New Southern Garden

This week Nathan takes you on the wonderful journey of making your own compost! Compost is a great way to keep recyclable organic matter out of the landfill and into your garden to keep your plants growing well! If you're a lazy gardener like Nathan, you'll learn how to have nature make the compost for you with little work on your end. Keeping a compost pile or bin is easier than you might think!

Join Nathan as he starts off discussing what's going on inside your plants right now as they prepare for their first flush of growth this spring. It's a little bit of a botanical discussion, but it's pretty important stuff. Then, he reminds you to be careful with your peony buds as they begin to grow and gives you his top tips for growing them in the garden. Lastly, he discusses five great tiny and evergreen ground covers to fill all the cracks and crevices of your garden or use as a substitute for turfgrass. Groundcovers are often overlooked, but are super important to use and use well!

This week, Nathan encourages you to plant what's blooming now! Late winter blooming plants are reminders that the gray days of winter will soon be surpassed by the warm spring nights. He talks about some of the classic and well-known bloomers such as forsythia, daffodil, hyacinth, and lenten rose. But he also discusses some once beloved but now almost forgotten selections like the super fragrant winter honeysuckle and the delightful ground cover winter jasmine. Join Nathan as he helps you choose plants that will be a long-lived reminder of the spring days around the corner!

This week, Nathan wraps up the discussion on his "Great Eight" vegetables to grow in your southern veggie garden! Whether you are a beginner gardener or not, Nathan walks you through the easiest vegetables you could possibly grow.

This week, Nathan begins a discussion on the easiest vegetables to grow in your southern vegetable garden. He starts by describing the growing conditions we have to deal with here in the southeast and also the concerns we may have with our soil types. Then, he goes crop-by-crop describing the easiest plants to grow in your garden, the best ways to start them, when to plant them, and how to harvest their delicious produce! Join Nathan next week as he finishes up the greatest and easiest vegetables to try out in your garden this season!

To put an end cap on Nathan's discussion about using color in the landscape, this week he groups some great perennial plants by the color they provide. He talks about bout the flower color and leaf color that these lovely plants can give your garden.

This week Nathan continues his discussion on the theory of using color in your garden. Join him as he gives you ideas on some of the most effective ways to use color in your landscape!

Color is the life of garden! Which colors we choose to use in the landscape will dictate the kind of atmosphere and mood we create in our gardens. Join Nathan as he discusses the theory behind color in the garden and practical ways to use it effectively!

This week Nathan takes you through the second half of the Best Management Practices for the garden, informing you which jobs should be done now and which should be done later.

Timing gardening activities is critical. Somethings need to be done over winter while others really need to wait for warmer weather. This week Nathan takes you through Best Management Practices for the garden, informing you which jobs should be done now and which should be done later.

Looking for something to do in your garden this month but not sure what to do? Join Nathan as he gives you a garden to-do list for January!

Join Nathan as he talks about a ton of new plants you can find in your local garden center and plant nursery this spring!

This week, Nathan discusses vines that will provide vertical interest and flowers in the sky for your garden. Every garden needs some kind of vine somewhere and Nathan walks you through a list of great options for your space!

This week, Nathan talks about the plants that go hand in hand with Christmas. He talks about how to grow these beautiful plants that really know how to wish you a "Merry Christmas!"

As we get deeper and deeper into winter, Nathan talks about plants that might help warm things up a bit in the garden: nearly tropical, but hardy plants. Join Nathan as he talks about plants that can give you a feeling of a tropical place, but have no problem surviving through winter!

Mistletoe is quintessential with Christmas, but it is one strange and unusual plant. This week, Nathan talks about the history, folklore, and botany behind this parasitic plant we know as "mistletoe."

We always think about decorating our interiors for the Christmas season, but how often do we intentionally "decorate" the garden and landscape for Christmas? This week, Nathan gives you ideas that go beyond decorations to get your garden into the holiday spirit.

This week, Nathan talks about how to grow the most popular herbs used in turkey stuffing and dressings. Get ready to grow and bake your own!

Join Nathan as he gives you tips and ideas for keeping your vegetable garden going all winter!

If you have a garden that is surrounded by tall trees, don't forget to plant something underneath them to add some mid-canopy interest! This week, Nathan talks about trees that are great to plant underneath other trees. Many of our favorite ornamental garden trees are found naturally growing beneath the shade of larger trees and we can recreate the whimsical beauty in our gardens that nature has already provided. Be sure to take notes about the trees that interest you and might make great additions under your existing trees.

