The Garden Thyme Podcast

Hello Listener, 

In this month's episode, we’re chatting all about something sinister in our gardens, landscapes, and environment. PARASITIC PLANTS! Most plants get the energy they need from the sun through photosynthesis, but some get their nutrition by stealing it from another plant instead. In this month episode we cover what is parasitism, how it works among plants and highlight some native parasitic plants. 

We also have our : 

• Native Plant of the Month: Beechdrops
• Bug of the Month:  Elephant mosquitos
•  Monthly Garden Tips for preparing for winter by planting your spring bulbs. 

We currently have an open survey for ALL listeners. Whether you’ve listened to all of our episodes, or this is your first time. We developed an evaluation to determine if the information we share on the podcast has made a difference in your practices at home. We promise that it is a short, easy 5-minute survey, and we even have exclusive podcast stickers to give to those who participate. We are so thankful for the feedback, and we appreciate you tuning in for the podcast! 

You can take our survey here.

 The Garden Thyme Podcast is brought to you by the University of Maryland Extension. Hosts are Mikaela Boley- Principal Agent Associate (Talbot County) for Horticulture; Rachel Rhodes- Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture (Queen Anne's County); and Emily Zobel- Senior Agent Associate for Agriculture (Dorchester County).

Theme Song: By Jason Inc, 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

  Hello Listener, 

In this month's episode, we’re joined by Geoffrey Rinehart with the University of Maryland, and he’s guiding us on getting down to the roots of fall lawn care: when to seed, how to aerate and fertilize, why mowing still matters, and which common lawn-care mistakes can leave you feeling less than mow-tivated come spring.

  Resource used in this episode: 

• Maryland turf grass variety recommendations 
• Fertilizer Calculator
• UME HGIC Website on turf grass

We also have our : 

• Native Plant of the Month: Purple lovegrass
• Bug of the Month:  Isabella tiger moth aka Woolly bear caterpillars
•  Monthly Garden Tips for starting fall container gardens

We currently have an open survey for ALL listeners. Whether you’ve listened to all of our episodes, or this is your first time. We developed an evaluation to determine if the information we share on the podcast has made a difference in your practices at home. We promise that it is a short, easy 5-minute survey, and we even have exclusive podcast stickers to give to those who participate. We are so thankful for the feedback, and we appreciate you tuning in for the podcast! 

You can take our survey here.

 The Garden Thyme Podcast is brought to you by the University of Maryland Extension. Hosts are Mikaela Boley- Principal Agent Associate (Talbot County) for Horticulture; Rachel Rhodes- Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture (Queen Anne's County); and Emily Zobel- Senior Agent Associate for Agriculture (Dorchester County).

Theme Song: By Jason Inc, 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

 Hello Listener,  

In this month's episode, we're joined by Dr. Daniel Pratson, a natural resources specialist with the University of Maryland Extension, talking all about the forests of Maryland.  We ask about how many forests are there in Maryland? Why they are so important? What can landowner do to help this unique ecosystem. 

 Resource used in this episode:  

•  National forest owner survey: https://research.fs.usda.gov/programs/nwos 
• Maryland Five-Million Trees Initiative: https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/5-million-trees.aspx  
• Woods in your backyard: 1-9 acres https://extension.umd.edu/resource/woodland-management-woods-your-backyard/ 
•  Country Foresters - DNR: https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/contacts.aspx 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UMdFSE 

We also have our : 

• Native Plant of the Month: Common Hackberry
• Bug of the Month: Caterpillar Hunter Beetle
•  Monthly Garden Tips

We currently have an open survey for ALL listeners. Whether you’ve listened to all of our episodes, or this is your first time. We developed an evaluation to determine if the information we share on the podcast has made a difference in your practices at home. We promise that it is a short, easy 5-minute survey, and we even have exclusive podcast stickers to give to those who participate. We are so thankful for the feedback, and we appreciate you tuning in for the podcast! 

You can take our survey here.

 The Garden Thyme Podcast is brought to you by the University of Maryland Extension. Hosts are Mikaela Boley- Principal Agent Associate (Talbot County) for Horticulture; Rachel Rhodes- Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture (Queen Anne's County); and Emily Zobel- Senior Agent Associate for Agriculture (Dorchester County).

