The best gear for growing season
Don and John go over their recommendations for the best tools to get your yard in garden in shape this spring, from the right pair of gloves to a reciprocating saw.
Apr 18, 2024•59 min
Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast
In this podcast, lifelong gardener Don Kinzler joins host John Lamb for a weekly dig into the fruitful topic of gardening in the upper Midwest (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, eastern Montana and southern Manitoba).
Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. He has been a trusted resource for gardeners in the region for decades. Lamb is an arts and entertainment reporter for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead and a novice gardener, ready to learn.
Questions for Don? Email him at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.
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Episodes
Get your yard and garden in shape for spring
The season is finally starting to make a turn for the warmer, and while it's still a little too cool to get plants in the ground, there's still plenty to do. In this episode, Don and John go over some of the tasks you can do to get your yard and garden in shape after the dormant winter months, like raking and pruning.
Apr 13, 2024•49 min
Looking for the next great tree for your yard?
How do new trees get introduced to our region, and who's researching how well they'll do here? In this episode, Don and John talk to Dr. Todd West, NDSU's Woody Plant Improvement Director, for a look into the research he does on new varieties of trees and shrubs that will perform well in our region. Dr. West also has some advice on choosing trees for your landscape and gives a preview of new trees that could become available to us soon.
Apr 06, 2024•58 min
This community garden isn't just growing plants. It's growing a community
When we think of a community garden, we might think it's a community of people growing gardens. But the inverse is also true. In this episode, Don and John welcome Jack Wood, co-founder of the Growing Together community garden, to the show. Jack talks about how his group has opened its arms to new Americans in the Fargo-Moorhead area and grown a tight-knit community of like-minded gardening lovers.
Mar 29, 2024•36 min
Spring planting and canning season go hand in hand
Since you're probably thinking about the growing season, chances are you're also thinking about canning your harvest once fall comes. In this episode, Don and John are joined by Rita Ussatis, the Cass County (N.D.) Extension Agent for Family and Community Wellness, to hear her guidance about successful canning.
Mar 09, 2024•38 min
It's been a weird winter, and our listeners have questions about it
From rain in January to a blizzard bookended by unseasonable warmth, it's been an odd winter for gardeners in our part of the world. In this episode, Don and John field questions from your fellow Growing Together listeners on what to do and what to look out for as we transition from not-winter to spring.
Mar 01, 2024•48 min
How to care for succulents, a wildly popular low-maintenance option for houseplants
If you're new to growing plants in your home, or looking for something that gives you a little slack when it comes to timely watering, succulents may be right for you. In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of succulents, from watering to potting to making them bloom. They'll also settle the nagging question: Are they "cactuses" or "cacti"?
Feb 24, 2024•35 min
Get this year's garden up and running by starting your seeds indoors
It's been a mild winter in our neck of the woods, but it's still not quite warm enough to get your garden growing ... or is it? In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of starting seeds indoors, including the setup you'll need and the timelines for your favorite varieties. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelong gardener, and a lon...
Feb 19, 2024•47 min
It's been an unusually warm winter. How will that affect your garden?
Those of us in the northern U.S. are appreciating this warm winter for reducing the stress of things like travel or snow removal. But what about plants that are stirring way too soon? In this episode, Don and John talk through the effects that a warm winter can have on your plants, ways you can give them some extra care, and what to plan for the next growing season.
Feb 10, 2024•45 min
The language of flowers and why we give roses on Valentine's Day
Giving someone flowers can say a lot, but the flowers themselves might be saying more than you think. In this episode, Don and John talk about floriography, the "language of flowers" that arose in the Victorian era as a way for people to send messages of friendship, gratitude, sorrow and love via certain types of flowers. They'll also go over some tips on taking care of the flowers you receive this Valentine's Day.
Feb 03, 2024•40 min
How drilling into trees helps us study the impacts of major flooding
For someone who studies a serene topic like trees, NDSU Extension Forester Joe Zeleznik has quite a few pressing issues on his plate. In this episode, Don and John welcome Zeleznik onto the Growing Together podcast for a conversation about trees, which is normally a rather quiet topic. Zeleznik's studies, however, take him into some urgent topics like flooding and the spread of invasive species like the emerald ash borer.
Jan 26, 2024•47 min
A few landscaping choices can turn your winter yard from bleak to beautiful
We tend to think about blossoms and greenery when landscaping our yards, but winter offers its own unique opportunities. In this episode, Don and John discuss the choices you can make to turn your yard into a winter wonderland of lingering shadows and attention-grabbing contrast using the principles of Piet Oudolf and the New Perennial Movement.
Jan 19, 2024•34 min
Selecting seeds and getting an early start on spring
With so many different seed companies each offering different varieties, starting a flower and garden projects from seed can leave anyone feeling a little scattered In this episode, Don and John talk about different varieties of seeds and how to make the right choices when starting a garden project.
Jan 17, 2024•36 min
Think spring with new seed catalogs
Don and John start making plans for next summer's garden by going over some of the seed catalogs coming in the mail. Don explains how to store seeds once they arrive, why he prefers starting some plants from seeds instead of buying from a local garden center, what success rates are for growing with seeds and the difference between open-pollinated and hybrid seeds.
Jan 05, 2024•48 min
The year that was in our lawns and gardens
A long winter, short spring, hot summer and mild fall created a memorable growing season for area gardeners. In this episode, Don and John talk about the last year for local gardeners, what was learned from challenges and the successes they had.
Dec 20, 2023•38 min
How to care for poinsettias and other beloved holiday plants
While there's no shortage of light and color around the holidays, nothing adds warmth and life to your home quite like a healthy poinsettia. In this episode, Don and John talk about everyone's favorite holiday plant along with a few others, like Christmas cactus and amaryllis. They add a breath of life to your home during the cold, busy holiday season.
