The healthiest food you can eat is the food you grow yourself! In this episode, we speak with Dr. Laura Varich from FreshPhysician.com about the vital role of nutrition in supporting immunity, especially during the winter months. We explore the balance of immunity rather than just boosting it. And we discuss the correlation between diet and chronic diseases. Dr. Varich highlights the benefits of a plant-centered diet and compares germ theory with terrain theory. We also emphasize the immune-boos...
Dec 13, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 72
If you are about to set foot into a garden for the first time in the coming new year, or looking to expand your gardening horizons, and you are wondering where to begin, a good tip is to start small…with container gardening. Today, we talk with Pam Farley, who is the writer and photographer behind the highly successful gardening website, brown thumb mama dot com. And, she is the author of the book, “The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening.” Even experienced gardeners will pick up a few...
Dec 06, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 71
Today, we venture into the critical realm of invasive pests, zeroing in on the invasive shot hole borer (ISHB), a formidable newcomer from southern Asia threatening California's trees. We navigate through the fascinating biology of the ISHB, discussing its rapid spread and dire consequences for urban and native forests alike, not only threatening California’s tree canopy, but over 65 species of trees throughout the country. We are joined by Dr. Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann from the University of Calif...
Nov 29, 2024•47 min•Season 5Ep. 70
In this episode, along with America's Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, Debbie Flower, we discuss the importance of soil health, effective pruning techniques, and the value of learning from gardening failures. Water management strategies and proactive pest control are also highlighted, along with the joy of simply spending time in the garden. Packed with practical tips from a wide variety of Master Gardeners, this episode offers valuable insights for gardeners of all levels. Prev...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 69
Farmer Fred and Debbie Flower discusses ant management in raised beds. Master Food Preserver Wendy Rose talks about garden food preservation techniques and how to wow the judges at county and state fairs with your homemade preserves. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net . Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout Pictured: Ant Control Product in Fruit Tree Container Lin...
Nov 15, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 68
If you live in the milder areas of the country, November is an excellent month for planting and establishing shade trees. Today, we cover the basics of correctly planting and caring for a shade tree. We chat with consulting arborist Gordon Mann, who reminds us, when it comes to choosing a spot to plant a shade tree, it’s all about the soil. Hmm, where have I heard that before? Plus, he explains the importance of correct planting techniques, especially freeing up that tree’s root zone. But there’...
Nov 08, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 67
Ep. 364 10 Quick Tips for a Successful Garden • Julia Oldfield of Big Oak Nursery in Elk Grove, CA talks about creating a container garden that would be sure to slow down cars and wowing the walkers going by your front yard, using only three plants. (at 3:19 of the podcast) • Is there a cheaper way to make seed starting mix. Brad Gates, he of Wild Boar Farms tomato fame, says, yes there is. (6:06) • Do you raise chickens? How do you store the eggs? Where do you store the eggs? What precautions s...
Nov 01, 2024•59 min•Season 5Ep. 66
Listening and following the advice in this episode is more important than ever if you use herbicides, especially when we repeatedly chant our mantra: "Read and Follow All Label Directions." America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower and myself start by tackling the widespread confusion surrounding Roundup, a brand historically synonymous with its active ingredient, glyphosate. As glyphosate use by homeowners is being phased out here in California and other states, w...
Oct 25, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 65
Today, we chat with Diane Blazek, executive director of All-America Selections and the National Garden Bureau, about the best plants to be adding to your garden this Autumn for long, cool season blooms. We explore various options such as annuals, herbaceous perennials, and bulbs. Diane highlights her favorite bulbs, especially daffodils, noting their resilience and bloom timing. We have practical gardening tips too, including soaking nasturtium seeds for quicker germination and using markers to ...
