Welcome to the Helpful Gardeners, a weekly podcast diving into the home and garden topics you want to learn more about. We hope to inform, inspire, and bring the fun as two friends who work together and go wild over gardening. Colin is a certified horticulturist with decades of experience working in landscaping, gardening and houseplants in various climactic zones. Brandi is a beginner with a passion to ask questions. Subscribe to catch new episodes every Sunday!
Weather is incredibly localized, and understanding exactly how much rain, snow, or hail falls in your own backyard can help you take on a more proactive approach to your garden. This week, we're exploring CoCoRaHS and how you can use that data to predict when you should cover your tender plants for an incoming storm or if you should bother watering that day.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi Warren Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
After a particularly busy weekend tackling the garden beds, Colin tracked his fitness to see exactly how much "work" he was doing. The results are amazing. Gardening is a heavy-duty, full-body workout that most of us are severely underestimating.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi Warren Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Gardening forums can be convenient spaces to connect with other gardeners, but if you go in with a problem, they can often leave you more confused than when you started. We're diagnosing a sad hanging basket, talking Peony tea, and unveiling a new plant in Brandi's garden that comes straight out of Bridgerton.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi Warren Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Next to the Chelsea Flower show, the FlowerTrials comes close to a premiere event for gardeners. Plant breeders from across the globe gather in the Netherlands and Germany to show off their latest innovations. These aren't just random flowers—these are specifically engineered, trialed, and perfected plants designed to make your gardening experience easier, more beautiful, and more successful. From pollen-free lilies to peas that actually fit on your tiny balcony, we're sharing the plant trends you need to know about for next season.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast PRODUCED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi Warren Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Are you watching FIFA? Are you as glued to how incredible the pitch looks and thought, "I wish my lawn looked like that"? We're going behind the curtain a little bit and sharing Colin's 5 essential tips to get your home turf looking championship-ready. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi Warren Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
You know you're a plant nerd when you get joy out of discovering which bee is your horoscope match, buying bags of soil on the weekend is 'fun', and when your heart flutters when you find a new houseplant invention. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi Warren Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
The world of gardening is undergoing a whimsical shift. From comfortable board games about keeping houseplants alive, to the prestigious grounds of elite flower shows. We're talking about a fun new game on Kickstarter and the return of the Garden Gnome to trendy gardens. What's your take?CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi Warren Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Ever felt the pressure of working in someone else's prized garden bed? This week on the podcast, we're diving into a great listener question from Kurt, who was just gifted a Jacob's Ladder by his neighbor. We're breaking down how to dig it up so you don't kill the plant, the garden, and the neighbourly vibes. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi Warren Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Pack your bags, we're heading to Vancouver Island! This week, Brandi is taking us on a virtual getaway to the iconic Butchart Gardens, and yes—she's filming a gorgeous exclusive vlog from the grounds! Find out how a limestone quarry became a global backyard aesthetic.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast PRESENTED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi Warren Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
There is a kind of seasonal panic that hits when you walk into the garden center in spring. The tables are overflowing with colour and possibiliity. Have you ever felt overwhelmed, not sure of how many to buy and how to pair them to create a beautiful planter? Designing a show-stopping container doesn't require artistic genius; We have a a simple, three-part formula that will get the ball rolling: Thriller, Filler, and Spiller.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi Warren Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Staring at a bare garden bed and wondering how much soil to order without ending up with either not enough or a mountain of leftovers? Plus, we're demystifying the difference between loam, garden mixes and compost, and settling a "rock" debate between friends. Get the dirt on all things soil!CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi Warren Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
While North American eyes are on the Fifa World Cup next month, Europe is celebrating the world cup of gardening with the Chelsea Flower Show! From jaw-dropping show gardens to indoor plant carousels that move with the sun, we're exploring the trends and fun that can inspire your own garden!CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi Warren Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
