Gardening with Daddy Pete

Garden pests can damage a healthy crop before you realize there's a problem. In Episode 139 of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin and Jay York explain how integrated pest management (IPM) helps you identify, prevent, and manage pests without reaching for pesticides first. You'll learn why scouting your garden regularly matters, where aphids, squash bugs, eggs, and other insects often hide, and how early detection can protect your plants. The discussion also covers squash vine borers, bagworms, deer, rabbits, plant diseases, crop rotation, companion planting, trap plants, native landscaping, and the role of healthy soil. Melvin and Jay explain how soil testing, proper amendments, compost, and mulch can reduce plant stress and help plants withstand disease and pest pressure. They also cover practical garden maintenance, including pruning, mowing, removing debris, and choosing planting dates that can help you avoid peak pest activity. The episode draws on information from the North Carolina State Extension Gardener Handbook and encourages gardeners in every region to consult their local extension office for research-based guidance. You'll also hear important advice about using composted cow manure, mushroom compost, and other soil amendments correctly. These products should be mixed into the soil rather than used as a stand-alone planting medium. Find past episodes, gardening resources, products, and the monthly newsletter at: https://www.daddypetes.com  Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform through the website, and share your gardening questions or experiences in the comments. #GardeningTips #PestManagement #IntegratedPestManagement #VegetableGardening #DaddyPetsPlantPleaser

Planning a fall garden in July? In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin and Jay York explain what North Carolina gardeners can plant now for a strong fall harvest, even during the hottest weeks of summer. Learn how to count backward from the first frost date, use seed packet maturity dates, and choose crops that have enough time to produce before cold weather arrives. The discussion focuses on gardening in the Piedmont of North Carolina, with practical guidance for raised beds, containers, and row gardens. You'll hear tips for planting:  * Cucumbers and Contender bush beans  * Broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, kale, mustard, and turnip greens  * Beets and carrots, including the Danvers variety  * Cabbage varieties such as Stonehead and Round Dutch  * Radishes and other fall garden crops Melvin and Jay also explain how to protect young fall transplants from intense summer heat, manage increased insect pressure, and use North Carolina Cooperative Extension resources for local planting dates. They share advice on leaving cold-hardy crops such as spinach, beets, and certain greens in the garden through winter, plus a look at Egyptian walking onions and how they can replant themselves. The episode also covers compost and soil amendments for North Carolina's red clay, container mixes, seed discounts, heirloom seeds, and how to identify genuine Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® products at local independent garden centers. Visit https://daddypetes.com for gardening resources, podcast episodes, recipes, newsletters, and answers to your gardening questions. Subscribe for weekly episodes and send in your own question to have it answered on the show. #FallGarden #NorthCarolinaGardening #VegetableGardening #RaisedBedGardening #DaddyPetes

July heat, dry soil, and a new landscape can make planting feel risky, but there are smart ways to give trees, shrubs, and turf a better chance right now. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York and Jay York cover practical summer landscaping tips for July, including how to water during hot, dry weather, why early-morning watering matters, and how to protect new plantings from heat stress, mildew, and root damage. They also talk through mulch, planting mix, mowing height, and the right way to handle burlap-and-ball trees, container shrubs, and fresh installations during a drought. The conversation also touches on July newsletter highlights, including garden tips and seasonal recipes like bell pepper nachos, chopped Mexican street corn salad, green bean salad, homemade hot sauce, okra fritters, honey roasted sweet potatoes, yellow squash casserole, and savory tomato pie. If you're growing vegetables and want ideas for using them, this one has plenty to work with. You'll also hear simple, useful guidance for:  * Watering existing plants during extreme heat  * Planting new shrubs and trees in dry conditions  * Using mulch to hold moisture and suppress weeds  * Setting mower height to protect grass and roots  * Pruning lightly, only when it's needed for plant health Subscribe for the monthly newsletter, gardening tips, product recommendations, and seasonal recipes at https://daddypetes.com Follow along on social media for updates, blog posts, and new episodes. Have a question for the show? Send it through the website and the Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® team may answer it on a future episode. #GardeningTips #SummerGardening #LandscapingTips #WaterConservation #DaddyPetesPlantPleaser

