Flower Power Garden Hour

It's summer and it's getting hot but there's still plenty to do in the garden. My new co-host Bruce Ritter joins me to discuss what tasks you should be tackling in your garden. And no it's not too late to plant tomatoes. Plus we answer your garden questions.   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

A truly purple tomato - this is what Norfolk Healthy Produce has achieved. With beauty also comes big health benefits. Listen in as I talk to CEO Dr. Nathan Plumpton and head horticulturalist Ian Baker on what the process was to make this happen and how snapdragons are involved.   You can find Norfolk Healthy Produce at:         Website: norfolkhealthyproduce.com         Facebook:  @BigPurpleTomato         YouTube:  @bigpurpletomato         Instagram:  @bigpurpletomato   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:         Facebook         Instagram         email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Fruit tree expert, Ed Laivo of @ed_able_solutions, gives his list of favorite peaches and nectarines for an extended growing season. Plus learn what cat-facing is and why it may be happening to your nectarines. This and more growing tips.   You can find Ed at:         Facebook:  @”Ed”Able Solutions        YouTube:  @Ed_Able_Solutions         Instagram:  @ed_able_solutions   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It's spring!  LOTS of prep to do for the upcoming season. Time to sow seeds and prep beds for planting.   It is time to plant:         Broccoli – plants only         Carrots         Cauliflower- plants only        Leeks        Loose leaf lettuce         Peas        Potatoes Chores include:        Sow tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, flowers inside        Start flowers (sunflowers, strawflower, zinnias)        Fertilize        Compost        Clean up, cut back        Prune fruit trees        Plant perennials        Check irrigation   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Anthony Dal Ben is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition.  Winners of this competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient but at that same time beautiful. For Anthony it was a family affair. Hear how not only did he transform his front lawn into a water wise landscape, he used this as an educational experience for his kids. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Elaine Fitzgerald is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong  competition. Winners of the competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient as well as beautiful. Listen in to hear how Elaine went from grass to a pollinator heaven. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Janelle Auyeung is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition.  Winners of this competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient, but at that same time beautiful. Hear the steps Janelle took to make her backyard a magnificent oasis of fruit trees, vegetables and flowers. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the September To Do List – believe it or not, we are in full Fall prep time.  Lots of cool weather vegetables to start planting, and tons of clean up and pruning.  It was quite a hot summer and time may have been sparse in the garden, but it's time to get the gloves on and get to work.  Episode includes Listener Q&A. It is time to plant:        Beets (seeds or plants)        Bok choy (seeds or plants)        Broccoli (plants)        Brussel sprouts        Cabbage (seeds or plants)        Carrots (seeds)        Cauliflower (plants)        Celery        Collards/Swiss chard (seeds or plants)        Kale (seeds or plants)        Kohlrabi (seeds or plants)        Garlic        Leek        Lettuce (seeds or plants)        Onion sets        Peas (seeds or plants)        Radish/radicchio/daikon/turnips        Spinach        Natives, Perennials, citrus – towards the end of September when it cools down Chores include:        Transplant/divide irises, grasses, tuberous plants        Buy bulbs        Collect seeds        Clean up – pull out vegetables which are done, fallen fruit        Prune lavender, hydrangeas        Pests – whiteflies may be setting in…..keep an eye on Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include:        Aloe – odd white material on the soil underneath?        Morning glory – how to get rid of invasive overgrowth?        Century plant – now that it is blooming, how to care for?        Fiddle leaf fig – how to prune?        Tomato – can cuttings be taken for next year? Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

This episode is sponsored by bewatersmart.info. The heat getting to you? There's a good chance it's also impacting your plants.  I discuss various heat related plant issues and ways to mitigate them. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

This episode is sponsored by bewatersmart.info. In this episode,  I discuss 10 of my favorite drought tolerant plants. Even if you think you don't have a green thumb, these plants will thrive in your garden with minimal water requirements. Plus, I include pollinator information. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

