Garden Talk

Hot weather has arrived and we talk with Lis Friemoth about how to help our plants get through. Then we talk to the author of a new book on the art of Japanese Gardens.

UW Extension educator Lisa Johnson is back to talk about how our winter and spring weather has affected our gardens. Then we talk to folks from Breezy Hill Nursery about […]

Gardening expert Patti Nagai is back to talk about how to decide what and when to plant - even in the winter. Then we look at ways to wisely use water in your garden.

We are once again celebrating northern Wisconsin with our annual live broadcast from Bayfield.

Guest Mark Dwyer will suggest plants with fragrance and talk about how to attract pollinators. And then we talk to the author of The Pocket Rhubarb Cookbook.

Gardening expert Melinda Myers joins us to talk about the best plants for attracting hummingbirds. We also talk vegetables with Irwin Goldman.

We talk to the author of the new book “The Future of Gardens.” Then we check in with Susan Carpenter, Native Plant Garden Curator at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum. […]

Old gardening techniques, like making compost with worms, can still be relevant today. We talk to the Founder and Director of the Low Technology Center about bringing methods from the past into the future. Topics include vermicompost, growing flax and permaculture.

We talk to Wisconsin forager Sam Thayer about food you don't have to grow. And then in the second hour PJ Liesch is in to talk about garden insects.

We talk with turf expert Doug Soldat about the latest in lawn care. We also look at a new book on edible and medicinal herbs.

Lots to do in the garden in the spring! UW Extension Outreach Specialist Bruce Spangenberg is back to help you with your questions. In the last half hour of the show we take a look at Wisconsin's Pawpaw Project.

We look at how to bring in more pollinators to your garden and community. Then we switch to advice on spring pruning and planting.

We talk with Vijai Pandian about growing berries in your garden. And then we get tips from Diana Alfuth about how to start your seeds early.

Two regulars are back on Garden Talk. Consulting ecologist Neil Diboll of Prairie Nursery talks about getting everything ready for your native garden. Seed entrepreneur Jere Gettle is back with highlights from this year's Baker Seed catalogue.

Eating food that you have grown is a special joy. We talk about how to raise your own mushrooms with our guests from a Wisconsin supplier. Then we talk with a local landscaper who finds ways to add food plants into landscape design

Climate change is affecting everything on earth – including where plants will thrive or barely survive. In this episode we talk about what plants are able to adapt to changing […]

Like clothing and furnishings, gardens change over time. We talk about current trends and how they can fit into your landscape. Then we talk with a professor and extension educator about growing potatoes. In the last half hour we focus on the importance of good soil.

The American Horticultural Society has a new perennial guide out and we look at selecting plants, using them in your landscape and how to get more blooms. In the second hour we talk about some of the newest houseplant offerings and answer questions about the care of indoor plants.

Larry Meiller takes "Garden Talk" on the road to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison for a live show from the 2025 Garden & Green Living Expo. Larry is first joined by PBS Wisconsin Expo Manager Amanda Balistreri to talk about this year's show. Then "Garden Talk" favorites Lisa Johnson and Brian Hudelson join in to talk about a wide variety of gardening topics.

We have a wide variety of topics on this episode of Garden Talk. First we take a look at the 2025 Green Thumb award winning plants, then we talk to the father of straw bale gardening, Joel Karsten, and finally a close up look at growing ferns.

Our first guest talks about the seasonal Orchid Escape display at Olbrich Gardens. And then our second guest gives us a sneak peak of the upcoming Orchid Quest show and helps answer your orchid questions.

We take a look at design elements and plants that add winter interest. Then we'll check in with DNR Forest Health Specialist Paul Cigan and end the show with a lesson on growing plants indoors.

In the doldrums of winter we talk to the author of a new book that explores how mystery writers have used gardening in their books. And then we talk with an expert about growing succulents.

First Brian Hudelson, talks about his fanciful book of limericks based on common and uncommon plant diseases. Then we talk with Clint Freund about his seed business. And finally we learn how to grow lavender in Wisconsin with Kathy and Randy Meyer of Potter Creek Lavender.

We talk with two Wisconsin entrepreneurs about improving your soil with the use of pellets made from locally sourced wool. Then we talk with an expert on heirloom apple varieties.

Short days and long nights call for cheery plants and hot cups of tea. Tovah Martin is back to talk about caring for holiday plants and we talk to tea expert Christine Parks about growing your own tea plant.

We talk with gardening expert Lis Friemoth about her Twelve Days of Gifting list. It includes things to make gardening easier and things to make you feel as pampered as your garden.

Gardening expert Diana Alfuth is back to talk about why it's important to fertilize your soil in a balanced way. Then Laura Jull tells us how to select a tree.

We talk with Mark Dwyer about keeping marginal zone plants from succumbing to winter. And then we'll look at how to compost anywhere.

We'll talk about late fall garden tasks with Laura Jull. Then Melinda Myers will give us tips on planting bulbs in pots.

As our growing season is ending we get into the weeds with two authors. First we'll talk about using the power of science to produce healthier fruit and veggies. And […]

Herb expert, Erin Presley is back to talk about growing herbs and update us on what's happening at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Then we talk with Steve Stoeveken, owner of […]

We dig into the history of two very different species. The beautiful orchid – fought over, hunted and rare. The hearty bean – basic, a sustainer of civilizations and grown […]

This has been an unusual growing season. Garden Talk regulars Lisa Johnson and Brian Hudelson are in to talk about what they've seen regarding plant disease, insects and the effects […]

On this episode of Garden Talk we look at ways to enjoy your garden longer. First we talk with Mark Konlock from the Green Bay Botanical Garden about planting spring […]

UW Extension Educator Kevin Schoessow is back to talk about the Spooner Agriculture Research Station. And the food they have donated to local organizations. We also talk about the work […]

Gardening expert Melinda Myers joins us to talk about transitioning the garden from fall to winter. Topics include bringing in house plants, mulching, and caring for tropical bulbs.

We talk with two Wisconsin entrepreneurs about improving your soil with the use of pellets made from locally sourced wool. Then we talk with an expert on heirloom apple varieties.

Turf expert Doug Soldat is back with his annual fall lawn tutorial. We talk with him about the latest in lawn care research.  In the last half hour Native Plant […]

Gardens using native plants benefit from planting or seeding at the right time of the year. Internationally recognized native plant expert Neil Diboll is back to tell you what to […]

Gardening expert Patti Nagai is back to explain why she believes fall is the best time to garden. And then DNR Forest Health Specialist Paul Cigan joins us to talk […]

In the heat of August we take some time to talk about shade. First Mark Dwyer offers advice on how to create a successful shade garden. And then at 12:30 […]