Late June is the right time to get serious about summer garden planning, and this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete is packed with practical July gardening tips for the Piedmont and beyond. Melvin York and Jay York walk through what you can still plant now, what needs to wait, and how to time your crops before the first fall frost. They cover days to maturity, average frost dates, and why your seed packet matters more than guesswork. You'll hear useful ranges for bush beans, pole beans, bell peppers, hot peppers, okra, pumpkins, summer squash, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes, plus a few notes on how variety changes the timeline. The conversation also covers smart ways to use your space. If you've got a smaller garden or raised beds, you'll want to hear the tip about planting corn and following with beans. That simple setup can help you get more out of the same ground. Pruning gets plenty of attention too. This episode explains which plants can be pruned in June and July, including certain evergreens, gardenias, roses, chrysanthemums, and fruit trees. You'll also hear a clear rule for pruning, don't remove more than 30% of a tree or shrub at one time. That advice can save you from losing healthy plants to stress or disease. If you're tracking your garden by the season, this is the kind of episode you'll want to keep close. Take notes, check your local frost dates, and compare what worked well during heat and dry spells so you can plan better next year. Visit Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® at https://www.daddypetes.com to find the podcast, sign up for the newsletter, and send in your questions. #GardeningTips #JulyGardening #VegetableGarden #PruningTips #DaddyPetesPlantPleaser

This week on Gardening with Melvin York and Jay York answer real gardening questions from viewers and walk through how to improve red clay soil, where to find Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser products, and how to choose the right mix for your yard. If you've got hard clay, sandy soil, raised beds, shrubs, trees, or a spot that just won't hold water, this episode gives clear guidance you can use right away. Melvin explains why red clay needs organic matter and drainage, why planting mix works well as a soil amendment, and when composted dairy cow manure is the better choice. Jay also shows how to use the Daddy Pete's website to send in questions, check product details, and find a dealer near you. You'll also hear why local independent garden centers matter, how the product usage chart helps you match the right mix to the job, and why Daddy Pete's stays focused on trusted, consistent formulas. If you're a new gardener, this episode is a strong place to start. If you've been growing for years, you'll still pick up useful tips for the season ahead. The discussion also covers why it helps to ask questions, learn from local experts, and keep building your gardening know-how one season at a time. That is the heart of the show, and it's why so many listeners come back every week. Watch, learn, and send in your own gardening question for a future episode. And if you're shopping for Father's Day, Melvin has one simple suggestion, get Dad something he can use in the garden. #GardeningWithDaddyPete #DaddyPetesPlantPleaser #GardeningTips #SoilAmendments #RaisedBedGardening

Summer trips are easier when your garden is set up before you leave. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York and Jay York share practical ways to protect your garden before a vacation, so you can come home to healthy plants instead of a mess. They cover watering plans, soaker hoses, drip irrigation, shade cloth, mulching with straw, weed control, and insect scouting before you hit the road. The focus is simple, keep your garden alive, keep fruit and vegetables producing, and protect the time and money you've already put into it. If you grow tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, green beans, herbs, or raised-bed crops, these tips can help you leave with more peace of mind. You'll also hear advice on:  * preparing your garden a week before you leave  * using timers and irrigation to save water  * why harvesting ripe produce matters before a trip  * how straw helps lock in moisture and cool the soil  * what to check for when you scout for pests and egg sacks Melvin and Jay also talk about the value of local garden centers, independent stores, and passing gardening knowledge on to neighbors, family, and friends. That community mindset is part of what Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® is all about. If you're headed out for a beach week, a long weekend, or a family trip, this episode gives you a clear plan for getting your garden ready first. Visit the website, listen to past episodes, ask a question, and sign up for the monthly newsletter at https://www.daddypetes.com  If this video helps, like, subscribe, and share it with another gardener who's planning a summer trip. #GardeningTips #VacationPrep #RaisedBedGardening #DaddyPetesPlantPleaser #GardenCare

