Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

Mid to late spring is cucumber planting time in most of North America, and we have more cucumber growing tips for you today. We covered a lot of cucumber growing basics back in episode 266 last May, but today, cucumber cheerleader and America's favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, has more cucumber planting advice for you, whether you start cucumbers from seed or from nursery-purchased transplants. And by the way, choose carefully if you're shopping for cucumber plants. Debbie will tell us what to look for. Plus, properly training the growth of your cucumbers can help thwart a lot of disease and pest problems as well. Debbie tells us how. It's all in episode 331 of today's Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, Cucumbers, Starting and Training. 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, brought to you today by SmartPots and heirloomroses.com. Let's go! 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: Cucumbers on a Trellis Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link) Chicken Manure Pelletized Fertilizer Quick Snack Cucumber Seeds and more Chelsea Prize Cucumber Seeds and more Garden Panel Trellis for Cucumbers Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

In Episode 330, Q&A - Gail from Orangevale, CA wants to start a vegetable and flower garden in her backyard, which is currently covered in Bermuda grass. Debbie Flower, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, and I suggest waiting a year and using soil solarization to kill off the Bermudagrass. We also recommend starting small with container gardening and using organic mulch to keep the soil soft. We discuss the challenges of dealing with Bermudagrass and the benefits of soil solarization. For the next question, from David in Arizona, Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour touches on David’s question about the use of black plastic mulch on the soil (not usually recommended for home gardeners), and comments on David’s suggestion of using hydrogen peroxide as a treatment for early blight on tomatoes (Nope. Sorry, Dave) 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: Soil Solarization Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Garden Basics Ep. 116 Growing Citrus in Containers Soil Solarization (From UC-ANR) Hori-Hori Knife Bermudagrass Control (From UC-ANR) Kurapia as a ground cover Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

This episode is entitled, How to Water Your Garden. “What!?!” you’re probably thinking. “Of course I know how to water my garden, lawn, and indoor plants, I’m a gardener!” As Farmer Fred Garden Rule #8 says: “If it works for you, fine. But keep an open mind.” Join us as America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has advice on how to properly and thoroughly irrigate all your plants from newly planted seeds to vegetables to flowers to lawns, shrubs and trees. I bet by the end of our chat, there will be at least one irrigation tip that will have you saying, “I did not know that!” 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, brought to you today by Smart Pots. Let’s go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: A Dramm 1000-hole water breaker nozzle for newly planted seeds Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ peat pots/peat pellets Vermiculite for seed starting Dramm Watering Video: Watering 101 Dramm breaker nozzles for fine spray watering one gallon tank sprayer with adjustable nozzle Hunter MP Rotator sprinklers Outdoor sprinkler water measuring devices Farmer Fred Rant: How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need? Olla Watering Pots Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

In this episode of the Garden Basics Podcast, Farmer Fred and Master Gardener Susan Muckey discuss composting and answer a listener's question about adding nitrogen to a compost pile. They explain that adding nitrogen is not necessary for most compost piles and discuss the ideal carbon-nitrogen ratio. They also provide tips for turning a compost pile and maintaining the right temperature. In the second part of the episode, Quentyn Young, Master Gardener and orchard specialist, joins the conversation to discuss strategies for dealing with peach leaf curl, including planting late ripening peach varieties. 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: Compost Bin at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ The Rapid Composting Method Dave Wilson Nursery Fruit Harvest Chart Compost Thermometer Compost Bins Garden Fork for Turning Compost Dormant Season Copper Sprays for Peach Leaf Curl Control Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