In this episode, I have a great conversation with the Chocolate Botanist, Derek Haynes. Hear about his journey becoming a plant biologist as well about his mission to debunk misinformation on the internet. We discuss his “favorite” myths and how he handles the backlash he receives on social media.  Derek is a plethora of educational and entertaining information -- links below can be found to his variety of media. Instagram:  @thechocolatebotanist Website:  thecrazybotanist.com Facebook:  @thecrazybotanist YouTube:  @TheChocolateBotanist Twitter:  @crazybotanist   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:          Facebook          Instagram          email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Soil science can be a bit confusing. How long does it take for materials to be broken down, is it good practice to add microbes and what exactly are microbes? Robert Pavlis addresses these questions and more. Check out his new podcast Garden Fundamentals plus his impressive list of books including Soil Science for Gardeners and Compost Science for Gardeners. Check out more at his links below.  Links below can be found to Robert's vast expanse of media. ·       Podcast: Garden Fundamentals (available on Apple & Spotify) ·       Website:  gardenmyths.com ·       Facebook:  @GardenFundamentals ·       YouTube:  @Gardenfundamentals1 ·       Books: o   Soil Science for Gardeners o   Plant Science for Gardeners o   Compost Science for Gardeners o   Microbe Science for Gardeners Book o   Garden Myths – Book 1 and Book 2   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

If I was picked up and dropped into a gardening zone relatively different than mine, it would be a huge steep learning curve. I love talking to gardeners from zones different than my zone 9b and it doesn't get much different than zone 3. I have a fun and educational chat with Theri Vasina LHirondelle who grows amazing flowers and veggies in Montana.   Theri can be found on Instagram at @backyard.impressions   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Dieffenbachia, ‘pothos', Monstera… a great majority of houseplants are in the Araceae family which most people shorten to just say Aroids. I discuss this broad family with UC Davis  Botanical Conservatory  volunteer extraordinaire Bruce Ritter. He has revamped our collection and he shares all his tips and tricks with us. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Believe it or not, spring is around the corner.  Here in NorCal, it is still wet with periods of cold, so one does have to be careful with working soil and protecting from potentially freezes.  LOTS of prep to do for the upcoming season.   It is time to plant: ·       Broccoli ·       Cabbage ·       Carrots ·       Cauliflower ·       Collards, swiss chard ·       Kale ·       Leeks ·       Loose leaf lettuce ·       Peas ·       Potatoes….late in the month   Chores include: ·       Sow tomatoes inside ·       Start flowers (sunflowers, strawflower, zinnias, etc) ·       Direct sow sweet peas ·       Plant bare-root (roses, fruit trees, asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, berries) ·       Spray fruit trees ·       Fertilize ·       Compost ·       Clean up, cut back ·       Prune roses, fruit trees   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It's here – the last To Do list of the year.  So far it has been a mild winter, with regards to both temperature and moisture.  It is the time to plant another round of winter vegetables, work on pest management, and start planning for your spring garden.  We are at the apex of short days, so time to work is limited.  Episode includes Listener Q&A, with topics listed below.  It is time to plant: ·       Asparagus ·       Bok choy ·       Kale ·       Onion sets ·       Radish   Chores include: ·       Cut back garden, clean up ·       Watch for cabbage aphids, loopers ·       Spray for peach leaf curl, dormant sprays ·       Order seeds for spring   Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include: ·       Waterless amaryllis – can it be planted in a pot? ·       Banana plant – do they need to be brought inside for winter?  If not, should be wrapped for protection from cold weather?  At what age will they duplicate and produce fruit? ·       Can fallen leaves in the garden be used to cover garden beds containing flowers? ·       Butterfly bush – should the significant new growth be cut back in order to optimize growth in spring? ·       Pineapple plant – have had for 2.5 years….when should a pineapple be expected? ·       Bromeliads – how to care for them after the flower blooms and subsequently dies?   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

How do we ensure the next generations become stewards of the land? Of course exposing them to nature and getting them outdoors but also having conversations and reading with them. I talk with author, Collin Pine, about his children's book ‘The Garden Next Door' and how its message is more important than ever. Collin's latest book is called “The Garden Next Door'”   Collin can be found at: ·       Instagram:  @collin.pine ·       River Horse Books   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Gardening can be murder... that is what a lot of people who claim to have a brown thumb think. But in this case, I'm discussing murder mystery books and their links to gardening. Author, Marta McDowell, joins me to discuss her new book “Gardening Can Be Murder: How poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers'. We discuss historical detectives who a passion for plants, methods of murder as well as my favorite topic… poisonous plants! Marta's latest book extensively covers the topic discussed today.  It is called “Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers”  Marta can be found at: ·       Website:  martamcdowell.com ·       Facebook:  @marta.mcdowell.5   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Trees -- we all know how important they are. But what are the best trees for zone 9? How exactly do you properly plant, stake and water a new tree? Pamela Sanchez -- Certified Arborist and Education Programs Manager for the Sacramento Tree Foundation -- joins me to discuss these topics and more.   Pamela and the Sacramento Tree can be found at: ·       Website:  sactree.org ·       Instagram:  @sactree ·       Facebook:  @Sacramento Tree Foundation   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the October To Do List, and that means it is a very busy time in the garden.  Clean up from summer vegetables and prepping for fall and winter. The days are cooler, but shorter – which means you have to work efficiently and hard. Episode includes Listener Q&A, with topics listed below.    It is time to plant: ·       Fava beans ·       Beets ·       Bok choy ·       Carrots ·       Celery ·       Swiss chard ·       Collards ·       Garlic ·       Kale ·       Kohlrabi ·       Leeks ·       Lettuce ·       Onions ·       Peas ·       Radish ·       Spinach ·       Turnips ·       All perennials, bulbs   Chores include: ·       Clean up vegetable beds (prevent diseases), mess from fruit trees ·       Collect seeds ·       Divide plants such as grasses, iris ·       Compost   Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include: ·       What to do about aphid infestation on large trees ·       Lemon tree – producing fruit, but leaves are very pale ·       Succulents – fertilizer? ·       Best time of year to prune cherry tree ·       Tomato plants – to compost or not?   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Seeds. As gardeners we sow them, order them, harvest them, and sometime try to prevent them. Author and gardener Jennifer Jewell delves even deeper into the science and importance of seeds in her new book ‘What We Sow'. We discuss her inspiration for the book and talk about why seeds are so important in our ecosystem, cultures and overall survival as humans.  Jennifer Jewell, Cultivating Place and her new book ‘What We Sow' can be found at: ·       Book:  What We Sow ·       Website:  Cultivating Place ·       Instagram:  @cultivating_place ·       Facebook:  @cultivatingplace ·       Pinterest:    @cultivate_place   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

As a plant person with minimal design skills, I'm in awe of people with both skill sets. In this episode I talk to Soleil Tranquilli about how she combines her artistic design ability with her wealth of plant knowledge to create firesafe, water wise and tranquil gardens. She is the owner of Tranquill Gardens as well as being a Certified watershed Wise Landscape Pro and the president of the Sacramento Association of Professional Landscape Designers.  Soleil and Tranquill Gardens can be found at: ·       Website:  Tranquill Gardens ·       Website: Association of Professional Landscape Designers ·       Facebook:  Tranquill Gardens   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the September To Do List – believe it or not, we are in full Fall prep time.  Lots of cool weather vegetables to start planting, and tons of clean up and pruning.  Summer may have been easy in the garden, but it's time to get the gloves on and get to work.  Episode includes Listener Q&A and a discussion around current published articles in the horticulture world.   It is time to plant:         Beets         Carrots         Broccoli         Brussel sprouts         Cauliflower         Cabbage         Celery         Swiss chard         Collards         Garlic         Leek         Lettuce         Peas         Radish         Spinach         Perennials – towards the end of September when it cools down Chores include:         Clean up – pull out vegetables which are done, fallen fruit         Prune lavender, hydrangeas         Pests – whiteflies may be setting in…..keep an eye on   Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include:         What are the galls attached to oaks?  Are they harmful to the tree?         When replanting a Venus Fly Trap, does it require a specific soil?         Gardenias – no buds or flowers…..is this a location issue?         Lantana issues Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:         Facebook         Instagram         email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

You can say that my guest, Justin Hancock, is passionate about passion vines! But he is also passionate about anything that grows. As a horticulturalist for one of the top nurseries, Costa Farms, he gets to surround himself with all types of plants. We discuss, of course, passion vines as well as houseplant care. Justin and Costa Farms can be found at: ·       Instagram:  justinwhancock ·       Website: costafarms.com ·       Instagram: costafarms ·       Facebook:  Costa Farms ·       Twitter:  @CostaFarms ·       YouTube:  @CostaFarms ·       TikTok: costa.farms   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the August To Do List, and we are having a gorgeous summer that is offering up IDEAL garden conditions.  Vegetable and fruit harvests are bountiful, but there is prep work for fall piling up.  It is time to:  Plant seeds in ground, including:  beets, cabbage, carrots, turnips, potatoes Prep garden beds for Fall planting in September:  Weed, compost Chores include:        Dead-head flowers        Pick up fallen fruit        Cut off suckers        Prevent weeds from going to seed        Collect seeds        Harvest melons        Order fall bulbs (daffodils, tulips, etc)        Deep water trees   We finish up with a Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include:        Are pill bugs good for the soil?         Do I need to keep “braiding” my plant?        Habanero not blooming – why?        Fig tree only produce dry, inedible figs.  Why?   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Want to replace your lawn with a cacti/succulent garden? Here's how. My coworker and succulent grower extraordinaire, Gianluca Bacci, joins me to discuss succulent growing tips. We talk about major do's and don'ts of succulent care plus why the saguaro cacti of Arizona are dying.  Gianluca can be found at: ·         Instagram:  marinsect_gianluca   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·         Facebook ·         Instagram ·         email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Many of us walk around with ideas/inventions in our head but don't follow through with them for numerous reasons. In this episode, I talk with inventor/founder of PlantTraps, Deborah Holtschlag, about how she came up with an idea and ran with it. We discuss her products that turn balconies into amazing gardens as well as her journey from idea to market.   Links below can be found to Deborah and PlantTraps.  ·       Website:  planttraps.com ·       Instagram:  planttraps ·       Facebook:  planttraps ·       YouTube:  @planttraps   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the July To Do List, and we are in the HEAT of summer.  Garden work is relegated to morning and (maybe) late afternoon given the blistering temperatures.  Luckily, it is not the busiest time of the year garden wise – hopefully most of your time is spent harvesting vegetables.  Plenty to do still from a maintenance perspective, and believe it or not….some early prep for Fall/Winter. It is time to: ·       Sow seeds indoors for brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli   Chores include: ·       Deep water trees ·       Deep water in-ground plants ·       Mulch ·       Weed ·       HARVEST ·       Snip off flowers of basil, other herbs ·       Keep an eye out for insects – spray, squish ·       Dead-head flowers   We finish up with a Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include: ·       What is a good way to get rid of ants indoors? ·       What are the best cut flower options? ·       Pumpkins turning yellow and rotting before they turn orange – why? ·       Fastest growing shrubs that do well in full sun with minimal water?   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the June To Do List, and here in Zone 9 it seems that summer has arrived.  Hot weather is becoming the daily norm, and everything is quickly drying up from a very wet winter.  At this point in the garden a lot of the hard prep work has been done and we now begin summer maintenance mode.    It is time to plant: ·       Perennials, roses, herbs, veggies… beans, corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, melons, okra, chard, eggplant, peppers, pumpkins, squash, watermelon, cucamelons Chores include: ·       Mulch ·       Deadhead roses ·       Rootstock suckers ·       Look for pests ·       Plant flowers   We finish up with a Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include: ·       Fertilizer for dragon fruit? ·       Anything that can be done to help tomato flowers set fruit? ·       Preparation for removing lawn for a water wise landscape. ·       Large, very old female mulberry tree(s) are being removed by the city of Stockton.  What will the impact be on the remaining male mulberry tree?  Will it produce more pollen?  Will it still produce berries?    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

For centuries people have been harvesting and obtaining oils from plants. From lavender to Frankincense, researchers know that oils are important compounds in plants for many reasons. In this episode I talk to aromatherapy expert, Amy Anthony of NYC Aromatica, all about essential oils and how you can utilize them in your life. We touch upon distilling flowers, which ones you can grow in your garden and her favorites. And find out which flower I tried to distill but failed at miserably!! Links below can be found to NYC Aromatica to learn more. ·       Website:  nycaromatica.com ·       Podcast: Essential Aromatica ·       Instagram:  nycaromatica ·       YouTube:  @nycaromatica ·       Facebook:  @NYC Aromatica ·       LinkedIn:  Amy Anthony   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the May To Do List, and the here in Zone 9 the winter weather seems to have finally broken.  Warm days have been persistent, but there is still some cool and wet weather.  Lots to do in the garden as we catch up from a long winter and prepare for spring/summer.   It is time to plant: ·       Vegetables:  Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, swiss chard, corn, cucumbers, okra, melons, squash, watermelon   Chores include:        Mulch        Plant everything        Check irrigation/flush lines        Thin stonefruit        Peach leaf curl        Fertilize pots        Transplant succulents        Monitor for pests/prep   We finish up with a Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include:        Hummingbird moths – what plants attract them?        Camelia tree bush – blooms pink every spring, but quickly drops them.  Suggestions?        Bird of Paradise – how to separate and transplant into smaller pots        Wine barrels – got saturated because there were no holes and water did not drain.  Once it does drain, can the soil be reused or should it be replaced? To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

