farmer fred

Explore "farmer fred" with insightful episodes like "291 Top 10 Habits of Successful Gardeners", "290 More Greenhouse Basics", "289 Garlic Basics. Persimmons. Fall Garden Cookbook.", "287 Fall Berry Care. Debbie Explains Stuff." and "282 The Cut & Come Again Food Garden" from podcasts like ""Garden Basics with Farmer Fred", "Garden Basics with Farmer Fred", "Garden Basics with Farmer Fred", "Garden Basics with Farmer Fred" and "Garden Basics with Farmer Fred"" and more!

Episodes (10)

291 Top 10 Habits of Successful Gardeners

What are the habits of successful gardeners? A couple of Master Gardeners from Santa Clara and San Joaquin Counties, in California pursued that question awhile back. They discovered several tips and tricks that seasoned, happy gardeners use for garden success. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, and myself share their top ten habits of Successful and Happy Gardeners with you, along with our thoughts that take us down, yet again, many scenic bypasses of good gardening information. You might want to listen to this episode more than once, maybe read the transcript as well. Or take notes. Debbie says there’s a good chance a lot of this will be on the final exam. I’m just sayin’…

It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: A Successful Garden

Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors!

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Topic Links:

Top Ten Habits of Successful Gardeners: Pt. 1
Top Ten Habits of Successful Gardeners: Pt. 2
Book: Pruning and Training
Podcast: Ep. 79 Seed Starting Tips. Reusing old potting soil.
Farmer Fred Rant Blog: Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects
Brooklyn Botanical Garden: Cut Flower Care
Flashback Episode of the Week: #247 Trees vs. Storms
Hedgerow California Native Plants to Attract Beneficials
FloraLife Flower Food
Brooklyn Botanical Garden: Cut Flower Care
Flashback Episode of the Week: #247 Trees vs. Storms

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/
Twitter/X: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question?

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964.

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

en-usNovember 10, 2023

290 More Greenhouse Basics

Before the weather chases you back indoors, maybe it’s time you considered a greenhouse to continue your gardening year round: a greenhouse is perfect for starting seeds, maintaining tropical or semi tropical plants such as citrus or orchids, a place to keep your potted plants alive and well in the winter, or growing vegetables year round.

We talk with Mark Seibert of Sturdi-Built greenhouses in Oregon about the questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a greenhouse. Originally aired in June of 2020, this primer on greenhouses includes: tips for installing water and electricity ; tips on installing a foundation; flooring ideas; choosing the right door; ventilation tips; and, things to consider if you're thinking of a lean-to greenhouse, one that attaches to the side of your house.

Plus, in an interview that has never aired on the Garden Basics podcast, we get more greenhouse tips from David Branca of Conley’s Greenhouse Manufacturing and Sales in Montclair, California.

We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.

Pictured: Sturdi-Built Trillium Greenhouse

Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors!

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Topic Links:

Website: Sturdi-Built greenhouses
Website: Conley’s Greenhouses

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"

Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question?

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964.

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

en-usNovember 03, 2023

289 Garlic Basics. Persimmons. Fall Garden Cookbook.

In many parts of the country, it’s garlic planting time. Debbie Flower and I talk about many aspects of growing backyard garlic. (at 1:25 of podcast)

Plus we talk with fruit tree expert Phil Pursel about growing and harvesting persimmons in the fall. (16:26)

And Master Gardener Kathy Morrison has fall recipes made from your cool season backyard crops, especially apples. (26:40)

We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots, and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Harvest of California Early White Garlic

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Oct. 27, 2023 Newsletter: “How to Stake a New Tree”
Jan. 2023 Newsletter Flashback: “Drain That Rain”

Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors!
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
HeirloomRoses.com Add the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount (good until 10/31/23)

Topic Links:

Catalog: Filaree Farm (garlic)
Book: Growing Great Garlic
Book: The Complete Book of Garlic
Book: Propagating Plants
Website: Sacramento Digs Gardening Fall Cookbook
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/
Twitter/X: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question?

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics
• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964.
• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net
• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

en-usOctober 27, 2023

287 Fall Berry Care. Debbie Explains Stuff.

Fall Berry Care (1:58 of podcast)
Debbie Flower Explains Stuff I Had Questions About (18:33)

We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory (and on location at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center). It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots, and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Blackberries

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Oct. 13, 2023 Newsletter: Fall Berry Care. Debbie Explains
Flashback Episode: #182 Growing Raspberries, Boysenberries, Blackberries

Please Support Our Sponsors!

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
HeirloomRoses.com Add the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount (good until 10/31/23)

Topic Links:

Growing Blackberries (University of California)
How to Determine if Old Seeds are Viable (U. of Wisconsin)

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/
Twitter/X: @farmerfred

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question?

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

en-usOctober 13, 2023

282 The Cut & Come Again Food Garden

Renee Shepherd of Renee’s Garden talks about the "cut and come again" leafy green garden, how anyone can be enjoying fresh lettuce, spinach, chard, cabbage and other nutritious greens on a daily basis, no matter how small your yard.

Want to make your own mulch? We have tips for purchasing a chipper/shredder - the features that it should have for a hassle-free experience.

It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots, and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Cut & Come Again Greens

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Sept. 8, 2023 Newsletter: What is Organic Gardening?
Flashback Episode: #236 Deer Control, Fruit vs. Heat, Shredder/Vac

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

ReneesGarden.com
cut & come again food garden (video)
Cut & Come Again Greens
Indoor Grow Lights
JB’s Power Equipment, Davis, CA
BCS Chipper Shredder
Other Chipper/Shredders

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"

Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question?