Nathan always says that some gardening products only work in the store…to get you to buy them! This week, Nathan dispels the great marketing tactics of some of the worst garden products you could possibly waste your money on. He discusses the science behind why these products don't work and encourages you not to purchase them. Save your money to buy some new plants instead!

This week, Nathan goes to the mail bag to answer your questions! He answers a question regarding how you might fill new raised beds with quality growing mixes on a budget. Then, he gets to answer a question about himself…all about some of his favorite plants! Thanks for sending in your questions to New Southern Garden and we hope our answers help you to grow well!

On this week's episode, Nathan talks about common indoor and outdoor plants that might be a bit scary! Nathan talks about plants that might cause skin reactions, some that cause even worse symptoms, and even some that could be fatal! Plants are great partners both in the house and in the garden, but be sure to learn about their personalities before getting too personal!

In this episode, we dive into the essential gardening tasks for October. We start by clarifying first and last frost dates, helping you prepare your garden for the cooler months ahead. The conversation shifts to saving those precious late-season tomatoes before the frost arrives. We then explore the delightful process of planting strawberries for a sweet future harvest, alongside tips on harvesting and curing sweet potatoes and winter squash. Finally, we discuss the importance of planting cover crops, emphasizing how they protect the soil from erosion and enrich it with vital nutrients and organic matter. Tune in for a quirky yet informative look at October gardening!

In this episode, we explore the heartfelt concept of creating a memory garden to honor deceased loved ones. We delve into selecting meaningful plants that resonate with cherished memories, discussing options like fragrant flowers, resilient trees, and calming herbs. The conversation extends to how to design an entire garden space that serves as a tribute, incorporating elements that reflect the personality and spirit of those we've lost. Listeners will gain insight into thoughtful plant choices and creative layout ideas that transform their outdoor spaces into serene, commemorative havens. Join us as we celebrate life and memory through the art of gardening!

In this episode of New Southern Garden, we dive into the enchanting world of wildflower meadows, focusing on how to create one from both seed and plant plugs. We kick off with essential soil preparation techniques, emphasizing the importance of testing and amending your soil for the best results. Next, we discuss the ideal planting times, highlighting the benefits of spring and fall planting windows. The heart of the discussion revolves around the vibrant flora that thrives in a wildflower meadow. We share our favorites, including coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and butterfly weed, all of which attract pollinators and provide visual appeal. The episode is packed with tips for successfully establishing and maintaining your meadow, ensuring it flourishes throughout the seasons. Join us for this wild journey into the colorful chaos of wildflower gardening!

In this episode, we dive into the world of perennial plants that bring vibrancy and life to your garden in the fall. We explore three key characteristics that make these plants stand out: their stunning fall flowers, vibrant fall color, and evergreen leaves that provide year-round interest. Listeners will discover top picks for each category, as well as tips on how to incorporate these beauties into their autumn landscapes. Tune in to get inspired and elevate your garden game with plants that shine even as the days get shorter!

In this episode, we dive into the world of gardening with clay soil, tackling the challenges and opportunities that come with it. We explore the best perennial plants that thrive in these dense, nutrient-rich conditions, showcasing options that are both resilient and stunning. Listeners will learn about soil preparation techniques to improve drainage, the importance of mulching, and how to select perennials that won't just survive but flourish in clay environments. Don't miss out on these top picks that can turn your clay garden into a vibrant paradise!

In this episode of New Southern Garden, we dive into the world of invasive insects, exploring how these uninvited critters can wreak havoc on your garden. Our host, Nathan, discusses identification tips for common invasive species, their impact on local ecosystems, and effective strategies for managing infestations. With a quirky twist, we share surprising facts and stories about these pests, alongside practical advice to help gardeners protect their plants. Tune in for a blend of information, humor, and gardening wisdom that will empower you to combat these garden villains!

This week, Nathan brings you a plant family reunion! Knowing which plants are related to others is an important tool for gardeners to know since many closely related plants can share the same pest issues and cultural requirements. You might be surprised to learn which of your garden plants are actually plant cousins!

This week, Nathan discusses some of the garden veggies you should plant now (or soon) to be sure to get a delicious harvest this fall. He talks about the time frame for planting and days to harvest for each crop to make sure you schedule your planting so that you have vegetables ready to eat when you need them!

This week, Nathan wraps up our discussion on drought tolerant plants for your garden with some awesome perennials that won't disappoint with a beautiful show even in some of the driest summer days.

This week, Nathan continues the discussion on drought tolerant plants and it's all about shrubs that can handle dry conditions!

This week, Nathan talks about the importance of planting drought tolerant plants in the south and starts off with a list of great trees that can handle the "dry times."

