Podcasts about Growing season

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!LETS GET SAUCY!Garage doors have been opening on Matt's street and there have been tomatoes being processed at high rates over the last couple of weekends. "A Super El-Nino" kicks the show off.  WHAT IS IT?The tomato is related to A TON of plants.   You'll be surprised to learn who their cousins are. The early Europeans thought that tomatoes where poisonous.  Why?Matt talks about cast iron.  Jack discusses tomato blight.  Are you supposed to take the foam off the boiling tomatoes when you make sauce.   A debate ensues. Lynne details the sauce making process.Terroir!   Google that. Botulism - GOOGLE THAT!APPLES, APPLES, APPLES feature on the second half of the show. Why does apple sauce a light yellow look to it?   What makes it light coloured?The original apple trees came from where?   You'll be surprised to learn...What's your favourite apple?   The McFarlands detail theirs. Apple leather and the usage of apple skin in textiles if discussed before Lynne offers an applesauce recipe. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE 

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!So lets get to the root of the issue.On this week's episode of The Growing Season, Jack, Lynne and McFarland use a recent build as a jumping off point for 54 minutes of talk.Matt recently built a water feature around a Silver Maple and the tree fought the build the entire way.   So much so that Matt has sworn off Silver Maples forever.  The trio discuss.The summer is also over and The McFarland's school routine is changing. The list of aggressive root offenders is highlighted.  In fact, some trees can sense the movement of water and move towards it. The link between clay and water movement is discussed.   Which trees have a taproot?   Which trees have a fibrous root system?Coastal trees and how they deal with water becomes and interesting plant ID lesson.What about shrubs?   Any NASTY root shrubbers?What is chlorosis?   The trio define it.  Is a Silver Maple root system able to push over a pre-cast landscape wall?   Matt details his experiences. Pat McFarland, brother of Jack, had a root-mergency.   Jack discusses regals the listeners with the story.How do you plant a tree in a wire basket?   Lets examine.  Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Pie-see-you!  Actually, that would be "Pica-you..."   In latin, Picea is the word for spruce and it just happens to be the focus of this week's episode of The Growing Season. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into all things spruce and the show kicks off in style, highlighting the "Baby Blue Eyes" spruce - the Ferrari of spruces. It's everything that you would want in a spruce.  The trio discover that the Baby Blue Eyes has been around for longer than they think. The Colorado Blue Spruce and The Japanese Maple are the plants that EVERY client wants on their site. What is a Koster Blue Spruce?   What is a Moerheim Spruce?   What is a Hoopsii Blue Spruce? That's a lot of spruce.How big is your property?  Can it accommodate a spruce? Matt talks about Muscle Cars. They also talk about Sugar Maples.The oldest spruce resides in Sweden and its not a good looking spruce by any means.  Google "Old Tjikko."Can you grow a Spruce in a container? What about planting procedures with regards to spruce?  Is there a specific way of planting them? Many spruce needles are almost square - 4 sided even. What is "Needlecast?" Are there any "Needlecast" resistant spruce? What is a Norway Spruce? SPRUCE WANT SUN!    LOTS OF SUNNNN!!!!What is a Serbian Spruce.   Unique would be a great descriptor...Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE

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“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Does having Hostas in your garden “devalue” its aesthetic?  Some of Matt McFarland's clients think so. Hostas get their time in the shade on this week's episode of The Growing Season. A ditch in Jack and Lynne McFarland's neighbourhood kicks the show off. It's an interesting conversation. Bylaws, bees and blowing wind feature prominently. “Hostas are the queen of the shade”. Slugs lurk in the shadows and are the main enemy of the hosta. Slugs are also booze hounds. What!? Toads are terminators. How should you water Hostas?What is “windowing?” How would one window in a garden?Lynne details her intensive watering routine. Her water bill is going to be high. Empress Wu, Sum and Substance Bressingham Blue and Mouse Ears are discussion points with regards to Hosta varieties.  The original name for Hostas was Funkia. Who calls them that!?  It sounds like a 1970's trio.An "astilbe" area finds it way into a show about Hostas.  Trust us - it correlates. Wiggle the split and you get a ground cover - that's it.  The Touch Of Class Hosta is GUSHED about. What is "sporting" in horticulture?  The Red Ninja Hosta sounds DANGEROUS! Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE

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Shan, Kari, and Greg highlight harvest concerns such as maturity and pressure, rots, and late-season insect pressures.Host: Don SeifritSpeakers: Kari Peter, Shan Kumar, Greg KrawczykPhoto Credit: D. Seifrit and D. Weber, PSUMusic Credit: “The Raven and the Swan” by Josh Woodward is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License. Courtesy of FreeMusicArchive.orgMake sure you sign up to get notified of future Extension events for tree fruit growers! Sign UpFlight Seasonalities of Main Fruit Pests During the Growing Season

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“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Time waits for no one!Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland take an adventure on Gardening For The Ages on this week's episode of The Growing Season.How do the McFarlands design with an age group in mind?   Are there differences with how they design for the younger crowd as opposed to an older clientele.  The designers explain. Matt rants.  He gets angry. What is Monkshood?   Its really poisonous and can kill a small child.Belladonna is discussed.  Bird baths are also discussed and Matt is grossed out by them. Risers on steps, paving choices and many more design elements are correlated with the ages of their users. What is playground mulch?   How do you design in such a way that allows a young human to interact with bees without getting stung?Grass!   But its other meaning.The Venus Fly Trap is a wonderful way to introduce young people to plants. Does having extensive gardens narrow the market for those looking to buy said house? The top 5 gardens styles for adults are discussed. Why are boxwoods STILL being used?   STILL!!!  Matt discusses wooden planters. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE

Kitchen Garden: Join Peggy with Amy Turnbull from the London Middlesex Master Gardens to learn about getting the most out of the growing season with succession planting.  

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Yippie Kai Yay Mother Phloxer! Thanks to Bruce Willis' Die Hard for the opening of this week's episode of The Growing Season. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into all things Phlox on the second show of August 2026. Speaking of August - Summer is chugging along! Fall clothing and back to school advertising abounds.  Matt tells a story about a wonderful Canadian small business success story.  Bindweed has been a HUGE problem this year.  The trio discuss its insurgence.  River pebbles are a MAINTENANCE nightmare.   "Honeydew," with regards to insects, is all about poop. Plant phlox to attract hornets and wasps and they'll do the pest control for you.  Seriously.  Phlox are native to North America.  In fact, they are a Canadian export. You gotta do a whole lot wrong to have a birch fail to thrive...White Eyes Flame Series Phlox seem to grow to unimaginable heights on The McFarland's property. Phlox need air circulation.  FULL STOP. Don't plant phlox anywhere near Bee Balm.  Phlox do not like coffee or tea grounds as a soil amendment.  Companion plants for phlox?  We gotchu covered. Matt highlights how to bloom bomb using astilbe - a plant noted for short bloom times. Jack bonked Lynne over the head on their first prehistoric date...Franz Schubert...Matt gushes. What's the difference between a Cottage Garden and a Country Cottage Garden?Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!You're no daisy at all!Doc Holiday's famous line from "Tombstone" is the jumping off point for this week's show.Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland turn The Growing Season's focus to all things Daisy on this week's episode of the show. Strange old sayings kick the show off.  "Its enough to stick in your eye..." WHAT?Daisies, asters and coneflowers are all related.  HOW?  Matt discusses IPM - integrated pest management and how he's teaching his class about such things. LEUCANTHEMUM X SUPERBUM!!!  Lets giggle. The trio discuss nitrogen fixing plants.  Its a remarkable little ability. Are there blue daisies?   Why isn't this colour more prominent in flowers? Bees and daisies are highlighted. What is a "Country Cottage Garden?"TEA-RANNOSAURUS REX!!!Daisies were in use in gardens 4200 years ago.  You read that right.  The history of this little floral favourite unfolds. Matt searches his tired mind for the name of a plant. He finally finds it.  The plant, not his mind. Jack LOVES some of the new shrubs Matt is storing at his place.  The McFarlands cannot get butterfly bush to survive the winter. Daisies are ranked by popularity. Speaking of popular, Jack prompts Matt to tell a story about a REALLY popular coneflower. What is sneezeweed? Why is it called sneezeweed?Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

California pistachio growers could be facing one of the smallest crops in years after an unusually warm spring disrupted pollination across much of the Central Valley. The outlook was the focus of a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, where crop advisor and pistachio industry leader Rich Kreps discussed the challenges shaping the 2026 crop and what growers can expect moving forward. Kreps said the extreme heat experienced during bloom created significant pollination issues, particularly in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Because pistachio pollen becomes less viable when temperatures climb above approximately 85 degrees during bloom, many orchards are now showing unexpectedly high percentages of blank nuts. "We went from over 1.5 billion pounds last year," Kreps said. "I've heard estimates ranging from around 900 million pounds down to as low as 600 million pounds. We've almost dropped to a third of the market from last year." While the smaller crop is expected to tighten supplies, Kreps said processors will likely work to moderate price increases in an effort to maintain long-term consumer demand. California pistachios have seen tremendous growth in both domestic and international markets, and he believes keeping the product affordable remains important. He also emphasized the nutritional value of pistachios, noting they provide all nine essential amino acids along with fiber and other important nutrients, helping fuel continued consumer interest. Harvest is expected to begin about a week earlier than normal in many growing regions. However, Kreps said some growers may intentionally delay harvest slightly to avoid making multiple passes through orchards. A single harvest can reduce costs while minimizing stress on trees and preserving buds needed for next year's crop. Beyond this season, Kreps said growers continue making progress in reducing the dramatic "alternate bearing" cycle historically associated with pistachios. Newer varieties such as Golden Hills and Lost Hills, combined with improved fertility and post-harvest nutrition programs, are helping produce more consistent yields from year to year. "If you get the nutrition right," Kreps explained, "I think you dramatically decrease your alternate bearing." He added that maintaining healthier trees allows growers to achieve more stable production rather than experiencing extreme swings between heavy and light crop years. The discussion also touched on global pistachio markets. Despite uncertainty surrounding production in competing regions, Kreps said California remains the world's leader in quality and innovation. He believes expanding international demand, coupled with continued investment in orchard management, positions the state's pistachio industry for long-term success even after a difficult 2026 season. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Watch the video version here:https://youtu.be/dKgeGbLz5C4On this episode:

