The Growing Season, Nov. 1, 2025 - Garden Challenges 2025

“Questions, concerns, queries?” Lets chat!Challenge accepted!!!With the horticultural season wrapping up, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the challenges they faced this year on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. Winter 2025 kicks off the show’s content.  How did it feed into this summer’s water table?A rainy May and then blistering heat for the remainder of the summer.  Do you remember how HOT it was?There were 18 days of temps above 30 celsius BEFORE the humid in summer 2025. What is the “litter layer” of your topsoil? What are “hydrophobic soils?” The trio discuss the challenges of landscape builds during insanely hot temperatures. Matt discusses not feeling good enough. Transplant shock mixed with high heat is a recipe for uh-oh.Norway Maples and why you shouldn’t plant them are highlighted.  It ties into baseball. FFF or Frost Free Days become an interesting topic.  The number of frost free days affects when you can start planting and stop planting. Matt has sooooo many clients with garden hoses that ABSOLUTELY SUCK!  Matt talks about what to look for in a garden hose. The trio update Jack’s health.  Shade/light conditions and their ever changing illumination on-sites frustrates landscape designers. “Its irresponsible to design cedars onto a landscape plan…”Step riser heights and tread depths become more of a focus for elderly people. What is a “pop up emitter?”  The trio explain. 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.