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PODCAST · leisure

Ask Grumpy

by Southern Living

Ask Grumpy, a podcast featuring Steve Bender, AKA Southern Living’s Grumpy Gardener is back for Season 4. For more than 30 years, Grumpy has been sharing advice on what to grow, when to plant, and how to manage just about anything in your garden. Tune in for episodes every Wednesday as Grumpy answers reader questions, solves seasonal conundrums, and provides need-to-know advice for gardeners with his very Grumpy sense of humor. Be sure to follow Ask Grumpy wherever you listen so you don't miss an episode.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed May 1, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Goodbye Spiky Vines

    Grumpy shares advice on how to remove spiky smilax vine for good, explains why black walnut trees produce toxins and which plants can thrive around them, and helps a reader revive a rescued camellia with browning leaves. Plus, the Plant of the Week: White Wedding Hydrangea. You can find us online...

  2. Save My Rosebush!

    Grumpy answers readers’ questions about planting Little Miss Figgy outdoors, shares tips for saving your rosebush from losing its leaves and blooms, and introduces the Plant of the Week: Red Diamond Loropetalum. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve…

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  3. Leggy Lavender

    In this episode, a listener from Northern Virginia asks for advice on decorating a pergola with colorful, blooming vines. Grumpy shares tips on how to prune lavender and offers guidance on saving your hawthorn. Plus, tune in to learn about the Plant of the Week: Kousa dogwood! You can find us...

  4. Grandma’s Gardenia Cuttings

    Grumpy talks passalong plants, offers expert advice on getting your amaryllis to bloom, and reveals the secrets to helping your hydrangeas thrive. Plus, don’t miss his Tip of the Week on how to grow hydrangeas from cuttings! You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy…

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  5. Shade-Loving Caladiums

    Grumpy helps a reader tackle stubborn sucker growth, shares his favorite shade-loving caladiums, and breaks down the different varieties of bell peppers. Plus, don’t miss his very special Tip of the Week! You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka...

  6. Crepe Myrtle Problems

    Grumpy tackles readers’ questions about choosing the best clover for your lawn, troubleshoots common crepe myrtle problems, and spotlights the Plant of the Week: the 'Diamond Spire' Gardenia. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy...

  7. Deer Resistant Plants

    In this episode, Grumpy shares his top deer-resistant plant picks for Florida gardens, discusses tree and shrub fertilizer, and delivers a hot tip you won’t want to miss for successful spring planting. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The...

  8. Groundhog Control

    On the Season 4 debut, Grumpy answers readers’ questions about what you can grow from seedling to tree in a wet area, shares plants that help keep groundhogs from digging, and introduces the Plant of the Week: 'Radiance' Abelia. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy...

  9. Grumpy on Wednesdays!

    Ask Grumpy is back for Season 4! Starting March 11, 2026, new episodes drop every Wednesday through April 29. In this eight-episode season, Steve Bender, also known as The Grumpy Gardener, answers your toughest gardening questions with his trademark wit and no-nonsense advice. From keeping deer…

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  10. Plant Your Maples!

    On the season finale of Ask Grumpy, a reader struggles with a dying Japanese Maple. Plus, the tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living…

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  11. Peak Planting Time

    What to know about daffodil bulbs. Plus, the tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael Onufrak -...

  12. Weed Control

    A reader has a weed dilemma. Plus, the gripe of the month. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael Onufrak -...

  13. Mulch Mania

    A reader asks about sowing seeds. Plus, Grumpy’s tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael…

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  14. Tomato Trauma

    A reader has concerns about their white-spotted tomatoes. Plus, the plant of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive...

  15. No Rose Without a Thorn

    A reader has a burning rose bush question. Plus, tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael…

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  16. It’s Time To Fertilize

    A reader struggles with wild petunias. Plus, the tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael…

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  17. Dogwood Dilemma

    A reader is stumped by their flowerless dogwoods. Plus plant of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer…

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  18. Goodbye Grasshoppers

    A reader needs help getting rid of grasshoppers. Plus, Grumpy’s gripe of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive...

  19. Soil Troubles

    A reader has a question about dying plants. Plus, the tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael...

  20. Crepe Myrtle Conundrum

    A reader needs help with their crepe myrtle. Plus, plant of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael...

  21. Bulb Blunders

    You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer Isaac Nunn - Recording Tech Learn…

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  22. Troublesome Tree

    A reader has questions on native plants. Plus, the plant pick of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer...

  23. Encore: Don’t Be Scared of Skinks

    The Grumpy Gardener helps a reader get over their fear of skinks. Plus, the Gripe of the week about feeding cats fruits and veggies. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM,...

  24. Encore: Vacation-Proofing Plants

    What happens if your Zone changes? Plus, Grumpy’s tip about how to care for plants while you’re away on vacation. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living...