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Its all about the Lily!This week's episode of The Growing Season dives, head first, into one of the most popular plant groups in your gardens.Whether they're Asiatic, Oriental or Daylilies, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland highlight their wondrousness.  Matt gives an update on The McFarland's new kitten. What is the difference between a Lily and a Daylily? The McFarland Query System makes its triumphant return. How do you stretch out your lilies's bloom time? Matt discusses an upcoming heritage home design. What are "window counterweights?"  The trio discuss plants that are misnamed. Daylilies will thrive in any soil type.  What about light situation? Jurassic Park references are always welcome. The science of extending bloom is discussed. Daylilies allow you to design with texture.  Jack and Matt detail how. What are "Children Of The Wind?"  A "Japaleaf Maple" is created. Elegant Candy and Strawberry Candy Daylilies are AMAZING!Vibrant coloured and pastel coloured day lilies cap the show off. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Something smells....GOOD!That's right - the focus of this week's episode of The Growing Season is designing a garden with fragrance in mind. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into all things smelly and they're not talking about Matt!Matt has a new member of the family and he explains the addition of the new addition. Bill Reid roses kick the show off in style.  If you've never heard of these roses Google them immediately. The difference in temperature between Algonquin Park and Bolton, Ontario is discussed.  Do women have a better sense of smell than men? Fragrance and pollinators are linked.  How?   You'll be surprised to find out. The trio's favourite smells are discussed.  HINT: look up Pinus mugo pumilo. Roses, hydrangea, lilac, lavender, lemon grass, citronella and more are just some of the plants that get some air time on the show. Moon gardens.  How would one go about creating one of these horticultural wonders. Sweet William!   THEY SMELL GREAT! Roses do not effectively repel mosquitos.  We did not know that. Climbing hydrangea take a LONG TIME to get established.  LIKE, A LONG TIME! Sam Neill is honoured. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

Kari, Shan, and Greg highlight what to do while the thermometers top out. Leaf sampling, fire blight protection, and insect monitoring are all on the docket.Host: Don SeifritSpeakers: Kari Peter, Shan Kumar, Greg KrawczykPhoto Credit: K. Peter, PSUMusic Credit: “The Raven and the Swan” by Josh Woodward is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License. Courtesy of FreeMusicArchive.orgMake sure you sign up to get notified of future Extension events for tree fruit growers! Sign UpFlight Seasonalities of Main Fruit Pests During the Growing Season

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!ITS ALL ABOUT THE LONGER GAME! In part 2 of Long Bloomers, The McFarlands dive into the perennials and annuals that round out the group.  Its a fast paced, lengthly list that will have you inspired to design. Matt gushes about his son getting his first pair of workbooks. "What do you consider a long bloomer when it comes to perennials?"ROZANNE PERENNIAL GERANIUM!!!   Lets do it again. IT BLOOMS FOR 16 - 18 weeks.  You read that right!Dicentra formosa 'luxuriant.' AWESOME, just AWESOME.  Matt details his concerns with this long bloomer.  It's not a game changer but there is some caution necessary. This would be one of Tinkerbelle's favourite plants. Lynne details Bleeding Heart varieties. Phlox - the colours are to die for.  Jack highlights the awesomeness of these perennials. You have to see the "Sunset Coral Phlox" to believe it. The City Garden Black Eyed Susie is amazing but really tough to get.What is a "spike garden?"Jack takes great delight in knocking Yarrow.  Why? He doesn't knock sedum and he's right not to!Corepsis is a really cool perennial.  You'll find out why. Matt stopped using Lavender but he thinks that's about to change.  You'll hear the story. The Adobe Orange Sombrero Coneflower works The McFarlands into a lather.  Clematis caps the show off.Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

