The Helpful Gardeners

What critters have you seen visiting your garden? They make homes in your trees, chow down on the bad bugs, and some come in to sample your veggies and bulbs. Nature is a balance, and we can find ways to protect our garden without harm. The Helpful Gardeners on talking garden critters on today's episode >>>

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 02:00 | Bug & Critter PR
• 06:00 | When wildlife mixes with urban sprawl.
• 09:03 | Why you should remove the birdhouse peg. 
• 11:30 | Control products may wipe out the good guys too.
• 13:20 | Deer resistent planting
  • Barberry | LINK
  • Norway Spruce | LINK
  • Wildflowers | LINK 
  • Aster Douglas | LINK
  • Lemon Balm | LINK 
• 15:00 | Predator bugs are trendy
• 16:40 | Physical Barriers for garden critters.
• 17:20 | A discussion  on Vegepod
• 18:50 | Double benefit! Using blood meal  
• 19:30 | Companion Planting to deter critters
• 21:00 | Marigolds on Main Street - St. John,  NB
• 23:30 | Benefits of a clean and maintained garden
• 27:24 | Critters across the country   
• 36:40 | Home Remedy
• 42:00 | Recap
• 42:50 | Question of the Week: Voles!
• 37:40 | Next Week....  

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 RESOURCES

Removing the Perch on your birdhouse | LINK

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

This question was sent to us by email anonomously! 

"What are voles and how do I prevent them from attacking my garden?"

• Learn more about fixing damaged lawn on the "Sodcast" Episode | LINK
• Plantskydd Repellant | LINK

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

The gardeners are going to explore trees and shrubs!

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

Do you enjoy bulbs in your garden? Bulbs seem to raise a lot of question marks here in the greenhouse. We're hoping to demystify some of your more common Q's such as when to plant them, how to plant them, how to store them, and how to discourage destruction caused by some of our neighbourhood critters.... The Helpful Gardeners on talking bulbs on today's episode >>>

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 05:00 | Types of bulbs and when to plant them
• 10:00 | Bulbs are low maintenance   
• 10:55 | Companion planting 
• 11:50 | Lifespan of a bulb
• 13:10 | How to plant a bulb 
• 14:43 | Which way is up when planting? 
• 17:20 | Benefits of bone meal
• 22:00 | Benefits of blood meal
• 23:50 | Fertilizer program
• 25:00 | Lighting requirements
• 26:00 | Moving bulbs outside
• 27:00 | Going Rogue: planting bulbs closer than suggested
• 27:45 | A special birthday shoutout
• 30:00 | Storing bulbs inside over winter 
• 32:50 | Caution when using chicken wire... 
• 34:10 | Question of the Week
• 37:40 | Next Week....  

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

We had a question on Instagram from Holly Marisco this week!

How do you store your more tender bulbs so they make it through the winter?

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

We're discussing ways to protect your garden from common neighbourhood critters!

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

It's the Sodcast! What do you love about lawns? We know they can increase your home value, they're comfortable on hot summer days, it's the one plant we like to play sports on, and some folks even find joy in maintaining them. We love that your lawn can be personal to you and we want to help you get the most out of it. That's why the Helpful Gardeners are so honoured to be joined by Shelley Vance, of Scott's Canada, on today's episode >>>

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In this weeks episode....

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GUEST | SHELLEY VANCE OF SCOTT'S CANADA

Shelley Vance has worked in the lawn and garden industry for over 30 years. She has worked for a variety of different companies based in Vancouver, Canada. Shelley has spent the majority of her career in business-to-business sales, supporting her customers to deliver high-quality products to their customers.

Shelley is passionate about the lawn and garden industry and is currently  enjoying a new role as Western IGC Sales Manager for Scott’s Canada. 

Shelley lives in Coquitlam, BC, Canada with her husband, Jim, and has two adult daughters. 

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

We had a few questions this week from excited gardeners on Instagram!

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

NEXT WEEK 

We've talked about seeds, but bulbs can be a whole other subject! 