  25. Prettiest House on the Block

    Grumpy helps a reader achieve beautiful curb appeal. Plus, the gripe of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive…

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  26. Plant Watering Tip

    A reader needs help finding a favorite plant. Plus, Grumpy’s tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer...

  27. Tree Troubles

    A reader deals with a beetle invasion. Plus, Grumpy’s plant of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer…

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  28. Very Violet

    Grumpy helps a reader with a lawn covered in African violets. Plus, the gripe of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie…

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  29. Creeper Control

    Grumpy helps a reader deal with wild vines. Plus, the tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael...

  30. Hydrangea Help

    Grumpy helps a reader navigate hydrangea issues. Plus, Grumpy’s gripe of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive...

  31. Plant of the Week

    Grumpy helps a reader with a plant that won’t bloom. Plus, why Grumpy loves this new plant. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie -...

  32. Rules of Rhubarb

    A reader has a question about growing rhubarb. Plus, Grumpy’s tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer...

  33. Crepe Murder Control

    A reader seeks help dealing with out-of-control crepe myrtle growth. Plus, Grumpy’s gripe of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie…

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  34. Tomatoes That Like It Hot

    Grumpy helps a reader grow tomatoes. Plus, the plant of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael…

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  35. Fido’s in the Flower Beds!

    A reader has a question about keeping dogs out of their flower beds. Plus, Grumpy’s tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie…

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  36. Azalea Support

    A reader has a question on replacing azaleas. Plus, Grumpy’s garden center gripe. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive…

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  37. Sayonara Stinkbugs

    A reader needs help killing weeds in the garden. Plus, a tip for killing stinkbugs. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive...

  38. A+ Patio Plants

    A reader asks for advice on finding the right plant for small outdoor spaces. Plus, a tip for controlling garden insects. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern...

  39. Sun Seekers

    A reader struggles with what to grow in their sun-drenched yard. Plus, Grumpy’s plant of the month. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie…

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  40. The Hydrangea Blues

    A reader seeks advice on why their hydrangeas are fading in color. Plus, Grumpy’s gripe of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie…

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  41. Stop the Squirrels!

    Grumpy helps a reader deal with squirrels and offers helpful tips. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael...

  42. Blueberries Are Best

    Grumpy answers a question on cucumbers that won’t climb. Plus Grumpy’s plant of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie…

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  43. Impatient Over Impatiens

    A reader has a question about their wilting impatiens. Plus Grumpy’s advice on how to root a boxwood cutting. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie...

  44. Chipmunk Control

    Grumpy helps a reader deal with chipmunks invading their property. Plus, the gripe of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie -...

  45. Pear Problems

    Grumpy helps a reader deal with their diseased pear tree. Plus, the plant of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive...

  46. Prioritize Planting Now!

    Grumpy helps a reader deal with a diseased Black-Eyed Susan. Plus, need-to-know planting advice. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie -...

  47. Bee Smart

    Grumpy helps a reader deal with pests attacking their basil plants. Plus, Grumpy’s gripe of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie…

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  48. Excellent Elephant’s Ear

    One reader struggles with their summer hydrangeas. Plus, Grumpy’s plant of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive...

  49. Sow Away

    A reader has a shocking realization about Queen Anne’s Lace. Plus, Grumpy’s tip on composting. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie -...

  50. Helpless Hydrangea

    Grumpy helps a reader choose the best hydrangea for their hometown. Plus, Grumpy’s gripe of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host Nellah McGough - Co-Host Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Ask Grumpy, a podcast featuring Steve Bender, AKA Southern Living’s Grumpy Gardener is back for Season 4. For more than 30 years, Grumpy has been sharing advice on what to grow, when to plant, and how to manage just about anything in your garden. Tune in for episodes every Wednesday as Grumpy answers reader questions, solves seasonal conundrums, and provides need-to-know advice for gardeners with his very Grumpy sense of humor. Be sure to follow Ask Grumpy wherever you listen so you don't miss an episode.

HOSTED BY

Southern Living

Produced by Dotdash Media Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Ask Grumpy have?

Ask Grumpy currently has 168 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Ask Grumpy about?

Ask Grumpy, a podcast featuring Steve Bender, AKA Southern Living’s Grumpy Gardener is back for Season 4. For more than 30 years, Grumpy has been sharing advice on what to grow, when to plant, and how to manage just about anything in your garden. Tune in for episodes every Wednesday as Grumpy...

How often does Ask Grumpy release new episodes?

Ask Grumpy publishes regularly with 168 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Ask Grumpy?

You can listen to Ask Grumpy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Ask Grumpy?

Ask Grumpy is created and hosted by Southern Living.
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