Dec 12, 2023•59 min
Got a gardener on your gift list? They're simple to please if you know what to look for
If you have a gardener on your gift list, you can breathe easy. They're easy bunch to buy for. In this episode, Don and John go over some tried and true gifts for any gardener. Plus, they give you some ideas for gardeners with a focus and some thoughts on how to personalize your gift to make it extra special. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a ...
Dec 04, 2023•49 min
Overwintering plants breathes life into your home during the cold months
Winter may be here but you can keep things lively during these frigid months by overwintering your favorite plants. In this episode, Don and John are joined once again by the delightful Mary Holm, host of "Prairie Yard and Garden," to talk about overwintering coleus, clivia, geraniums and more. To learn more about PY&G, visit their website: https://www.pioneer.org/pyg/ === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don K...
Nov 25, 2023•56 min
All about Christmas trees and how to care for them
Nothing warms your home during our frigid holiday season quite like a real Christmas tree ... as long as it's properly cared for. In this episode, Don and John welcome Eric Baker of Baker Garden and Gift of Fargo, N.D. to hear all about choosing, caring for, and, yes, flocking Christmas trees. (Did you know people really like black Christmas trees? We didn't either.) To learn more about Baker Garden and Gift, visit their website: https://bakernursery.com/ === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podca...
Nov 19, 2023•59 min
What's in store for weather this winter? And what does that mean for our yards and gardens?
There's no way to know exactly what will happen this winter's weather, but we can take our best educated guess. In this episode, Don and John are joined by gardener and WDAY Chief Meteorologist John Wheeler, whose guess about the weather is about as educated you can get. He also gives us a recap of this season in his garden and talks indoor growing methods.
Nov 13, 2023•32 min
How to best care for houseplants, your winter companions
Now that our garden beds are sealed up for the winter, it's time to check in our favorite off-season roommates: our houseplants. In this episode, Don and John go over some basic tips for houseplant care, like optimal watering practices and intentional care. Plus, they discuss the importance of giving your houseplants something of a social life. Plants need friends, too. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinz...
Nov 03, 2023•55 min
Get your lawns and gardens set for winter as we rummage through the Growing Together mailbag
Your fellow 'Growing Together' readers and listeners have lots of questions about getting ready for winter, and you likely do, too. In this episode, Don and John rummage around in the ol' Growing Together mailbag to answer questions about snow mold, voles, harvesting carrots and other late autumn tasks. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County, a lifelo...
Oct 30, 2023•52 min
Everything you ever wanted to know about pumpkins, from folklore to fruit to jack o'lanterns
Did you know pumpkins are a fruit, not a vegetable? And that the jack o'lantern may have sprung from a story about a deal with the devil? In this episode, Don and John embark on the surprising tale of the pumpkin. Pumpkins occupy a unique space in human history and, in some cases, occupy a giant space in our gardens.
Oct 23, 2023•46 min
This gardening book is almost 90 years old. How well does its advice hold up?
Modern tools like YouTube and podcasts put valuable gardening information right at our fingertips. How could a dusty 90-year-old book still possibly be relevant? In this episode, Don and John crack open "The Complete Book of Gardening Magic" to see how well its advice holds up and share several insights from it. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass County,...
Oct 16, 2023•41 min
How to grow and care for trees in your yard
Trees do so much for us. They provide shade, protect us from the wind, give us fruit to eat and give us color in the fall. Trees also have special care needs. In this episode, Don and John discuss some strategies for planting trees in your yard, providing you with a few ideas of what to plant and some guidelines for giving them their best shot. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist wi...
Oct 09, 2023•43 min
What worked in our gardens this year—and what didn't
With the season winding down, but still fresh in our memory, it's a good time to talk about what worked in our gardens and what didn't meet our expectations. In this episode, Don and John share the triumphs and tribulations they saw in their own gardens this year, from varieties that flourished to strategies that left them thinking "what was I thinking?" It's a healthy exercise that will pay dividends next season. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper M...
Oct 02, 2023•54 min
Prepare your yard and garden for winter and set yourself up for success next spring
You might be looking forward to a bounty of harvest produce and the burst of fall colors right now, but don't slow down for winter just yet. In this episode, Don and John go over tasks you should be doing during fall to get everything buttoned up for winter. While you're at it, you can start getting preparted to hit the ground running next spring. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr
Eating your way through the garden with chef Ryan Nitschke
A garden full of fresh, delicious produce is a vital step toward a great meal, but it isn't the only step. In this episode, Don and John welcome chef Ryan Nitschke to talk about his favorite garden ingredients and ways to prepare your garden's bounty, especially around harvest time. Nitschke has been a chef in Fargo area restaurants for years and has a wide array of food ventures with business partner Nikki Ness Berglund that includes Luna Fargo on South University Drive, Fargo, Sol Ave. Kitchen...
Sep 18, 2023•39 min
How you can see (and taste) the benefits of edible landscaping
A well-tended yard doesn't just look good. It can taste good, too. In this episode, Don and John discuss edible landscaping, the notion that your trees and shrubs can provide a literal feast in addition to being a feast for your eyes. They discuss some popular berry, tree and vine varieties for our climate that might also inspire your next menu item.
Sep 11, 2023•39 min
Mums, asters and other colorful autumn delights for your garden
When we think of fall color, we're usually talking about trees, but many flowers and ornamental grasses can add their own dash of color to your yard and garden. In this episode, Don and John talk about mums, asters and grasses that can prolong the joy of garden color long after summer begins to fade into autumn. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners in the upper Midwest and is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Don Kinzler is a horticulturist with NDSU Extension in Cass ...
Sep 05, 2023•37 min
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