Paul's letter to the Thessalonian church is more than an end-times study. It answers fear, confusion, and bad teaching with clear Bible truth. In this message, the focus is on 2 Thessalonians, Acts 17, and why the church in Thessalonica was so shaken. The teaching walks through Paul's first visit to Thessalonica, the rapid growth of that young church, and the persecution that followed. It also explains why Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians first, then followed up with 2 Thessalonians after reports of confusion spread through the church. A major theme in this lesson is context. Many people read one verse and stop there. This study shows why the whole picture matters, especially when it comes to the rapture, the Day of the Lord, and the sequence of end-times events. You'll hear how 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5 connect to 2 Thessalonians 2, and why those chapters were written to calm believers who thought they had missed the rapture and were already in the tribulation. This is a straight Bible study with strong application. It also shows how believers can be shaken by false reports, bad teaching, and spiritual pressure. Then it points back to the real comfort Paul gave the church, keep looking for Christ's return, and keep your mind anchored in Scripture. If you want a clear, Bible-based look at 2 Thessalonians, the Day of the Lord, and the rapture, this message will help you put the pieces in place. #2Thessalonians #Acts17 #Rapture #EndTimes #BibleStudy

June is a busy month in the garden, and this episode gives you clear, practical Gardening Tips for what to plant now and what to start preparing for fall. Melvin York and Jay York break down the June planting list for warm-weather crops, including green beans, lima beans, southern peas, peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, okra, zucchini, squash, black-eyed peas, and pumpkins. They also share a simple okra tip that can help speed up germination, plus a practical way to time pumpkin planting so your crop is ready for fall decorating and harvest. The conversation also covers peanuts, popcorn, and corn for decoration, along with a smart reminder to check days to maturity before you plant. If you've ever wondered when to start cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, carrots, beets, lettuce, or greens for a cool-season garden, this episode points you in the right direction. June is also the right time to plan ahead for fall crops, gather seed, and get your planting schedule in order. You'll also hear how Daddy Pete's website and newsletter help keep gardeners up to date with monthly garden tips, recipes, and useful notes for the kitchen and the table. If you want the condensed version of what's covered on the podcast, the newsletter is the place to get it. Visit the website at daddypetes.com, sign up for the newsletter, and check out the podcast and YouTube links while you're there. If you've got a garden question, send it in. Your question might help someone else too. Subscribe, like, and keep growing with us. #Gardening #JuneTips #GardenTips #VegetableGarden #Podcast

Got garden questions? This episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete answers real listener questions with clear, practical advice for home gardeners in the Piedmont of North Carolina. Melvin York and Jay York cover what many gardeners need to know right now, including when to plant sweet potatoes, which warm-season crops fit late May and June, and what cool-season crops should stay out of the ground until fall. They also explain how to use water-soluble fertilizer with Daddy Pete soils, why crop type matters when you fertilize, and how to check your local extension office for planting dates, harvest dates, and crop guides. The conversation also covers annuals vs. perennials, what comes back year after year, and why some plants behave differently depending on your region. If you've ever wondered why a plant returns in one yard but not another, this episode gives a clear answer. Jay and Melvin also talk about pruning in late spring and early summer, including which shrubs should be trimmed after bloom and which ones should be left alone until the right time. There's also a strong reminder to scout for insects, check the undersides of leaves, and stay ahead of pest problems before they spread. If you're gardening in a hot, dry season, you'll also hear why drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and smart pruning matter. This Gardening Podcast is built around your Questions, because every gardener has them, and every season brings new ones. If you want straight talk, useful timing, and advice you can use in your own yard, this episode belongs on your list. Visit the website, send in your questions, and keep growing with Daddy Pete. #Gardening #Podcast #Questions #HomeGardening #NorthCarolinaGardening

A Healthy lawn starts with the right foundation, and this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete breaks it down with clear, practical advice you can use right away. In Part 2 of this lawn series, Melvin York and Jay York continue their walk-through lawn establishment and maintenance, using North Carolina State Extension resources to explain what matters most before you plant. They cover regional grass choices for North Carolina, how to prepare the soil, why grading matters, and what to look for before any seed goes down. If you're starting a new lawn, fixing a thin yard, or just want better results this season, this video gives you a smart place to begin. You'll also hear a straight explanation of soil samples, fertilizer numbers like 10-10-10, 5-10-10, and 18-46, and why the right product depends on what your soil actually needs. The discussion also covers clay soils, sandy soils, compost, pine bark fines, and when to use organic materials to improve water flow and root growth. That kind of detail can save time, money, and frustration. This episode is especially helpful for new homeowners, North Carolina gardeners, and anyone who wants a lawn that can handle heat, drought, and heavy use. Daddy Pete also shares why over-fertilizing can damage grass and why timing matters just as much as product choice. For more Gardening tips, lawn care advice, and practical help from Daddy Pete, visit https://daddypetes.com and check out more episodes on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean. If this video helps, like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your lawn questions. Your next Healthy lawn starts with the right prep. #Gardening #DaddyPete #HealthyLawn #LawnCare #NorthCarolinaGardening