Oct 18, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 64
We examine the wildland-urban interface and its growing wildfire risks for homeowners, particularly in fire-prone areas like California and other western states. We talk about the concept of hardening your landscape from the Ember Ignition Zone with insights from Kevin Marini, a UC Defensible Space Advisor. He highlights the importance of maintaining clear spaces around homes and managing vegetation in three defensive zones. Today, it’s Episode 361, Defensible Space Landscaping Tips. It’s the Ga...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 63
Today, we are talking avocado cultivation with Greg Alder, he’s an avocado grower in Southern California, a San Diego County Master Gardener, and he’s the director of the California Avocado Society. Who better to answer a question about the care and feeding of a Mexicola avocado, in Northern California. Greg shares practical tips on watering, and common pitfalls to avoid. We also delve into avocado pollination, highlighting the unique characteristics and taste of various varieties, including Gwe...
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 62
They’re known as tree rings, or tree surrounds. Basically, it’s a demilitarized zone for your trees, where the trunk and roots are safe from weed whackers and lawn mowers as well as competing plants (especially lawns). It might be a short term solution for a newly planted tree. But leave it in place longer than that, and problems can ensue. Debbie Flower, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, tells us about those issues. Is using cardboard for mulch in a garden a good idea? ...
Sep 27, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 61
Have you done the necessary work to have a thriving fall vegetable garden? What about the soil? What have you done to give those new plants a great start? We talk with Sacramento County Master Gardener Gail Pothour about how they prepare the vegetable gardens for fall planting at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center. And at the Fair Oaks Vegetable Center, they will be trying out some interesting new vegetables, as well. Also, we find out more about a cherry that is really best left for the birds. T...
Sep 20, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 60
The change in the September weather is your best opportunity for a new round of planting vegetables in your garden, the cool season crops: broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, garlic, kale, onions, peas, potatoes, shallots, and all those versatile, healthy greens: lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, Chinese cabbages, and so much more. But which varieties should you plant? We have the strategies today for a successful cool season garden. Also, what is a crisis nursery? Is it the dumpster behind your favori...
Sep 13, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 59
We talk with fruit tree expert Ed Laivo today about how to control the four-legged varmints (as well as the winged ones) that get to your backyard fruit before you do. Plus, he has recommendations for potting mixes to grow fruit trees in containers. Is it safe to solarize soil with clear plastic to kill weeds or a lawn, if there’s a fruit tree in the middle? Debbie Flower tackles that one. And in parts of the midwest and all along the East Coast, there’s a pest on the loose that feeds on over 10...
Sep 06, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 58
“Can you grow rhubarb here?” For those who have moved from colder climates to the warmer USDA zones, that might be a popular question. Memories of rhubarb pie, jams, and more while growing up back East or in the Midwest might have you hankering for fresh rhubarb. The plant, however, dislikes climates where summers get over 90 degrees on a regular basis. And, it prefers a bit of chill in the winter, as well. And the short answer is, “yes, you can grow it here,” with a few reservations (you might ...
Aug 30, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 57
Fred and Debbie Flower discuss the trend of lawn elimination and alternative landscape options to save water. They explore lawn alternatives that require less maintenance and water, such as no-mow lawns, fescue varieties, and groundcovers like dymondia, kurapia, and clover. They also discuss the need for proper irrigation and maintenance in all types of landscapes. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , Gar...
Aug 23, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 56
Today, we talk with Kevin Marini, a community education specialist with the University of California Cooperative Extension, about the topics of soil and successful gardening. We talk about the pros and cons of using native soil versus commercial soil, the importance of improving native soil, the use of bagged mixes in raised beds, and the role of organic matter and fertilizers in gardening. We also touch on the benefits of mulch and the importance of proper watering techniques. Overall, the conv...
Aug 16, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 55
What are the best mint varieties to use for cooking? We talk with a professional herb grower about the myriad of culinary herb choices available. Is there a better summer flower than Zinnias? This colorful warm weather annual comes in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and flower shapes…and it makes for a great cut flower, too! America’s Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, Debbie Flower talks zinnias, along with cut flower care so that they can last a long time indoors. We’re podcast...