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

How do you like to be woken up? If you're like us, you like to be woken gently with soft sounds like chimes and soft gradual light from the sun. Doesn't that sound nice? We can apply this same thought process to your garden! There are things you can be doing in your garden right now to prepare it for the growing season ahead. Spoiler: None of these tips involve planting even a single plant! Colin and Brandi discuss how to prep you garden in today's episode >>>

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In this weeks episode....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 02:20 | Where to begin?
• 04:15 | Trees & Shrubs check up     
• 05:00 | Dormant Spray Kit 
• 08:00 | Wake up your garden gently   
• 19:56 | Question: What to do with leaves on your lawn
• 11:30 | Leave some debris, save of a bug friend!
• 15:26 | Pace yourself
• 17:50 | Amending Soil 
• 19:53 | Compost Tea
• 24:00 | When happens when you leave debris on garden beds?
• 25:40 | Mulch Tips 
• 29:00 | Weeding & Dandelion Love
• 31:30 | Colin Transplanted a Dandelion....
• 33:40 | Raking 
• 38:05 | Using chemical straps in flower beds 
• 40:00 | Checking your garden tools and what to buy  
• 48:00 | Wrap up
• 36:40 | Question of the Week
• 40:15 | Next Week....  

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LINKS

Colin's favourite amendment: Coconut Coir

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

We had a few questions this week from excited gardeners on Instagram! See below...

• @Alex.paints.stuff |
  • "Left leaves on my lawn in the fall. When should you rake them up and can I mulch them with a lawn mower?"
  • A: 
• @Jennatabata | "When should we be planting seeds?"
  • A: You can plant now depending on the seed! If you're in Alberta, see our free seed starting chart. If not, check you regional garden centres for resources, so following each individual seed packet information to determine if seeds need to be started indoors or direct sowed outside toward the end of May.  
• @miss_melly1 | "New to gardening and don't know where to start!"
  • A: You came to the right place! Keep an ear on our podcast, attend our free webinars, or come into your local greenhouse for specialized advice :)
• Holly Marisco | "How do you amend soil in raised planters and is this needed annually?"
  • A: Yes! This should be done annually because plants aren't getting regular nutrients from the Earth. Ideally, you want something lighter so the roots have room to grow. Use things like peatmoss, worm castings, etc. 

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

It's the "SODCAST". We've been sitting on this pun for a while now... we're so excited to be joined by a representative of Scotts Canada, Shelly Vance, who is a lawncare expert! Send us your questions so we can ensure you get the most out of your lawn this season.

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

Do your houseplants deserve a little spa day? In Canada, we experience pretty dramatic seasonal shifts. While we do love our gardens, you can only really enjoy it for a portion of the year. Houseplants can be enjoyed yearround, but they do require a bit of maintenance to keep them living their best life. Colin and Brandi discuss seasonal maintenance in today's episode!

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In this weeks episode....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 02:14 | Should I move my houseplants seasonally?
• 04:30 | Houseplant adversity  
• 08:30 | Things to watch for before moving your plants.   
• 10:30 | Choosing a designated houseplant maintenance day  
• 12:30 | What happens if you can't move your plants?
• 13:52 | Challenge: Change your house lights to grow lights!
• 14:40 | Transplanting/ Repotting Houseplants - Foliage & Flowering
• 22:00 | Propagation - medium, methods and more.
• 26:20 | What did Colin gift Brandi? 
• 32:50 | Houseplant soil - mixes & Colin's blend 
• 33:30 | The benefits of worm castings 
• 34:20 | What do worms like to eat?
• 35:00 | Types of houseplant soil
• 36:20 | 'Super Soil' by Bluesky Organics #NotSponsored
• 40:50 | Fertilizing - when and with what
• 43:05 | My flowering plant isn't flowering :(
• 44:56 | Watering tip: Try using rain water
• 48:00 | Wrap up
• 36:40 | Question of the Week
• 40:15 | Next Week....  

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COLIN'S SOIL RECIPE

• 3 parts potting soil
• 1 part charcoal
• 1 part worm casting

CACTUS SOIL BLEND

• 3 Parts Dry Sand
• 2 Parts Perlite
• 2 Parts Heavy Garden Soil 
• 1 Part Worm Castings

GAKidsTV Cactus Soil Episode: LINK

Avelida Worm Castings 

Bluesky Organics 'Super Soil'

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WATERING LINKS

Does Rainwater Contain Nitrogen?

Green Calgary - Water conservation and rain barrels

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

Our question of the week comes from Harry over on Instagram who asks "How do I grow hemp outside in my garden?"

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

We're  

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

Pack your bags! We're taking you on a trip around the globe to learn more about the diverse plants that call this plant home.

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In this weeks episode....

• 01:00 | Mexico Geography
• 05:00 | How are plants used by humans and animals
• 06:50 | Replicating ideal growing conditions
• 08:15 | The big digression - Elevator Terror 
• 11:30 | What kind of traveller are you? 
• 14:20 | Medicinal benefits of worldly plants 
• 15:15 | Beware of unknown plants 
• 17:30 | Using plants to make tequila
• 19:50 | Working in a 'Sugar Shack'
• 28:20 | Diversity right at home
• 30:23 | Under the Sea 
• 36:40 | Question of the Week
• 40:15 | Next Week.... 