Theme Song: By Jason Inc, 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

Hey Listener, 

In this month's episode, we’re celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, by chatting about Victory Gardens! During some of our darkest moments American's came together to grow fresh produce for themselves and their community from sea to shine sea. 

Fun fact: By May 1943, Victory Gardens supplied 40% of the produce in America, and there were roughly 20 million gardens across the U.S.

Resource used in this episode: 

• Victory Gardens on the World War 2 Front NPS
• Smithsonian Cultivating America’s Gardens
• Examples of Gardening Comic Books
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory_garden

We also have our : 

• Native Plant of the Month: Squash
• Bug of the Month: Milkweed Leaf beetle
•  Monthly Garden Tips

We currently have an open survey for ALL listeners. Whether you’ve listened to all of our episodes, or this is your first time. We developed an evaluation to determine if the information we share on the podcast has made a difference in your practices at home. We promise that it is a short, easy 5-minute survey, and we even have exclusive podcast stickers to give to those who participate. We are so thankful for the feedback, and we appreciate you tuning in for the podcast! 

You can take our survey here.

 The Garden Thyme Podcast is brought to you by the University of Maryland Extension. Hosts are Mikaela Boley- Principal Agent Associate (Talbot County) for Horticulture; Rachel Rhodes- Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture (Queen Anne's County); and Emily Zobel- Senior Agent Associate for Agriculture (Dorchester County).

Theme Song: By Jason Inc, 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

Hey Listener, 

In this month's episode, we’re talking all about one of our favorite pollinators Bumble Bees.  We play some bee true false, learn about how they differ from other native bees. 

Bumble bee Resources:  

• Bees of Maryland: A field guide from the North American Native Bee Collaborative.
• Bumble Bees of Eastern United States (pdf) from USDA, Forest Service, and Pollinator Partnership
• Xerces Society
• Bumble bee flower finder

We also have our : 

• Native Plant of the Month:  Wild  Bergamont
• Bug of the Month: Lemon Cuckoo Bumble Bee
•  Monthly Garden Tips

We currently have an open survey for ALL listeners. Whether you’ve listened to all of our episodes, or this is your first time. We developed an evaluation to determine if the information we share on the podcast has made a difference in your practices at home. We promise that it is a short, easy 5-minute survey, and we even have exclusive podcast stickers to give to those who participate. We are so thankful for the feedback, and we appreciate you tuning in for the podcast! 

You can take our survey here.

 The Garden Thyme Podcast is brought to you by the University of Maryland Extension. Hosts are Mikaela Boley- Principal Agent Associate (Talbot County) for Horticulture; Rachel Rhodes- Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture (Queen Anne's County); and Emily Zobel- Senior Agent Associate for Agriculture (Dorchester County).

Theme Song: By Jason Inc, 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

Hey Listener, 

In this month's episode, we’re talking all about one Dill-icious herb that we think is a big Dill.  Dill!  We chat about the history of dill, give some tips for growing it in your garden and recommended some varieties we like, all between some great Dill puns. 

We also have our : 

• Native Plant of the Month: Golden Alexanders, or Zizia spp.
• Bug of the Month: Black swallowtail aka the Dillworm
•  Monthly Garden Tips

We currently have an open survey for ALL listeners. Whether you’ve listened to all of our episodes, or this is your first time. We developed an evaluation to determine if the information we share on the podcast has made a difference in your practices at home. We promise that it is a short, easy 5-minute survey, and we even have exclusive podcast stickers to give to those who participate. We are so thankful for the feedback, and we appreciate you tuning in for the podcast! 

You can take our survey here.

 The Garden Thyme Podcast is brought to you by the University of Maryland Extension. Hosts are Mikaela Boley- Principal Agent Associate (Talbot County) for Horticulture; Rachel Rhodes- Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture (Queen Anne's County); and Emily Zobel- Senior Agent Associate for Agriculture (Dorchester County).

Theme Song: By Jason Inc, 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

Hey Listener, 

In this month's episode, we’re talking all about that beloved springtime chore, mulching. We play a round of 'Mulch True or False" before discussing the various types of organic and inorganic mulches. We like some more than the others. 

