Gardening Utah Podcast

Lambert Growers has been a cornerstone for Utah gardeners since the late 1950s, when Barbara and Paul Lambert started a small backyard greenhouse that has now grown into a thriving, third-generation nursery in West Valley City. In this episode, Jana Francis chats with Kim Clark—who now runs the greenhouse with her husband Charlie—about the rich history of Lambert Growers, their unique growing practices, and the future of local nurseries in Utah.

You'll discover:

• 🌱 The history of Lambert Growers and its three generations of family ownership

• 🥬 What cool-season vegetables you can still plant in Utah this fall

• 🌸 How Lambert Growers expanded into medicinal herbs, houseplants, and unique perennial offerings

• 💚 Why supporting local nurseries keeps Utah's gardening community strong

• 🧑‍🌾 Practical tips on hardening off plants, soil testing, and avoiding common gardening myths (goodbye eggshell trick!)

Whether you're a longtime Lambert customer or just discovering the value of local nurseries, this episode is filled with inspiration and practical advice you can put to use in your own backyard.

📍 Visit Lambert Growers at 3910 S Redwood Road, West Valley City, Utah 🌐 Learn more: lambertgrowers.com🌱 The absolute BEST garden tool: https://amzn.to/3Qc7cXo

🎙️ Follow us on Instagram: @gardeningutah

Episode 89: Bloomin' Easy: Low-Maintenance Plants for Modern Gardeners

In this episode, I chat with Madison House and DeVonne Friesen of Bloomin' Easy Plants, the creators of those fun blue pots you've seen at your local nursery.

We explore:

• The origin story of Bloomin' Easy and its connection to Van Belle Nursery

• How they're using tech like AR, apps, and chatbot Daisy Diggs to remove gardening fear

• New plant releases for gardens like Bouncy Hydrangea, Private Jet, and Pineapple Pop Rocks

• What it really takes to bring an improved plant to market (it's a 10+ year journey)

• Garden trends from the Chelsea Flower Show: wildscaping, future-proofing, and bold color combos

• Why personal joy and nostalgia play a huge role in how we design our spaces

Whether you're a new gardener looking for foolproof plants or a seasoned plant nerd ready to discover what's new, you'll love this behind-the-scenes look at one of the most innovative plant brands out there.

🌿 Learn more: bloomineasyplants.com 🌱 The absolute BEST garden tool: https://amzn.to/3Qc7cXo

🎙️ Follow us on Instagram: @gardeningutah

In this episode, Jana sits down with horticulturist, educator, and gardening soul sister Sheriden Hansen to talk all things edible gardening — from planting and pruning fruit trees to the best varieties of garlic and tomatoes.

Sheriden is a former tenured professor for Utah State University Extension, where she taught hundreds of horticulture classes across the state. With a background in both horticulture and health, she brings a deep understanding of plant science and real-life gardening strategies that work in Utah's unique climate.

We cover:

• Why pruning starts on day one

• The truth about eggshells and blossom end rot

• Creating a garden that gives back every day

• Her favorite heirloom tomato and garlic varieties

• Trellising tips for berries and raised beds

• Why gardening is her love language — and how she brings her family into it

This episode is full of wisdom, laughter, and actionable tips. Whether you're planting your first fruit tree or just need a reminder to stop and be in your garden, you're going to love it.

👉 Follow Sheriden on Instagram: @utahfarmgal 🎙️ Follow us on Instagram: @gardeningutah 🌱 The absolute BEST garden tool: https://amzn.to/3Qc7cXo

In this episode of Gardening Utah, we're joined by Mike Lorenc, Lead Horticulturist at Conservation Garden Park in West Jordan, Utah. With over 15 years of experience helping Utahns create more sustainable landscapes, Mike returns to the show (he first joined us on Episode 54!) to share his top strategies for saving water, building healthier soil, and avoiding common landscape mistakes.

We dig into:

• When and how to start watering in Utah — and why less is often more

• Why soil testing is essential before reaching for fertilizer

• The myth of landscape fabric and why it causes more harm than good

• How to design your irrigation system based on your soil type

• The best approach to planting trees for long-term success

• Mike's favorite waterwise plants and what he's planting at home!

Plus, we talk about bindweed battles, landscape design regrets, and Mike's advice for every Utah gardener.

• Conservation Garden Park

• USU Analytical Lab – Soil Testing Info

• Plant Select®

• Episode 54 – Mike's first appearance on Gardening Utah

• Jana's favorite Garden tools on Amazon

In this episode of Gardening Utah, we dive deep into the art of plant selection with special guest Cynthia Bee! Whether you're refreshing your landscape or starting from scratch, Cynthia shares her expert advice on how to create a garden that's not only beautiful but also thrives in Utah's unique climate.