What a packed episode! We're diving into a new discovery on bee survival that left us floored. Plus, Brandi has an update on her big landscaping project and a hack to help you pay for your gardening this spring. Plus, we're taking you on a mini-road trip to Vancouver Island, where hundreds of locals will turn a massive main thoroughfare into a carpet of flower this spring. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Edited by: Brandi WarrenVoiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Have you ever written off a seed brand based on your experience growing their product? A local gardener reached out frustrated that their seeds from a regional farm completely tanked last season. "Where is the best place to buy seed packets? Last year I got them from _________ and they were terrible and didn't grow well!"There are many reasons why a seed packet didn't bring you success. Let's explore more today.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
So, you've finally decided to ditch the old fire pit and that slate stone pad to grow something. We're breaking down the details of excavation and planning for a new garden bed!CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Have you noticed how the city just smells better lately? The trees and plants are starting to wake up and giving off some serious pheromones. So, why does that scent of pine and soil chill us out and how can we replicate that in our own backyard?CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Mother's Day is this weekend and while you can never go wrong with flowers, there's a trend in 2026 toward experiences that we're currently LOVING. We're exploring a fun event on Vancouver Island and a local way to spend quality time outside on a garden tour!CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Spring is here and it's showing up everywhere! It's in the bird nests, tree buds, and even those green little shoots popping up through the soil. Should you do anything to help those shoots or will they thrive without intervention? CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Calgary just dropped a brand-new outdoor watering schedule for Spring 2026! Don't worry, this isn't those high-stress Stage 4 restrictions from the feeder main repairs. This will actually help your established plants become more resiliant while also keeping our Bow and Elbow rivers happy. We're breaking down what this all means including the exemptions which we think will keep gardeners feeling excited to grow. Plus, our top tips for watering effectively. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
The image of a "gardener" isn't just a retired person in a sun hat with a perfectly manicured rose bush. Gardening is for the dreamers, the hustlers, and yes, even those of us living with chronic illness or physical limitations.We were recently moved by a story from a woman living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who decided that her diagnosis wasn't going to keep her from her backyard dreams. Instead of giving up, she adapted. Gardening doesn't demand perfection; it demands presence.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Imagine this: You've just finished an amazing agriculture course and you're hyped about growing plants this summer. Then, the hammer drops. No balcony access all summer due to to health and safety upgrades to your building. Cue the internal screaming. pivot when your outdoor space is off-limits, finding the best fragrant indoor bloomers, and why a closed door doesn't mean a closed season.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Ever feel like you're drowning in seed trays? Trying to find space for forty little pots on one windowsill can make seed starting stressful. There's a DIY hack that you need to know about: Seed Snails. They're eco-friendly, space-saving, and can even make a fun creative gift! CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Wait! Don't toss those green onion nubs or that avocado pit just yet. Your kitchen scraps are a secret "buy one, get one free" deal if you're willing to invest a little time into them. Grow more food or to just have fun and see where your food comes from! CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Ever wish your plant could just text you when it's thirsty instead of dramatically dying in silence? This week, we're geeking out over NASA's STELLA project—a DIY "Tricorder" that lets you see your plants' vital signs! We're talking invisible light, "pre-visual" stress detection, and a data viewer that translates plant-speak into English.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Stop what you're doing for a second. Take a deep breath. Can you smell the damp soil or the faint scent of that first spring bloom? We get so caught up in the perfection of life—wanting our homes, our careers, and our gardens to look perfect and static forever. But here's a secret: flowers aren't supposed to last. Their whole job is to pull you into the now before they vanish. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
We are knee-deep in Earth Week and today, we're answering a listener question from our DMs about starting seeds in milk jugs! From DIY greenhouses to turning other recycling bin favourites into garden tools. Get ready to "reduce, reuse, and regrow".SPRINGO Episode: Click HereDepression Garden Episode: Click HereCONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
It's Earth Week on the pod, and these two peas are on the road at the CORE Shopping Centre in downtown Calgary. We're celebrating our beautiful planet by showcasing ideas and Earth friendly products. What's on Colin's 'favourites' list? Come see Colin with Golden Acre Home & Garden at The CORE in downtown Calgary all this week!CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Ever wondered why a plant does amazing in one part of your yard and fail in another part of it? It might not be the plant itself! This week we're breaking down how to map out "microclimates"—those sneaky little pockets where external factors like house siding, hills, and wind corridors can impact what you plant! Learn how to play to conditions, and maybe, just maybe, sneak a Zone 5 beauty into our Zone 3 reality. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
