In The Garden with Ron Wilson

# From Greens to Garden Catalogs: Your Winter Gardening Guide Ever wondered how to extend your gardening season into the winter months? In this episode, we explore the surprising cold-hardiness of greens like collards and kale, which can thrive well into the holiday season with minimal protection. Host Ron Wilson shares nostalgic memories of his grandmother's open-hearth fireplace cooking that made even children crave collard greens, while offering practical advice for protecting plants as temperatures drop. ## Timestamps: - 3:45 - What to do with plants you haven't planted yet as temperatures drop - 8:30 - Final lawn fertilization timing and frozen ground warnings - 12:20 - Growing cold-tolerant greens through winter - 17:30 - Must-have garden catalogs for winter planning - 22:15 - Breaking up crusty mulch before winter - 25:45 - Tree protection against buck rubs and frost crack - 28:30 - Ash tree regrowth after emerald ash borer damage ## Key Takeaways: - Cool-season greens like collards, kale and mustard greens can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F without damage - Create simple protection using straw bales, plastic covers, or hoop houses to extend harvest into December - Johnny's Seeds catalog offers excellent resources for year-round greens growing, including microgreens for indoor winter production - Crusty mulch should be broken up before winter to allow water penetration - Install tree trunk protectors to prevent damage from deer, rabbits, and frost crack Don't let winter stop your gardening journey! Whether you're planning next year's garden with catalogs or harvesting fresh greens from your protected beds, there are plenty of ways to keep your green thumb active during the colder months. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# The Botanical Banter Podcast: Gardening Insights with Rita and Ron Step into the world of gardening wisdom as Rita Heikenfeld, an Appalachian herbal scholar and media personality, joins host Ron Wilson for a delightful conversation about seasonal gardening and cooking. From transforming holiday leftovers into gourmet salads to discovering the surprising year-round benefits of holiday spices like cinnamon and ginger, this episode offers practical advice for both your garden and kitchen. The conversation blooms with insights about growing and cooking collard greens, storing Jerusalem artichokes, and the surprising health benefits of common holiday spices that do more than just flavor your food. Rita shares her expertise on how these aromatic additions can boost your mood and support your immune system throughout the year. Later, arborist Ron Rothhaas joins to tackle tree care questions, offering expert advice on ash tree regrowth after emerald ash borer damage, selecting the best street trees, and why winter is the ideal time for oak tree pruning. The episode wraps with a weather forecast that has gardeners preparing for potential winter storms. ## Timestamps: 04:13 - Rita's recipe for collard greens with "pot liquor" 07:32 - Jerusalem artichoke storage tips 09:15 - Leftover turkey Cobb salad recipe 12:30 - Holiday spices with year-round benefits 14:25 - Cinnamon varieties and health benefits 16:20 - Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties 27:45 - Ash tree regrowth after emerald ash borer 31:35 - Best trees for street planting 34:20 - Winter oak tree pruning benefits 38:30 - Winter weather forecast for gardeners Whether you're looking to make the most of your holiday leftovers, understand the medicinal properties of your spice rack, or prepare your trees for winter, this episode delivers practical knowledge you can use immediately in both your garden and kitchen. Subscribe now for more seasonal gardening wisdom! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your calls and tips with Ron. We also talk all things home improvement with Gary. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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# Dive into the Garden: A Seasonal Chat with Herbal Expert Rita Nader Hikenfeld Are you ready for a cozy, informative chat about seasonal herbs, holiday spices, and post-Thanksgiving culinary delights? Join host Ron Wilson and special guest Rita Nader Hikenfeld, an award-winning Appalachian herbal scholar and media personality, as they explore everything from collard greens to holiday spices with surprising health benefits. This episode takes you on a journey through winter gardening wisdom and festive cooking tips that will transform your holiday leftovers and boost your mood with aromatic spices that have been cherished for centuries. ## Timestamps and Key Takeaways: **2:15** - Rita shares her secrets for cooking collard and mustard greens the traditional way, with ham bones and red pepper flakes for a hearty winter dish **4:30** - Jerusalem artichokes storage tips: treat them like potatoes but use within a month for best results **5:45** - Post-Thanksgiving leftover recipe: Transform your turkey or ham into a gourmet Cobb salad with two dressing options including Nell's famous blue cheese dressing **10:20** - Holiday spices with year-round benefits: - Cinnamon: Supports blood sugar balance and boosts immunity - Ginger: Aids digestion and reduces inflammation - Cloves: Soothes toothaches and enhances immunity **13:45** - Tips for storing and testing spices for maximum flavor and health benefits Want to learn more about traditional cooking methods, how to repurpose holiday leftovers, or the surprising health benefits of your favorite seasonal spices? This episode is packed with practical wisdom that connects ancient traditions with modern wellness. Visit abouteating.com for more of Rita's recipes and herbal knowledge! Listen now and discover how these seasonal ingredients can transform your holiday cooking while supporting your health all year long. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron chats with Rita. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron is back taking your calls and questions. Also, what's the first thing you go for on the Thanksgiving table? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking to Author Sandra Mao and also Gary Sullivan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your calls and Ron's expert advice and tips. We also talk to Dr AAA on his new book and what's going on in his world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You never know what Ron and Gary will talk about. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out the book, "Vibrant Harvest, Cultivating a Kaleidoscope of Colors in Your Vegetable Garden with Heirlooms, Modern Hybrids, and More". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out his new book, "The Common Sense Gardener". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron's expert advice along with your calls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Queen Bee and Author Jeremy Hill. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrapping up the show with your calls. Plus, a chat with the guy who is all about easy, Gary Sullivan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron and Gary chat about the yard, garden, in and around the home and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out more at https://www.gooseberrybridge.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron talks with Barb Bee! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A cup of Joe to kick things off. Also, your calls, questions and tips with Ron! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.