Top agriculture headlines this week include the start of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement review process and updates from the field as the growing season reaches a critical stage. Farmer sentiment weakened in June as high input costs continued to pressure producers. Today's episode also covers what the USMCA review process could mean for North American trade, the latest on New World screwworm and what growers should be watching as corn enters reproductive stages. This week's interview is with Mitchell Hora, founder and CEO of Continuum Ag, who breaks down the USDA's long-awaited guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. He explains what the final rules mean for farmers, how carbon intensity scores may unlock new revenue opportunities, which conservation practices qualify and what producers should do now as biofuel companies prepare to roll out participation programs. Stay connected with us for daily agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Its all about the LONG GAME! Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the trees and shrubs that bloom for an INSANELY long time on this week's episode of The Growing Season.How long is long for a tree to bloom?   You'd be surprised to learn. Matt discusses how his students LOVE derailing him during lectures.  They love to rev him up and watch him go. "There are more flowers than there are blades of grass" on the McFarland's property.  Mugho Pines, Emerald Gaety Euonymus and everything 1980's comes into the fore. Rank these trees from 1 - 3: Royalty Crabapple, Crimson King Maple, Obelisk Beech.  Lynne takes the challenge. Define an "annual..." Matt tries. Are Ivory Silk Lilac's long bloomers?   The trio debate.   What defines a "long bloomer" in a tree? Weigela, weigela, weigela.... OHHHHH BABY!What is a Century Plant?  How about a Corpse Plant? Greybeard returns...Temperature can effect the amount of time a tree blooms.Matt tells a story about some lovely flowering dogwood trees and the shock and awe of a specific variety. "Is the juice worth the squeeze?"Lets hang out in the rose department for a little while.  Some are Oso Easy!Speaking of the 1980's - Potentilla is a classic that still pops. Why doesn't The Growing Season use Butterfly Bush? Hydrangeas cap the show off in style. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!We know that many things bloom in June, but it behooves us to highlight some of the lesser known plants.  The Growing Season are over the moon for the June blooms on this week's show.Matt's adoration of June Cleaver is touched on.  He still has a crush.   Is the name June still popular? What is the Summer Solstice and why is it important? The Campfire Rose is one that many clients rave about.  Why?  Jack, Lynne and Matt discuss the reasons.Temperature and excessive growth are correlated.  What controls flower bloom in a plant? Ligularias are an insane option for shade.  Matt explains why.  Purple in shade?   Yes please!!!  Should you cut the blooms off your Hosta?   You'll surprised to learn what you should be doing with them leafy leafers.Jack has a sick Ivory Silk Lilac.  Why is it sick? What is a pop up emitter?  Matt explains. Aesculus hippocastanum... Say what? Silverleaf dogwood and Variegated weigela are some Growing Season favourites. Speaking of weigelas - why all the fuss?  Matt doesn't want to talk about Peonies.  NOT. AT. ALL!  What is an ITOH Peony? GET A ROZANNE PERENNIAL GERANIUM!   JUST DO IT!Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

Shan walks through early peach varieties nearing harvest and two distinct fruit size classes that may ripen a week or two apart. Kari digs into summer rot season.Host: Don SeifritSpeakers: Kari Peter, Shan KumarPhoto Credit: J. Harper, PSUMusic Credit: “The Raven and the Swan” by Josh Woodward is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License. Courtesy of FreeMusicArchive.orgMake sure you sign up to get notified of future Extension events for tree fruit growers! Sign UpFlight Seasonalities of Main Fruit Pests During the Growing Season