So, you're scrolling through your feed, and you keep seeing this term: No-Dig Gardening. What is that? Are you just supposed to lay your plants on top of the soil and let nature figure it out? It's actually a returning concept that could benefit your soil and create less maintenance work for you. We're breaking down exactly what "No-Dig" is, and how you can start your own patch this weekend.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Have you ever felt like your houseplants are stuck in slow-mo, or maybe your garden suddenly decided to sprint toward the finish line? It turns out plants aren't just sitting there—they are actively hitting "pause," "play," and "fast-forward" on their growth depending on external factors such as the weather. This week, we're diving into research from UBC that reveals how plants actively adapt to survive climate stress. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic a
Ever dreamed of pointing a finger at a dandelion and having it simply disappear? This week on the podcast, we're ditching the back-breaking hoeing and messy herbicides for something way cooler: high-powered thermal energy... aka "LASERS". We're talking laser weeding—where AI meets agriculture to vaporize weeds in milliseconds. Would this work for the home gardener too? CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Oh, to be in the mind of a child. This weeks 'question period' is going to the kids as Colin shares some fun nuggets from kids at Holy Trinity School in Calgary, AB. Things like: "Why do you like plants" to "why do plants get diseases" to "How old are you?". It's a fun one for the whole family! CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
While we eagerly wait for warmer weather in the garden, get ready to swap your garden shears for the remote. From Zach Galifianakis getting weird with vegetables to the GOAT himself, David Attenborough, celebrating a century on Earth, the streaming world is entering its "Plant Era." We're breaking down 4 must-watch releases that will make you want to grow a garden, save the planet, or just hide in a remote cottage with a mysterious gardener. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
The world of gardening has definitely shifted since 2020. We went from "panic-planting" anything that would grow to finding our "new normal," and now in 2026, we're all about the Garden ROI - Return on Investment. With the economy feeling a bit like a rollercoaster, we're seeing a trend toward "Investment Plants" that pay out in delicious, space saving, and time saving dividends.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
It's Spring—you're digging through the shed, ready to tackle those first dandelions, when it hits you. Your favorite weeder is missing in action. Then you remember—you lent it to Robert back in July. It's been eight months. What do you do? We're diving into the awkward etiquette of borrowed garden gear. Do you send the "hey, remember this?" text, or do you just mourn the loss and hit the garden center for a replacement? We're breaking down when to fight for your tools and when to let it grow.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
In an increasingly connected world that's full of choice, do you ever wonder how your soil or garden tools are made, transported, and go once their time is up? Well, the EU is getting ready to introduce the Digital Product Passport (DPP) later this year. From PFAS-free certifications to the origin of your shovel's steel, we're diving into how this tech could impact the customer experience and the business side too. Could this be a fit for the North American economy too?CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Ever feel like the world is watching? Between real estate drones and Google Maps, our backyards aren't as "back" as they used to be. We garden for a thousand reasons: the crunch of a homegrown carrot, the scent of Lilacs in May, and that deep, soul-level exhale that only happens when you're surrounded by green. But in 2026, the digital overwhelm has inspired some gardeners to take on a new reason. With urban density on the rise and cameras seemingly everywhere, "privacy" has become the ultimate luxury. It's no longer just about blocking the neighbor's view while you're in your loungewear; it's about creating a space where you aren't "on display."CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Is there anything more heartbreaking than tucking your tiny seed babies into their warm soil beds, whispering "see you soon," and then... nothing? Or worse, they sprout, but then just stop growing? From leggy tomatoes to rosemary that refuses to wake up, we're troubleshooting the most common reasons your seedlings are stalling and how to get them back on the fast track to garden greatness. We got a great question this week from Jill that we can't wait to dive into.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Forget everything you thought you knew about those yellow "weeds" in your lawn. We're talking Dandelion Microgreens—the nutrient-packed plant that is easy to grow and fun for the whole family. It's truly as easy as tossing seeds on top of the soil and waiting. While the mature plant can be quite bitter, microgreens are a whole different vibe, and they look stunning on avocado toast. Not convinced? Listen in to this weeks episode of the podcastCONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Ever wish your backyard looked like a scene from Avatar? There's a new Petunia in town, and it's about the change up the gardening game: the Firefly Petunia. From the lab to your patio (eventually!), we're breaking down the science of how these beauties glow, why Canada is still waiting for the light show, and dreaming of a future where your houseplants double as floor lamps.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
We've all been there: you buy the cute seed packets, you find the perfect pots, you water them with love... and then, nothing. Total radio silence. It's important to realize that seeds are hard-wired to stay asleep until the conditions are exactly right. In the wild, a seed doesn't want to sprout in the middle of a January blizzard or during a drought. They have evolved "locks," and you need the right "key" to open them. From spa-day soakings to literal "trial by fire," we're teaching you the types of seed starting needs, how to identify them on the packet, and what you might find at the garden centre. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Is your garden basically an all-you-can-eat buffet for thrips and aphids?
