Flower Power Garden Hour

Its June -- and yes you can still plant tomatoes and many other vegetables. Bruce and I discuss what can be planted and what garden chores you should tackle this month. Plus, we answer your questions. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

In part 2, Bruce and I discuss some larger pests that can cause issues in your garden including leaf footed bugs, rats, gophers, and cats! Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Aphids, snails, thrips oh my! Bruce and I cover some of the most problematic pests you may encounter in your garden. In part one, we cover sucking and chewing insects, what to do about them and why most pesticides aren't even needed. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It's May…if you have been waiting to plant peppers and eggplants, the time is here. Join Bruce and I as we go over what else to plant and tackle in the garden. Plus we answer your questions about fenestrations, bird of paradise and more. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Love growing tomatoes and peppers but want to try something different? Bruce and I give our lists of top 10 unusual vegetables to grow. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Healthy soil is the key to a healthy, productive beautiful garden but it can be a bit confusing with all the info out there. We discuss how to determine what kind of soil you have, how and what to amend with and more useful tips. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It's officially tomato planting time! But what else can you plant? And what, in our opinion, should you hold off a bit longer planting. We go over your April garden tasks to do as well as answer your questions. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Bruce and I each break down our top 10 tips and tricks for growing a successful vegetable garden — no peeking, no comparing notes beforehand. Just two opinionated gardeners with a lot to say about what actually works. Who has a no-marigold policy on their list? Why heirlooms-only may lead to disappointment, and much more. Spoiler: we don't always agree (aka Bruce is wrong). There's plenty of lively back-and-forth, a few "I can't believe you said that" moments, and yes — we each snuck in a bonus tip at the end because ten just wasn't enough. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

To smell and see a Titan Arum in bloom is pretty spectacular, but what really fascinates me is the evolution and incredible diversity within the entire Amorphophallus genus. In this episode, I'm joined by Amorphophallus expert and plant explorer Derek Carwood, who shares his deep knowledge and stories from the field. We dive into the strange beauty, unique adaptations, and surprising variety of these remarkable plants -- perfect for anyone who loves the truly unusual side of the plant world. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Not sure if it's time to plant tomatoes or if you can squeeze in another round of broccoli? Bruce and I will break down what garden tasks could and should be done in March. Plus we answer your questions. What exactly are those bumps on trees?! Hmmmm. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Looking to add a fragrant touch to your bedroom window or entry way? Bruce and Marlene each give their top 10 favorite fragrant plants. Will yours be on the list?  And we also reveal our most obnoxious smelling plants.   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

There are many benefits for starting plants from seeds. But what are the best techniques for success. Bruce and Marlene go into detail on the basics and discuss more advanced seed starting requirements.  Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Believe it or not, spring is around the corner.  It has been very dry in NorCal so far – sometimes we get Spring rain, so still TBD.  LOTS of prep to do for the upcoming season. It is time to plant:        Broccoli        Cabbage        Carrots        Cauliflower        Collards, swiss chard        Kale        Leeks        Loose leaf lettuce        Peas        Potatoes….late in the month   Chores include:        Sow tomatoes inside        Start flowers (sunflowers, strawflower, zinnias, etc)        Direct sow sweet peas        Plant bare-root (roses, fruit trees, asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, berries)        Spray fruit trees        Fertilize        Compost        Clean up, cut back        Prune roses, fruit trees   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Kill every houseplant you try to grow? Not anymore. Bruce and I share our top 10 easiest houseplants that are guaranteed to thrive in your home… even if you are convinced you have a brown thumb.   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Welwitschia mirabilis is one of the most unique plant species and on this episode we dive into everything about it. Succulent extraordinaire, Gianluca Bacci of rareplantcatalog.com, joins me in discussing its care, morphology, propagation and more.  Gianluca can be found at:        Retail website:  rareplantcatalog.com        Retail Nursery:  Boojums, 1505 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles        Instagram:  @rareplantcatalog, @boojumstudygroup   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the January To Do List – lots of fog in the California Central Valley recently, so a good amount of moisture even without significant rain.  Temperatures have been on the lower side, but no major freezes.  Even though it's the heart of winter, there are things that need to be done during the dry periods.   It is time to plant: Asparagus plants Bareroot trees, roses, shrubs Radishes Lettuce Kohlrabi Peas Onions Bok choy Fava beans  Chores include: Protect from frost.  Watch weather report for potential frost days Don't work wet soils --- very important Spray for peach leaf curl and other fungal diseases Can prune fruit trees – but listen to the caveats in the episode   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the January To Do List – lots of fog in the California Central Valley recently, so a good amount of moisture even without significant rain.  Temperatures have been on the lower side, but no major freezes.  Even though it's the heart of winter, there are things that need to be done during the dry periods.   It is time to plant: Asparagus plants Bareroot trees, roses, shrubs Radishes Lettuce Kohlrabi Peas Onions Bok choy Fava beans  Chores include: Protect from frost.  Watch weather report for potential frost days Don't work wet soils --- very important Spray for peach leaf curl and other fungal diseases Can prune fruit trees – but listen to the caveats in the episode   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Tired of getting a holiday plant just to have it die on you. Don't worry, Bruce and Marlene, share tips on how to prevent your plants from ending up in the compost bin after the New Year. Topics covered: getting Christmas cactus to bloom, the truth about paperwhites coming back, soil suggestions and more.   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the December To Do List, and we are in the middle of winter garden season.  Weather is moderately cold, foggy, and so far it has been pretty dry.  We finish up with a Listener Q&A.   It is time to plant: Asparagus Fava beans Bok choy Broccoli rabe Garlic Kale Loose leaf lettuce Mustard Onion sets Radish   Do not plant yet: Bareroot trees Roses Berries   Chores include: Protect succulents from water Frost protection Clean up – but leave some debris remaining Spray dormant trees (peach leaf curl) Plant bulbs   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Fall is a great time to plant California natives. Brendan Wilce of the California Native Plant Society joins me to give his 10 top favorite natives. This episode is sponsored by BeWaterSmart. The Brendan and the California Native Plant Society can be found at:        Website: calscape.org        Instagram:  @theplanimal Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Want to take over that neglected school garden but need some inspiration? Listen to Shelley and Christy of @betweentwoshrubs discuss their story of creating a successful school garden program. Plus -- we talk about their new YouTube channel, which is exploring local gardens, talking to the gardeners, and all things garden-adjacent.  Very fun and informative, with frequent new content.  This episode is sponsored by BeWaterSmart. Between Two Shrubs can be found at:        YouTube: @BetweenTwoShrubs        Instagram:  @betweentwoshrubs