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!GO BIG OR GO...BIGGER.Yup!  That's the deal this week.  Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland talk about "Aircraft Carriers" - their slang for insanely large shade trees.MORE gardens for the McFarlands, and this time its Lynne's fault.  There's some new tree-tech about to hit the McFarland household. The benefits of having large shade trees as part of your landscape are explored. The largest tree on the planet is?  Jack and Matt debate the damage of the spongy moth vs. some of the other legendary pest epidemics. Why don't we use Ash any more.  It'll make you sad. Matt talks about Dinsey's "Lady and the Tramp."  What is the trifecta of suffering in trees?DON'T PLANT NORWAY MAPLES! How do tree's survive a lightning strike?Matt tells a story about birds getting wicked drunk. A new character makes their debut on the show. Matt rants about improper landscape practices involving trees. WHY CAN'T WE GET FERNS TO GROW UNDER TREES?Mugho Pines, if you please. Containers vs. wire baskets becomes a debate. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Rockeries and alpines are on your plate this week!  It'll be tough chew on this week's episode of The Growing Season. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland are all about AC/DC - they are about to rock, they have rocked, they would like you to rock with them...Shall we!?A modern-classic build kicks off the show.  Matt draws elements from what Jack was doing in the 1970's and 1980's.What is the purpose of rock in a landscape?  There are TON of reasons to use it and the trio highlight the myriad of why. What is the life expectancy of rock in a landscape situation? What is "feather rock?"The construction of a stone wall, in all its mathy glory, features. What is a gravity wall?Moss on rock is a popular choice for clients.  How do you ensure that the moss remains on your stone? Greek yogurt, beer and moss - a match made in heaven.  We'll tell you why. What fertilizer is appropriate for rock gardens?   Lynne details how to weed a rock garden.  BEWARE of slippery surfaces. How would one prune the plant materials in their rock garden? Plants that would tolerate a rock garden environment are detailed. Mugho pine is pulled from the 1980's and into the spotlight. Tiger eyes sumac are GORGEOUS!   Have you ever used them? Ferns cap the show off...Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!On this week's episode of The Growing Season, the McFarland's say hello to yellow.One of the most divisive colours, Jack, Lynne, and Matt discussed using yellow in landscape, designs and installs.Matt details and interesting estimating exercise that he's been doing with his students at Humber College.From the design perspective, yellow can overwhelm a space if used in copious amounts.Black Eyed Suzie's, Yarrow and Marigold‘s are just some of the plants that the trio dive into off the top of the show.Evergreens carpet bomb when they pollinate. And that bombing, is just about to begin.What is the purpose of the yellow and black colouration on wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and bees? Matt tells a hilarious story about his wife's classifications for these types of insects.Are yellow peppers the same as green peppers?Matt asserts that the dandelion crop in 2026 was smaller than its 2025 counterpart.Why do dandelions stems stand straight up despite being cut with the lawnmower? You'll be surprised to learn.Lynn sings. Uh-oh.Is there such thing as a deciduous conifer? How could that be?The McFarland‘s don't use golden chain tree all that much. Why is that? They investigate.A rundown of the top yellow fall colour happens.Not many people know what a Ligularia is. It deserves some recognition.Have you ever heard of Evening Primrose? You'll want to listen in if you haven't.The TGS crew discuss a perennial that is virtually impossible to find.Matt hates Forsythia. But could there be a way that those feelings change? You'll find out. Lemon Princess Spirea gets her time in the spotlight.Why don't more growing season designs feature Rhododendron and Azaleas?Tuberous begonias cap the show off in style.Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

We sit down with our Penn State tree fruit team to lay out the decision points hitting orchards right now: codling moth, bitter pit, and tree management.Host: Don SeifritSpeakers: Kari Peter, Shan Kumar, Greg KrawczykPhoto Credit: Kari Peter, PSUMusic Credit: “The Raven and the Swan” by Josh Woodward is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License. Courtesy of FreeMusicArchive.orgMake sure you sign up to get notified of future Extension events for tree fruit growers! Sign UpFlight Seasonalities of Main Fruit Pests During the Growing Season

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!It's our annual annual show that annually talks about annuals.Get out them trowels cuz its time to plant. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into annuals 2026 on this week's episode of The Growing Season. Matt has to walk his cat.  Its not by choice.  Otherwise its chaos. Why are annual geraniums called geraniums?  They aren't geraniums.  The McFarland's dive into the history of it. Matt tells a story about Jack and being eccentric old coot.  Geraniums figure prominently into this tale.Sourcing of annuals has become a challenge. "I don't think dahlias are as possible as they used to be...." This enrages Jack.  Annuals for HOT areas are discussed. Function over form in landscape design ALWAYS. What is a perfect container or pot to use for annuals?   The trio discuss. Angle grinders galore and how they figure into your annual adventures.  How to water is explored. Heat stress and water stress really effects impatiens.  Lynne outlines how to avoid this type of stress. Matt and Jack argue.John McLean was a client of Jack's and NOT the McLean you're thinking about. The annuals for sun and shade are explored. Begonias over impatiens ALL. THE. TIME. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!"It's Gonna Be May!!!"You can almost picture Justin Timberlake crooning it.On this weeks episode of The Growing Season, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the All-Stars of one of the most beautiful months on the calendar." The mistakes of May" kick the show off in style.  Matt runs down the weather and why it may not be the right time to plant annuals outdoors.What do you do if you've bought your annuals and its going to get below freezing?Watering in spring vs. summer is explored.Climate Change vs. Global Warming is discussed. How to properly "harden off" tropical plants to acclimate them to the outdoors features.Matt rants against crabapples but Jack changes his mind on things.  FLAMETHROWERS and the 80's.  YEAH BABY!Jack discusses ornamental trees and an unlikely specimen is mentioned.  Jack has planted a bunch of these... Matt - not so much. Hawthorns are just some of the major all-stars of May. Matt highlights a way he makes sure he's planting in zone. Jack is having Japanese Maple problems. The McFarlands HANG OUT in Lilacville. Don't prune your candles.   WHAT? Speaking of what - is the economy rebounding?   Let's debate. Serviceberry get their moment in the sun to cap the show off. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Its all by design...Literally.Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland continue their Landscape Design chat on this week's episode of The Growing Season."95% of all designs need a tree, even on the small designs." Matt discusses why he feels this is the case.We have to bring down the immensity of the house - that's a Mattism.Lilacs, Baby Blue Eyes Spruce, Cumulus Serviceberry and Apollo Sugar Maples feature prominently in this chat. What is a Red Osier Dogwood and why is it important?Jack McFarland sees a fence and gets REALLY excited.  A fence area in shade and Jack dies a little bit. Clematis, morning glory, espaliers and more...  The trio discuss garden mirrors and how to use them.  Matt tells a sci-fi story. Matt's fear of poison plants effects his designs significantly.  Matt won't use Yews.  You's read that right - he won't use Yews.The use of epicurean plants must be designed with caution. Juglans nigra and its insanely effective way of reducing competition is discussed. The legendary Ginkgo biloba comes into focus. Daphne, Buckthorn, Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Poison Sumac are some plants to look out for. Everything is poisonous - what?What's better than one Contorted Corkscrew Hazel? 14!!!The show ends with a moment of silence. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.