Plants need best friends too! This week, Nathan talks about reasons why you might consider “companion planting”— or growing a bunch of different types of plants closely together. Later, he discusses some great plant combos that might help fend off bad bugs and increase the population of good ones.

Just because the heat is ramping up doesn't mean that the gardening should be slowing down! This week, Nathan talks about a somewhat random list of gardening topics that should be taking place in your summertime oasis this month!

Shrubs are a vital component of any well-designed landscape and garden. This week, Nathan talks about ways to stylize your garden with shrubs. He walks you through distinct garden styles, such as Japanese, Cottage, and Tropical, and describes different shrubs that can help you achieve that look and atmosphere. Start using shrubs creatively today to create a “sense of place” that can last a lifetime!

Bring nature into the back garden by making your spaces more attractive to wildlife! Nathan talks about the essential components your garden needs if you want to provide a space for wildlife to live and thrive!

This week, Nathan answers your gardening questions! Should you mulch before or after you plant? Nathan has some good ideas to help you make mulching a little easier. Can you make more perennial plants from cuttings now? Listen to find out. And what about roses that are being attacked by Japanese Beetles? Nathan talks about organic options to controlling both the adult beetles and the larvae living beneath the soil. Send us your gardening question for our July Q&A Week at www.newsoutherngarden.com or on Facebook and Instagram!

Need more plants but not able to spend a fortune? Join Nathan as he talks about growing your own perennial plants from seed! He talks about some of the easiest varieties to grow from seed and how to save your own seed on existing plants to grow even more!

Attract plenty of pollinators and add an abundance of colorful blooms to your summer garden with these easy-to-grow annual flowering plants!

What's the latest craze in gardening trends? Low maintenance! Actually, it's been the latest craze for decades. With the busyness of life, it's hard to dedicate copious amounts of time working in the landscape...as much as we might love doing it. This week, Nathan gives you some ideas in reducing the amount of time spent on pruning, weeding, and working with your lawn. Hopefully, these tips will give you more time to enjoy your garden instead of just working in it!

This week, Nathan talks about the native plants in his garden! Native plants are those plants which originated from the area in which they are grown. In this case, Nathan discusses plants that would have been growing in the southern United States before the settlers came over and brought plants from other parts of the world. Native plants are great for eco-friendly gardening and are a great food source for local pollinators and other insects. If you are looking to create a garden that blends well with the naturally occurring environment, plant some of Nathan's favorite native plants today!

The vegetable garden and fruit orchard start to "rev up" production in May. Join Nathan as he provides a few tips for dealing with disease and insects, training vining plants, and more in the edible garden.

Hydrangeas are a staple in the southern garden. Of course they look great all alone, but the garden is a place of combining plants together with unique characteristics to create outstanding combinations. Join Nathan as he talks about plants that help hydrangeas look even better!

It's nearly hydrangea season! Hydrangeas all over the south are budding up and showing off! This week, Nathan talks about the main hydrangea groups you will find in the garden and describes tried and true varieties but also some awesome new ones!

April showers bring May flowers! Join Nathan as he walks you through his garden and talks about what's blooming.

This week, Nathan answers Cheryl's question about flowering annuals that the deer won't eat! She tried begonia, but they were munched on like lunch time at the Shoney's salad bar. Nathan talks about a long list of plants that the deer MIGHT not eat. After all, if they're hungry enough, right? From salvia, lantana, verbena, and dusty miller to alyssum, nasturtium, ageratum, and angelonia, there are surely plenty of annuals you can enjoy that the deer won't!

Do you feel cursed with clay soil? Many folks do. This week, Nathan assures you that you can grow great gardens in clay soil. He discusses preparing the bed to deal with water movement, digging appropriately in clay, and choosing the best plants for the space. With a little thought and attention, a clay-based soil CAN produce a wonder garden space. There is hope!

This week, Nathan talks about some of the easiest and more challenging fruits to grow in your home orchard! From blueberries to blackberries and apples to muscadines, Nathan gets you started on your fruity journey.

This week, Nathan goes to the water garden to help you plant some wonderful native plants directly into the muck! The southeast has some wonderful plants that thrive in the wettest conditions. Nathan talks about both plants that grow in the water and plants that grow along the banks and marginal areas. Fragrant white waterlily, American lotus, Pickerelweed, and buttonbush have no problem being nearly submerged, but beardtongue, blazing star, swamp milkweed, and cardinal flower love to be right on the edge of the pond. If you don't have a water garden, no problem, you can start one today with something as simple as a bucket!