It is the October To Do List, and that means it is a very busy time in the garden.  Clean up from summer vegetables and prepping for fall and winter. The days are cooler, but shorter – which means you have to work efficiently and hard. Episode includes Listener Q&A.   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Fall is a great time to plant a shade tree and our guest, Kayden Rsenbauer, certified arborist with the Sacramento Tree Foundation has all the info you need. Bruce and I talk to him about proper planting techniques, watering for young and established trees and we go over his list of favorite shade trees. This episode is sponsored by BeWaterSmart. Sacramento Tree Foundation can be found at: Website:  sactree.org Facebook:  @Sacramento Tree Foundation Instagram:  @sactree YouTube: @SacTree   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Truly one of the bizarre looking and growing plants out there. Bruce and Marlene discuss everything related to the Genus Platycerium. How to propagate from spores and divisions, what species grow the best in zone 9, unusual species and more.   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Planting, tasks and to do's that should take place in September for a beautiful fall garden.   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Want to feel like you are in the tropics but without the expensive plane ticket or large amounts of water?  Bruce and Marlene each give their top 10 plants that grow with low water but give you the vibe of being in a far away destination   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:       Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

If you garden in a water conscious State like California, you may be able to recite a list of plants and practices to reduce water in your landscape. But often vegetable gardening gets left out of water-wise conversations. Our guest -- the one and only --Fred Hoffman, discusses ways to employ water saving techniques for your veggies without sacrificing taste. What is the crop that consumes the most water? What are the most water efficient watermelons? We dive into this and more. This episode is sponsored by BeWaterSmart. Farmer Fred can be found at: Podcast:  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Substack:  Beyond The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Website:  farmerfred.com, gardenbasics.net Facebook:  @Get Growing with Farmer Fred Instagram:  @farmerfredhoffman Twitter: @farmerfred YouTube: @farmerfredhoffman Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the August To Do List – it has been a great, cool summer in NorCal.  Bruce and I talk about current gardening work, and do a detailed dive into listener questions across a variety of topics.    Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Summer heat getting to you? Add some cool to your yard. Bruce and I talk to award winning landscape designer, Cheryl Buckwalter, on how to create a cool oasis with some simple landscape tips.  http://bewatersmart.info Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Want to save money?! Of course you do. As plant lovers we want to spend our money on plants not stuff to maintain them. Bruce and I each give our top 10 money wasters with a large ticket bonus item.  You may be surprised with what you have needlessly spending your money on. It's peak of summer and it's hot. But believe it or not it is time for tasks to prep for fall. Bruce and I discuss what needs to be done in the garden now plus we answer questions on azaleas, tomatoes and more. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Want to save money?! Of course you do. As plant lovers we want to spend our money on plants not stuff to maintain them. Bruce and I each give our top 10 money wasters with a large ticket bonus item.  You may be surprised with what you have needlessly spending your money on. It's peak of summer and it's hot. But believe it or not it is time for tasks to prep for fall. Bruce and I discuss what needs to be done in the garden now plus we answer questions on azaleas, tomatoes and more. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Have dreams of becoming a flower farmer or just want to grow flowers for yourself? I talk to Amber Villarreal of @redheadflowerbed all about her journey into the flower growing world. And of course she'll discuss growing tips and her favorite flowers.   You can find Redhead Flowerbed at:        Website: redheadflowerbed.com        Facebook:  @RedheadFlowerbed        Instagram:  @redheadflowerbed   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It's peak of summer and it's hot. But believe it or not it is time for tasks to prep for fall. Bruce and I discuss what needs to be done in the garden now plus we answer questions on azaleas, tomatoes and more   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It's summer and it's getting hot but there's still plenty to do in the garden. My new co-host Bruce Ritter joins me to discuss what tasks you should be tackling in your garden. And no it's not too late to plant tomatoes. Plus we answer your garden questions.   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