April is Kid's Gardening Month! Joining me to talk about resources to help teachers and parents with activities, grants and lesson plants is Em Shipman, Executive Director of KidsGardening.org . And FYI-  a lot of these lessons are great for grownups!  If folks want to contribute to our work, donations are 100% tax deductible. We are able to reach 8 more kids with every dollar donated!  Here is the donation link. Additional useful information discussed in the episode – and links to KidsGardening media – can be found below.  ·       Website:  KidsGardening; Kids Garden Community ·       Instagram:  kidsgardening ·       Twitter: @Kids_Gardening ·       Pintrest: @kidsgardening ·       Facebook:  KidsGardening.org ·       YouTube:  @KidsGardening.org ·       Activities: o   Container Gardening o   Seed Viewer o   Kitchen Scrap Gardening o   Learn about Landfills Lesson Plan   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the April To Do List, and the persistent wet and cold weather is still here in the west.  Nevertheless, we are getting warmer, longer days and spring will soon be in full effect.  We also spend some time reviewing asparagus growing tips, as it is a popular question amongst listeners.   It is time to plant:        Vegetables:  Eggplant, squash, corn, cucumbers, swiss chard, jicama, okra, melons, peppers, sweet potatoes, watermelons        Flowers:  Perennials, dahlias, sunflower seeds   Chores include:        Weed        Prune once flowering shrubs        Mulch        Watch for insects   We finish up with a Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include:        Rhubarb – growing tips        What kind of trees will grow well in full sun in the Central Valley/Foothills        Red clover – recommendations for using as nitrogen fixer        Cherry tomatoes – advice on early season transplanting to larger containers, and where/how to move outside (especially if cold still)   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Begonias are like potato chips, you can't stop at one. In this episode I'm talking with Glenn Dickerson, Begonia collections curator at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, about all his tips and tricks to keep their massive collection healthy and thriving. We discuss soil, fertilizer, types of Begonias, problematic Rex varieties and more.  Glenn and some fantastic begonia resources can be found below: American Begonia Society Website: begonias.com Fort Worth Botanic Garden Website:  fwbg.org Fort Worth Botanic Garden Instagram:  fortworthbotanicgarden Glenn Dickerson Instagram:  begoniaking Facebook:  Fort Worth Botanic Garden   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Peach leaf curl, fire blight, citrus issues, and more.  Don Shor, owner of Redwood Barn Nursery and horticulturist extraordinaire, joins me to discuss issues that may arise on your fruit trees this spring and summer.    Don and Redwood Barn Nursery can be found at: Website:  redwoodbarn.com Instagram: redwoodbarnnursery & don.shor Facebook: Redwood Barn Nursery Podcasts:  Davis Garden Show on Apple Podcasts; Jazz After Dark on Apple Podcasts   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the March To Do List, and we are still in the heart of winter with lots of cold and wet days.  Not just cold and wet – we have had very low elevation snow throughout California…crazy.  Spring looms though, and preparation is paramount.    It is time to plant: ·       Vegetables:  Broccoli, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, chive, collards, swiss chard, kale, lettuce, potatoes, radish ·       Start tomato, eggplant, and (maybe) peppers inside ·       Annual flowers ·       Dahlias & summer bulbs (like gladiolas)   Chores include: ·       Prune roses ·       Check irrigation ·       Transplant actively growing plants ·       Cut back dying foliage of bulbs   We finish up with a Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include: ·       Can roses be trimmed in Dec/Jan before the budding starts? ·       Tomato questions: o   When is the best time to start planting? o   Is it better to start them in the ground or a container? o   When I plant tomatoes, are there other vegetables (certain peppers?) that can be planted at the same time? ·       Is it too late to plant bulbs?  Are there any particular varieties that can be planted in late Feb/March? ·       African violets that have not bloomed in a very long time – any recommendations about how to get them to bloom?   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the February To Do List, and we are still in the heart of winter with plenty of cold days.  Spring is around the corner though, and preparation has to get started. It is time to plant: ·       Vegetables:  Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, swiss chard, collards, kale, lettuce, peas, radish ·       Plant bare-root roses, fruit trees   Chores include: ·       Prune roses, fruit trees ·       Start cleaning up garden ·       Start seeds:  Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants inside ·       Divide plants ·       Buy dahlia bulbs, sweet pea seeds   We finish up with a Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include: ·       Persistent white fly and aphid infestation.  Does all soil in planter boxes need to be replaced to solve this problem? ·       Questions about using chicken manure & alfalfa pellets in the garden:  When & how do they get applied?  Should wood chips be moved before application?  Should organic pellets/manure be used? ·       What is the best way to move a Bird of Paradise? ·       What are the little holes in an apricot tree?  And are they lethal? ·       The best fertilizer for an orange tree? ·       Dragonfruit plant is covered in circular, red spots & appears to be yellowing?  What can be done?      To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the January To Do List, and we are in the rainiest season out wet in a very long time.  Temperatures have moderated a bit, however.  Tough to get out in the garden with this much rain, but there are things that need to be done during the dry periods.  It is time to plant: Bareroot trees, roses, shrubs Radishes Lettuce Onions Bok choy Fava beans Chores include: Protect from frost. Watch weather report for potential frost days Don't work wet soils --- very important Spray for peach leaf curl and other fungal diseases Can prune fruit trees – but listen to the caveats in the episode We finish up with a Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include: How much of a dry period is needed to spray liquid copper on fruit trees? Can a rose stem from a bouquet be rooted? What is the process? When to transplant a Little Ollie olive tree from a plastic pot to the ground? When to prune hydrangeas? What is the process for propagating fig tree cuttings? Can a Boston Fern survive in an outdoor enclosed room?   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

