shop early for the best selection, because most nurseries will only be getting in one shipment. But which fruit trees or berry plants should you get? Which ones taste the best? Which ones are right for your area? Today, we talk with Phil Pursel from wholesale grower Dave Wilson Nursery. He’ll help you plan your 2023 fruit garden and orchard. The healthiest food you can eat is the food you grow yourself!
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: Dapple Dandy and Flavor Queen Pluots

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/

DWN Harvest Chart for Potted Fruits (berries, grapes, figs)
DWN Harvest Chart for Bare Root Trees
DWN Most Popular Fruit Tree Varieties by State
Top 50 Fruit tree Varieties
Fruit Variety Recommendations
Harvesting Trees at Dave Wilson: the GK Digger
FF Rant: Blueberries in containers: the Soil Mix

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.
54 min
December 09, 2022 243 All America Selections 2023 Plant Winners
It may not be planting time, but it certainly is planning time for your 2023 garden. Looking to plant something different? A good place to start is with the All America Selections winners. This is a yearly compilation of new plant entries, annuals and perennials, ornamentals and edibles, that have won the praises of plant expert judges in trial gardens from coast to coast. The 2023 entries include new winning tomato and pepper vegetable varieties, as well as colorful annual and perennial flowers, including ground covers and houseplants, 11 plants in all, that have been chosen by judges as the 2023 All America Selection winners.
We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

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

Pictured: 2023 AAS Winner, the Zenzei Tomato

Links:
Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter: 2023 AAS Plant Winners

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

AAS Website: 2023 All America Selections Winners

Propagation Mats (Bottom Heat mats for seedlings)
Pepper Germination Tips (Farmer Fred Rant Blog)
Garden Basics podcast: Pepper Germination Tips
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

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: 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
• 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.
37 min
December 02, 2022 242 Biochar. Roof Rats.
You may have heard the term, “biochar”, being used in gardening circles. What exactly is “biochar”? And why is it being added to more and more soil products that you could find at the nursery? We will find out. Also, Roof Rats! They’re not just for your attic anymore. If conditions are right, they will invade your fruit and nut plants outdoors, and in some instances, move out there. We have control tips for roof rats, and how they differ from other rodents you might find in your 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: Rat Gnawing on Prickly Pear Fruit
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/
Biochar Info
Biochar
International Biochar Initiative
Roof Rats Info
Baiting for Roof Rats in Orchards
Snap Rat Traps
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

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: 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]
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.
39 min
November 25, 2022 241 House Strip Planting Ideas. Microgreens
You might live in a house or condo that has a narrow strip of soil right next to the house. What precautions do you need to take before you plant in that two foot wide strip? We answer a listener’s question on that very topic, with the help of America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower.

Also, how about growing some nutritious vegetables this winter, indoors, in a sunny window? It’s microgreens, a variety of any edible, leafy crop that you can harvest when they’re just a couple of inches tall, perfect for garnishing soup, salad or a sandwich. Master Gardener Gail Pothour will tell us how to do it. (Originally aired in Ep. 63)
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: Microgreens
Links:
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
SOIL TESTS:
U Mass Amherst
Colo. St.
Texas A&M
Do-It-Yourself Soil Testing Equipment
Microgreens Growing Kits
Kitazawa Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Johnny's Microgreens Chart
Microgreen Growing Information
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

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: 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.
36 min
November 18, 2022 240 All About Potatoes
I find it amazing how one simple question opens the door for a podcast that turned out to be about an hour long. Today, here on episode 240, we delve into the world of potatoes. How to grow them, how to store them, and - the question that started all of this from a listener - what are the best potatoes to grow? We’re talking potatoes today - the most consumed vegetable throughout the world - with America’s Favorite Retired College horticulture professor, Debbie Flower; as well as Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour.
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: Yukon Gold potatoes
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/

Our Favorite Potato Varieties: Jelly, Yukon Gem, Yukon Gold, Russian Banana Fingerling, Corolla, Bodega Red, Norgold Russet, Red la Soda, Kennebec, White Rose, German Butterball.
Potato Scab UCANR
Renee's Garden: Potatoes
Slow Food Ark of Taste
SOIL TESTS:
U Mass Amherst
Colorado St.
Texas A&M
Conditioning Straw Bales
Sunset National Garden Book
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

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: 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.
1 hr 4 min
November 11, 2022 239 Overwintering Pepper Plants. Roses for the Heat. Leaf Footed Bugs.
Today, we tackle some of the garden questions that have come in from around the country, such as:
How do you overwinter a pepper plant indoors?
What are these new bugs on my tomato plants?
And, a question from a couple of months ago, when we were all stifling in record breaking heat: are there any roses that can tolerate and grow in high temperatures? We gets answers from two of my favorite Debbies: Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington, and America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. And, we get pepper overwintering advice from a professional pepper grower, Dave DeWitt.
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: Leaf Footed Bug
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/
Dave DeWitt's Collection of Pepper Books
Controlling Leaf Footed Bugs (UCIPM)
Hand-Held Insect Vacuum
Sac Digs Gardening 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

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.
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.
38 min
November 04, 2022 238 Teaming with Bacteria
Teaming with bacteria. Now there’s a title sure to send the casual gardener to another podcast. But bear with me, please. What if I told you that the future of plant fertilizer was not fertilizer? It will be… bacteria. That’s according to Jeff Lowenfels, author of the book, Teaming with Bacteria. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, geeks out on garden science with Jeff, who, for the last 20 years or so, has written other garden books about plant nutrition, microbes and fungus. As you might imagine, Debbie Flower had a wonderful time talking with Jeff. Me? I was busy thinking about buttered popcorn. You’ll have to listen to find out why. I tell you what, if you listen to the entire episode, you’ll get garden psychic bonus points.
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: Book Cover: "Teaming with Bacteria" by Jeff Lowenfels
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/
Teaming with Bacteria by Jeff Lowenfels
Plant a Row for the Hungry
Ample Harvest (Directory of food banks and pantries, nationwide)
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

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: 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]
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 10 min
October 28, 2022 237 Bagged Worm Castings - Two Views
Last Spring (Episode 193), Debbie Flower and I discussed the viability of bagged worm castings. According to one study published in a peer review journal, bagged worm castings start losing their effectiveness after 60 days.
There are those who disagree with that study, calling it invalid. Today, we revisit our chat about bagged worm castings with Debbie Flower, and add in an opposing viewpoint, from longtime organic gardening advisor Steve Zien. We leave you to draw your own conclusions about the viability of bagged worm castings.
Also, as timely as the decorations on your front porch in late October, we have a tasty recipe for Curried Pumpkin Soup. The secret? Adding in other winter squash varieties that you might be growing in your own 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: Bagged Worm Castings
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/
Journal of Applied Horticulture: “Effect of Storage on Some Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Vermicast”
Epsoma Organic Potting Mix
Eden's Best Organic Earthworm Castings
Curried Pumpkin Soup Recipe available at the 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

Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
https://twitter.com/farmerfred
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: 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.
46 min
October 21, 2022 236 Heat vs Fruit Trees. Deer Control.
Many areas of the country suffered through prolonged heat waves in September. And now, your fruit tree orchard may have problems. We have ideas on how to help your fruit trees get through next year’s heatwaves.
You’ve seen the bags and boxes of fertilizers and soil amendments that say, “Now, containing mycorrhizae!” Is that a good buy? America’s Favorite College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, gives her take on that. Also, she has tips for thwarting deer in your garden.
Finally, an outdoor power equipment expert tells us about the latest item that can blow your fallen leaves into a pile, suck them up, and them grind them up, perfect for topping a garden bed in the cold season.
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, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.
Pictured: Quentyn Young with a heat-stressed 'Stella' Cherry 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/

Cherry Tree Diseases
Quentyn Young Landscaping on Instagram
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
Agribon Shade Cloth/Frost Covers
Leaf Vac/Shredders
Rodale Institute: Make your own Mycorrhizae
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.
59 min
October 14, 2022 235 Horse Manure as Fertilizer? Wildfire Landscaping Tips
If you have horses, or access to horse manure, you might want to use that manure to fertilize your plants. What are the precautions you need to take? America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has those warnings.
Wildfires are a fact of life throughout rural and not so rural areas of many states. 1 in 6 Americans lives in an area that could face a wildfire. How can you protect your property to slow down the chance of damage from flying, burning embers? We talk with a University of California wildfire specialist on easy steps you can take to protect your home and modify your landscape to ease the wildfire threat.
We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net.
Pictured: The Source for Horse Manure
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/
Video: Wildfire Ember Storm Test on a Typical Home
“Fire in California” Resources and Information
Recommended tree list for wildfire areas in California
Wildfire Preparedness in the Home Landscape
3-Bin Composting Method
Got a garden question?
• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe.
• 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
Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter/Podcast
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Farmer Fred website
Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
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.
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.
55 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…