Garden Talk

If not grass, then what? Lawn alternatives

Many people are interested in lawns that feed pollinators. We talk with a turf expert about the latest research on non-grass alternatives and answer your lawn care questions.

How to jumpstart the growing season

The air temperatures may be warm but that doesn’t mean your soil is ready for planting. We talk with nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers about what we can do to heat up the soil faster. We also look at...

Container gardening

Containers are a great option for tricky spots in your garden. We talk about selecting plants, containers and soil for pots. And we look at how to grow seeds inside and successfully transfer them to your garden.

Prairie garden design principles

A successful native garden requires planning. We talk with nationally recognized native plant expert Neil Diboll about how to select the right plants and how to determine their location in your garden. We also talk about how to prepare soil...

Starting seeds and pruning trees

It’s finally time to start seeds inside. We talk with two UW Extension experts about how to get good results from your efforts. We also take a look at pruning landscape trees and shrubs.

Stop micromanaging your soil

Sometimes less is more. We talk with retired UW Extension horticulture specialist Diana Alfuth about what to put in your soil that actually helps your garden. We also talk about the correct way to water in drought conditions.

Gardening in a changing climate

Our early spring is one more reminder that our climate is changing. We look at how to still get good results in your garden despite changing temperatures and precipitation levels. We also look at how to correctly prune fruit trees.

The expanding world of heirloom seeds

We talk with Jere Gettle, the founder of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, about new seed varieties from around the world.  They include six foot beans, accordion tomatoes and dinosaur kale.

The layered edible garden

Growing your own food is one of the benefits of gardening. In this episode we take a fresh look at what a vegetable garden looks like. We also talk about the history of the Wild Ones organization and how they...

Adding color and texture with foliage plants

We tend to focus our plant selections on flowers,  but foliage can be just as important to our gardens. Mark Dwyer is back with suggestions for plants that can add the wow factor to your landscape.

Straw Bale Gardening, anywhere by anyone

Planting in bales can be a good way to garden, even if you don’t have space or are new to gardening. We talk with Joel Karsten, the inventor of the process, about how to create a straw bale garden.

Effects of heavy snow and fluctuating temps

Heavy, wet snow, sub zero temperatures, ice and rain – all in a few weeks. This winter is a rough one – especially for our plants. We talk about what you can do to keep your trees, shrubs and perennials...

Choosing the best orchid for you

Not all orchids are created equal. We talk with an expert about how to choose a plant that works for your location and skill level.

Selecting plants that grow well together

Some plants grow better and produce more when they are next to different kinds of plants. We talk to Jessica Walliser about the science behind those pairings and also look at how to grow in small spaces.

Growing the best vegetable garden ever

Gardening doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time consuming. We talk with a professional kitchen garden designer about selecting the right site, soil and plants; how to control pests and disease; and how to get bigger and better yields.

Keeping indoor foliage looking great

Winter can do a number on our indoor plants. We talk with an expert about light, fertilizer, and other needs so you can keep them happy and healthy during the cold, dark months.

Creating a lush indoor garden

Growing and caring for houseplants has become a popular hobby for many people in the last few years. We talk with the author of a new book about how keeping plants happy can make you happy too.

The homestead garden

We talk about modern homesteading, not the traditional way of living entirely off the land but by reducing your footprint and living a more sustainable life. We talk with our guest about growing organically, no matter the size of your...

The secrets of growing flowering houseplants year-round

Having blooming plants inside adds warmth and beauty to your home. Our guest talks about ways to encourage bloom and all the ins and outs of caring for these beautiful plants.

Dane County Farmers Market

One of the country’s longest running farmers markets has been going strong in Madison for over 50 years. In celebration, a new cookbook has been released featuring ingredients that can be found there. We take a look at the book...

2023 Gardening gift list

Gardening expert Lis Frieoth is back with her list of great gardening gifts. This year’s list includes tools, clothing and books.

Selecting indoor plants

Rooms just feel better with plants, especially if various heights are used. We talk about how to create a natural environment by using tall, medium and small sized plants.

Woody ornamentals and winter

Many of our trees, shrubs and vines need attention before the cold and snow arrives. We talk with an ornamental plant expert about fall gardening tasks and how to prepare for colder temperatures.

Extending the growing season

There are many ways to extend the growing season. We talk about greenhouses, cold frames and hoop houses. We also take a look at new methods of aquaponics.