A healthy Lawn starts with the right grass, the right soil test, and the right plan. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin and Jay York walk through the first steps for establishing a new Lawn in North Carolina, using NC State Extension guidance to sort out what works best in each region. They cover the three main growing areas in the state, mountain and foothill, Piedmont, and coastal sand hills, then compare cool-season and warm-season grasses. You'll hear how fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, Bermuda, centipede, and zoysia handle heat, shade, foot traffic, and drought. That kind of detail matters when you're starting with bare ground, fresh grading, or a new home site. The discussion also gets into soil samples, because good Gardening starts below the surface. Melvin explains how to collect samples, send them to the extension office, and use the results to guide lime and fertilizer decisions. Jay shares his own new-yard plans, including fine grading, raised beds, row gardening, and a future Lawn project built around better soil prep and the right Daddy Pete products. If you're trying to get a new Lawn started, figure out which grass fits your property, or learn how a soil test can save time and money, this is a practical place to begin. It's clear, local, and built for gardeners who want straight answers. Visit Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® at daddypetes.com to learn more about products, uses, and where to buy. #Gardening #LawnCare #DaddyPete #NorthCarolinaGardening #GrassSeed

Learn how to choose the right Gardening Product for your soil, your plants, and your setup in this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete. Melvin York and Jay York walk through the Daddy Pete website and answer real questions from gardeners who want clear, practical advice. If you grow aloe, build bucket gardens, plant in raised beds, or need help with clay soil, sandy soil, or container soil, this episode gives you useful answers you can use right away. You'll hear how different Daddy Pete mixes work for different jobs, including:  * amendments for sandy soil and red clay  * mixes for succulents, cactus, and aloe  * potting and container options for vegetables and flowers  * raised bed soil for gardens, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and more  * planting mix choices for trees, shrubs, and cuttings  * bark mulch options for looks, moisture control, and acid-loving plants The discussion also covers a simple product usage chart, where to find the right Product for what you're growing, and how to compare mixes without guessing. If you've ever wondered which bag to buy at the garden center, this episode gives you a clear starting point. The team also talks about website tools, email questions, YouTube comments, and how to stay connected with the Daddy Pete community. If you've got a garden question, this show is built for you. Subscribe to Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® for more Gardening tips, product help, and straight answers from people who know the soil. #Gardening #DaddyPete #PlantPleaser #GardenTips #RaisedBeds

Severe Drought can put real stress on any Garden, but a few smart changes can help you save water and keep plants growing. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York and Jay York share practical water-saving tips for gardeners dealing with dry weather across the Southeast. If you're growing vegetables, herbs, annuals, shrubs, or a new lawn, this video covers simple ways to stretch your water use without giving up on your garden. You'll hear why soaker hoses can waste less water than standard sprinklers, how evening watering helps reduce evaporation, and why mulch matters so much during hot, dry spells. They also talk about watering at the root, avoiding overhead watering on vegetables, and using raised beds, containers, and potting mixes to hold moisture better. This episode is especially helpful if you're:  * Gardening during a Drought  * Trying to cut back on county or well water use  * Growing in raised beds, row gardens, or containers  * Looking for better ways to water vegetables and herbs  * Starting a new lawn and want to know what needs a different approach Melvin and Jay also share a few common-sense reminders that can save trouble later, like using straw instead of hay for mulch, punching drainage holes in grow bags, and checking your hose pressure and gallon rate before you water. If you've been thinking about switching from a traditional row Garden to raised beds or container gardening, this is a good episode to watch. There are useful ideas here for beginners and longtime gardeners alike. Find more from Daddy Pete at: https://daddypetes.com  If you've got a gardening question, visit the website and send it in. You can also find Daddy Pete products at independent garden centers and select Ace Hardware locations. Watch, learn, and make every drop count. #DaddyPete #GardeningTips #Drought #WaterConservation #VegetableGarden