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964.

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

en-usSeptember 08, 2023

268 Ant Invasion Solutions and Winning Food Preservation Secrets

Tired of pesky ants ruining your garden beds and invading your home? Join us as we chat with Debbie Flower, America's favorite retired college horticultural professor, who shares her personal formula for getting rid of these unwanted pests. We'll uncover the secrets of boric acid ant bait and explore why it's crucial for it to reach the queen in order to wipe out the entire colony.

We also have a conversation with Master Food Preserver and State Fair Food Judge, Wendy Rose. Discover how to save an early partial harvest for delicious recipes later in the season and learn the insider tips to winning big with your jams, jellies, and preserves at county and state fair competitions. If you're looking to snag some awards, don't miss this episode!

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Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.

Pictured: Greenway Liquid Ant Killing Bait, KM AntPro Liquid Ant Bait Station

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Flashback: Ep. 197 Compost Tea Explained

Debbie Flower’s Recipe for Ant Control
CA State Fair Canning Competition Guide
UC Master Food Preserver Program

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/
Twitter: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question?
• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics
• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964.
• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net
• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

en-usJune 02, 2023

266 Cucumber Growing Basics

According to one recent national poll of backyard gardeners, cucumbers are the second favorite crop for growing. In a poll conducted by the National Gardening Association, 86% of gardeners cited growing tomatoes as their favorite, and cucumbers came in number 2.

We’ve talked about tomatoes extensively on this podcast. But, how do you grow and enjoy cucumbers? We’ve got the varieties, the growing techniques, the harvesting tips and advice on how to get rid of the bitterness of certain cucumbers. America’s favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, is an avowed fan of the cucumber, so who better to turn to for cucumber growing basics.

Plus, have you ever wondered how bees communicate to the other bees that they’ve found a site filled with pollen-rich plants? They do the waggle dance! We talk to a bee expert who has studied these dance moves.

It’s all in today’s episode 266, Cucumber Growing Basics. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: slicing cucumber

Flashback Ep. 151: How to Grow Popcorn, Pumpkins
Cucumber pest info from UC Ag & Natural Resources
cucumber seeds
The Honeybee Dance Language

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

Got a garden question?

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

en-usMay 19, 2023

255 To Repot or Not?

Since the name of the show is Garden Basics, let’s cover something that’s basic, but not necessarily easy or successful. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower walks us step by step through the topic of how to repot a plant. It’s not as simple as you might think, and we offer tips to make sure your repotting efforts are more successful.

Some Topics covered include:
• What is a sure fire way of knowing your plant has overgrown the pot? It’s a habit you should get into doing on a regular basis. (2:30)

• If a plant is overgrown in a pot, do you need to use a bigger pot? (4:23)

• What’s the easiest ways of removing a cramped plant from its pot? Debbie has a serious tool for the job, a garden implement that no gardener should be without. (5:27)

• Should you fertilize a newly repotted plant? (26:45)

We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Daphne Odora, Winter Daphne. Is it too big for the pot?

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/
Hori Hori knife
Soil Mixes For Container Gardening (UC)
UC Properties of Soil Mix Components
Farmer Fred Rant: Make Your Own Planting Mix
Dr. Linda Chalker Scott - Soil Structure and Functionality
Raffaele DiLallo author - “Houseplant Warrior”

All About Farmer Fred:
Farmer Fred website
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
Twitter: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

en-usMarch 03, 2023

252 Winter vs Summer Fruit Tree Pruning, Container Drainage, Cool Vegetables

Guest:
Quentyn Young, UC Master Gardener, Orchard Specialist, and Landscape Designer
Topics:
Winter vs Summer Fruit Tree Pruning (1:27)
Tips for Improving Container Drainage (10:17)
Unusual Cool Season Vegetables worth a try now (21:59)

We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Late UC Farm Advisor Chuck Ingels winter pruning a nectarine tree.

Broccolini
Chinese Broccoli
Sprouting Broccoli
Guylon Chinese Broccoli
Chioggia Beets
White Beets
Watermelon Radish
Icicle Radish
Black Spanish Radish
Salanova Lettuce
Dandelion Greens

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Twitter: @farmerfred

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question?

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964.

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

en-usFebruary 10, 2023

cool season vegetables

251 Garden Basics 2022 Greatest Hits Pt. 4 Spring Garden Tips, Live!

Welcome to Part 4 of our four part series, 2022’s greatest hits of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. The four parts include the top 10 most listened-to segments last year.

In part 1, in Ep. 248, we talked about how to grow tomatoes.

In part 2, in Episode 249, we talked with "Grow Now" author Emily Murphy about a way to build your soil without having to purchase bags of potting mix. It’s called lasagna gardening. And we visited with Master Gardener Pam Bone, with good tips for growing raspberries and boysenberries.

In Episode 250, it was a Debbie Flower extravaganza. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor discussed how to reuse old potting soil, tips for reducing water use in the yard, and a checklist for starting your first garden or a new garden.

Today in Part 4, just like every good rock group has a live album, we had a live podcast last Spring, at the Folsom, California Garden Club. It’s one of the most listened to podcasts of 2022,

Pictured: Debbie Flower at the Folsom Garden Club appearance

The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/
Twitter: @FarmerFred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question?

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

en-usFebruary 03, 2023