A truly purple tomato - this is what Norfolk Healthy Produce has achieved. With beauty also comes big health benefits. Listen in as I talk to CEO Dr. Nathan Plumpton and head horticulturalist Ian Baker on what the process was to make this happen and how snapdragons are involved.   You can find Norfolk Healthy Produce at:         Website: norfolkhealthyproduce.com         Facebook:  @BigPurpleTomato         YouTube:  @bigpurpletomato         Instagram:  @bigpurpletomato   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:         Facebook         Instagram         email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Fruit tree expert, Ed Laivo of @ed_able_solutions, gives his list of favorite peaches and nectarines for an extended growing season. Plus learn what cat-facing is and why it may be happening to your nectarines. This and more growing tips.   You can find Ed at:         Facebook:  @"Ed"Able Solutions        YouTube:  @Ed_Able_Solutions         Instagram:  @ed_able_solutions   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It's spring!  LOTS of prep to do for the upcoming season. Time to sow seeds and prep beds for planting.   It is time to plant:         Broccoli – plants only         Carrots         Cauliflower- plants only        Leeks        Loose leaf lettuce         Peas        Potatoes Chores include:        Sow tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, flowers inside        Start flowers (sunflowers, strawflower, zinnias)        Fertilize        Compost        Clean up, cut back        Prune fruit trees        Plant perennials        Check irrigation   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Anthony Dal Ben is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition.  Winners of this competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient but at that same time beautiful. For Anthony it was a family affair. Hear how not only did he transform his front lawn into a water wise landscape, he used this as an educational experience for his kids. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Elaine Fitzgerald is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong  competition. Winners of the competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient as well as beautiful. Listen in to hear how Elaine went from grass to a pollinator heaven. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Janelle Auyeung is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition.  Winners of this competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient, but at that same time beautiful. Hear the steps Janelle took to make her backyard a magnificent oasis of fruit trees, vegetables and flowers. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It is the September To Do List – believe it or not, we are in full Fall prep time.  Lots of cool weather vegetables to start planting, and tons of clean up and pruning.  It was quite a hot summer and time may have been sparse in the garden, but it's time to get the gloves on and get to work.  Episode includes Listener Q&A. It is time to plant:        Beets (seeds or plants)        Bok choy (seeds or plants)        Broccoli (plants)        Brussel sprouts        Cabbage (seeds or plants)        Carrots (seeds)        Cauliflower (plants)        Celery        Collards/Swiss chard (seeds or plants)        Kale (seeds or plants)        Kohlrabi (seeds or plants)        Garlic        Leek        Lettuce (seeds or plants)        Onion sets        Peas (seeds or plants)        Radish/radicchio/daikon/turnips        Spinach        Natives, Perennials, citrus – towards the end of September when it cools down Chores include:        Transplant/divide irises, grasses, tuberous plants        Buy bulbs        Collect seeds        Clean up – pull out vegetables which are done, fallen fruit        Prune lavender, hydrangeas        Pests – whiteflies may be setting in…..keep an eye on Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include:        Aloe – odd white material on the soil underneath?        Morning glory – how to get rid of invasive overgrowth?        Century plant – now that it is blooming, how to care for?        Fiddle leaf fig – how to prune?        Tomato – can cuttings be taken for next year? Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:        Facebook        Instagram        email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

This episode is sponsored by bewatersmart.info. The heat getting to you? There's a good chance it's also impacting your plants.  I discuss various heat related plant issues and ways to mitigate them. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