Springtime Gardening is here, and Melvin is sharing timely planting advice you can use right now, plus introducing Jay York to the Daddy Pete's team. In this episode of the Gardening with Daddy Pete Podcast, Melvin York welcomes his son, Jay York, as the newest addition to the Daddy Pete's sales team. They talk about family roots, years spent around the farm, and why helping people grow has always been the heart of Daddy Pete's. You'll also get practical Springtime gardening tips for mid-April, especially if you're planting in North Carolina and nearby areas. Melvin covers what you can plant now, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, green beans, and corn. He also explains why some cool-weather crops, like lettuce, can struggle once the heat moves in. This video also highlights the value of local garden centers. Melvin and Jay share why independent garden centers matter, how they help new and experienced gardeners, and why local advice often beats random internet tips. That's especially true when you're dealing with regional planting times, soil conditions, and changing weather. If you're growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, shrubs, or trees, this episode gives you solid seasonal guidance and a clear picture of what Daddy Pete's is all about. Watch this episode for:  * Springtime planting tips for home gardeners  * What to plant in April  * Why warm weather affects lettuce and other cool-season crops  * Insights on local gardening advice  * An introduction to Jay York and the Daddy Pete's family approach Be sure to send in your gardening questions. Future Podcast episodes will cover viewer questions, growing tips, and more seasonal advice to help you have a better garden. For more help, visit the Daddy Pete's website, check out the how-to videos, and sign up for the newsletter for monthly tips and recipes. #Gardening #SpringtimeGardening #VegetableGarden #NorthCarolinaGardening #Podcast

Choosing the right trees for Decorative and privacy Borders can make a big difference in how your yard looks, feels, and functions. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York shares practical advice for planning border plantings that add beauty, define space, and give you the privacy you want without creating problems later. This episode covers the key choices every gardener should think through before planting. Melvin talks about evergreen versus deciduous trees, spring blooms versus fall color, and how tree size matters more than most people think. He also explains why you need to plan around power lines, septic systems, and wells before a single tree goes in the ground. Along the way, he highlights tree ideas for several uses, including flowering dogwood, redbud, fringe tree, maple, river birch, willow oak, black gum, camellia, Leyland cypress, Green Giant arborvitae, magnolia, holly, and cryptomeria. So if you're working on a long driveway, a property line, a focal point in the yard, or a screen for privacy, you'll get clear, experience-based guidance you can use. Melvin also walks through smart planting methods, including how wide to dig the hole, how to loosen roots, how high to set the plant, and why mulch should stay away from the trunk. In addition, he explains soil amendment tips for both clay-heavy Piedmont and mountain soils, as well as sandy coastal soils. If you want more Gardening tips, product info, how-to videos, or a way to send in your questions, visit https://daddypete.com You can also subscribe to the Daddy Pete newsletter for monthly seasonal tips, garden ideas, and recipes. If this episode helped you plan your Borders, like the video, subscribe, and share it with another gardener who's planting this season. #Gardening #PrivacyBorders #DecorativeBorders #LandscapeDesign #DaddyPetesPlantPleaser

Get practical Gardening advice straight from the source as Melvin York walks through Daddy Pete's website and explains how different Products fit real garden jobs. In this episode of the Gardening with Daddy Pete Podcast, Melvin picks up where Part 1 left off and gives a clear, useful look at Daddy Pete's mixes, soils, mulch, and planting options. If you've ever wondered which product to use for raised beds, vegetables, berries, shrubs, trees, or clay soil, this video will help you sort it out. You'll hear tips on: how to use the Daddy Pete website, where to find archived Podcast episodes and how-to videos, how to send in your garden questions, where to find certified dealers near you, how the monthly newsletters can help you plan your garden, which mixes work best for raised beds, when to use lawn and garden soil, planting mix, potting mix, or nursery blend, why soil amendments matter, especially in clay or sandy soil, and how mulch can help with moisture, feeding, and root protection. Melvin also shares money-saving advice for filling raised beds, including how to combine Professional Landscape Mix with Raised Bed Mix for better drainage and strong growing conditions. In addition, he explains which Products are better for strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, shrubs, trees, annuals, and more. This is a great watch for new gardeners, home growers, and anyone who wants simple, practical help with soil, planting, and seasonal garden care. Visit daddypetes.com to learn more, find Products near you, send in your questions, and sign up for the monthly newsletters. If you enjoy helpful Gardening content, subscribe and keep up with new episodes from Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser®. #Gardening #RaisedBedGardening #SoilAmendments #GardenTips #DaddyPetesPlantPleaser