We are all familiar with the iconic southern magnolia and possibly even the show stopping saucer magnolia…but there are many more beauties in this genus.  I had the pleasure of talking with Andrew Bunting -- the Vice President of Horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and author of  “The Plant Lover's Guide to Magnolias”.  We discuss everything from range of habitat, to care and unique species that can be incorporated into your garden.  Andrew can be found at: Website: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Facebook: @PHSgardening Twitter: @PHSgardening Instagram: @phsgardening YouTube: @PHSgardening LinkedIn: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Magnolia sources: Gossler Farms Nursey Rare Find Nursery Broken Arrow Nursery Cistus Nursey Camelia Forest Nursery Far Reaches Farm   Societies: Magnolia Society International Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Pacific Horticulture   Botanic Gardens and Arboreta: Huntington Botanical Garden San Francisco Botanical Garden Sonoma Botanical Garden Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden Heronswood   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the December To Do List, and we are in the middle of winter garden season.  Weather is COLD, and so far it has been relatively wet.  It is time to plant: Asparagus Fava beans Bok choy Broccoli rabe Garlic Kale Loose leaf lettuce Mustard Onion sets Radish Do not plant yet: Bareroot trees Roses Berries Chores include: Protect succulents from water Frost protection Clean up – but leave some debris remaining Spray dormant trees (peach leaf curl) Plant bulbs   We finish up with a Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include: What are your thoughts on using a moisture meter to determine if plants need water? How often should a yard be watered during the winter? Banana tree – should it be inside or outside during the winter? Putting asparagus plants down for the winter Christmas cactus best practices   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