The healthiest food you can eat, is the food you grow yourself. Where have you heard THAT before? Today, let’s grow a heart-healthy garden! What are the foods you can plant that are best suited, chemically, to help reverse what might be going on around your ticker, including high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, and stress? We talk with Dr. Laura Varich, the Fresh Physician, about those foods that can do your heart a world of good.. It’s all in Episode 327 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast - Growing The Heart Healthy Garden. You, or your family, or your friends, who might be struggling with metabolic disorders may learn some new techniques and foods that might improve the quality of their lives. Don’t be shy about sharing this episode with them. It’s the Heart Healthy Garden! 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, brought to you today by Smart Pots. Let’s go! Pictured: Snow Peas, high in soluble fiber Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Dr. Laura Varich, the Fresh Physician Heart Healthy Foods Newsletter from Fresh Physician My Fitness Pal Black Seed (Black Cumin, Nigella Sativa) Ground Flaxseed Devil's Ear Lettuce Tokyo Bekana Chinese Cabbage Book: "The One Minute Workout" by Martin Gibala Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Q&A - Working with Coir, Peat Moss, Perlite, etc. Reusing Old Potting Soil. 00:24 Q&A - Runaway Plum Tree! 16:10 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: Wheelbarrow with Homemade Potting Mix Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Perlite Peat Moss Coir Vermiculite Pumice Drip Irrigation Micro Sprayers Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Appearing now (or soon) on a peach or nectarine tree near you: Peach Leaf Curl? What is this fungus that causes the leaves on these trees to redden, pucker, and curl? And how can you control it? (Please note, I did not say, “eradicate”). America’s favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower has some tips. Also, we go back about eight years for an interview with Marta McDowell, author of the book “All the Presidents’ Gardens”. It’s a look at the White House gardens, through the centuries. And which president was the most active gardener while living in the White House? If you know that answer off the top of your head, you need to get on Jeopardy as soon as possible! It’s all in Episode 325 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred - Peach Leaf Curl Control Tips…and, a chat with the author of the book, “All the Presidents’ Gardens”. 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, brought to you today by Smart Pots. Let’s go! 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: Peach Leaf Curl Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Copper Sprays for Peach Leaf Curl Book: All the Presidents’ Gardens by Marta McDowell Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

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: Pizza Pie Crop Rotation Garden Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ LaMotte Soil Test Kits (and others) Farmer Fred Rant: Pizza Pie Crop Rotation Garden Nutri-Rich Fertilizer Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Electric Chipper/Shredder Jeff Lowenfels’ “Teaming With…” Books Soil Testing Services: UMass/Amherst Colorado State U Texas A&M Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Each year the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society puts out its list of Gold Medal winning Plants. Usually these plants are chosen for their adaptability to the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. This year, the chosen plants have a much wider range of possible success, including USDA Zone 9 and possibly up to Zone 10, and down to Zone 3. Also: Now is the time in warmer places of the nation to get outside and thin the fruit from many of your deciduous fruit trees, as the fruit is beginning to form right after flowering. It’s all in Episode 323 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred - Gold Medal Plant Winners, and Why You Should Thin the Fruit on Your Fruit Trees Now! 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, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Pictured: Magnolia “Genie”, a 2024 PHS Gold Medal Plant Winner Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ 2024 PHS Gold Medal Plants: Asparagus, ‘Millenium’ Florida Anise tree, Illicium ‘Woodland Ruby’ Magnolia ‘Genie’ Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Sugar Shack’ The Japanese Roof Iris, Iris tectorum Foamflower, Tiarella cordifolia ‘Brandywine’ Philadelphia Flower Show Fruit Thinning Tips (UCANR) Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred at farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredh Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Q&A Transplanting Old, Large, Fruit Trees? (segment begins at 00:25) Q&A Why Are My Radishes Only Producing Leaves? (7:10) Q&A Remove an Overgrown Plant from a Nice Pot Without Breaking It? (12:19) 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: Chanticleer Pear Trees Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ California Rare Fruit Growers Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

