High Hand Garden Tips with Farmer Fred

Scott Paris of High Hand Nursery says, “STAY CALM. It’s only for 15 weeks. You’ve got the water, use it wisely.” Scott explains how, by utilizing the functions on your irrigation timer, your yard can get through this summer of California’s drought, using limited water until the fall rains come back. He also has tips for superior drip irrigation systems, moisture-enhancing products, and the benefits of mulch…and the downside of fertilizers in a drought.

Garden Success in a Drought? Yes! Part 2 On this edition of High Hand University, Farmer Fred ask Giselle Schoniger, Kellogg Garden Products Organic Instructor, the question on the minds of every California gardener right now: “Can You Have Garden Success in a Drought?” With an emphatic, “Yes!”, Gisele Schoniger explains how to create healthy soil, enabling your plants to better withstand a drought. We're talking the real poop here, folks: compost, mulch and more! Fred

Good Bug Hotels: The plants that attract beneficial insects and pollinators. How to keep ladybugs, lacewings, minute pirate bugs, parasitic mini-wasps and other beneficials that attack the insect pests in […]

Garden Success in a Drought? Yes! Part 1

On this edition of High Hand University, Farmer Fred answers his own question emphatically: "Garden Success in a Drought? Yes!" And he has the proof. Joining him onstage for even more proof:

Don Franklin of Hunter Industries (http://hunterindustries.com) talks about the latest in water-saving sprinkler heads; smart irrigation control boxes that take all the guesswork out of wondering if your lawn needs water; and, the innovative Eco-Mat, a subsurface drip irrigation system for lawns. High Hand Nursery's own Scott Paris shows off low-water use, easy care, beautiful plants, including geraniums, salvias, butterfly bushes, barberries, guara, digiplexis and the amazing lawn substitute, Kurapia

In Part 2 of All About Citrus, Farmer Fred and Ed Laivo of Four Winds Growers talk about the best fertilizers for citrus trees: oranges, lemons, mandarins, limes, kumquats and more. And they answer the audience’s questions on a variety of topics, including:

How to plant citrus in containers (do it gradually!) The advantages of drip irrigation for citrus trees How to water a citrus tree that’s in a lawn…during a drought How to control citrus suckers and water sprouts A tip or two for improving water penetration in containerized citrus trees The disadvantages of weed cloth Protecting citrus in a frost What’s new in the world of citrus (hint: it’s from Australia)

On this edition of High Hand University, Farmer Fred welcomes citrus expert Ed Laivo of Four Winds Growers to the High Hand Nursery Fruit Shed. Here in Part 1 of “All About Citrus”, Ed and Fred discuss the basics for the care of orange, mandarin. lemon and lime trees: choosing a perfect site, planting advice, tips for watering citrus during the drought, pruning pointers, and the four best varieties of orange trees to own for nearly year-round, fresh-picked oranges from your yard!

At High Hand University this week, we present great tips on how to grow Terrific tomatoes, perfect peppers and other secrets to a successful spring/summer vegetable garden! Joining Prof. Fred at FFU with their input on how to have the best vegetable garden ever are his College of Cardinals: Master Gardeners Pauline Kuklis (Placer Co.) and Dan Vierria (Sacramento Co.) along with the dean of American River College’s Horticulture Department, Debbie Flower. And, Scott Paris tells us about the Plant of the Week: the aromatic and productive Satsuma mandarin citrus variety, the Mihu Wase.

At High Hand University this week, we present Part 2 of “Waking Up Your Yard”. Scott Paris talks about how to troubleshoot your irrigation system, replacing sprinkler heads and tackling your “drip irritation” puzzlements. Looking for a ground cover that doesn’t require much water? Scott sings the praises of Kurapia. Professor Farmer Fred discusses snail control products that are safe around kids and pets…and those that aren’t. Fred also cajoles Scott into talking about the beautiful late winter blooming plants that lined the stage as well as offering his own advice on how to keep a thriving winter daphne alive: ignore it.

At High Hand University this week, we present handy tips for understanding, repairing and improving your current sprinkler and irrigation system controls. Professor Farm Fred extols the benefits of adding compost and mulch to your garden soil in late winter. Plus, Scott Paris reveals how to use less water for irrigating your lawn!

On this edition of the High Hand University podcast, we tackle pruning of various garden plants, including shade trees, lavenders, fruit trees, and a plant that Scott Paris sheds blood […]