The Grow Guide

If you have just one plant in your home we're guessing it's a succulent since they're easy to grow for just about any level of gardener. They've become hugely popular over the last few years, and this week Dave and Maggie dive deeper into different varieties, watering schedules, blooming and re-potting. Dave debunks the myth that all succulents are low-maintenance (spoiler alert: they still need watering too) and Maggie shares her tips for propagating succulents which will save you loads of money! They even chat about succulents that thrive outside year-round in Manitoba's chilly weather. This week the giveaways are back too and one lucky winner will get not one but five succulents! Yes, five! Join The Grow Guide Facebook group for your chance to win https://www.facebook.com/groups/276990892799327/. Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the last Garden Club of 2017 at Sage Garden Greenhouses with Dave https://sagegarden.ca/

The Grow Guide switches things up this week and takes a trip to the Casa Montessori & Orff School in Winnipeg, Manitoba to chat about gardening with some of the most interesting minds in our world, kids! Dave and Maggie learn about the unique botany practices these students and their teacher implement in the classroom and how other schools can do the same. They also bring some seeds for the kids to start their own indoor garden and see the debate that arises over what type of herbs to grow. The kids share their favourite gardening tips and advice with you, which is so cute it needs a trigger warning.

Today's episode is all about YOU, the wonderful listeners! The Grow Guide is answering all the questions we've received over the past few weeks. From what type of seeds to grow in small, countertop aerogardens to how to get your jasmine blooming to whether you can still plant your garlic this late in the season — Dave uses his expertise to answer everything you're dying to know. And Maggie helps your questions feel not so "rookie-like" after-all by adding in her own questions too. This Q&A won't be the last and The Grow Guide always loves to hear your questions and (possibly) read them on the show, so keep asking them! As always, the show ends with an awesome giveaway, which is sponsored this week by Mama Pacha. Check out our Facebook group for your chance to win https://www.facebook.com/groups/276990892799327/ and visit Mama Pacha's website to get your hands on some of her natural, botanical skincare products https://mamapacha.ca .

This week The Grow Guide welcomes another guest to the podcast — third generation conventional and CSA farmer, Will Bergmann! Will hangs out in the studio to chat about his diverse family farm in Glenlea, Manitoba that has helped him develop an even deeper love for feeding people. He shares his thoughts on being transparent about farm life on social media, using pesticides vs. growing organic, AND he spills the beans on his new project: a soon-to-open farm to table restaurant called Oxbow. Not to mention, he hooks up our listeners with an awesome giveaway you won't want to miss! Join our exclusive Facebook page for your chance to win, https://www.facebook.com/groups/276990892799327/.

With the days getting shorter and colder, Maggie and Dave decide to touch on a topic many of us face during this transitional time of year — seasonal depression. Dave's lists some of his favorite serotonin-boosting plants, Maggie shares a few gardening activities to do during the "off-months" and consider creating a "What Your Plants Say About You" quiz for all those looking for the deeper meaning in gardening. Plus, a listener's question about how long to keep grow lights on for, evolves into a great discussion about plant habits.

Reading Resources: The 2011 Prairie Garden: Healthy Gardening http://www.prairiegarden.ca/2011.html

Growing Myself: A Spiritual Journey Through Gardening by Judith Handelsman https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Myself-Spiritual-Journey-Gardening/dp/0452275172

There's a big FIRST today on The Grow Guide...the first ever guest on the podcast! Dave and Maggie welcome Daniel Kanu from Food Matters Manitoba to chat about what growing food is really like in some of Canada's most northern climates. Daniel comes loaded with cool information, like how to make a greenhouse out of old trampolines, how fish heads can benefit your garden and how gardening brings communities together. Dave shares stories from his own adventures in Churchill, Manitoba this summer and Maggie shares her desire to explore more of the Great White North. And this week's giveaway, just happens to be an edible one!