Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast

We all have big dreams when it comes to what we want to grow, but the hard truth is that we have to work with the space we have, and every space comes with different amounts of available sunshine. In this episode, Don and John go over some strategies for planning your garden to make the best use of your sun, with some considerations for container gardening. Plus, they take a listener question about apple tree care.

Fertilizing is an important part of a successful garden, and the spring is the most important time to fertilize, so it's important to get it right. In this episode, Don and John go over fertilizing the yard and garden, with special considerations for vegetables and containers, all to help your plants reach their full potential this season.

The time has finally come for our part of the world: planting season in your yard and garden. In this episode, Don and John go over some basics on soil preparation and tips for putting annuals, vegetables, shrubs and more in the ground. Plus, they answer a question about mulch from the listener mailbag and Don has a "dirty" joke.

If you're enthusiastic to hit the garden centers for the first time this season, great! But it helps to have a plan first. In this episode, Don and John go over some considerations to keep in mind before you get swept up in the thrill of a new growing season. They also answer a few questions from the mailbag.

Unique conditions can lead to winter burn on some area evergreens. In this episode, Don and John discuss what winter burn is, how it can happen and steps to prevent it.

The snow is gone and the days are getting longer and warmer, and while we're not quite ready to plant, the time has come to get everything set for the growing season. In this episode, Don and John talk about the tasks you should be doing right now to get your yard and garden ready for spring planting. They also discuss Easter lillies and a ... man/plant cave?

Maybe your trusty garden tools are getting a little rusty, or maybe you're just itching for some new gear this season. Either way, this show's for you. In this episode, Don and John highlight some new garden tools currently on the market as we count down the days before outdoor work can begin in earnest.

Before you know it, it'll be time to get outside and start getting your hands dirty in the garden. Before you plant, though, you probably want to get that dirt into shape. In this episode, Don and John talk about amending your soil so your garden can start the season with gusto.

How can gardeners be sure that the plants, shrubs and trees they buy in local gardening centers will survive our region's winters? In this episode, Don and John talk with Charles Elhard, plant protection officer with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture about nursery laws and inspections.

It's still a bit too early to get out into the lawn or garden, but with our increasing sunlight it's a perfect time to start cuttings of your houseplants. But how do you go about it? In this episode, Don and John talk about the process of taking cuttings (or "slips") from your houseplants, including the best candidates for cuttings and good practices for growing them successfully.

It's a sad truth nowadays, but it seems like anything you see online is too good to be true, and that's true for gardeners, too. In this episode, Don and John talk about the disturbing new phenomenon of using images generated by artificial intelligence to sell plant varieties that don't exist. But if you've been duped by one of these, don't fear: they also go over some varieties that might seem too good to be true and can be found at a local garden center.

If you're a regular listener to this podcast, then we know you're chomping at the bit to get out into the yard and start work on your garden. In this episode, Don and John go over some of the gardening tasks you could be doing right now as we get our first sings of spring.

Our cold Northern Plains winters don't seem like they're friendly toward year-round growing of fresh greens, but they're actually a positive for the team at Great Plains Greens. In this episode, Don and (guest host) Kris talk with Dylan Kallman, founder of Great Plains Greens. Kallman and his team use a converted shipping container to grow fresh produce for a variety of local markets. Learn more about Great Plains Greens on their website: https://www.greatplainsgreens.co/

This is our 100th episode of Growing Together! That's 100 episodes of gardening tips from Don, John, and plenty of guests who share our love of gardening. In this episode, Don and John present 50 quick-fire gardening tips to commemorate this milestone and get you all caught up for the next 100 episodes.

Like all good pursuits, gardening is filled with a rich variety of terms and word usage, but it might not always make sense, especially to newer gardeners. For instance, what is "deadheading," and what does it do? In this episode, Don and (guest host) Kris go over some of the head-scratching terms that gardeners might come across. What does it mean to "set out" your plants? And what does it mean to "force" them? Learn all of these and more.

The growing season is still a ways off, so now is the time to plan and learn new gardening techniques—maybe saving a buck or two in the process. In this episode, Don and John go over the 2025 issue of "The Prairie Garden," a periodical put together with help from Don himself. This year's edition is all about gardening on a budget. Plus, they open up the mailbag to take a question about fungus gnats, those annoying little bugs that fly around your houseplants. Learn more about "The Prairie Garden" here: https://www.theprairiegarden.ca/    

Cut flowers in a lovely bouquet make a great Valentine's Day gift, but what if you'd like to give someone a houseplant instead? In this episode, Don and John are joined again by Audrey Gilbraith of Fargo's Baker Garden and Gift. Audrey has some helpful tips for giving the gift of a houseplant, like thinking about the space and skill level of your giftee. And, in case you'd like to make it a gift you give yourself, she has lots of suggestions for great houseplant choices, too. Learn more about Baker Garden and Gift on their website: https://bakernursery.com/

Each winter, every gardener has a decision to make when planning for the growing season: stick with the varieties that worked last year or take a chance on something new. In this episode, Don and John go over some new plants and vareties that you should consider if you're looking to shake things up a bit. 