Want the fastest way to find Daddy Pete's videos, podcast episodes, local dealers, and product details? This episode walks you through the Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® Website step by step, so you can get answers, send questions, and shop smarter. Host Melvin York pulls up daddypetes.com and shows exactly where everything lives, including:  * How to find the Gardening with Daddy Pete podcast and subscribe, so you don't miss new episodes  * Where to watch how-to videos (from seasonal plant care to garden projects)  * How to send in your questions, request a call back, or contact the office  * How to use "Where to Buy" to locate a nearby store (search by address or zip code)  * How garden centers can apply to become a certified dealer (wholesale requirements and forms) Then it's on to Daddy Pete's Products, with a clear, practical look at several core compost and amendment options, including:  * Daddy Pete's Composted Cow Manure (tested, dairy-based compost)  * Kicking Chicken (a blend designed to be user-friendly and help reduce burn risk)  * Daddy Pete's Mushroom Compost (rich compost, commonly used to improve soil)  * How these can help loosen heavy clay, improve drainage, and add organic matter  * Easy compost tea and home-compost "kick-start" tips (plus what to watch for with moisture and heat) This is Part 1. The next episode continues with Daddy Pete's mixes and bark products, including why each mix exists and what it's built to grow best. Website: https://daddypetes.com [https://daddypetes.com] Office: 704-585-2355 Email: [email protected] [[email protected]] #Gardening #Compost #SoilAmendment #NCGardening #DaddyPetesPlantPleaser

NC Extension might be the best-kept Secret for better Gardening. Learn how soil tests, Master Gardeners, and local experts can save you time and money. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York sits down with Laura Elmore, County Director for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Iredell County (locals say "Ardle"). Together, they break down what Extension really does for home gardeners, homeowners, and small farms, and why it's one of the easiest resources to use when you're stuck. You'll hear practical tips and real examples, including: • Why research-based advice matters for North Carolina growing conditions (and beyond) • Soil testing basics, what $4 can save you before you buy fertilizer • How pH affects nutrient uptake, and why "throw triple 19 on everything" can backfire • Where Master Gardener volunteers can help with plant problems, even if you only have one tomato plant • Food preservation support, pressure canner gauge checks, and safe canning guidance • 4-H programs, youth clubs, and hands-on learning for kids (including homeschoolers) • Local events and ways to connect with your county Extension office Local note for Iredell County viewers: The Extension office is at 444 Bristol Drive in Statesville, NC. Their annual Garden Fair is the last Saturday in April (April 25 this year), and it's packed with vendors, plants, food, and education. More from Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser®: https://daddypetes.com  Watch, share, and drop your questions in the comments for the next episode. This Podcast is all about helping you grow. #Gardening #NCExtension #SoilTesting #MasterGardener #Podcast

Homegrown Strawberries taste better, smell better, and turn red all the way through. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York walks you through how to grow Strawberries in your home garden, especially if you're dealing with red clay or sandy soil. You'll learn where to plant for best results (full sun matters), how to prep a raised mound or raised bed for good drainage, and why the strawberry crown needs to stay above wet soil. You'll also get practical notes on planting times, spring planting expectations, and how runners can help you build next year's bed. Along the way, Mel shares varieties that tend to do well in North Carolina, plus simple tips to avoid common problems like overwatering and weak-flavored fruit. If you want better berries for fresh eating, jams, preserves, smoothies, or strawberries and cream, this one's for you. Helpful resources and products mentioned are at: daddypetes.com  Check the product usage chart, podcast, and gardening info, and send your questions through the "Ask a Question" box. Questions get answered directly, and many will be shared on the show so others can learn, too. Next up: raspberries and blackberries, including thornless types and color options you might not expect. #Gardening #Strawberries #HomeGarden #RaisedBedGardening #DaddyPete