We also have our : 

• Native Plant of the Month: Virginia Bluebells
• Bug of the Month: peach tree borer
•  Monthly Garden Tips: preparing for spring

We currently have an open survey for ALL listeners. Whether you’ve listened to all of our episodes, or this is your first time. We developed an evaluation to determine if the information we share on the podcast has made a difference in your practices at home. We promise that it is a short, easy 5-minute survey, and we even have exclusive podcast stickers to give to those who participate. We are so thankful for the feedback, and we appreciate you tuning in for the podcast! 

You can take our survey here.

 The Garden Thyme Podcast is brought to you by the University of Maryland Extension. Hosts are Mikaela Boley- Principal Agent Associate (Talbot County) for Horticulture; Rachel Rhodes- Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture (Queen Anne's County); and Emily Zobel- Senior Agent Associate for Agriculture (Dorchester County).

Theme Song: By Jason Inc, 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

Hey Listener, 

In this month's episode, we’re talking about how much we love root vegetables, and won't you know it, this is the perfect time of year to plant them.  We chat all about our love for juicy beets, spicy radish, and crunchy carrots.  

We also have our : 

• Native Plant of the Month: black willow
• Bug of the Month: root aphids
•  Monthly Garden Tips: preparing for spring

We currently have an open survey for ALL listeners. Whether you’ve listened to all of our episodes, or this is your first time. We developed an evaluation to determine if the information we share on the podcast has made a difference in your practices at home. We promise that it is a short, easy 5-minute survey, and we even have exclusive podcast stickers to give to those who participate. We are so thankful for the feedback, and we appreciate you tuning in for the podcast! 

You can take our survey here.

 The Garden Thyme Podcast is brought to you by the University of Maryland Extension. Hosts are Mikaela Boley- Principal Agent Associate (Talbot County) for Horticulture; Rachel Rhodes- Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture (Queen Anne's County); and Emily Zobel- Senior Agent Associate for Agriculture (Dorchester County).

Theme Song: By Jason Inc, 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

Hey Listener, 

In this month's episode, we’re talking with Amy Cawley, from the Maryland Food Bank Farm-to-Food program.  We learn about the difference between a food bank and a food pantry,  what gleaning is, and ways we as gardeners can help feed our community. 

• Watch the Neighbors helping Neighbors video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKp4YoRqcv8 
• Sign up to get an email about local gleaning at the MD Food Bank page here: https://mdfoodbank.org

We currently have an open survey for ALL listeners. Whether you’ve listened to all of our episodes, or this is your first time. We developed an evaluation to determine if the information we share on the podcast has made a difference in your practices at home. We promise that it is a short, easy 5-minute survey, and we even have exclusive podcast stickers to give to those who participate. We are so thankful for the feedback, and we appreciate you tuning in for the podcast! 

You can take our survey here.

 The Garden Thyme Podcast is brought to you by the University of Maryland Extension. Hosts are Mikaela Boley- Principal Agent Associate (Talbot County) for Horticulture; Rachel Rhodes- Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture (Queen Anne's County); and Emily Zobel- Senior Agent Associate for Agriculture (Dorchester County).

Theme Song: By Jason Inc, 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

Hey Listener, 

In this month's episode, we’re talking with Suzanne Shoemaker, executive director for Owl Moon Raptor Center (https://owlmoon.org/)  in Maryland, to talk about owls.  

• Owl Moon Annual Festival- Nov 8, 2025, at the Blackhill Regional Park in Boyds, MD. 
• Maryland Wildlife Rehabilitators Association: https://www.mwrawildlife.net

We also have our : 

• Native Plant of the Month: White Pine
• Bug of the Month: Owlflies
•  Monthly Garden Tips: Leaving the Leaves

We currently have an open survey for ALL listeners. Whether you’ve listened to all of our episodes, or this is your first time. We developed an evaluation to determine if the information we share on the podcast has made a difference in your practices at home. We promise that it is a short, easy 5-minute survey, and we even have exclusive podcast stickers to give to those who participate. We are so thankful for the feedback, and we appreciate you tuning in for the podcast! 

You can take our survey here.

 The Garden Thyme Podcast is brought to you by the University of Maryland Extension. Hosts are Mikaela Boley- Principal Agent Associate (Talbot County) for Horticulture; Rachel Rhodes- Senior Agent Associate for Horticulture (Queen Anne's County); and Emily Zobel- Senior Agent Associate for Agriculture (Dorchester County).

Theme Song: By Jason Inc, 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.