From now through Mother’s Day, roses will start putting on their first and best show across the country. What do your rose bushes need to get off to a good start in early Spring? Master Rosarian Charlotte Owendyk of the Sierra Foothills Rose Society talks about getting ahead of early spring rose pest and disease problems, before they can do too much damage to those brilliant first blooms. She also discusses the best fertilizers and irrigation systems to use to help thwart pest and disease issues, as well, for your rose bushes in the coming months. It’s all in Episode 321 of today’s Garden Basics with Farmer Fred - Spring Rose Care Basics 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, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! Pictured: Rose Mosaic Virus Disease (Photo: Gail in Napa) Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Sierra Foothills Rose Society Sacramento Rose Society Rose Mosaic Virus (UCANR) Rose Diseases and Abiotic Disorders (UCANR) Roses: Insects and Mites (UCANR) Farmer Fred Rant Blog: Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects USDA Guide to Japanese Beetles Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) for Japanese Beetle grubs Milky Spore for Japanese Beetle grubs Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Questions from listeners include: Why Your Citrus Tree Leaves May Be Yellowing (at 00:24 of podcast) Cat-Proofing Your Raised Bed Garden (13:03) Good Tomato Seed Sources (17:44) 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: The Citrus Grove at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Diagnosing Citrus Diseases and Deficiencies via Leaf Color (UCANR) Sacramento County Master Gardener Website Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Dan Vierria’s Sac Co Master Gardeners’ Tomato Variety List Totally Tomatoes Tomato Growers Supply Co Burpee Seeds Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Tomato Fest Seeds ’n Such Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

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. Plus, he explains the importance of correct planting techniques, especially freeing up that tree’s root zone. But there’s a lot more. As Gordon explains, watering your trees correctly is a big part of the process of growing a shade tree. 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, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! 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: Chinese Pistache Tree in the Autumn Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Gordon Mann, Consulting Arborist, websites: Mann Made Resources California Tree and Landscape Consulting Find a Consulting arborist at: International Society of Arboriculture American Society of Consulting Arborists Sacramento Tree Foundation - How To Plant a Tree i-tree (tools for assessing trees) Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Q&A Rosemary Propagation? (at 00:24 of podcast) Q&A Best Peach for Cooking/Baking? (08:10) Q&A Cover Crop crimping? (12:14) Q&A Blueberry containers? (19:05) Want To Leave Us a Question? (21:22) 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: Rosemary plant with bee Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Rosemary Propagation Tips from UCANR Dave Wilson Nursery Fruit Taste Test Results Roller/Crimpers in Agriculture (VT Cooperative Extension) Farmer Fred Rant: Growing Blueberries in Containers Galvanized stock tanks Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

It’s time for the annual Garden Basics Tomato preview show! Once again, you’re invited to easedrop on a conversation between two real tomatoheads, myself and Don Shor, proprietor of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We recap our tomato successes and failures of 2023, and talk about what we will be planting in 2024, featuring the tried and true tomato varieties, along with several newcomers, more than two dozen varieties that we pass judgment on and will attempt to grow. Or not grow. Don also has tips for making your tomato growing efforts in 2024 a rousing success…as long as the weather cooperates. 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: The Tomato Staircase at a previous National Heirloom Exposition Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Prominent tomato varieties mentioned in today’s podcast. More info about these varieties can be found in the Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter. Rugby Chef’s Choice Orange Juliet Bodacious New Girl Tough Boy Blue Ribbon Pineapple Champion Purple Boy Bush Early Girl Itz a Keeper Super Fantastic Jet Star Principe Borghese Riesetomate tomato Sungold Barry’s Crazy Cherry Sweet Carneros Pink Pork Chop Michael Pollan Gardener’s Delight Big Beef 4th of July Sweet Million Super Sauce Orange Wellington Dr. Wyche’s Yellow Purple Tomato (a GMO variety) Sacramento County Master Gardener’s Favorite Tomatoes (Facebook) Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