This episode is sponsored by bewatersmart.info. In this episode,  I discuss 10 of my favorite drought tolerant plants. Even if you think you don't have a green thumb, these plants will thrive in your garden with minimal water requirements. Plus, I include pollinator information. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

In this episode, I have a great conversation with the Chocolate Botanist, Derek Haynes. Hear about his journey becoming a plant biologist as well about his mission to debunk misinformation on the internet. We discuss his "favorite" myths and how he handles the backlash he receives on social media.  Derek is a plethora of educational and entertaining information -- links below can be found to his variety of media. Instagram:  @thechocolatebotanist Website:  thecrazybotanist.com Facebook:  @thecrazybotanist YouTube:  @TheChocolateBotanist Twitter:  @crazybotanist   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:          Facebook          Instagram          email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Soil science can be a bit confusing. How long does it take for materials to be broken down, is it good practice to add microbes and what exactly are microbes? Robert Pavlis addresses these questions and more. Check out his new podcast Garden Fundamentals plus his impressive list of books including Soil Science for Gardeners and Compost Science for Gardeners. Check out more at his links below.  Links below can be found to Robert's vast expanse of media. ·       Podcast: Garden Fundamentals (available on Apple & Spotify) ·       Website:  gardenmyths.com ·       Facebook:  @GardenFundamentals ·       YouTube:  @Gardenfundamentals1 ·       Books: o   Soil Science for Gardeners o   Plant Science for Gardeners o   Compost Science for Gardeners o   Microbe Science for Gardeners Book o   Garden Myths – Book 1 and Book 2   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

If I was picked up and dropped into a gardening zone relatively different than mine, it would be a huge steep learning curve. I love talking to gardeners from zones different than my zone 9b and it doesn't get much different than zone 3. I have a fun and educational chat with Theri Vasina LHirondelle who grows amazing flowers and veggies in Montana.   Theri can be found on Instagram at @backyard.impressions   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Dieffenbachia, 'pothos', Monstera… a great majority of houseplants are in the Araceae family which most people shorten to just say Aroids. I discuss this broad family with UC Davis  Botanical Conservatory  volunteer extraordinaire Bruce Ritter. He has revamped our collection and he shares all his tips and tricks with us. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

Believe it or not, spring is around the corner.  Here in NorCal, it is still wet with periods of cold, so one does have to be careful with working soil and protecting from potentially freezes.  LOTS of prep to do for the upcoming season.   It is time to plant: ·       Broccoli ·       Cabbage ·       Carrots ·       Cauliflower ·       Collards, swiss chard ·       Kale ·       Leeks ·       Loose leaf lettuce ·       Peas ·       Potatoes….late in the month   Chores include: ·       Sow tomatoes inside ·       Start flowers (sunflowers, strawflower, zinnias, etc) ·       Direct sow sweet peas ·       Plant bare-root (roses, fruit trees, asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, berries) ·       Spray fruit trees ·       Fertilize ·       Compost ·       Clean up, cut back ·       Prune roses, fruit trees   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

It's here – the last To Do list of the year.  So far it has been a mild winter, with regards to both temperature and moisture.  It is the time to plant another round of winter vegetables, work on pest management, and start planning for your spring garden.  We are at the apex of short days, so time to work is limited.  Episode includes Listener Q&A, with topics listed below.  It is time to plant: ·       Asparagus ·       Bok choy ·       Kale ·       Onion sets ·       Radish   Chores include: ·       Cut back garden, clean up ·       Watch for cabbage aphids, loopers ·       Spray for peach leaf curl, dormant sprays ·       Order seeds for spring   Listener Q&A section.  Topics covered include: ·       Waterless amaryllis – can it be planted in a pot? ·       Banana plant – do they need to be brought inside for winter?  If not, should be wrapped for protection from cold weather?  At what age will they duplicate and produce fruit? ·       Can fallen leaves in the garden be used to cover garden beds containing flowers? ·       Butterfly bush – should the significant new growth be cut back in order to optimize growth in spring? ·       Pineapple plant – have had for 2.5 years….when should a pineapple be expected? ·       Bromeliads – how to care for them after the flower blooms and subsequently dies?   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

How do we ensure the next generations become stewards of the land? Of course exposing them to nature and getting them outdoors but also having conversations and reading with them. I talk with author, Collin Pine, about his children's book 'The Garden Next Door' and how its message is more important than ever. Collin's latest book is called "The Garden Next Door'"   Collin can be found at: ·       Instagram:  @collin.pine ·       River Horse Books   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: ·       Facebook ·       Instagram ·       email Marlene at [email protected]   Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook