Getting a greenhouse opened up so many opportunities for me to advance my gardening goals. In this week’s encore, I’m sharing what there is to know before getting a greenhouse and my top tips for taking full advantage of it once you have one. My greenhouse is by Yoderbilt, 12 feet by 32 feet and […]
As the days grow shorter and the evenings cooler, fall is the perfect time to settle in with a good book — especially one that deepens your connection to the natural world. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical guidance or just the joy of a beautifully written story, here are my nature, ecology and gardening […]
Fall may feel like the end of the gardening year, but in reality, it’s one of the most important times to be outside. What we do now not only prepares our gardens for winter but also sets the stage for success next spring. In this episode, I’m sharing things to do in the fall gardening […]
No matter how big or small, every garden, whether ornamental or edible, starts with soil. My guest this week, British garden designer and Royal Horticultural Society gold medalist Juliet Sargeant, reveals the hidden power of soil in her new book and shares how gardeners can identify good soil. Juliet is celebrated for her award-winning and […]
The 2026 edition of the annual Old Farmer’s Almanac — published continuously since 1792 — recently hit the shelves. Joining me to discuss the latest Almanac and its guiding philosophy is Carol Connare, the 14th editor of the Almanac in its 234-year history. Carol lives in New Hampshire where she tends an edible forest. She […]
Later summer is a test for any gardener. Heat, humidity and relentless pests push both plants and gardeners to their limits. In my garden, some crops flourish despite the challenges, while others demand constant attention — from cherry tomatoes still producing in late August to squash battling bugs on vertical trellises. In this week’s encore […]
Summer is in full swing, and it’s been anything but predictable in the garden. With wild changes in weather, persistent pests and a to-do list that never quits, I know I’m not the only one combating garden overwhelm this season. In this week’s podcast, I’m sharing what’s been happening in my own garden — from […]
Two years ago, for only the second time in the history of “The joegardener Show,” I recorded the podcast on location in my garden here in the Atlanta area, sharing my garden reflections and observations as I moved among my 16 raised beds. It was a favorite episode of mine, so I am sharing it […]
Learning fruit tree grafting opens up so many possibilities for people who love to grow their own food. It just takes know-how and practice. Susan Poizner of Orchard People returns to the podcast to explain along with her co-author Steph Muma. Susan is the director of Orchard People Fruit Tree Care Consulting and Education in […]
Raised bed gardening offers many advantages over in-ground gardening, from better control of the soil to less bending over to seed, weed and water. My guest this week, Master Gardener Scott Wilson, lays out the benefits and the how-tos in his new book, “Gardener Scott’s Guide to Raised Bed Gardening.” Scott previously had a career […]
Time and money are the two biggest restraints most gardeners face when they want to take on more projects in their yards to become better stewards of biodiversity. My guest this week, “Nature’s Action Guide” author Sarah F. Jayne, aims to overcome those hurdles by identifying easy yet extremely effective actions anyone can take to […]
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been a resource for growers for more than two centuries, published annually with information on the best times to sow seeds and harvest fruits and vegetables, and recipes for enjoying all that produce, plus much, much more. To share the history of the Almanac and explain why so many readers […]
Yard maintenance rules and laws created decades ago, before people and governments were attuned to the ecological damage wrought by climate change and habitat loss, continue to be blindly enforced in suburban and urban neighborhoods. My guest this week, Ontario gardener Wolf Ruck, has fought hard to defend his right to use his yard to […]
Preparing for seed starting season well ahead of time and becoming better organized will save you headaches and money in the months to come. This week, I’m sharing how I prepare and the new efficient seed organization system that I have adopted. I have made changes this year to my seed organization that have been […]
Farmer and author Ben Hartman proves it doesn’t take a ton of space to grow enough food to sustain a business. Ben joins me on the podcast to explain how he maximized efficiency on his lean micro farm to grow enough crops to satisfy his most loyal customers while reducing the effort and resources required […]
Margaret Roach, the New York Times gardening columnist and host of the podcast “A Way to Garden,” is back with me again to discuss what’s new in her garden and what she’s planning for in 2025. Margaret is a repeat guest many times over and a listener favorite who always has interesting observations to share. […]
The end of the year is always a good time to reflect and take stock of the lessons we’ve learned. On this week’s podcast, we look back on 2024 in the garden to make note of the experiences and knowledge we will take with us going forward on our gardening journeys. Joining me in recapping […]
Eye injuries in the garden may not be top of mind when weeding and harvesting, but gardeners should be in the habit of taking precautions. To identify the risks to our eyes that gardening poses and share ways to prevent injuries, joining me on the podcast this week is retinal surgeon Dr. C. Kiersten Pollard. […]
Gardening burnout happens when a garden becomes so much more work than you can keep up with and a source of disappointment — one disaster after another — rather than a source of joy. It’s the feeling of not just being overwhelmed but wanting to give up gardening altogether (at least for now). This week, […]
Margaret Roach is one of those heroes in horticulture and gardening media who I really admire. She excels at communicating her fundamental understanding of the natural world and reminds her readers and listeners to keep on digging, in more ways than one. She has been a guest on this podcast many times, and this week […]
Periodically, rather than recording a podcast from my studio, I like to get out into my garden and record an audio journal on-site, so I can talk in real time about what I’m seeing, the wins and challenges of the season, what’s worked, what hasn’t and what I plan to change. In this edition, I […]
Fumigation film and drip tape inaugurated changes in agriculture that made it easier and far more efficient to grow food crops in difficult climates, and now artificial intelligence is bringing about advancements in weed and pest control, among other promising developments. To discuss innovations in agriculture and how they could also benefit home gardeners, joining […]
Extreme temperatures, drought and flooding are all becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, creating new challenges for gardeners. To explain how to gird a garden for the effects of a warming planet, joining me on the podcast this week is Kim Stoddart, who literally wrote the book — two books, in fact […]
Of the many reasons to garden, the presence of beautiful and interesting birds is among the most delightful. To explain how to make your garden bird-friendly, joining me on the podcast this week is Jen McGuinness, aka Frau Zinnie, the author of “Bird-Friendly Gardening: Guidance and Projects for Supporting Birds in Your Landscape.” Jen is […]
About 80% of the population is allergic to the oily resin urushiol, the compound found in poison ivy that causes dermatitis — a burning, itching rash. Reactions to poison ivy range from mild to life-threatening, and I am among those who have ended up in the ER due to poison ivy exposure. As this three-leaved […]
Controlling deer is a challenge for many gardeners, whether they have ornamental gardens or are raising vegetables, not to mention rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, raccoons, moles and voles. To explore the most effective ways to control nuisance wildlife, I spoke with wildlife damage management specialist Marne Titchenell, who shared her advice on which deterrents work and […]
Of all the tools you use in the garden, your body is the most important, and maintaining it is pivotal. To explain how gardeners can make small changes in their gardening routines to protect and strengthen their bodies, movement expert Katy Bowman joins me on the podcast this week. Katy Bowman is a biomechanist by […]
Climate change has forced food growers to adjust how they garden, and as trends toward more extreme weather continue, this will only become more true. My guest this week, organic gardener and environmental studies professor Toni Farmer, explains the steps gardeners can take to mitigate the effects that climate change has on their crops. Toni […]
You’ve heard me say many times that what I love about gardening is there is always more to learn. Gardening keeps us on our toes and constantly presents opportunities to refine our methods. I decided to check in with gardeners in my Online Gardening Academy™ about their top takeaways from this past gardening season and […]
It’s time once again for my annual check-in with Craig LeHoullier, also known as NC Tomatoman, an heirloom tomato and straw bale gardening expert as well as a dwarf tomato breeder. I always look forward to catching up with Craig and finding out what new and exciting things he has going on in his garden […]
A hobby greenhouse is an addition to the garden that most gardeners dream about, but having no prior experience with greenhouses, they often don’t know where to start. My guest on this week’s encore episode, Master Gardener Sheri George, shares her many years of experience growing in greenhouses and her tips for selecting and operating […]
To get the hang of seed starting, it takes practice. There is a lot to know and a lot to get right, including watering, lighting and timing. So in this week’s podcast, I am answering seed starting questions that listeners have submitted to help you have a successful seed starting experience and get over any […]
Seed starting is a fun winter and early spring activity that gives us an opportunity to exercise our green thumbs during an often dreary time of year, but missteps can lead to disappointment. To help you have a successful and delightful experience, this week I am sharing the top five seed starting mistakes and how […]
Each December I start to gather my supplies for the upcoming and very busy seed-starting season ahead. I’ve learned over the years, it pays to start getting ready while the pace is calmer and there’s still no real pressure to get the timing right, just yet. But, Mother Nature waits for […]
As the year winds up, I like to pause and reflect on the valuable lessons that I learned over the past gardening season. These are my top gardening takeaways of 2023. Joining me this week is my Director of Marketing and Communications at Agrivana℠ Media, Amy Prentice, and you’ll also hear from Tobi McDaniel, the […]
With holiday gift shopping season upon us, I am sharing my top gardening gear picks for the gardeners in your life — the tools, accessories and books that you may also want to pick up for yourself. In a nutshell, these are the items that I consider to be the must-have gardening gear — just […]
If you have been practicing organic gardening for a while, you probably observe the mantra “feed the soil and let the soil feed the plants,” though to get even more precise, my returning guest this week, chemist and gardening author Robert Pavlis, explains that what gardeners are actually doing is feeding the microbes in soil, […]
Ecological landscape design is the practice of making meadows and gardens that are both pleasing to the eye and functional parts of the ecosystem, providing resources and habitat for essential wildlife. To share the principles of ecological landscape design and why it is so needed, returning to the podcast this week is landscape designer and […]
Regenerative agriculture is an alternative to conventional agriculture that focuses on improving soil health for better fertility and moisture retention. The benefit to farmers is increased crop yields at less cost, and the benefit to all of us is more carbon being sequestered in soil to mitigate climate change. To discuss how he discovered regenerative […]
Fall may be here, but the gardening season is far from over. Cool season flowers can be planted now or early next spring to give your garden a pop of color and aroma before most gardens are in bloom. In this week’s podcast, flower farmer Lisa Mason Ziegler shares her tips for what to grow, […]
As gardeners, there are many opportunities for us to become better stewards of the environment. On this week’s podcast, I share my ecological garden blueprint: 10 steps for you to take to partner with nature and support the ecosystem. Joining me on the podcast this week is the Director of Marketing and Communications here at […]
Natural garden design is growing in popularity, and many more gardeners would like to get on board if only they had a better idea of how to get started. If you’re curious about starting a natural garden with native plants, then you’re in luck, because my guest this week is author and garden designer Benjamin […]
Part of what makes gardening so magical is that every garden is unique. To share how gardeners can identify their personal garden style and achieve their garden goals, joining me this week is garden author, designer and teacher Rochelle Greayer of Pith + Vigor. Rochelle lives in Massachusetts on a hilltop outside Boston where she […]
Maintaining my five-acre GardenFarm™ and keeping up with documenting the garden’s progress through the growing season is far from a one-person job. This week, Tobi McDaniel, the GardenFarm manager, joins me on the podcast for the first time to offer a peek behind the curtain and share what her days here are like. If you’ve […]
Modern homesteading has surged in popularity since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, which triggered in many people a desire to become more self-sufficient and closer to the land that sustains us. To discuss this phenomenon, the benefits of homesteading and how to get started, joining me on the podcast this week is Jill […]
Time spent outdoors in the fresh air tending to gardens has a rejuvenating effect, which gardener, author and video maker Liz Zorab of Byther Farm can attest to better than anyone. Liz joins me on the podcast this week to share how gardening contributed to restoring her health and to talk about the economical, efficient […]
Native gardening is quickly moving from niche to the mainstream, and unfortunately but perhaps expectedly, homeowners associations are the last to catch on. My guest this week, Melinda Soltys, shares what she experienced tussling with her neighborhood’s HOA over her pollinator garden. Melinda and her family live in Northern Virginia, where she is active in […]
Ladybugs are one of the most beloved beneficial insects in the garden, though most people, including many gardeners, only recognize adult ladybugs. That’s understandable — immature ladybugs look nothing like their adult forms — but it’s important to get to know ladybugs during all stages of their life cycle so beneficials aren’t confused for pests. […]
It can be difficult to find the time and energy to garden as much as we’d like to — and some gardening challenges stop us from ever getting started. This week, I’m sharing my tips for overcoming frequently encountered gardening challenges. To identify the most common gardening challenges, Amy Prentice, my Director of Marketing and […]
Whether you are a newbie gardener or have years of experience, a vegetable garden will keep you on your toes. Pest and disease issues are inevitable, though they can be mitigated by being proactive, and steps can be taken to prevent recurrences. To share her insights and methods, my guest this week is Susan Mulvihill, […]
Nematodes, also known as roundworms, are the most abundant animals on earth but are largely misunderstood. In gardening and agriculture, several nematode species are known for being pests, but it’s important to recognize that many other nematode species are beneficial, providing biological control of insect pests. To explain how lab-produced pheromones can be used to […]
Seed starting season is one of my favorite times of the year. It allows me to start gardening indoors several weeks before my garden beds wake up for the year, and it holds the promise of the growing season to come. In this week’s podcast, I am sharing the seed starting essentials for successfully germinating […]
These weeks just after the calendar turns from one year to the next are the perfect time to think about your goals for the coming gardening season. On this week’s podcast, I discuss plotting out plans for doubling down on what worked well in the garden while also deciding on what I want to stop […]
When a new year begins, I like to reflect on the year that was in my garden: the wins, the challenges, the memorable moments, the teachable moments and the lessons learned. Since we’re all in this together and learning from each other, this week I am sharing top takeaways from 2022 in hopes you can […]
Brix is a measure of sugar content, and when it comes to plants, the higher the Brix value, the healthier and more pest and disease resistant the crop. To give a rundown of the science and significance of Brix and how gardeners can raise the Brix of their plants, my guest this week is entomologist […]
We work so hard in our gardens from spring until fall, but it seems like most of that time we’re just trying to keep up rather than developing a proactive strategy to finally get ahead of it all. That’s why the winter, when things slow down, is the perfect time to work on your garden […]
When it comes to buying soil for your in-ground or raised garden beds, the bottom line is you get what you pay for, but you have plenty of choices. In this video, I break it all down and show you how to get the best bang for your buck. When buying soil, […]
Environmental literacy is achieved when schoolchildren — and adults — attain the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to work individually and together toward sustainability and conservation. My guest this week, environmental education specialist Dr. Todd Klawinski, envisions a future in which all public schools make environmental literacy for students and the community part of […]
I start far more seeds indoors than I can hope to fit in my garden, but that’s on purpose. I like to have some backups to replace plants that fail to thrive or have reached the end of their lifespan. But those seedlings can’t stay in 50-cell trays indefinitely — the roots will have nowhere […]
Some of the most important and ecologically damaging chemicals used in agriculture historically — and still today, in some cases — have their origins in warfare. To share the fascinating history of how these chemicals became prevalent and how the environmental movement fought back, my guest this week is Frank von Hippel, a professor of […]
I’m always encouraging gardeners to learn the “why do” behind the “how to,” because I believe gaining that understanding makes us better at what we do, and to help me do that this week, I’m welcoming back to the podcast Robert Pavlis, a garden myth buster who can break down the plant science behind good […]
It’s hard to pull ourselves away from our gardens at the height of the growing season, but summer is also prime time for vacation and we all need to take breaks periodically to unwind and reset. Here are steps you can take to prepare your garden so you can enjoy your vacation without ever having […]
The time that we take out of our busy days to spend in the garden is precious, and we should always strive to make it as productive and enjoyable as possible, especially during the very trying times of summer. This week, I’m sharing my tips for having a successful summer in the garden while reducing […]
Hydroponic gardening is a soil-free horticulture method for raising crops both indoors and out, and it’s a lot simpler than it appears to be. To share what you need to know to get started in hydroponics, my guest this week is Master Gardener and experienced hydroponic gardener Roger Sadowski. Roger is a native of Cleveland, […]
PittMoss has emerged as an alternative to peat moss as a growing medium and potting mix — and that’s great news for gardeners who wish to break their peat habit in favor of a sustainable product. Here to explain what PittMoss is, how it’s made, and the advantages of using recycled materials is Dr. Charles […]
Coconut coir is growing in popularity as a seed starting and growing medium, especially, as a replacement for peat moss. But using coir for this purpose has its challenges. To shed light on the history of coir in horticulture and how its naturally high salt content can be overcome for seed starting and seedling growth, […]
Gardening hurdles are those challenges that stop us from gardening as much as we’d like to — or that stop us from getting started in the first place. On this week’s podcast, I share advice on overcoming common gardening hurdles that listeners have shared. Joining me this week is Amy Prentice, my Director of Marketing […]
Gardeners know the importance of attracting more pollinators to their yards, but there are other beneficial insects that don’t get the attention and the credit they deserve, namely predatory and parasitoid insects. To discuss the value of these vital insects and how to attract them to your garden, my guest this week is horticulturist and […]
Though there are a number of methods gardeners can use to extend the growing season, there is a period of dormancy for most gardens in the winter months between December and February. During these coldest months, I take this opportunity to work on my garden rather than in my garden. The careful planning and work […]
Soil microbes are the microscopic life in soil that work in concert with roots to feed plants. To help us better understand the symbiotic relationship between microbes and healthy plants, my guest on the podcast this week is David Stark, an expert in molecular biology. David is an Indiana resident with a doctorate in molecular […]
When we talk about pest control in gardens, we think about the insects that want to eat our vegetables and ornamentals, but there is a major pest that wants to feed on gardeners themselves — the mosquito. For a better understanding of mosquitoes and effective mosquito control, my guest this week, Raven Forrest Fruscalzo of […]
Our fall gardens really can get started as early as spring when we sow seeds that take many months to mature (hello Brussels sprouts), but July and August present even more opportunities to plant crops that will be ready to harvest come September, October and even later. To share her best tips for succession planning […]
Conducting a bioassay test is a way to determine if composted horse manure contains persistent herbicides that could be detrimental to plants. It’s not that complicated, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure reliable results. Once contaminated horse manure has been added to your garden beds, it may create problems that take […]
Mixing liquid fertilizer can be time-consuming, so I’d like to share with you a way that I have found to get more done in less time. In this video, I’ll show you how to use liquid fertilizer more efficiently. As an organic gardener, I don’t have to fertilize much because I use […]
Getting more organized in the garden starts with having the tools that you use most often close by and easily accessible — because there’s nothing more frustrating than needing that one tool and not being able to find it. In this video, I’m sharing simple ways to get more organized in the garden. […]
Hügelkultur is a centuries-old gardening technique using wood (tree logs) as the base layer in raised beds. The concept has had a resurgence in popularity in recent years, but many gardeners still have questions about how and why to practice hügelkultur. Fortunately, my guest on this week’s podcast, hügelkultur expert Paul Wheaton, is here to […]
One of the reasons my soil is so productive is because I use a lot of worm castings, or worm manure, that I harvest from a worm bin that I made myself. In this video, DIY expert Todd Brock and I show you the steps to make your own outdoor worm bin so you too […]
Every week across all of the joegardener and Growing a Greener World social media channels and the Online Gardening Academy courses, I receive scores of questions and requests for advice, and I try to answer as many as possible. For this week’s podcast, I’ve rounded up some of your most frequently asked gardening questions for […]
With all of the responsibilities we have in our daily lives, the time that we can dedicate to tending to and enjoying our garden is often all too short. On this week’s podcast, I share my tips for making precious gardening time more productive and more pleasurable — and for ensuring summer success. I can […]
Any natural mulch is better than no mulch at all, but that being said, there are pros and cons to each option. In this video, I explain the benefits and drawbacks of common organic mulch options. While gardening, I always use mulch, especially in my raised bed vegetable gardens. I’m often asked […]
Vining crops grown vertically need strong supports — and livestock panels are just the thing. In this video, I show three different methods for using livestock panels in vertical gardening. Vining crops can grow out or up. Growing up improves light into the plant and air circulation, both of which make for […]
We’re all anxious to get our plants in the ground, but if we’re not careful and we rush it, we can really set our plants’ progress back significantly. It’s an exciting time in the garden, but also a time to exercise restraint and self-discipline. On this week’s podcast, I share tips for setting plants up […]
The growing season is quickly approaching, and there are a number of things to take care of now to get the best results during the rest of the year. This week, I present a timely encore of my list of the Top 10 Things to Do Now to Prepare the Garden for Spring. This is […]
No-dig gardening is a simple gardening method that many gardeners — who were taught for years that they had to till or turn their gardens annually — still have many questions about. To demystify no-dig gardening and explain its benefits, my guest this week is my longtime friend Charlie Nardozzi, a nationally recognized garden writer, […]
Have you ever compared a packet of conventional seeds and a packet of organic seeds and wondered what the difference truly is? My guest this week — to demystify what it means when seeds are organic — is Tom Stearns, a pioneer of growing and selling organic seeds. Tom Stearns is the founder and owner […]
Before placing your order online or filling out a seed catalog order form, be sure you are making the best buying decisions. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing tips to help make you a more informed seed shopper. Below, I explain what to do before you start, how to process the plethora of seed catalogs […]
One of Mother Nature’s very best gifts comes every fall, as leaves drop from trees. For the small price of collecting the leaves and depositing them in your garden beds as mulch, the returns are high. Raking and blowing leaves is a dreaded task for many of us, but those leaves are […]
Planting cool-season crops poses a challenge when the weather is still hot, but there are tools you can employ to protect plants that don’t tolerate the heat. Once plants are in the ground, apply a layer of about two inches of mulch over the bare soil around the plants, then water it […]
When many gardeners are picking their last crops for the year and getting ready to say goodbye to their gardens until spring, Niki Jabbour doesn’t slow down when temperatures drop. Though Niki lives in USDA zone 5b in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where winter temperatures can plunge to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, she can harvest fresh vegetables […]
A simple cold frame is just what you need to get more out of your garden, from getting an early start coming into spring to extending your growing season well into fall and winter. Cold frames are easy to build — you can make one in an hour or two — and the materials are […]
These past few months have been difficult for many of us, but one bright side has been the re-ignited interest in gardening. I’ve heard from so many people who’ve never planted anything before but are eager to grow their own food. Gardeners of all experience levels have been able to spend more time with their […]
Over the years I’ve tried my share of gardening tools. Along the way, I’ve spent (and wasted) a lot of money. But it hasn’t been a total loss. Some of those purchases have resulted in the tools I can’t live without, including what I consider my top 12 tools to make your gardening life easier […]
No matter where you garden, chances are good that you struggle with deer damage. Deer are a constant issue here on my rural 5-acre GardenFarm™ north of Atlanta, GA; but they can be just as prevalent in the midst of urban spaces too. Gardeners often turn to deer-resistant plants as a solution. The fact is, […]
Are you ready to get your garden geek on? In today’s episode we’re diving into the deep end on the subject of soil – specifically, understanding the soil food web. If you’ve ever told anyone that you “like to play in the dirt” to describe your love of gardening, I’m willing to bet that this […]
Whether you’ve got an extensive garden area or just a postage-stamp-sized balcony, you can garden in containers just about anywhere. There are some similarities in techniques for gardening in the landscape versus containers, however there are many key differences for success too. This week’s guest is Karen Chapman, and she’s a sought-after expert in the […]
Sometimes, you just have one of those weeks. I didn’t intend to share a podcast on garden safety this week, but a series of accidents – and shared experiences of our team – inspired a conversation about all the shortcuts which can put us at risk in the garden. I hope some of these reminders […]
As winter slowly yields to spring, the call to get our hands into the soil becomes irresistible. These spring tips for vegetable garden success are a valuable guide to the essential steps everyone can and should take for a bountiful and productive garden. Pick the best location You may have heard the phrase, pick the […]
Would you say you had a resilient garden? Did it stand up to the challenges of this past growing season? This year has been especially difficult for many of us, and while we’re in the middle of my favorite garden time – fall – I’m also already in planning mode for next year. Each season, […]
How well do you know the insect world of your garden? Can you tell the good bugs from the bad bugs? Did you know there are prey and predator insects? This week’s guest, Jessica Walliser, used to be a bug hater. As a horticulturist, she was trained that bugs were the enemy, and she spent […]
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