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THE GREAT CANADIAN MAPLE SYRUP HEIST

Overview & Opinion Piece | LINK

Results of the Heist from CTV | LINK

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

Our question of the week comes from Danielle who asks "What size pot does an indeterminate tomato require to grow?"

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

We're giving your houseplants some extra love and helping you through those big seasonal shifts. We'll talk about fertilizing, repotting, watering, and other maintenance practices!

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

GARDEN PLANNING

In this weeks episode....

• 03:00 | Digital & Offline Garden Planning
• 05:00 | Creating a Garden Plan with Canva
• 10:00 | Garden Centre Tips: Come Prepared
• 17:50 | Consider your outdoor living arrangment
• 18:30 | Aesthetic & Function
• 20:00 | How thorough do I need to be?
• 22:20 | Garden Planning Record Keeping
• 24:50 | When garden planning doesn't go to plan...
• 27:20 | What obstacles can you plan ahead for?
• 32:40 | Mix & Mingle with Veggies for the pollinators
• 34:40 | Perennials: Spacing & Bloom time
• 36:20 | Staggering growth and what is your "why"?
• 38:20 | Question of the Week
• 41:50 | Next Week.... 

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BRANDI'S GARDEN PLAN MADE WITH CANVA

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

Our question of the week comes from Steve who asks, "Should I consider crop rotation?"

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

Plants around the World

• 00:00 | In this Episode....
• 03:00 | Seed Selection: Variety
• 05:00 | Heritage / Heirloom seeds 
• 08:50 | Non GMO & Organic seeds
• 10:30 | Selecting what you're attracted to. 
• 12:35 | Reading a seed packet: What's important?
• 20:30 | Research: Canadian Seed Starting Charts 
• 21:50 | Equipment
• 27:30 | Fertilizer - When?
• 30:10 | Watering - Super Important
• 32:00 | Pets VS Seedlings
• 33:34 | Storing leftover seeds
• 36:50 | Question of the Week
• 40:00 | Next Week.... 

Golden Acre Seed Starting Guide | Click here 

West Coast Seeds Regional Seed Starting Chart (Canada) | Click Here 

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Our question of the week comes from Dawnbeat who asks, "How do you prevent damping off?" Listen in to learn what damping is, how to prevent it, and what to do if it's already found you. 

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected] 
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

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NEXT WEEK

Here's an episode for the whole family! Get your crayons and paper ready because we're planning your garden next week!

• 00:00 | In this Episode....
• 03:00 | History of Houseplants
• 06:30 | Lighting for Houseplants
• 09:00 | Social Pressure for Houseplants / Normalize Brown Leaves
• 12:20 | Poll: "Why do you keep Houseplants?"
• 16:20 | Southern Alberta Institute of Technology - Student Wellness
• 20:00 | Ode to a great starter plant: The Spider Plant!
• 23:10 | Gifting Houseplants
• 27:00 | Poll: "Foliage or Flowers?"
• 31:50 | Beware of Google
• 35:20 | Houseplants and Wellness: another tool in the toolbox
• 40:13 | Question of the Week
• 45:04 | Next Week....

• https://tenneyplants.com/history-of-houseplants/
• https://www.britannica.com/science/houseplant#ref1262648 

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Our question of the week comes from Holly Marisco who asks, "When do you re-pot, how do you divide them, when do you fertilize and how?" Listen in to find out what Colin recommends to help keep your houseplants healthy!

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us a voice note www.speakpipe.com/TheHelpfulGardeners, 
• send us an email [email protected] 
• or find our question of the week on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK

We're bringing it back to seeds! Colin will get to nerd out on the science behind seeds, and we'll take you through the process of selection, preparation, planting and caring for them. 

In the meantime, catch up on past episodes including Seed Starting: Is it for you? Also, partake in our Instagram polls and questionaire next Tuesday for funsies :)

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Our question of the week comes from Ethariel who asks, "How do you get rid of thrips?" Listen in to find out what Colin recommends to battle these armoured pests!

https://www.goldenacre.ca/shop-all-departments/control-products/green-eco-friendly/oriline-bottle-500-bugs-orius-insidiosus-thrip-control/

If you have a question for the Helpful Gardeners, reach out to us! Send us an email [email protected] or find our question of the week on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK

Bring gardening indoors! Are houseplants for everything? What should you keep in mind when considering bringing plants indoors? Golden Acre is also going on a road trip to SAIT - Southern Alberta Institute of Technology to find out how plants can postivitly impact wellness