Plant Blueberries the right way this season, soil prep, pH targets, best varieties, and simple steps that lead to heavy harvests. In this Gardening Podcast episode, Daddy Pete walks through home blueberry production using guidance from the NC State Extension. You'll learn how to prep a sunny, well-drained bed, why blueberries need acidic soil (about pH 4.5 to 5.0), and how to use organic matter and pine bark fines to improve clay or mountain soils. He also covers when to plant in late winter, why you should grow at least two bushes for better pollination, and how to protect ripe fruit from birds with netting. You'll also hear the difference between highbush and rabbiteye Blueberries, plus variety suggestions by region so you can match the plant to your climate. Expect tips on harvest timing, realistic yields, and easy ways to freeze berries for year-round use. More free resources and archived episodes: daddypetes.com Got a question, submit it on the website and it may be featured in a future show. #Blueberries #Gardening #BlueberryGrowing #BackyardGarden #NCStateExtension

Raised bed built and filled? Now it’s time to Plant with purpose. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete’s Plant Pleaser®, Melvin York breaks down how to choose the right crops for your raised bed, based on space, season, and what your family will actually eat. You’ll learn why a gardening journal saves you time and frustration, how your county Extension office can guide variety choices and planting dates, and how companion planting can help (or hurt) results. Melvin also explains seed types in plain language (heirloom vs. hybrid vs. GMO), plus the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes, so you can pick plants that keep producing until frost. If you’re new to Gardening or starting your first raised bed, this one will help you plan smarter and grow more. Visit: www.daddypetes.com #Gardening #RaisedBedGardening #VegetableGarden #Tomatoes #DaddyPete

Build a raised bed that lasts for years and makes Gardening simpler. In this episode of Daddy Pete’s Plant Pleaser®, Daddy Pete walks through smart raised bed planning, from the best width for easy reach (about 3.5 to 4 feet) to a practical height (12 to 18 inches) that supports more than just greens. You’ll learn how to pick the right spot for sun and drainage, what materials hold up best, and what to avoid when filling a bed (like cardboard layers or unknown yard debris). Daddy Pete also shares a budget-friendly approach to building soil layers, plus tips for adding trellises for cucumbers, beans, and other climbing Plant favorites. See products and more Gardening videos at daddypetes.com. #RaisedBedGarden #GardeningTips #VegetableGarden #DaddyPete #PlantPleaser

Starting a garden can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York breaks down practical steps for Planning, Planting, and growing with confidence, even if you think you don’t have a green thumb. You’ll get a clear, beginner-friendly walk-through of the “10 major steps” to start a garden, plus tips on using a garden journal, picking crops your family will actually eat, and understanding planting seasons (cool-season, warm-season, and fall). The episode also covers frost dates, USDA hardiness zones, seed types (heirloom, hybrid, and GMO), and how to choose between row gardening, raised beds, pots, or even tucking veggies into your existing yard beds. Bonus topics include companion planting, the “Three Sisters” method (corn, beans, squash), and simple raised bed sizing guidance so your garden stays easy to reach and maintain. Submit questions and topic ideas at daddypetes.com. If you’re in North Carolina, catch Melvin at the North Carolina Green and Growing Show at the Greensboro Coliseum (booth 9007), January 22 and 23. #Gardening #VegetableGarden #RaisedBedGardening #CompanionPlanting #GardeningPodcast

Kick off the new Gardening with Daddy Pete video Podcast with Alan Smith and Melvin York. Get ready for spring with practical Planting tips you can use right away, plus a simple plan for a more productive season. In this episode, Melvin shares how to:  * Start a garden journal (what to track, and why it matters)  * Choose what to grow based on what your family eats  * Plan around your USDA hardiness zone and local conditions  * Decide between seeds and transplants  * Use replanting to spread out harvests (and avoid everything coming in at once)  * Understand heirloom vs. hybrid seed, and which seed you can save  * Learn from trusted local growers and independent garden centers Find the podcast, videos, and the link to submit your gardening questions at DaddyPetes.com. If you follow the Podcast, you’ll get alerts when new episodes post. #Gardening #Podcast #Planting #VegetableGarden #SeedStarting