Aug 09, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 54
In this episode, Farmer Fred and Kevin Marini discuss the importance of thinning fruit trees and maintaining their height. Kevin Marini, a certified arborist and community education specialist with UC Cooperative Extension, also talks about the benefits of keeping fruit trees at a manageable height, the process of bringing down the height of a tree, and the different types of pruning cuts. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s...
Aug 02, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 53
Looking to start a first garden in a new home? Before digging, do some planning, and some research. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, Debbie Flower, and I have tips for getting that first garden off to a great start at your new home. And, we answer about how to garden when there’s a concrete patio in the way. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brou...
Jul 26, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 52
Gardening and being in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety. Forest bathing, or simply spending time in a natural environment, has been shown to have calming effects. Having a garden or indoor plants can also provide stress relief. Aromatic plants, such as jasmine, lavender, and mint, can have a soothing effect on the mind and body. Taking the time to slow down, enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of nature can help alleviate stress and improve mental well-being. America’s Favorite Retired...
Jul 19, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 51
Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred , GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Garden Gold Peach in Bloom Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Ce...
Jul 12, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 50
It’s a holiday weekend and you might be traveling. What about a Garden Basics playlist for that long car ride or for listening to while lounging around someplace cool? We have suggestions for that playlist - the five most listened-to Garden Basics episodes. Also: wherever you live, you can probably grow some kind of berries. Today, we revisit our chat with Master Gardener and expert raspberry and boysenberry grower, Pam Bone, who has lots of good tips for growing these tasty, healthy treats. And...
Jul 05, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 49
How do use and adjust a soil thermometer? Why is my soil pH so variable at different soil depths? How do you use cardboard to replace a lawn and start a garden? Those are some of the questions, along with scenic bypasses - of course - that we’ll be tackling today. And there’s a lot of great garden tips in those scenic bypasses today. It’s all in Episode 346 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast! Brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Previous episodes, ...
Jun 28, 2024•29 min•Season 5Ep. 48
Did you know rose petals are edible, and contain lots of healthy fiber? That's part of today’s podcast, recorded live, in February 2024, at the Sacramento Rose Society's monthly meeting. The main topic is growing the Heart Healthy Garden! And roses can be an edible part of that healthy landscape. This podcast episode features foods to grow that can help lower your cholesterol and blood sugar numbers, as well as help control your blood pressure. Plus, steps to take for "how" and "when" to eat, to...
Jun 21, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 47
In this episode of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, Fred Hoffman and Master Gardener Gail Pothour discuss saving tomato seeds. They address the question of whether saved tomato seeds will produce the same tomato variety and provide tips for ensuring seed purity. The conversation covers topics such as flower structure, pollination, isolation techniques, and seed fermentation. Answering another question, Debbie Flower and Fred discuss the best method for sowing annual flower seeds on mu...
Jun 18, 2024•15 min•Season 5Ep. 46
We pay a visit to the garden of America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. It’s a living classroom on thriving low water use plants. Debbie talks in detail about the plants, many of which are California natives, and discusses the strategies of hydrozoning (grouping plants together based on their watering needs), designing focal points and the ongoing tasks of restraining plants (lots of pruning). Of course, we throw in all sorts of garden tips. It’s another fun, sc...
Jun 14, 2024•53 min•Season 5Ep. 45
Master Gardener Fred Hoffman and his guests answers garden questions from listeners on the Tuesday edition of the Garden Basics podcast. The first question is about weed cloth and its impact on soil improvement and fertilization. Fred and Debbie Flower advise removing the weed cloth and using just mulch instead. The second question is about planting carrots in California's climate. Fred explains that carrots can be grown year-round in milder coastal climates, but in the Central Valley, they have...
Jun 11, 2024•19 min•Season 5Ep. 44
Something a little different today. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower and myself take a stroll through the Farmer Fred backyard garden, talking about the plants, and discussing the strategies to make them successful plants, with, of course, all sorts of garden tips thrown in. It’s the ultimate scenic bypass episode yet! It’s all in Episode 341 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast: Fred’s Garden Tour, with Debbie Flower. Next Friday, we’ll be to...
Jun 07, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 43
