PlantNebraska Podcast

Is your landscape a mullet? You know the look: business in the front, party in the back! In this episode of the PlantNebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah continue their Parts of the Yard series by looking at the front, back, and side yards and how each space can serve a different purpose.

The front yard is often the more public-facing space, but that doesn't mean it has to be formal or boring. The backyard might be where the parties, vegetable gardens, dogs, kids, grills, and gardening experiments happen. And then there are the side yards: those weird, narrow, shady, sunny, utility-filled spaces that can be some of the hardest parts of the landscape to figure out.

For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

Plant Sale Dates

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska

Send us your questions at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail.

Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Fall is for planting trees! In this episode, Hanna and Justin Evertson talk about some of their favorite trees and shrubs for fall color in Nebraska, from reliable red oaks and sugar maples to lesser-known gems like blackjack oak and shining sumac. Plus, they share tips for getting new trees established this fall.

For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

Plant Sale Dates

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind-the-scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska

Send us your questions at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail.

Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Learn more about PlantNebraska: https://plantnebraska.org

In this episode of the PlantNebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah tackle some of the garden problems they've encountered and share how they decide which problems are worth fixing, which ones can simply be tolerated, and which ones call for a chainsaw.

From flopping plants and excessive rain to weeds, irrigation, heat stress, and plants that refuse to bloom, this conversation is full of practical problem-solving strategies and plenty of personal gardening stories.

For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

Plant Sale Dates

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska

Send us your questions at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail.

Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

This week on the PlantNebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah welcome Master Gardener and PlantNebraska board member Meaghan Spitz. Whether you're growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or native perennials, Meaghan shares practical advice for getting started without spending a fortune. Learn which plants are easiest from seed, which ones require patience, where to find unusual varieties, and why seed starting is more about experimentation than perfection.

For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

Plant Sale Dates

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska

Send us your questions at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail.

Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

This week on the PlantNebraska Podcast, Bob joins Hanna and Sarah to share everything you need to know about collecting native plant seed. Learn how to tell when seed is ripe, how to clean and store it properly, and simple tricks that improve germination success. Whether you're collecting coneflowers, penstemons, milkweeds, or even acorns, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use this season.

For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

Plant Sale Dates

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska

Send us your questions at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail.

Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Most gardeners own dozens of tools—but if we're honest, there are only a handful we reach for over and over again. Hanna and Sarah empty out their garden tool bags to share the tools they actually use every week. From classic favorites like trowels and pruners to surprising specialty tools, you'll hear what makes each one indispensable.

For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

Plant Sale Dates

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska

Send us your questions at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail.

Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Summer gardens are putting on a spectacular show, so we're taking a tour through what's blooming right now and what's just around the corner. In this episode, Hanna and Sarah share the plants bringing color to their own landscapes and offer ideas for extending color into late summer. From native prairie favorites to reliable garden classics, this plant list is full of ideas to keep your garden in full color through the summer heat.

Help us make the podcast better! Tell us about your podcast listening experience and we'll send you a small thank you gift, we'll also enter you in a drawing for a larger prize: https://unlcorexmuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3eXDaXJQrzpfsrA

For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

Plant Sale Dates

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska

Send us your questions at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail.

Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Container gardening isn't just for annual flowers and tomatoes! In this episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by conservation scientist Jeremie Fant from the Chicago Botanic Garden to explore growing native plants, perennials, shrubs, and even small trees in containers.

Whether you're gardening on a balcony, patio, driveway, or in a small yard, you'll learn how container gardening can expand your growing space, support pollinators, and help you garden successfully in challenging conditions. Jeremie shares lessons learned from more than 15 years of experimenting with native plants in containers, including what survives harsh Midwest winters, which plants thrive in pots, and why gardeners shouldn't be afraid to experiment.

Help us make the podcast better! Tell us about your podcast listening experience and we'll send you a small thank you gift, we'll also enter you in a drawing for a larger prize: https://unlcorexmuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3eXDaXJQrzpfsrA

For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

Plant Sale Dates

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska

Send us your questions at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail.

Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this episode of the Plant Nebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah explore the challenges and opportunities of designing around your home's foundation. From overgrown shrubs and river rock regrets to favorite plant choices and fire-wise landscaping tips, they share real-life examples from their own yards and practical advice for creating beautiful, functional spaces around your home. Don't forget to complete our listener survey—we want your feedback as we plan the future of the podcast!

Help us make the podcast better! Tell us about your podcast listening experience and we'll send you a small thank you gift, we'll also enter you in a drawing for a larger prize: https://unlcorexmuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3eXDaXJQrzpfsrA

For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

Plant Sale Dates

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska

Send us your questions at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail.

Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

What happens after your garden is established? In this episode of the Plant Nebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah walk through the full lifecycle of a landscape—from establishment watering and weeding to long-term management, tree care, and eventually refreshing aging gardens. They discuss how maintenance styles differ depending on your goals, why some plants earn extra attention, and how landscapes naturally evolve over time. 

Help us make the podcast better! Tell us about your podcast listening experience and we'll send you a small thank you gift, we'll also enter you in a drawing for a larger prize: https://unlcorexmuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3eXDaXJQrzpfsrA

For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

Plant Sale Dates

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska

Send us your questions at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail.

Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org