Kari and Shan highlight the important things to consider over the next few days as the crop load for this year stabilizes. We discuss potential thinning decisions as well as disease management. Host: Don SeifritSpeakers: Kari Peter, Shan KumarPhoto Credit: Lindsay Brown, PSUMusic Credit: “The Raven and the Swan” by Josh Woodward is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License. Courtesy of FreeMusicArchive.orgMake sure you sign up to get notified of future Extension events for tree fruit growers! Sign UpFlight Seasonalities of Main Fruit Pests During the Growing Season

From spray coverage and rain timing to making block by block calls, Kari, Greg, and Shan focus what to do this year to protect what's left and what to do to prepare for next year.Host: Don SeifritSpeakers: Kari Peter, Shan Kumar, Greg KrawczykPhoto Credit: Shan Kumar, PSUMusic Credit: “The Raven and the Swan” by Josh Woodward is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License. Courtesy of FreeMusicArchive.orgMake sure you sign up to get notified of future Extension events for tree fruit growers! Sign UpFlight Seasonalities of Main Fruit Pests During the Growing Season

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Let's design, shall we?The Growing Season discusses a major facet of their horticultural business on this week's episode of the show.  Strap in.  Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland talk about step 1 of your horticultural renovation. Martial Arts kicks off the show.  Matt's daughter is learning to break boards with her feet. Design work from last fall = construction work for this spring.  That's the play. The design process when engaging with The Growing Season is a long one BUT it reaps rewards down the line.  Matt explains why.Delivery fees for materials are going to increase this year?  Why?Matt cues the rant music when discussing design fees and his feelings regarding "hardscapers." Whatever the size of the patio that you feel would suit you isn't big enough.  Trust us.  150% of the time it isn't big enough.  The trio explain why.  You need 3' of space behind any patio chair for traffic flow. "Design with the future in mind..."Repetition of plant materials in a garden space breeds familiarity between spaces. Matt has some GORGEOUS jobs upcoming. Soil, soil and more soil. What is the average pH on client's sites? Plants for wet sites and plants for dry sites are discussed.  Some of those that tolerate wet locations will surprise you.Black Eyed Susie, Joe Eye Weed, Iris, Day lily, Pussy Willow, Dogwood, Clethras, Climbing Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Butterfly Bush and Japanese Kerria are just some of the plants discussed. Matt narrows his fern palette to one family. Its a good family.Irrigation is not for startup.  It is for maintenance. Garden Design do's and don'ts are uncovered. How do you determine what your shade/light conditions are on your property?How much time do you have to devote to gardening and what is your budget?Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!The drums of war can be heard on lawns throughout the country.That's right.  They're coming... The silent insurgence will rob you of your verdant green carpet and replace it with a votive of yellow blooms. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into weed warfare on this week's episode of The Growing Season. Rats have become a problem in gardens across the country and the trio dive into why this is.  The problem is on the rise this year. Matt details his Ragdoll Cat's new patrol route.  Its been modified this season.   He's now inspecting the interiors of homes in an effort to keep the neighbourhood safe. How do you create a "leaf mould cage?"  Why do worms dot the sidewalks when its been rainy outside?"All the weeds that show up in the spring got their start last fall..." - Jack McFarlandMatt rants about crabgrass and biological control.  What's the correlation between lawns and white clover?Topdressing comes into focus.Matt is going to be bringing Humber College students to jobsites. Stigmas surrounding interlock lead into a discussion about weeding your flowerbeds. Don't mulch a flowerbed in its first season.  Just don't. Edging a bed comes down to C=C.  Construction = cash. Mothers Day presents are discussed. "Up, down, all around" is a great way to remember what the different fertilizer numbers mean. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.