Grab your sun hat and your besties, because tulip season is coming! From the mountain-backed fields of the Fraser Valley to the historic gardens of Ottawa and the chic pick-your-own vibes in Montreal, we're breaking down the must-visit Canadian festivals for 2026. Whether you're looking for the perfect IG backdrop or a peaceful morning of sunrise yoga among the petals, there's a field with your name on it. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Have you ever felt guilty looking at the pile of plastic containers after potting up all your annuals every spring? Do you often keep all those packages, trying to find alternative uses to give them a second life? While modern packaging has come a long way from the OG Styrofoam clamshells, the greenhouse industry is continuing to pave the way to sustainability. In this week's episode of The Helpful Gardeners, we're diving into the “Sustainability Wrap”—a movement that's changing how plants are packaged and sold. From biodegradable wraps to compostable containers, we're here for it.Mentioned in this episode: Lessons in a ‘Great Depression' Garden CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Need inspiration and expert advice? We're on the road this week to the Calgary Home & Garden Show! If you've never been to an event like this, it's like Costco. Google Maps, and Pinterest all under one roof. You do the weave and see 100+ local businesses dealing in a variety of niche projects, from roofing to landscaping to hot tubs. Most of these businesses will have show specials too, so you can get the work done for a fraction of the price. Plus, there are elements of inspiration you may not have thought of which you'll see in today's video. So, come along on this bonus episode of the podcast as we explore the show!
The second the sun stays out past 5:00 PM, the "garden itch" hits hard. We start dreaming of heirloom tomatoes and crisp lettuce, and suddenly, we're staring at our empty raised beds like they're a blank canvas. But if you're like our listener Ben, you're wondering: Am I being too keen? If I fill these beds now, will all that "good stuff" in the soil be gone by April?In this week's episode, we're breaking down the science of soil prep, why your slow-release fertilizer needs to stay in the shed a little longer, and a game-changer for the "forgetful waterers" among us: wicking beds.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Have you ever seen a Firefly? Colin has! They're rare but love specific conditions to thrive...one of them being a dark habitat at night. This is becoming rare with urban development and light pollutions impacts not only the pollinators but also the natural cycles in our plants. Let's explore 5 ways to clean up your light and create a sanctuary for pollinators.
Ever feel like your grocery bill is personally attacking you? It turns out the secret to beating food inflation might actually be buried in 1929. This week, we're exploring a living history project in Ontario. We're talking about massive cabbages, root veggies that taste like candy, and why "hard to kill" is our new favorite plant description. What can we learn from planting a garden rooted in the Great Depression?CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Let's be real: you're scrolling through a seed catalog on a Tuesday night, and suddenly you've ordered fifteen varieties of heirloom tomatoes and enough peppers to start your own hot sauce empire. But now that the packets have arrived, the itch to get them in the dirt is real. Is it too early to start those babies indoors, or are you just being an overachiever that'll get in way over your head? Let's talk timing and equipment so you can bring confidence into the garden this year. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Get ready to gallop into an auspicious 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse! This year, we're shining a spotlight on a plant that's synonymous with good fortune, resilience, and beauty: Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana).Beyond its elegant appearance, Lucky Bamboo is steeped in rich symbolism, especially when it comes to gifting. The number of stalks you choose isn't just arbitrary – each configuration carries a unique blessing and intention.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
You know the "5 Love Languages," right? Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. Well, we've gone ahead and given them a green thumb makeover! Here are some ways you can shower your partner with love this Valentines Day.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
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