This is the time of year many people feel compelled to “clean up the landscape.” On the latest episode of You Bet Your Garden, host Mike McGrath counts the many reasons you should NOT be cutting back roses, figs, or any other plants in the fall. Plus, your fabulous phone calls!
Question of the Week:
I have two butterfly bushes—one of which is a new growth from an older bush. What do I need to do to prepare them for winter? I also have a rose bush in the back. It did not bloom this year but did grow and seems to be very healthy and strong. How do you prepare this bush for winter? Lastly, I have a sunflower which did very well this year. The stalk is beginning to bend; how do I prepare this plant for winter?
—Ruth in Dayton, Ohio
Mike’s advice for fall pruning »

Resist the Urge to Clean Up Your Landscape

Mike McGrath hosts this call-in public radio program and offers light-hearted, organic gardening guidance.

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Mike McGrath loves radio, but he’s always down to show off in front of a crowd. This week’s You Bet Your Garden is a very special treat: excerpts from Mike’s talk at Meadowbrook Farm in Abington, PA earlier this summer. Subjects include tomato pollination, diversity of native bees, rosemary vs St. John’s wart, and so much more!

Live at Meadowbrook Farm

Your tomatoes and peppers are under attack; big chunks are missing! On the latest You Bet Your Garden, host Mike McGrath identifies the most likely suspects and reveals if the leftovers are safe to eat. Plus, your fabulous phone calls!
Question of the Week:
I believe that my garden has recently been visited by these pests. The question is: do I throw away all the veggies they have taken a chunk of? Or try to salvage the parts that may still be consumable?
— Vicki in Madison, AL
Can Mike identify the culprit?

What’s Eating my Garden? And are the ‘Leftovers’ Safe?

Got lots of ripe tomatoes coming in? More than you can eat? On the latest You Bet Your Garden, host Mike McGrath walks you through the cooking and processing of superior tomato sauce, with an emphasis on using the fewest garden fresh ingredients. Plus, your fabulous phone calls!
Question of the Week:
I’m in tomato heaven; and I just got a Vitamix high-powered blender. I am SO excited to be able to just toss whole tomatoes into that mixer! Now, when I make the sauce—adding spices, herbs, sweetener and a bit of balsamic vinegar—can I can them up without adding lemon juice? I worry that it would ruin the whole thang. (And yes, Stef did type ‘thang’.)
—Steffanie in Illinois
How to make tasty tomato sauce »

Tomato Sauce 101: From Vine to Jar

In fall, a young man’s fancy turns to…killing greasy grubs! On the latest You Bet Your Garden, Mike McGrath lays out your organic grub control options and explains why this is the time of year to strike. Plus, your fabulous phone calls!
Question of the Week:
When is the best time to apply milky spore to control Japanese beetle grubs in the lawn? And how often should it be applied?
—Stephen in Ellicott City, Maryland
How to get rid of grubs » 

September is THE Time for Lawn Care and Repair

If you’ve been to a home show, you’ve seen the rival franchises selling mosquito spray packages to homeowners. On the latest You Bet Your Garden, host Mike McGrath responds to a listener concerned about her neighbor’s use of such a service, and does a bit of sleuthing to figure out exactly what’s in those sprays. Plus, your fabulous phone calls!

Resist the Urge to Clean Up Your Landscape

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