A late April freeze might seem like a single bad night, but what we're seeing across Pennsylvania orchards is a season-long management puzzle. Kari, Shan, and Greg outline what's important in a challenging year.Host: Don SeifritSpeakers: Kari Peter, Shan Kumar, Greg KrawczykPhoto Credit: Lindsay Brown, PSUMusic Credit: “The Raven and the Swan” by Josh Woodward is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License. Courtesy of FreeMusicArchive.orgMake sure you sign up to get notified of future Extension events for tree fruit growers! Sign UpFlight Seasonalities of Main Fruit Pests During the Growing Season

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Lets do it again, shall we?  Picking up where last week's show left off, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland put a final cut on their spring pruning series for 2026.The show starts with a marijuana chat.  What? Bear cubs abound in Canada and Matt takes the time to make a joke about hibernating. Platypus...Matt gushes. TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER!A broken tree leader times three finishes off a talk from last week. Mark Banks cost a company bank.What does the tree leader do in regards to the operating system of the tree?   It's fascinating. Field tags on trees prompt a conversation with Matt.What happens if you don't remove your tree's winter sweater? Matt explains.Sun scald frost crack is discussed. Lets prune a clematis together.  There are some rules and the McFarlands go over the ins and outs.Don't prune when you're high!   DANGEROUS!Roses and their various family members are discussed.  There was a stigma surrounding roses that seems to have faded.  Why?Morden Manitoba is a hotbed for rose development.  Why again? The prunus family and their pruning requirements comes into focus. Jack tells a peach tree story.What is "open pruning?" MATT HATES BLUEBERRY PLANTS!!! HATTTTEESSSS. Currents and white pine.   UH-OH.  You'll find out why.The difference between raspberry plants cap the show off. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.

What to expect during planting and the summer growing season alongside top agriculture headlines, including updates on a sterile fly facility in Texas and global ag news, are heard in this week's episode. This week's agriculture news also covers cattle industry updates, including what to know about the New World screwworm parasite, as well as potential increased oversight of lab-grown protein products. Additional headlines include USDA farmer aid totaling $9 billion, renewed momentum on the farm bill and updates on drone regulations. A weekly market update, crop progress report, and weather insights are also included. Two interviews are included this week. First, Jeff Moon, market development specialist with Corteva Agriscience, shares a five-program approach to weed management. With shifts in the weed landscape, he offers practical tips for growers heading into the season. In today's second interview, Eric Snodgrass, ag meteorologist with Nutrien Ag Solutions, discusses what growers can expect in the months ahead, including current conditions and summer outlooks as of late April. Stay connected with us for daily agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!The McFarland's guide The Growing Season into the three groups of Clematis and how/when to prune them.  Its a simple little chat that makes things easy to understand.  Enjoy!Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE. 

Don, Kari, Greg, and Shan walk through the overnight freeze and the chain reaction it triggers across fruit set, disease risk, and insect timing in our  orchards. We share what to scout first, what to spray only when it makes sense, and how to protect pollinators while the weather keeps changing.Host: Don SeifritSpeakers: Kari Peter, Shan Kumar, Greg KrawczykPhoto Credit: Sara Serra, PSUMusic Credit: “The Raven and the Swan” by Josh Woodward is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License. Courtesy of FreeMusicArchive.orgMake sure you sign up to get notified of future Extension events for tree fruit growers! Sign UpFlight Seasonalities of Main Fruit Pests During the Growing Season

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Lets get clippy, clippy, shall we?Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland prune off the crossers, rubbers, dead, broken, malformed and diseased part of your emerging plants on this week's episode of The Growing Season. Pruning is front and centre at this time of year and The McFarlands dive, secateurs first, into the subject. It's still too early to be out in the gardens.  Its much too wet. Jack isn't listening to Matt, obviously. Why are fruit trees pruned in January/February?  The trio examine exactly why this happens.  The trees are just starting to show "bud swell."  What does that mean?Is this a good time to transplant trees?What is the difference, in appearance, between a leaf bud and a flower bud?Lynne discusses sharpening and disinfecting your pruning tools.  She has some cool tips.Matt contradicts himself and then gushes over a Contorted Corkscrew Witch hazel.  Ohh baby.  Sooo cool. Juglans nigra tops the list of "weirdo plants."  Open wounds or wombs.  There is a debate. Mountain Ash and their propensity for acquiring "fire blight" is discussed.  Pruning of Japanese Maples is an art.  Matt highlights the finer points. What is cambium and why is it important?  Top graft, top graft, top grafts... What?A spider web of pruning on Weeping Mulberries sparks a tale. Repair of lightning damage on trees closes the show out. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!POP QUIZ TIME!!!Matt McFarland is about to teach a course on turf at Humber College and decided that his students' first assignment could be incorporated into this week's episode of The Growing Season. The McFarland's dive into some wonderful, and unknown, facts regarding that green carpet that covers your lawn. Jack kicks off the show with a "new age" discussion that sends the start off on a tangent. What is "No Mow May?"  Its a popular idea and the TGS trio dive into it. The pros and cons of this little event are highlighted. When is the proper time to start cutting your lawn?  The ins and outs of fertilizer become a topic of focus.  What do the various numbers mean?Slow release is only for nitrogen.  WHAT!?Photosynthesis...ROIGHT!  Gypsum is an industry secret that is revealed to y'all.A pH reset! What is an aerator?  What is a dethatcher?Grass takes in carbon and expels oxygen.  Its a pretty beneficial plant. Everything plus the carbon sink is highlighted. Comparisons and contrasts between artificial turf and natural turf come into focus.Can we eliminate the use of fertilizer altogether?What are the wildflowers that grow in your lawn that are the first foods for our pollinators? Matt RANTS.  Nematodes to the rescue...Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.