Exploring the world of herbs

Learning about herbs is a lifelong journey. Our guest from the Olbrich Botanical Gardens talks about the upcoming Madison Herb Fair and the new Hmong community garden.

Overwintering plants indoors

Cold weather is on its way and it’s time to start bringing in your plants. We talk about what you can do to help your houseplants, shade loving perennials, and annuals stay healthy inside through the winter.

How to plan, plant and tend a resilient edible landscape

Whether you have a few square feet or a few acres, you can create a forest garden. Our guest has advice for growing cold-hardy berry bushes, fruit and nut trees, perennial vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, mushrooms, and more.

Planning for spring color with bulbs

To enjoy tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs you need to get them into the ground in the fall. We talk about bulb selection, placement and planting. We also talk about fall clean up and protecting plants from critters.

Drought stress and disease

Lack of rain can cause many problems with plants and trees - including disease. We talk with a plant disease expert about the effects of drought stress on gardens.

Designing fall containers

Container gardens can start to look rundown at this time of the year. We talk with nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers about how to refresh them for fall. We’ll also talk about fall cover crops and caring for hydrangeas.

Hardy, tolerant plants

As our climate changes and weather becomes more unpredictable our garden plants need to be more tolerant. We get recommendations for hardy plants from a seasoned expert.

A no mow option

Nationally recognized native plant expert Neil Diboll talks about an option for no mow turfgrass. He also answers your questions about fall prairie maintenance.

Fall is the time to seed lawns

Whether it's a new lawn or filling bare spots, now is the perfect time to seed your lawn. Our sod expert is with us to talk about the best methods to follow.

Fall changes in the native garden

As the gardening season changes from summer to fall it’s a good time to take stock of your garden. We talk with a native garden specialist from the UW Arboretum about what you can plant, how to collect seeds and...

This invasive tree is not heavenly

Another invasive plant is causing problems in Wisconsin. We talk about the Tree of Heaven and why you don’t want to grow it. We also look at how to make sure you don’t plant invasive species.

Mid-season gardening tips

There is lots to do in your garden at this time of year. We talk about keeping your edible plants healthy and productive and how to plan for the fall harvest season.

From apples to strawberries - keeping fruit plants healthy

Lack of rain is stressing fruit plants this season. We talk with three experts about how to make sure your trees, shrubs and vines survive the drought.

Become a Master Gardener

Learning more about gardening in Wisconsin is only a mouse click away. Our horticulture guests from the UW Extension share information on taking Master Gardener classes and answer your gardening questions.

Container gardening care

Containers can add a lot to a garden but they can require more attention than plants in beds. We talk to nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers about how to care for containers, what plants work best and how to...

The Green Bay Botanical Garden

A botanical garden is not a static place, plants are different in every season and gardens are always being added. We take a look at what's new at the Green Bay Botanical Garden with Horticulture Manager Lindsay Hendricks.

The Green Bay Botanical Garden

A botanical garden is not a static place, plants are different in every season and gardens are always being added. We take a look at what's new at the Green Bay Botanical Garden with Horticulture Manager Lindsay Hendricks.

The ecological garden

What happens when you combine modern science and innovation, with respect for biodiversity. You get a garden that works with, not against, nature. Our guest can help you take organic gardening to the next level.

The Climate Change Garden

Gardeners today have to cope with weather extremes and other effects of a rapidly changing climate. We talk about how with the right techniques, practices, and equipment you can grow a resilient garden.

Container gardening

Container gardening is great for those with limited space and/ or limited sun. We get tips for growing vegetables, herbs and flowers in pots. We also look at how to care for your garden during a drought.

Planting for pollinators

Wisconsin Celebrates Pollinator Week this month. We have two horticulturists from the UW Extension with us to talk about what we can grow to help pollinators thrive in our gardens.

Live from Bayfield

Dealing with winter dieback

With trees and shrubs leafing out, damage from wildlife and winter weather is apparent. We talk about what to do if you have dieback. We also look at how to keep weeds and insects off your plants.

Selecting trees and shrubs for small spaces

The wrong tree of shrub in a small place can cause a lot of problems. Our guest offers suggestions for which varieties will do well in the tight spaces in your landscape.

Caring for native gardens in the spring

The time between spring and summer weather seems to be lessening. We talk with a native garden specialist from the UW Arboretum about how climate change is affecting native gardens.

Budget-wise gardening in any space

As any gardener can tell you, you can spend a lot of money pursuing a great harvest. We talk to nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers about how to be successful no matter your experience level, the size of your...