Many of us get out into our gardens as a way to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy life, like it's our own little retreat. In fact, it's shaping up to be a key trend in the coming year. In this episode, Don and John look at this and a few more trends that 2025 might have in store, like finding a way to bring music into the garden and focusing more on growing things we can eat.

Sure, your green thumbs have been busy the last few weeks thumbing through seed catalogs, but if anything, that's just making you more excited to get your hands dirty working on actual plants. In this episode, Don and John talk about repotting your houseplants as a way to ease your cabin fever, with plenty of tips on keeping your beloved plant homies healthy.  

It's the holidays, a time when we all could use a little bit of joy along with a reminder that there's always more we can do to spread that joy even further. In this episode, Don and John talk with Kelly Krenzel, founder of the nonprofit organization Hope Blooms, whose mission it is to repurpose flowers into arrangements that are then distributed throughout the community to those who need it most. Learn more about Hope Blooms on their website: https://hopeblooms.org/  

Unlike, say, fashion or music, gardening doesn't change quickly or go through rapid trend shifts. But that doesn't mean that there aren't exciting new ways for it to captivate us. In this episode, Don and John review the year's top trends in gardening as identified by the guru herself: Martha Stewart. Sensory gardens and food forests top the list, and there's plenty of local examples for you to see for yourself.

The Christmas season might be twinkly and bright, with electric lights and shiny wrapping paper, but there's still nothing quite as showy as a healthy poinsettia. In this episode, Don and John talk about the lovely poinsettia plant and how to keep it healthy through the holidays. They also talk about other plants, like Christmas cactus and amaryllis, that can make a festive home.

If you have a gardener on your Christmas gift list, rest easy. Like the plants they grow, they're always thirsty for new information and techniques. That's where a good gardening book comes in. In this episode, Don and John talk about giving the gift of gardening, especially through resources like "The Prairie Garden," a book series based in western Canada that is packed with knowledge useful for gardeners of all stripes.

(Don and John are taking a little break for the Thanksgiving holiday, so please enjoy this republished 2023 episode.) In this episode, Don and John go over some basic tips for houseplant care, like optimal watering practices and intentional care. Plus, they discuss the importance of giving your houseplants something of a social life. Plants need friends, too.

The season may be winding down, but Don's inbox is still blooming bright with yard and garden successes from around the region. In this episode, Don and John open up the mailbag to admire your gardening wins and answer a few questions about lawn seeding, late-season pests and more.

While our yards and gardens can be a fulfilling source of delicious products, we can't forget that there's plenty to be found out in our parks and in the wild. In this episode, Don and John are joined by Candace Stock, a chef whose Indigenous cuisine has been enjoyed throughout the region, for a crash course on foraging for exciting flavors. Stock will also discuss an upcoming event for those interested in growing fruit trees for both food and conservation. For more information, visit our website: https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/minnesota-women-in-conservation-event-to-feature-fruit-trees

Shambling horrors! Grasping tendrils! Creeping terror!  In this episode, the call is coming from inside the shed as Don and John root out the spooky side of gardening, like the things that won't die, the things that choke out the light and flowers fit for the Bride of Frankenstein. Listen to this episode of GROANING Together...if you dare!

How did a wet spring and a dry fall impact our growing season, and what can we look forward to during our upcoming La Niña winter? In this episode, Don and John are joined by regular guest John Wheeler, chief meteorologist at WDAY TV, to recap this year's garden and share some wisdom on every gardener's second favorite topic: the weather.

As we pick the last of the zuccini and mow just one more time, it's a good time to take stock of the growing season. What worked, and what didn't? In this episode, Don and John share their observations from the 2024 growing season, with plenty of insights on how you can plan your garden better and react to shifting conditions. If you have your own insights or questions, be sure to share them with Don via email at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

It's been a mild, dry fall in the upper Midwest, and your garden is still likely producing some goods for harvest...but, just in case you need reminding, winter is coming. In this episode, Don and John talk about getting your yard and garden put to bed for the winter and the essential tasks to get done so you're not scrambling when temperatures plunge.

We've had a warm start to the fall, but make no mistake: Harvest time is coming fast. In this episode, Don and John discuss how to store your hard-earned harvest, specifically carrots, potatoes and other root vegetables.

It's not too early to think about setting your yard and garden up for success next spring, even as we're not quite done with this year's harvest. In this episode, Don and John go over a few of the pruning, seeding and fertilizing tasks that can be done in early autumn to give you a head start on next year.

