Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

We are in the midst of spring construction here, so we are taking the opportunity to not shout over the whine of power saws and the banging hammers. Instead, we will be revisiting some of the most popular segments ever aired on our podcast.

In Episode 83, we explained why feeding your soil yields better results than feeding your plants. Sound confusing?  We get the lowdown from Gisele Schoniger of Kellogg Garden Products.

Also, America's Favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower,  and I hung out at a nursery, looking at all the snail and slug control products that are available. Which are the most effective? Which ones are, shall we say, are dubious?  We find out.

And from Episode 9, we discuss growing your own protein. And I'm not talking about a backyard full of creatures that moo, cluck, and oink.  We chat with Master Gardener and vegetable expert, Gail Pothour, about tips for growing protein rich plants.

It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots, and HeirloomRoses.com. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.

Pictured: A mix of dry bean varieties

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link)

Snail and Slug Control Tips (UCANR)
Snail and Slug Control Products
Gardner & Bloome Fertilizer Products
Growing Beans (UC Davis Vegetable Research and Information Center)
Bean Seed Varieties
Yellow Indian Woman Bean seeds
Strike bush bean seeds

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.

Farmer Fred and Don Shor from Redwood Barn Nursery answer a garden question from a  listener about whiteflies on grapes. But are they really whiteflies? They discuss how to control whiteflies and leaf hoppers on grapevines, the use of organic sprays, and the importance of correct pest identification.
Also, Debbie Flower answers a question about removing the first tomato that appears on your plants. Does it help, Yes or No? 
Then, Master Gardener and fruit tree expert Quentyn Young joins the conversation to discuss planting citrus trees on mounds for better drainage.

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: That First Tomato - Take It Off…or Not?

Links:
 Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link)

 

Redwood Barn Nursery, Davis, CA
Whitefly Identification (UCANR)
Leafhopper Identification (UCANR)
Extreme Bush Tomato
Tomato Growing (UCANR)

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

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

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Twitter/X: @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.

Mid to late spring is cucumber planting time in most of North America, and we have more cucumber growing tips for you today. We covered a lot of cucumber growing basics back in episode 266 last May, but today, cucumber cheerleader and America's favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, has more cucumber planting advice for you, whether you start cucumbers from seed or from nursery-purchased transplants.

And by the way, choose carefully if you're shopping for cucumber plants. Debbie will tell us what to look for. Plus, properly training the growth of your cucumbers can help thwart a lot of disease and pest problems as well. Debbie tells us how. It's all in episode 331 of today's Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, Cucumbers, Starting and Training. 

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 SmartPots and heirloomroses.com. Let's go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.

Pictured: Cucumbers on a Trellis

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link)

Chicken Manure Pelletized Fertilizer
Quick Snack Cucumber Seeds and more
Chelsea Prize Cucumber Seeds and more
Garden Panel Trellis for Cucumbers

Got a garden question? 

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

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

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

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Twitter/X: @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.

In Episode 330, Q&A - Gail from Orangevale, CA wants to start a vegetable and flower garden in her backyard, which is currently covered in Bermuda grass. Debbie Flower,  America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, and I suggest waiting a year and using soil solarization to kill off the Bermudagrass. We also recommend starting small with container gardening and using organic mulch to keep the soil soft. We discuss the challenges of dealing with Bermudagrass and the benefits of soil solarization. 
For the next question, from David in Arizona, Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour touches on David’s question about the use of black plastic mulch on the soil (not usually recommended for home gardeners), and comments on David’s suggestion of using hydrogen peroxide as a treatment for early blight on tomatoes (Nope. Sorry, Dave)

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: Soil Solarization

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

Garden Basics Ep. 116  Growing Citrus in Containers
Soil Solarization (From UC-ANR)
Hori-Hori Knife
Bermudagrass Control (From UC-ANR)
Kurapia as a ground cover

Got a garden question? 

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

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 
Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/
Twitter/X: @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.

This episode is entitled,  How to Water Your Garden. “What!?!” you’re probably thinking. “Of course I know how to water my garden, lawn, and indoor plants, I’m a gardener!” As Farmer Fred Garden Rule #8 says: “If it works for you, fine. But keep an open mind.” 