It's Q&A Tuesday! 1. What are the benefits of summer pruning of fruit trees, especially peaches? (at 00:25 of podcast) 2. Where can I find more information about caring for perennials? (02:48) 3. How do I care for a young apple tree? Should I remove any flowers or small fruit? (06:58) 4. Are dwarf citrus plants for indoors available? (08:25) 5. How can I prepare coir (Coconut husks) for a potting mix? (13:57) 6. How do I grow tomatillos? (15:28) 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: Red Delicious Apple (Bisbee spur) The Bisbee spur Red Delicious apple is noted for its "large size as well as its firm, crisp, juicy flesh, with a distinctive, sweet, tangy flavor." (Fruit, Berry and Nut Inventory, Third Edition) Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Book: Pruning and Training by Christopher Brickell Book: Sunset Western Garden Book Citrus Trees: Four Winds Growers Tomatillo recipe Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Maybe you’re thinking of starting a new hobby, by adding a chicken or two or three to your backyard; or maybe you’re already a seasoned home chicken owner. You’ll want to hear today’s episode. Urban chicken consultant and certified poultry inspector Cherie Sintes-Glover of ChickensForEggs.com has advice on how to choose a chick from your local feed or farm store, and how to avoid choosing a rooster. Also, she discusses a poultry disease that is ravaging several states currently. It’s HPAI - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. 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: A cute little chick Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Chickens for Eggs website Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - U. Minn HIghly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - UCANR National Backyard Poultry Conference - Cooptastic! Video - Backyard Basics of Poultry, with Dr. Maurice Pitesky, UC Davis Book: City Chicks by Patricia Foreman Book: Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow Book: Raising Chickens for Dummies Garden Basics podcast, Ep. 260 - Raising Chicks and Hens (including best breeds for kids) Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

The Title says it all. Tips for saving time in the garden: automate, elevate, de-elevate, eliminate, and delegate. 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: A battery-operated irrigation timer for an outdoor faucet Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Farmer Fred Rant - Garden Time Savers Water Timers - Manual, Mechanical (no batteries needed) Water Timers - Battery Operated Water System Timers - electric Dripworks - Drip Irrigation Planning Guide Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

What is the definition of an heirloom vegetable, such as an heirloom tomato? It depends who you ask. It’s kind of like the word “natural”: it has no legal definition. "Heirloom vegetable" could mean: a) a plant that reproduces true from seed; b) it's an old variety; and/or c) it's a traditional family seed, passed down through the generations. And what exactly is a hybrid tomato of a hybrid vegetable or flower? Our resident horticulturist, Debbie Flower, will help settle any confusion you might have when it comes to heirlooms versus hybrids. And we answer the question, what’s all that sticky stuff on my car windshield? If you're parked under a tree, it's probably honeydew, a secretion of any number of sucking insects, but more than likely, it's aphids. How do you control aphids in a tree? Debbie Flower and I have some suggestions. It’s all in Episode 313 of Garden Basics - Heirlooms vs Hybrids. Battling Aphids in Trees 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, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go! 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: Heirloom and Hybrid Tomatoes Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ U. of Texas Vegetable Nutrition Comparison, 1950-1997 Farmer Fred Rant: Heirloom Vegetables: Are They Better for You? Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects Controlling Ants (with Debbie’s Ant Control Formula) Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Question from listener Linda: "We have fusarium wilt in our garden. We are putting in raised beds in April. What kind of barrier should go in at the bottom of the beds to prevent the wilt getting into the raised bed?" Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that is widespread. Plants that contract it start getting yellowing leaves, and that's usually followed by the death of the entire plant. Fusarium can infect many more plants than tomatoes. The list includes trees, shrubs, and summer annuals, including some of your favorite garden plants besides tomatoes: peppers, potatoes, melons, eggplant, strawberries, onions, cucumbers, and more can all be attacked by specific forms of Fusarium. So can many ornamental flowers. What's a gardener to do? Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour and myself discuss how Fusarium can get established in your garden, and the tools available to home gardeners to control the spread of this fatal plant disease, including using raised garden beds. Note that we said, "control"...not "eradicate". 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: A healthy tomato stem on the left; a Fusarium-infected stem on the right. Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/ Fusarium Wilt Information from: UC Ag & Natural Resources University of Minnesota The Missouri Botanical Garden Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics • Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net website The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.com The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/ Twitter/X: @farmerfred Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here. Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.