PlantNebraska Podcast

Ever show up at a plant sale with the perfect list… only to find your must-have plant is already gone? Hanna and Sarah are preparing for Spring Affair by helping you plan ahead for when the plant you carefully researched is sold out. Learn how to plan smart substitutions, ask the right questions at the nursery, and still leave with plants that will thrive in your garden. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast Spring Affair Plant Sale Dates For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska Send us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this episode, Hanna and Sarah revisit one of the very first topics ever covered on the podcast: preparing a new perennial garden bed. With a few more years of experience under their belts—working in their own yards and on public projects—they’re bringing back the original advice along with some new tricks, lessons learned, and a little extra nuance. The big takeaway? Use the cool days of early spring to get your beds ready before your spring plant purchases fill your driveway. Your future gardening self will thank you. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska Send us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this episode, Hanna and Sarah welcome Jason “the Bird Nerd” to talk about how gardeners can make their yards more welcoming to birds. From native plants and insect habitat to brush piles, feeders, and even light pollution, the conversation explores how a healthy garden ecosystem naturally supports birds. Jason St. Sauver joins us from the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska Send us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this reprisal of one of our very early episodes, we revisit spring cleanup with the added tricks and nuance we’ve learned along the way. It’s all about pacing yourself instead of rushing into full cleanup just because of a warm day. Early spring is the perfect time to tackle the less pleasant jobs (hello, mushy leaves and grass cutting) while the weather is still cool and the bugs aren’t out yet. Work with the season, not against it — protect emerging plants, support habitat, and make the most of these comfortable days before the real growing (and sweating) begins. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska Send us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Snow may not be the first thing you think about when designing a garden—but maybe it should be. In this episode, Hanna and Sarah dig into the often-overlooked topic of designing landscapes for winter functionality, especially when snow, ice, and de-icers come into play. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska Send us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Bob Henrickson is back for our annual Great Plants of the Great Plains episode! Every year he uses this program to highlight plants that are overlooked and underutilized by the nursery and landscape industry. Nominated by and voted on by industry members, these are trees, shrubs, and perennials that deserve a consideration when looking for something to plant this spring. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska Send us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

We made it to 100 episodes! We're sharing 10(ish) things we have learned over the last 3 years of podcasting and almost 10 years of helping new gardeners plant native plants through the Bloom Box program. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska Send us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

We're kicking off the holiday season with our annual book review and gift guide! Michelle DeRusha joins us and we share some of the garden related books we read this year (or are looking forward to reading). We also share our list of gift ideas for the gardener in your life, or for your own wish list. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska Send us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this special gratitude-themed episode of PlantNebraska, we hand the microphone over to you—our members, arboretum partners, volunteers, and community growers. We asked for stories about what you’re thankful for when it comes to trees, native plants, and the landscapes you steward. Join us as we highlight the shared work that makes our Nebraska communities stronger and more resilient. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska Send us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Welcome to the Plant Nebraska Podcast! (formerly known as Bloom Box: Growing Deeper) In this first official episode under our new name, hosts Hanna and Sarah are talking about plants they love—but whose common names make it hard to convince others to plant them. From “swamp milkweed” to “sneezeweed,” we’re rethinking names that don’t do justice to beautiful, beneficial native plants. Tune in for stories about language, plant history, and a few of our not-so-successful renaming attempts (looking at you, “purple puff plant”). For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraska Send us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

We are excited to share that the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum is becoming PlantNebraska! This new name reflects who we are today: rooted in Nebraska, growing for generations to come. We’re still offering the same trusted programs—tree planting, garden making, educational resources, and a statewide network of accredited arboretum and landscape steward sites—just under a fresh name and look. We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/plantnebraska Send us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe. Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook and Instagram Learn more about PlantNebraska: https://plantnebraska.org

Don’t forget your dragon hide gloves! Sarah and Hanna are heading to Hogwarts for a special herbology-themed episode featuring magical plants from the Harry Potter universe — and their real-life counterparts you can actually grow in your own garden. From calming hellebores to, they dig into the folklore, horticulture, and just a little bit of magic behind these spellbinding species. Whether you’re a wizarding world fan or just love a weird plant story, this episode is full of enchanting garden inspiration (and a few poison warnings). We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretum Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and Instagram Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

For the annual fall cleanup episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by David Mizejewski, naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation, to talk about one of the simplest and most impactful garden actions: leaving the leaves. David shares the science behind this seasonal practice, the wildlife it supports, and how “messy” gardens are essential for biodiversity and climate health.  We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretum Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and Instagram Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this fall-themed episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by Community Forester Sarah Browning to talk about the insects (and a few not-quite-insects) that become more noticeable this time of year. From spiders in the basement to mosquitoes that won’t quit, the conversation covers who these critters are, what they’re doing in the fall, and how to live with—or without—them. Learn why wolf spiders seem extra big in autumn, what oak itch mites are really up to in your red oaks, and why minute pirate bugs have such a misleadingly cute name. The team also shares practical advice for dealing with fruit flies, fungus gnats, whiteflies on houseplants, and nuisance insects like Asian lady beetles and boxelder bugs. And of course, they wrap up with their Plants of the Week. We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretum Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and Instagram Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this Q&A episode, Hanna and Sarah tackle common questions about pollinators—what counts as one, why their populations are declining, which crops depend on them, and how gardeners can support them with the right plants and practices. They also discuss the crime of beehivery and whether or not you need to worry about someone stealing your beehive. We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretum Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and Instagram Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

As summer winds down, Sarah and Hanna take a breather to reflect on the wild weather, what’s thriving (and what’s struggling) in their gardens, and projects big and small. We're talking soggy lawns, giant sunflowers, raspberries, raised beds, and storm cleanup—this episode covers the full range of gardening successes and struggles. They also answer a listener question about what to do with a shady yard (spoiler: mulch is your friend) and share what’s blooming right now in Nebraska gardens. We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretum Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and Instagram Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this lively episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by Chrissy Land from the Nebraska Forest Service to debate their favorite (and least favorite) landscape plants. From drought-tolerant natives to misunderstood troublemakers, they make their case for which plants deserve a spot in public spaces—and which are better for the home landscape. The discussion covers climate adaptability, maintenance concerns, personal bias, and the importance of matching plants to place. For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretum Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and Instagram Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

This week on Growing Deeper, Sarah and Hannah welcome Dana Freeman, Urban Agriculture and Local Food Systems Extension Educator, to tackle a problem many gardeners face: Why do vegetables thrive one year and fail the next? Learn why soil quality matters, how to water your containers correctly, and what to do when the weather doesn't cooperate. Dana shares practical solutions and fall gardening tips that will help beginners and experienced growers alike. Whether you're struggling with cucumbers or wondering if your lettuce can handle the heat, this is a can't-miss episode for home gardeners. For more in-depth show notes, including a full list of plant mentions and links to resources, visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretum Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and Instagram Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Sarah Browning joins us for the first time to discuss our favorite mid-summer blooms. These are some of our go-to plants to keep color in the garden all summer long. Not every summer is as rainy as this one, in dry years full summer color can be a challenge, but these dependable species have become favorites for their drought and heat tolerance. For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretum Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and Instagram Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Every gardener has “that spot” that they aren’t happy with but aren’t sure what to do about it. This week we’re reviewing our problem areas, some success stories, and some ongoing struggles. We would love to hear your stories as well! Share a success story and give us all hope or share an area you aren’t sure how to approach and maybe someone will have a suggestion (or at least commiseration).  For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretum Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail. Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and Instagram Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org