By Wisconsin Public Radio
Join host Larry Meiller as he discusses gardening topics with his guests.
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.
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...
Many people would like to grow more of their own food but don’t have room for a traditional garden. Our guest is the author of a new book about how to use containers and vertical gardening to solve that problem.
Finding native plants that survive in shaded areas can be difficult. Our guest from the Olbrich Botanical Gardens talks about what spring ephemeral and native plants grow without a lot of sun.
Maintaining your lawn at home can be a lot of work but keeping a golf course or baseball stadium green takes a professional. We talk with a turf expert about how the pros do it and answer your lawn care...
What makes a good garden? Our guest says it’s growing the healthiest fruits and vegetables possible - but it’s also about giving back. We talk about attracting pollinators, nurturing soil and attracting native wildlife.
Growing raspberries and blackberries can be very rewarding. We talk about how to keep them happy and healthy. We also look at how to grow asparagus.
Whether your yard is big or small, raised beds are the perfect fit. We talk with the author of a new book that contains all the info you need to build and grow a raised bed garden.
For St. Patrick’s Day we talk about the growing of the green. We hear about shamrocks, green flowers, early season veggies, and early fragrance options.
One of the most important decisions a gardener makes during the year is to choose which varieties to plant. Our guests talk about how seeds are developed and ways to share information about them with other gardeners.
We talk with the founder of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds about new seed varieties from around the world. They include techni-colored tomatoes and cherry-flavored giant petunias.
Growing tomatoes can be a challenge. We talk with the founder of straw bale gardening about how his method works and why it helps produce healthy fruit.
The earthy flavor of beets can turn off many vegetable eaters. Our guests have been working on a new variety, it’s called the Badger Flame Beet. We talk about the breeding process and answer other vegetable questions.
The PBS Wisconsin Garden Expo is coming up on February 10 through the 13 in Madison. We talk about what you can find there and also look at winter burn, pruning and a new disease called lipstick rust.
Orchids need different growing conditions than other houseplants. We talk with an expert about how to choose a plant and how to keep it happy.
Winter is the perfect time to prune most trees and shrubs. We talk about which ones to prune, the best tools for the process, and how to figure out what to remove.
There are several ways to grow new houseplants from your existing collection. We talk to nationally known gardening expert, Melinda Myers, about what techniques work best.
Now is the perfect time to make a small garden - in your home. We talk with gardening expert Tovah Martin about plant selection, care, and maintenance. We also look at using everyday objects as containers.
The best way to control bad bugs in your garden is to attract beneficial bugs and let them do the work. We talk to a horticulturist about those good insects, how they work, and what they eat.
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...
Looking for some great gift ideas for gardeners on your list - or for yourself? Our experienced gardening guest has lots of suggestions for you.
There is still time to plant, but the clock is ticking. We look at how to successfully get those woody plants in the ground, what you can compost from your vegetable garden, and how to prepare your garden for winter.
It’s time to select your Christmas trees and garlands. We talk with a tree expert about what trees are best and how to keep them fresh longer. We also talk about woody perennials.
Winter can do a number on your trees, especially those that were planted this year. We talk about how to protect your investment from wind and fluctuating temperatures.
Fresh herbs have many uses and growing most of them isn’t too difficult. Our guest from the Olbrich Botanical Gardens talks about how to be successful, even when you are limited by time, space, or experience.
It’s the perfect time to collect native plant seeds. We talk with two experts about the best ways to save them, and when and how to plant. We’ll also talk about pollinator gardens.
Growing berries in Wisconsin can be tricky. We talk with an expert about getting your plants through the winter months and how to get a bumper crop next season.
Ornamental grasses can create a beautiful element to your garden. We talk about what varieties to choose and also look at selecting conifers that add visual interest to your winter landscape.
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that is especially true with trees. We talk with a forest specialist about what you can do to keep your trees healthy.
Have you dreamed of creating a classic English country garden? It’s not as easy as it may look. We talk with a horticulturist about how to plan and care for one. We also look at spring blooming bulbs and how...
Do you wish the growing season was longer? We talk with a horticulturist and award winning author about how to extend your growing season by using protective covers to create controlled spaces for vegetables to survive and thrive.
Plants are still growing but it’s time to start preparing for colder weather. We talk with an extension educator about getting your garden ready for cold weather and upcoming gardening classes.
As the season turns, it is time to start thinking about how to care for your lawn. Our turf expert is back to talk about what you can do to have a healthy lawn next spring.
Native gardens offer great interest at all times of the year. We talk with a native garden specialist from the UW Arboretum about what plants shine in late summer.
Knowing when to harvest is key to getting the most out of your garden. We look at ways to boost flavor, nutritional value, and productivity.
It’s time to start thinking about transitioning our gardens into the fall and winter seasons. We talk with an ornamental plant expert about fall gardening tasks and how to prepare for colder temperatures.
The best way to treat plant disease is to stop it from starting. We talk with an expert about keeping disease out of your garden.
The mid-summer garden is full of growth - and challenges. We talk about how to deal with pests, how to know when to harvest and planting late season vegetables.
We talk with an expert organic gardener about using natural approaches to cope with the challenges of a changing climate. We look at regenerative gardening, agroecology, and permaculture―all to help your green space thrive.
Growing your own fruit can be fun, but not necessarily easy. We talk with three experts about how to select and plant varieties that fit your location and the diseases and insects that can affect your harvest.
It’s been a dry spring and summer for most of Wisconsin. We talk about ways to use less water in your garden, including options for grass.
Plants in nature don’t need us to survive. We talk about how to use the lessons of Mother Nature to design our own more sustainable and eco friendly gardens.
For a full sensory experience, fragrance in the garden is a must. We talk about what varieties add scent and also look at ways to add healing elements to your garden.
We're broadcasting live from the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. Join us at the Bayfield Pavilion as we kick off " Bayfield in Bloom ." We'll have experts in vegetable, flower, herb and perennial gardening on hand, as well as...
Part of the fun of gardening is finding new plant varieties to try. We give suggestions for unusual and under used flowering trees, shrubs and perennials.
June is National Pollinator Month. To celebrate we talk about what you can do in your garden to create more and better habitat for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Science tells us that some plants help each other when grown together. We talk with a UW Extension educator about selecting plant combinations and the benefits they can bring to your garden.
Planting season is finally here. Before you get those trees, shrubs and perennials in the ground make sure you know how to plant them correctly.
If you have been thinking of adding native plants to your garden now is the perfect time. We talk with an expert about how to choose, plant and care for natives.
Weeds are a challenge faced by every gardener. We look at practical organic approaches to weed prevention and control with the author of a new book.