We cover:

• How to choose plants based on bloom timing, texture, and foliage.

• Why focusing on more than just flowers creates a richer, longer-lasting landscape.

• Tips for mixing colors, shapes, and plant heights for maximum visual impact.

• Resources to help you find the perfect plants for your yard.

Links mentioned in the show:

• Slow the Flow

• Utah Plant Selector

If you're ready to transform your yard into a stunning, water-wise paradise, this is the episode for you!

If you've been staring at your seed packets wondering, "Is it too late to plant?"—this episode is for you! We're diving into what you can still plant in early to mid-April in Northern Utah, how to use your frost dates to make smart decisions and the truth about which vegetables should be started by seed vs. transplant. Plus, we talk succession planting, direct sowing, and the #1 resource Utah gardeners should be using every season.

Whether you're brand new to gardening or just trying to time your veggie beds right, you'll leave this episode with clarity, confidence, and a clear plan.

We cover listener questions such as:

• When is it ok to plant?
• Is it too late to plant seeds?
• What to Start by Seed vs. What Not To
• Know Your Frost Dates
• What You Can Still Plant Right Now (Early–Mid April)
• What you should direct sow
• Succession Planting

Follow us on Instagram, and DM your questions: https://www.instagram.com/gardeningutah/ USU Extension Planting Guide for Vegetables: https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/vegetables

Wall of Waters mentioned in show: https://amzn.to/3Ypquij

Sponsor:

https://pcmicrogreens.com

Come along with Jana to the Salt Lake Home and Garden Show! We interview home and garden companies and get their garden tips. Did you miss the show? Don't worry, we have SHOW SPECIALS extended through the month of March!

Links mentioned in show:

BioGrass Sod Farms BigYellowBag.com SHOW SPECIAL - $25 off a Big Yellow Bag! Must take delivery in March '25. Call or visit store to redeem.

Live Earth Products Humate Granules

Western Timber Frame: 20% off if booked in March '25! Call Scott Sutton 801-244-5779 or email [email protected] New Earth Seeds Use code THANKYOU20 to get 20% off through March!

Monarch Greenhouse Solutions call and mention Gardening Utah and get $500 off the BC Greenhouses Legacy 8x8 model! March '25 only.

The Thirsty Earth https://amzn.to/4hnDagt

Gardening Utah is BACK, baby! 2025 Garden Season is upon us, and we have some amazing episodes and guests lined up for this year and Season 5 of Gardening Utah!

Episodes will drop every weekend so make sure to follow the show on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Here are some links mentioned in today's show:

saltlakehomeandgardenshow.com

instagram.com/gardeningutah

instagram.com/42ndstreetgreenhouse

instagram.com/melonmonologues We also have all past episodes loaded with amazing Gardening information now uploaded to Youtube on our YouTube channel! https://youtube.com/gardeningutah

Rooted in Utah: A Green Journey with Tony Gliot, Director of Salt Lake City's Urban Forestry Division

Today, we're delving into the fascinating world of Urban Forestry with Tony Gliot, the Director of Salt Lake City's Urban Forestry Division.

In today's episode, you'll learn about the power of shade, the benefits of trees, and more!

• Tony's journey and his role as the Director of Salt Lake City's urban forestry division.

• Insights into the amazing story of trees in Utah.

• A glimpse into his favorite tree and why it holds a special place in his heart.

• Tony's advice on caring for trees, including tips on maintaining their health.

• Exploring the beauty of park strips and proper planting techniques.

• Insights into the ideal times for planting trees and ensuring their thriving growth.

• The importance of water in urban forestry and the role of every tree needing a person.

• The numerous benefits of having trees in urban areas.

• Tony's insights into the art of watering trees and maintaining a healthy urban forest.

• Exploring the significance of shade in urban environments.

• Tony's recommendations for suitable tree varieties and those to avoid.

LINKS:

Learn more at WWW.SLCPUBLICLANDS.COM

My absolute favorite garden tool: https://amzn.to/3Qc7cXo Follow us on the gram: https://instagram.com/gardeningutah

Jana's Husband Eric makes his Podcast debut! In this hilarious Memorial Day special, Eric shares practical gardening tips that anyone can implement.

Don't miss the Memorial Day sale at American Stone!

www.american-stone.com

This is the type of trunk protector that every gardener needs: https://amzn.to/3oArOjS

Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/gardeningutah/