While it might still be chilly in other parts of the country our growing season is off and to the races. 2:50 And so it begins. 8:23 What we still don't know (red blotch discussion). 16:10 Gift and Curse of a Long Season. 23:34 Community and Camaraderie.Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and follow us on our social networks @mtgawines (YouTube, Instagram, The Book of Face and the Social Network Formerly Known as Twitter)MTGA Wines: www.mtgawines.comBlaire Payton Wines: www.blairepaytonwines.com

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!DON'T EAT THOSE CHOCOLATE RAISINS. Its that time of year that chocolate raisins, aka Bunny Poop, comes into focus horticulturally. The largest bunny of them all appears this weekend - The EASTER BUNNY.Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland detail what Easter means to their family.  Jack and Lynne have an especially important event tied to the Easter weekend. The tree that gives chocolate is the first in line at the horticultural party. The TGS trio highlight its history. The "midge fly" has a major role in chocolate and Matt asserts that Easter's prototypical creature needs to be reassessed. Easter and Australia is discussed.  What is a Nelly White? Why are we talking about Komodo dragons?Where are Easter Lily's grown? How do you care for them when they find their way into your home?  Lynne details the how-to.A brand new gadget could be the key to perfect tropical plant watering.Lynne eats.  Matt vomits. Forced air and radiators in homes tie into the care of your Easter plants. Chrysanthemum, poinsettias, deciduous trees and soya beans factor into a discussion. A brand new hydrangea variety is created on the fly.  Speaking of hydrangeas, getting all sciency with their bloom colour caps the show off.How do you "harden off" an easter hydrangea to allow it to be transplanted into your flower beds.Can you plant dahlia bulbs right now?Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

Message date: March 29, 2026 ★ Support this podcast ★

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!No!   It's not Halloween yet. But, "THEY'RE HERE!"  That famous line uttered in Steven Spielberg's 1982 classic "Poltergeist" becomes the jumping off point for this week's episode of The Growing Season. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into all the horticultural items that are current emerging at this time of the year. "This is not the time to be out on job sites..."   We know, its a downer BUT that doesn't mean we can't talk about what's to come...Movie trivia kicks the show off.  With the amount of snow and cold that gripped the GTA this winter passed are we to expect a reduced amount of Japanese Beetles this season? The McFarlands discuss.Matt has some news with regards to Humber College.What pollinators emerge first?  You'd be surprised to learn.  Matt discusses "No Mow May" and its pros and cons. Trilliums and ants.  There's a link.  Let's uncover it. Tundra Swans.  WHAT?  Some birds make a 90,000km trip to return to our borders in the spring.  Why do certain birds migrate and others don't?Why does Daylight Savings Time exist?  Why is it still being used?Migration is driven by nature, not by bird feeders.Which birds return to our trees first in the earliest parts of the spring?Ravens are remarkably intelligent.Plants that "bloom on old wood" need to be pruned at a specific time.  The McFarlands discuss. The trio's favourite flowering spring plants are revealed. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

In this episode of The Vibe, WFMJ Today's Nicole Kapalko and Steve Vesey catch up with Parks Garden Center owner Tim Parks about gardening in the Mahoning Valley and preparing for growing season in the Mahoning Valley.

Sam Taylor, farm input analyst with Rabobank, on current fertilizer availability and what it means for producers. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agriculture news this week shares ag groups E15 and USMCA priorities for farmers, USDA updates and an interview discussing what growers should consider as they plan for the upcoming season. Top agriculture headlines from across the country include the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council expected to submit proposals by February 15, with lawmakers aiming for an agreement by the end of the month. A new report outlines the agricultural impact of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, while Donald Trump's tariffs face renewed scrutiny in the U.S. House. Additional agricultural policy news covers updates to farmer payments, increased scrutiny of USDA data and the U.S. expanding beef imports from Argentina following an executive order signed last week. Looking ahead to the start of the growing season, Eric Scherder, Ph.D., U.S. crop protection technical lead at Corteva Agriscience, joins the podcast for this week's interview discussing how growers can approach weed control and herbicide programs in an economically challenging year. He emphasizes using an integrated strategy that combines herbicides with cultural practices, such as cover crops, to create an effective and flexible plan regardless of crop or geography. The conversation also highlights his background and appreciation for science and agriculture in this first interview of the Why Enlist series, featuring agronomy and crop leaders. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!