There are ample opportunities for fall color displays all over our region—and they're absolutely worth the drive, of course—but what if you want fall colors in your own yard? In this episode, Don and John discuss some of the best options for trees and shrubs that bring the delight of fall color right to you.

You can almost feel the snap of fall in the air, and that means it's the best time of year for one crucial task: dividing some of your yard's most beautiful plants. In this episode, Don and John go over the processes for digging and dividing your peonies, irises and day lilies, a critical task if you want a luscious yard teeming with these dramatic perennials.

Summer sings its last sweet refrain during the Labor Day holiday weekend, and that comes with a few items for your lawn and garden checklist. In this episode, Don and John mark the last big summer weekend with a variety of annual chores that will set you up for success in the year ahead, including stamping out some weeds and giving your lawn a little extra attention.

There's nothing quite as show-stopping as a healthy, blooming hydrangea bursting with color in your yard. But where to start? In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of hydrangeas: How to choose the right variety, where to plant them and how to give them the best care.

While we associate planting with the rush and excitement of spring, you still have lots of options later in the season, including shrubs and some spring bloomers. In this epsiode, Don and John take a look at fall planting and give you some reasons to hit up the garden centers for late-season delights.

If you love the idea of canning but are hesitant to make the leap, this show's for you.   In this episode, Don and John are joined by Rita Ussatis, Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent at NDSU. Rita has been canning, and teaching about canning, for years and she has plenty of wisdom to get you started.

Once you start your own garden, it's easy to see how natural it is to save money and time by saving your own seeds.   In this episode, Don and John discuss some of the benefits of keeping your seeds and give you some things to consider along the way.  

July is ending and we're well into the dog days of summer. Don Kinzler and John Lamb discuss the things to look for and what to do to keep your plants and flowers healthy in the hot weather. In this episode, Don also tells the story of his recent absence from the podcast.

A fulfilling part of growing your own garden is sharing it with those you love, and better photos make that easier. In this episode, John sits down with Britta Trygstad, aka Britta The Photographer, to talk about some simple tactics you can use to get better photos of your garden to document it and share it with the world. Learn more about Trygstad on her website: https://brittathephotographer.com/

Spoiler: The most common culprit with trees that die unexpectedly is improper care.   In this episode, Don and John explore the Mystery of the Murdered Tree and teach us all a basic lesson in tree care that might prevent the unthinkable from happening to your trees and shrubs.

Summer is a great time for your garden...unless your plants aren't quite growing the way they should.   In this episode, Don and John look at the most common issues that begin to pop up this time of year, including blossom end rot, fungus and pests.

For something as deep and complex as gardening, it's vital to have others around to teach you new things and give you new ideas.   In this episode, Don and John are joined by Rachel Sailer, organizer of the 2nd Annual Red River Valley Garden Tour. The tour allows any gardener to take a peek at the yards of experienced gardeners and find new inspiration. Sailer is a master gardener and operations manager at Baker Garden and Gift.   The Red River Valley Garden Tour is July 17 and 18, and it will feature five homeowner yards plus an open invite to the Northern Plains Botanic Garden. Tickets are $15 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society. You can find tickets and details on the Red River Valley Garden Tour Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RRVGardenTour.

As we enter the thick of summer, you've no doubt been busy in your garden. But this time of year marks a time when you can take it a little easier.   In this episode, Don and John discuss the tasks you can stop doing once we hit July, like fertilizing and pruning,

Apples and apple trees are more commonly associated with cooler autumn days and heaping buckets full of delicious apples. But if you want that sweet apple crop, there's no time like summer to give them some extra attention. In this episode, Don and John go over some of the tasks you should be thinking about with your apple trees, or what to do if you're thinking of getting an apple tree started in your yard.

Peonies and irises are an enthusiastic addition to your yard or garden thanks to their early summer start and showy blossoms. In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of caring for peonies and irises, including an easy way to get ants off your peony blossoms before bringing them indoors.

Arguably, no other flower carries as much meaning and history as a rose, which makes them a popular choice for a gardener.   But roses can also present a thorny (forgive the pun) challenge. In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of growing and caring for your roses, from sourcing the best roses to pruning them safely.

In this episode, WDAY Chief Meteorologist John Wheeler joins Don and John for a look at possible weather patterns for the upper Midwest as we head into the summer growing season. Plus, he talks about setting up new raised garden plots and gives us a simple pepper sauce recipe.

We all know fertilizing is an important part of maintaining healthy trees and shrubs along with a healthy yard and garden. But when should we fertilize, how much should we use, and what kinds of fertilizers work the best?   In this episode, Don and John tackle the important question of fertilizing and discuss why May and June are the best times to get it done.