Join us as America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has advice on how to properly and thoroughly irrigate all your plants from newly planted seeds to vegetables to flowers to lawns, shrubs and trees. I bet by the end of our chat, there will be at least one irrigation tip that will have you saying, “I did not know that!”  

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. Let’s go!

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

Pictured: A Dramm 1000-hole water breaker nozzle for newly planted seeds

Links:
 Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/

peat pots/peat pellets
Vermiculite for seed starting
Dramm Watering Video: Watering 101
Dramm breaker nozzles for fine spray watering
one gallon tank sprayer with adjustable nozzle
Hunter MP Rotator sprinklers
Outdoor sprinkler water measuring devices
Farmer Fred Rant: How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?
Olla Watering Pots

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question  via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

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

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Twitter/X: @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.

In this episode of the Garden Basics Podcast, Farmer Fred and Master Gardener Susan Muckey discuss composting and answer a listener's question about adding nitrogen to a compost pile. They explain that adding nitrogen is not necessary for most compost piles and discuss the ideal carbon-nitrogen ratio. They also provide tips for turning a compost pile and maintaining the right temperature. In the second part of the episode, Quentyn Young, Master Gardener and orchard specialist, joins the conversation to discuss strategies for dealing with peach leaf curl, including planting late ripening peach varieties.

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: Compost Bin at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

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/

The Rapid Composting Method

Dave Wilson Nursery Fruit Harvest Chart

Compost Thermometer

Compost Bins

Garden Fork for Turning Compost

Dormant Season Copper Sprays for Peach Leaf Curl Control

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

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

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Twitter/X: @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.

The healthiest food you can eat, is the food you grow yourself.  Where have you heard THAT before? Today,  let’s grow a heart-healthy garden! What are the foods you can plant that are best suited, chemically, to help reverse what might be going on around your ticker, including high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, and stress?  We talk with Dr. Laura Varich, the Fresh Physician, about those foods that can do your heart  a world of good..
It’s all in Episode 327 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast - Growing The Heart Healthy Garden. You, or your family, or your friends, who might be struggling with metabolic disorders may learn some new techniques and foods that might improve the quality of their lives. Don’t be shy about sharing this episode with them.  It’s the Heart Healthy 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. Let’s go!

Pictured: Snow Peas, high in soluble fiber

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/

Dr. Laura Varich, the Fresh Physician
Heart Healthy Foods Newsletter from Fresh Physician
My Fitness Pal
Black Seed (Black Cumin, Nigella Sativa)
Ground Flaxseed
Devil's Ear Lettuce
Tokyo Bekana Chinese Cabbage
Book: "The One Minute Workout" by Martin Gibala

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

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

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Twitter/X: @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.

Q&A - Working with Coir, Peat Moss, Perlite, etc. Reusing Old Potting Soil. 00:24
Q&A - Runaway Plum Tree! 16:10

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: Wheelbarrow with Homemade Potting Mix

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/

Perlite
Peat Moss
Coir
Vermiculite
Pumice
Drip Irrigation Micro Sprayers

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

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

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Twitter/X: @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.

Appearing now (or soon) on a peach or nectarine tree near you: Peach Leaf Curl? What is this fungus that causes the leaves on these trees to redden, pucker, and curl? And how can you control it? (Please note, I did not say, “eradicate”). America’s favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower has some tips. Also, we go back about eight years for an interview with Marta McDowell, author of the book “All the Presidents’ Gardens”. It’s a look at the White House gardens, through the centuries. And which president was the most active gardener while living in the White House? If you know that answer off the top of your head, you need to get on Jeopardy as soon as possible!

It’s all in Episode 325 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred - Peach Leaf Curl Control Tips…and, a chat with the author of the book, “All the Presidents’ Gardens”. 

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.  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: Peach Leaf Curl

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/

Copper Sprays for Peach Leaf Curl
Book: All the Presidents’ Gardens   by Marta McDowell

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

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

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Twitter/X: @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.

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:  Pizza Pie Crop Rotation 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/

LaMotte Soil Test Kits (and others)
Farmer Fred Rant: Pizza Pie Crop Rotation Garden
Nutri-Rich Fertilizer
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
Electric Chipper/Shredder
Jeff Lowenfels’ “Teaming With…” Books

Soil Testing Services:
UMass/Amherst
Colorado State U
Texas A&M

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: [email protected] 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

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

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Twitter/X: @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.