What is it like to work in the oldest greenhouse conservatory in the US?  I talk to the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers Kristen Natoli (Collections Manager) and Sarah Sawtelle (Engagement Manager) about the ins and outs of this historic collection and building.  With such an amazing collection of plants – where do they source them from?  How do they decide what is kept and what to get rid of?  And of course, we talk about the Giant water lilies, corpse plant and bat flower.  The SF Conservatory of Flowers can be found at: Website: org Instagram: @conservatoryofflowers Twitter: @SFConservatory Facebook: @ConservatoryofFlowers YouTube: @SanFranciscoConservatoryofFlowers To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Compost…this is music to most gardener's ears.  FREE compost is even better.  Many people think that expensive compost makers, tons of space, and ample time is required – this is NOT the case.  In this episode I welcome back master composter Kevin Marini to discuss everything compost.  Do you know the difference between hot and cold compost, the optimal size and temperature of a pile, and what unusual items can be placed in your compost?  Trust me…..Kevin has heard it all through his composting Rot Line! To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Every gardener – no matter how long you have been gardening – gets excited for the first shoots of spring emerging bulbs.  Bulbs are incredibly easy to grow, and for many they naturalize and multiply year after year, creating a no-fuss flower show.  I talk to bulb expert Peggy Anne Montgomery about growing bulbs and how to incorporate them into your lawn…..yes, your lawn. She has tips on how to dig holes, what to incorporate when planting, how to implement the lasagna method, and which bulbs rodents will avoid.  Peggy Anne and additional information about bulbs can be found at: Website: flowerbulbs.com Instagram: @flowerbulbsdotcom Facebook: @Flowerbulbs.com Pinterest: @Flowerbulbs.com Twitter: @FlowerbulbsCom YouTube: @Flowerbulbs To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the November To Do List, and we are in the throes of winter garden prep.  Weather is starting to cool rapidly, and (hopefully) out west we start seeing moisture soon. It is time to plant: Fava beans Bok choy Celery Swiss chard Garlic Kale Kohlrabi Lettuce Mustard Onions Peas Radish Shallots Spinach Perennials (except frost sensitive) Spring blooming bulbs Cover crops: Fava beans, Crimson clover Spring blooming annual seeds: Natives, sweet peas   Chores include: Clean up summer garden Dig up/divide perennials such as: Cannas, agapanthus, grasses Avoid transplanting succulents Order seeds for next year Weed control   We finish up with a Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include: Is it too late to plant sweet pea seeds? Iris bulbs – okay to plant now, or store for next year? How to divide and plant Elephant Ear, Bird of Paradise, and Banana Tree? Brussel sprouts and Romanesco being predated – what is doing it, and how to prevent? Dieffenbachia – how to transplant? Purple Pony Plum infested with caterpillars – how to get rid of?   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Watching birds go about their lives in your garden is one of the many benefits of gardening.  Besides the joy of watching them, they are also busy eating pests and helping to keep a balanced ecosystem.  I talk to bird expert Tammy Poppie about ways to create a healthy, safe and inviting environment for birds.  Tammy and additional information about birding and their interaction with plants can be found at: onthefeeder.com allaboutbirds.org audubon.org/native-plants To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Fall is THE time to prep for a wonderful spring/summer garden.  I talk to Andrew Bunting -- Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Vice President of Horticulture -- all about planting bulbs, soil prep, what to plant, what to watch out for and how to create habitats for beneficial insects, bees and birds.  Andrew and resources from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society can be found at: Website: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Facebook: @PHSgardening Twitter: @PHSgardening Instagram: @phsgardening YouTube: @PHSgardening LinkedIn: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

As California and the west continue to suffer the effects of drought, it is more important than ever to be water-wise in the garden.  I talk to Greg Bundesen – Sacramento Water Conservation Supervisor – about what you can do as a homeowner and gardener to use less water but still maintain a green space.  We discuss grey water, mulch, converting sprinklers to drip, and where you find ample water saving information.  Further information can be found at: Sacramento Suburban Water District Be Water Smart To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Joe Lamp'l – from “Joe Gardener” fame – is America's gardener.  Given that his public television show Growing a Greener World is shown in 38 countries, Joe is more appropriately the WORLD's gardener.  He has an illustrious, long career spanning television, print, podcasting, and video content.  Above all, Joe is an educator – his gardening passion is infectious, and his communication ability to make challenging concepts simple is a strength.  He has taken this to the masses in his Online Gardening Academy, offering a growing (pun intended) curriculum of classes available to the public at affordable prices.  In this episode, we cover a range of topics, but our focus is on raised beds – from the “why” to the “how”.  Joe's content can be found at: Podcast: joegardener.com/podcasts,  Apple Podcasts,  Spotify Videos: joegardener.com/videos,  YouTube Blog:  joegardener.com/blog Growing a Greener World PBS show: growingagreenerworld.com Lastest Book: The Vegetable Gardening Book   Joe's Online Gardening Academy (online classes) can be found at: organicgardeningacademy.com   Joe's social media can be found at: Facebook: @joegardener Twitter: @joegardener Instagram: @joegardener Pinterest: @joegardener To ask questions for future FPGH shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Water-wise gardening is more important than ever in the west, and part of this includes irrigating properly. Don Smith, Water Management Coordinator for the City of Folsom, joins me to discuss everything irrigation. He covers which sprinklers are best if you do have a lawn, how to lay out your drip irrigation for optimal coverage, and are “smart” controllers worth it? Plus, he reviews how to convert a PVC system to a drip system, and how to know how long to run your irrigation. More water conservation information can be found at: Website: ca.us/government/environmental-water-resources/water/water-conservation   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook