Grow Archives - joe gardener® | Organic Gardening Like a Pro

431-Inspiration and Advice for Aspiring Flower Farmers

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:30:27 +0000

Flowers can bring beauty, healing and economic opportunity. But what does it take to build a livelihood around flowers? In this episode, I’m joined by Debra Prinzing, the founder of the Slow Flowers Society and co-author of “The Flower Farmers,” and Xenia D’Ambrosi, a flower farmer and the founder of Sweet Earth Co. Together, they […]

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420-There’s More to Pansies Than You Think

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:30:04 +0000

Pansies are popular cool-season bedding plants, and that may be what they are best known for, but pansies are so much more. My guest this week, flower farmer Brenna Estrada, literally wrote the book on pansies, and she joins me to share the potential pansies have. “Pansies: How to Grow, Reimagine, and Create Beauty with […]

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417-Understanding Phenology, the Biological Rhythms of the Seasons

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 15 May 2025 04:30:09 +0000

Phenology is a field of study that explains the seasonal changes and behaviors seen in plants and animals. Unfortunately, due to climate change, many phenological events are occurring earlier or later, which disrupts relationships between co-dependent plants and animals. Joining me on the podcast to explain what gardeners need to know about phenology is ecologist […]

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405-All About Ferns, with Dr. Emily Sessa of NYBG

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:30:57 +0000

Ferns aren’t quite as showy as flowering plants, but they are beautiful and their biology is fascinating, according to my guest this week, evolutionary biologist Dr. Emily Sessa of the New York Botanical Garden. She is here to teach us all about ferns, from their history to their unique properties. Emily is the Patricia K. […]

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400-Defending a Native Garden From Misguided Laws

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:30:15 +0000

Rewilding a home landscape to support wildlife and increase biodiversity is a noble and worthwhile effort and should be every property owner’s right. However, ill-advised local ordinances that favor tidiness over ecology can make a native garden a target for fines and prosecution. On this week’s podcast, native gardener Craig Sinclair explains how he went […]

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393-The Hidden Life of Roots-Encore Presentation

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:30:26 +0000

In the soil under our feet, amazing things go on that we don’t get to see. The more we learn about the hidden life of roots, the greater our understanding of how plants obtain the water and nutrients they need to grow. Landscape designer and author Robert Kourik joins me on the podcast to explain […]

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382-The Tree Collectors: Amy Stewart’s Tales of Arboreal Obsessions

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:30:38 +0000

Tree collectors come in many different fashions, as author Amy Stewart explores in her new book, “The Tree Collectors: Tales of Arboreal Obsession.” Amy joins me on the podcast this week to discuss tree collecting, what inspired her to write this book, and 10 of the 50 tree collectors she featured in the book. Amy […]

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378-The Essential Role of Soil Bacteria in the Garden-Encore Presentation

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 04:30:07 +0000

Soil bacteria perform many essential tasks to enable plant growth, including cycling nutrients and fixing nitrogen. To explain the fascinating things that researchers have discovered about soil bacteria in recent years, my guest on this encore presentation is gardening columnist and author Jeff Lowenfels. Jeff writes a weekly gardening column for the Anchorage Daily News, […]

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376-The Light Eaters: The Unseen World of Plant Intelligence

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 04:30:40 +0000

Plants can do some marvelous things — in addition to being “light eaters” they have their own ways of seeing, hearing and feeling. My guest this week, environmental reporter and author Zoë Schlanger, is here to discuss her new book on the concept of plant intelligence and how it changes our understanding of plant life. […]

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375-Apple Hunters Rediscover the Colorado Orange Apple

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 04:30:56 +0000

Many apple varieties that have not been commercially available for decades have been lost to history, but there are people called “apple hunters” who go in search of once-popular apples to save them from extinction. My guest this week, Jude Schuenemeyer is an apple hunter who is here to share a success story: the rediscovery […]

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372-Groundcover Solutions for Difficult Spaces and Turf Lawn Reduction

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 04:30:10 +0000

Groundcover plants require far less maintenance than a turfgrass lawn and can also offer erosion control and ecological services, among many other benefits. To discuss groundcover solutions to lawn troubles, joining me this week is Kathy Jentz, author of “Groundcover Revolution.” Kathy is the editor and publisher of Washington Gardener magazine and the Green Media […]

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365-Tiny and Wild: What To Know To Build a Small-Scale Meadow Anywhere

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 16 May 2024 04:30:47 +0000

Converting lawn to meadow is not as hard as it may seem, and my guest this week demonstrates as much in his book “Tiny + Wild: Build a Small-Scale Meadow Anywhere.” Graham Laird Gardner works to get the word out about the simplicity and benefits of creating a native meadow. Graham uses the moniker “Native […]

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358-How a Volunteer Sunflower Turned a Flower Farmer into a Seed Breeder

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 04:30:43 +0000

Life has thrown Steve Kaufer some curveballs, but with some smart pivoting and serendipity, he’s become a successful seed breeder and seed farmer, earning the moniker “Sunflower Steve.” He joins me on the podcast this week to share his story and explain how a volunteer sunflower that grew in his field in 2007 set him […]

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355-Growing Flowers, Seeds and a Business, with Erin Benzakein of Floret Flower Farm

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 05:30:08 +0000

For success as a flower farmer as well as a seed breeder and seller, it helps to possess both a creative spirit and business acumen. My guest this week, Erin Benzakein of Floret Flower Farm and the Magnolia Network series “Growing Floret,” has both in spades, and we discuss how she maintains her creativity and […]

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352-Greenhouse Hacks and Tips: Lessons Learned In My First Year

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 14:16:06 +0000

I just passed the one-year mark of being a greenhouse owner in January. It has been an eye-opener, and I have learned so much. I want to share with you the greenhouse hacks and tips and the lessons learned in my first year and the main “aha” moments. It’s been amazing so far to experience […]

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345-The Lean Micro Farm: Raise Crops with Maximum Efficiency

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 05:30:24 +0000

Whether you have a small space that you want to make more productive or you have a sprawling garden that you struggle to maintain, you’ll want to hear what this week’s guest has to say. Ben Hartman is a farmer and author who applies the super-efficient “lean” system to gardening and micro farming and teaches […]

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344-Grow Fruit Trees Successfully

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 05:30:30 +0000

Gardeners who wish to grow fruit trees will have much better results if they learn the ropes before they ever purchase a tree and dig a planting hole. Early decisions such as what cultivars to grow and where to plant them are pivotal to a successful orchard. To share how to get started growing fruit […]

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342-An Introduction to Growing Microgreens

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 05:30:29 +0000

Growing microgreens is easier than you think. Nutrient-dense microgreens can be raised at home for your family’s enjoyment, and it’s easy to scale up into a microgreens business, according to my guest this week, Jonah Krochmalnek, the owner and founder of Microgreens Consulting. Jonah is the founder of Toronto-based Living Earth Farm, one of the […]

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337-Legends of the Leaf: The Secrets of Well-Known Houseplants, with Jane Perrone

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 04:30:01 +0000

How much do you know about the houseplant sitting on your windowsill? My returning guest this week, garden writer and houseplants podcaster Jane Perrone, is here to reveal the little-known histories of plants that have shared homes with us for generations. Jane lives in Bedfordshire, England, where she is a freelance journalist who specializes in […]

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336-What We Sow: The Significance of Seeds, with Jennifer Jewell

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 04:30:23 +0000

Seeds hold the keys to sustaining life on this planet, and they draw cultural connections between ancestors and their descendants. To discuss her latest book, What We Sow, and the significance of seeds ecologically, culturally and personally, joining me on the podcast this week is Jennifer Jewell of “Cultivating Place.” Jennifer had been a garden […]

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334-A Market Farmer’s Journey to Success-Encore Presentation

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 04:30:13 +0000

Once you’ve experienced the joy of raising fruits and vegetables to feed your family, it becomes much easier to imagine what it would be like to become a market farmer who grows enough to maintain a successful business. My guest this week, Conor Crickmore, left his tech career in New York City in 2009 to […]

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322-Back to the Roots Brings Organic Gardening to the Masses

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 04:30:06 +0000

Even as more and more gardeners adopt the practices of organic, sustainable and regenerative horticulture, retailers still treat organic gardening products as a niche thing. My guests this week, Back to the Roots co-founders and co-CEOs Nikhil Arora and Alejandro “Alex” Vélez, are working to change that by making organic gardening easy and affordable. The […]

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321-Joe’s Summer Observations and Takeaways from the GardenFarm™

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 04:30:49 +0000

This week you may notice the podcast sounds a bit different than it normally does. That’s because instead of recording indoors, I recorded from my home garden, the GardenFarm™. You can follow me as I walk along and share my observations from the summer so far and my plans for the weeks ahead. As I […]

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313-Get to Know Cucumber-Melons, an Alternative to Bitter Cucumbers

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 18 May 2023 04:30:13 +0000

Cucumber-melons aren’t hybrids of cucumbers and melons but rather immature melons that are intended to be enjoyed just as you would eat a cucumber. To explain the origin of cucumber-melons and what sets them apart from standard cucumbers, my guest this week is Jay Tracy, a cucumber-melon expert and seed seller. Jay grew up in […]

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311-Gardening Science: How Your Garden Really Grows

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 04 May 2023 04:30:57 +0000

Among gardeners, there is a lot of advice out there that sounds clever and wise, but when you begin to look into it, you learn there is no concrete evidence to back it up. My guest this week, Dr. Stuart Farrimond, has authored a book on gardening science to explain what the research says about […]

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309-Carex: A Problem-Solving Native Perennial for Any Home Landscape

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 04:30:55 +0000

Carex is a grass alternative that is a problem-solving native perennial for any home landscape. But with so many Carex species and cultivars to choose from, it’s hard to know what the best fit will be for your garden. To determine the most adaptable, resilient, attractive and ecologically valuable Carex species, Mt. Cuba Center spent […]

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307-Breeding Dahlias for Home Gardeners-Encore Presentation

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 04:30:10 +0000

Breeding dahlias can result in surprising, desirable and unique dahlia varieties, and it’s an activity any home gardener can do. To explain the basics of raising dahlias and her advanced techniques for hybridizing dahlias, joining me on the podcast is Kristine Albrecht, a dahlia expert and the founder of Santa Cruz Dahlias. Kristine is the […]

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306-Plant Breeding for Home Gardeners-Encore Presentation

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 04:30:48 +0000

Plant breeding may appear on the surface to be too complicated for the average home gardener to do, but anyone can breed hybrid and open-pollinated vegetables and flowers if they have the knowledge and patience for it and put in the effort. Joseph Tychonievich, a garden writer and plant breeder, joins me on the podcast […]

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302-How to Grow Epic Potatoes-Encore Presentation

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 05:30:55 +0000

If you want to grow epic potatoes, there is no one better to learn from than Jim Gerritsen, the founder of Wood Prairie Family Farm in Bridgewater, Maine. Jim has more than 45 years of experience growing potatoes organically, and he came on the podcast to share everything you need to know to have a […]

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285-Growing Indoors Hydroponically

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 04:30:43 +0000

Building an indoor hydroponic gardening system from scratch is a tall feat for newcomers to hydroponics, but these days there are a number of compact hydroponic systems on the market that are easy to assemble and operate. To discuss the advantages of ready-made hydroponic gardens, my guest this week is Tina Edwards, a marketing manager […]

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Why I Leave Some Tomato Plants in the Garden After Summer

Joe Lamp'l — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 10:00:03 +0000

Tomatoes are thought of as a summer crop, and rightly so, but in my fall garden, I have a few tomato plants that are still going strong. I encourage you to leave a few tomato plants in the ground when you transition to a fall garden because they just might surprise you. […]

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283-A Soil Chemistry Primer: How Protons and Electrons Influence Soil Moisture and Fertility

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 04:30:17 +0000

Gardeners know that adding organic material to soil improves its fertility, but to understand the reasons why organic matter is such an effective soil amendment, it’s necessary to get down to the molecular level. My guest this week, retired horticulture professor Debbie Flower, is here to offer a soil chemistry primer on cation-exchange capacity and […]

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279-Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World, with William Alexander

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 04:30:57 +0000

Tomatoes are one of the most well-traveled vegetables — or fruits — that there is and one of the most popular crops in home gardens, but after they were introduced to Europe, centuries went by when they were grown and admired — but not eaten. To dig into the fascinating history of tomatoes, from their […]

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277-Joe Lamp’l and Meg Cowden Discuss His New Book: ‘The Vegetable Gardening Book’

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 04:30:18 +0000

To mark the release of my new book, “The Vegetable Gardening Book,” which hit shelves on Tuesday, for the podcast this week we’re going to turn the tables: My friend and frequent podcast guest Meg Cowden of Seed to Fork is going to interview me. When Meg pitched this idea to me, I agreed it […]

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How Do I Grow Carrots?

Joe Lamp'l — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 00:17:23 +0000

A grocery store carrot can never compare to the taste of a fresh-picked carrot from the garden, but growing carrots can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid the obstacles and have a successful carrot crop. If you want to grow carrots in your garden, here’s everything you need to know. […]

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275-Cool-Season Vegetables to Grow in Fall-Updated Encore Presentation

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 04:30:07 +0000

There are myriad upsides to growing cool-season vegetables in fall, but too many gardeners miss out on this opportunity. The fact is, the vegetable gardening season is far from over when summer ends. To give you the knowledge and confidence you need to grow a fall vegetable garden successfully, this week I’m sharing an updated […]

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271-Small Space Vegetable Gardening, with Mark Ridsdill Smith

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 04:30:49 +0000

A lack of space is one of the top reasons people give for not having a garden, but with a little knowledge and ingenuity, it’s possible to grow flowers, herbs and even vegetables in urban environments. Mark Ridsdill Smith has become a trusted authority on container gardening in small spaces, and he’s my guest this […]

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How Do I Grow Asparagus?

Joe Lamp'l — Sun, 01 May 2022 17:49:55 +0000

Though I have been a gardener for decades, I did not always grow asparagus because I was hesitant to commit a garden bed to a long-lived perennial crop, but in time I realized I was missing out on one of nature’s greatest gifts. Home-grown asparagus is unsurpassed in flavor and sweetness, and it’s downright beautiful […]

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253-A Primer on Plant Breeding for Home Gardeners

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 04:30:12 +0000

Plant breeding isn’t just for commercial growers. With some knowledge, a bit of effort and a fair amount of patience, any home gardener can breed new crosses of flowers or vegetables. To discuss how to create hybrid and open-pollinated plant varieties, my guest this week is garden writer and plant breeder Joseph Tychonievich. Joseph is […]

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251-All About Chile Peppers: Good to Know and How to Grow, with Dr. Paul Bosland

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 05:30:48 +0000

Chile peppers are all hot to some degree, but how hot a pepper tastes depends on a variety of factors, from growing conditions to the palate of the person eating those peppers. To explain the science behind hot peppers, along with good to know and how to grow information is my guest this week is […]

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249-Growing Epic Tomatoes Course: A Look back on Year One and New Changes Ahead, With Craig LeHoullier and Joe Lamp’l

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 05:30:09 +0000

Best-selling author and tomato expert Craig LeHoullier and I are gearing up for our second year co-instructing Growing Epic Tomatoes, our joegardener Online Gardening Academy course. In this episode, we look back on year one and talk about new changes ahead for the current growing season, and we’re excited to tell you about what we […]

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246-Growing Figs Anywhere, Even in Cold Climates, with Lee Reich

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 05:30:56 +0000

Figs are the perfect plants for beginner fruit growers, and even the most experienced among us love growing figs for their sweet flavor and jammy flesh. Growing figs nearly anywhere is possible, but in cold climates, it poses some challenges, but none of that challenges are insurmountable. To explain what you need to know to […]

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243-Always More to Learn in the Garden, with Margaret Roach

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 05:30:47 +0000

As gardeners, if we get stuck in our ways, we can’t grow. I love the fact that there is always more to learn when it comes to gardening and that we can push ourselves to be better stewards of our land. To discuss many of the lessons she learned this past year, my friend and […]

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How Do I Grow Corn?

Joe Lamp'l — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 19:55:49 +0000

Corn — or maize, as it’s known in much of the world — is the most planted crop in the United States. In agriculture, corn is grown for human consumption, spirits, animal feed and even fuel and disposable containers. In the home garden, this warm-season crop is usually grown for one reason: to enjoy the […]

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How Do I Grow Turnips?

Joe Lamp'l — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 17:55:45 +0000

Turnips are root vegetables in the cabbage family that are spicy and crunchy when raw, and sweet and earthy when cooked. Turnips that mature in cool weather are the sweetest of all, but this crop can be grown for both spring and fall harvest. If you want to grow turnips in your garden, here is […]

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240-Uprooted: A Gardener’s Journey and Growth From Starting Over, with Page Dickey

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 05:30:31 +0000

Taking care of a property for many years and watching the plants that you put in the ground mature and flourish is one of the most satisfying parts of gardening, but sometimes circumstances require us to leave our beloved gardens behind. My guest this week, garden designer and acclaimed writer Page Dickey, shares her journey […]

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How Do I Grow Parsnips?

Joe Lamp'l — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 22:56:58 +0000

Parsnips are cool-season root vegetables that are similar in appearance to carrots but with their own unique growing requirements and distinct taste. Parsnips that have experienced a few touches of frost prior to harvest are the sweetest, with a nutty or earthy flavor. If you want to grow parsnips in your garden, here is everything […]

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How Do I Grow Radishes?

Joe Lamp'l — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 17:13:39 +0000

Radishes are an easy-to-grow root crop that is suited to both a spring and fall harvest. They are quick to mature, which makes them ideal for succession planting. If you want to grow radishes in your garden, here is everything you need to know. You can also download my How Do I Grow Radishes? one-sheet […]

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236-Gardening in Grow Bags: Answers to All Your Questions

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 05:30:53 +0000

Grow bags are a convenient solution for gardeners who are short on space, but every gardener can enjoy the benefits of grow bags. In this week’s episode, I answer all your questions on gardening in grow bags, including all the advantages as well as the challenges and how to overcome them. We polled our social […]

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How Do I Grow Cauliflower?

Joe Lamp'l — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 14:00:40 +0000

Cauliflower is a nutritious, versatile vegetable that offers so many possibilities in the kitchen and is satisfying to grow. If you want to grow cauliflower in your garden, here’s everything you need to know to keep it thriving from planting to harvest. You can also download my How Do I Grow Cauliflower? one-sheet and keep […]

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234-Converting Lawn into Meadow

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 05:30:44 +0000

The more we learn about the importance of biodiversity and the harms of monoculture, pesticides and synthetic fertilizer, the more we realize that sprawling lawns should be phased out. Here to explain the simple steps to converting lawn into an ecologically fundamental meadow is Owen Wormser, an expert in regenerative landscape design. Owen was born […]

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How Do I Grow Beets?

Joe Lamp'l — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 13:00:23 +0000

Beets are a cold-weather crop that I look forward to growing in both spring and fall. Not only are beets a hearty root vegetable, but the tops are edible as well. They also grow quite fast, so you can enjoy beets before many other crops. If you want to grow beets in your garden, here’s […]

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231-Vegetables Love Flowers (and Why You Should Grow More)

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 04:30:14 +0000

Adding a cutting garden to your landscape will mean fresh-cut flowers for you to enjoy and also an abundance of pollinators and other beneficial insects in your vegetable garden. To explain why vegetables love flowers and how to start a cutting garden, my guest this week is flower farmer and author Lisa Mason Ziegler. With […]

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How Do I Grow Broccoli?

Joe Lamp'l — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 03:32:38 +0000

Broccoli is one of my favorite plants to grow and eat, and it’s one of the most nutritious crops there is. If you want to grow broccoli in your garden, here’s everything you need to know to keep it thriving from planting to harvest. You can also download my How Do I Grow Broccoli? one-sheet […]

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How Do I Grow Swiss Chard?

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 22:21:24 +0000

Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that’s renowned for its nutritional value, and it’s popular with gardeners because it is so easy to grow. It is a cut-and-come-again crop that produces for quite some time and is cold hardy too. If you want to grow Swiss chard in your garden, here’s everything you need […]

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228-Growing Great Garlic, With Alley Swiss of Filaree Farm

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 04:30:07 +0000

Growing garlic in the home garden opens up the opportunity to experience an array of flavors that you will never find with store-bought garlic. Growing garlic is easy, but there are a few important things to know to have success. To share his expert advice on growing great garlic, my guest this week is Alley […]

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226-The Magical World of Moss Gardening

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 04:30:27 +0000

That special feeling that comes when you walk through a moss-covered forest can be recreated right in your own backyard. My guest this week, moss expert Annie Martin, aka Mossin’ Annie, takes us into the magical world of moss gardening and explains the simple steps to creating your own homegrown moss garden. Annie is the […]

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225-Growing Roses Sustainably

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 04:30:41 +0000

Roses can be intimidating, so much so that many gardeners don’t bother, but my guest this week, rosarian Paul Zimmerman, wants you to know that that reputation is not deserved. Paul is an expert on growing roses sustainably, free of chemicals and with little intervention on your part. Paul was a founding member and president […]

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How Do I Grow Summer Squash?

Joe Lamp'l — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 20:21:38 +0000

Pattypan, crookneck, straightneck and zucchini — these are the summer squashes, all highly productive, a pleasure to grow and better to eat. What sets summer squash apart from winter squash is that the fruit are soft-skinned, tender and intended for eating right away. They are picked while immature and lack the tough skin that makes […]

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How Do I Grow Winter Squash?

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:42:06 +0000

Winter squash is so-named because unlike summer squash, which has a soft skin and should be enjoyed right away, the hard-skinned fruit of winter squash can be cured and then stored for several months. Butternut, spaghetti and acorn squash are classic examples, and pumpkins too are a cultivar of winter squash. If you want to […]

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How Do I Grow Basil?

Joe Lamp'l — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 12:00:46 +0000

I love to grow basil — there’s nothing better than walking outside to snip a few stems for whatever you’re cooking at the moment. Basil is a great plant for gardeners from beginners to experts because it’s easy to care for and doesn’t require lots of space. It can easily be grown in a container […]

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How Do I Grow Melons?

Joe Lamp'l — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 01:28:28 +0000

Few things say summer quite like biting into a sweet, juicy melon. Cantaloupes, honeydew and watermelons are all a delight to grow when they have the sun, heat and fertility that they need. Their spreading and climbing vines make the garden visually appealing too. If you want to grow melons in your garden, here’s what […]

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215-Roots Demystified: The Amazing Unseen Things Roots Do

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 04:30:18 +0000

Most people know that roots are how plants take up nutrients and water, but there are so many other amazing, unseen things that roots do that are exciting to learn about. To share his enthusiasm for roots and the other organisms beneath the soil’s surface, my guest this week is landscape designer and author Robert […]

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214-The National Gardening Association’s 2021 Survey Findings: What Gardeners Think

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 04:30:06 +0000

Each year since 1973, the Texas-based National Gardening Association works with professional pollsters to conduct the National Gardening Survey, which offers valuable insights into the mindset of gardeners across the United States. To help break the data down to better understand what gardeners think, my guest this week is National Gardening Association Executive Director Dave […]

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How Do I Grow Tomatoes?

Joe Lamp'l — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 21:41:23 +0000

Tomatoes are by far the most popular home garden crop in America, and it’s clear why. You’ll never eat a tomato that tastes better than one you picked from your own garden. If you want to grow tomatoes for the first time or are looking to up your tomato-growing game, here’s what you need to […]

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How Do I Grow Green Beans?

Joe Lamp'l — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 14:30:03 +0000

Green beans, string beans, snap beans or haricot vert — no matter what you call these legumes, they are easy to grow and a delight to eat fresh from the garden. If you want to grow green beans in your garden, here’s everything you need to know. You can also download my How Do I […]

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How Do I Grow Cucumbers?

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 27 May 2021 00:28:50 +0000

Cucumbers are a fast-growing summer crop and make a great addition to any vegetable garden. They’re known for their desire to roam, with vines that climb everywhere, but these days, there are also bush-style varieties available that make cucumbers a good option no matter how little space you have. If you want to grow cucumbers […]

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How Do I Grow Okra?

Joe Lamp'l — Tue, 18 May 2021 02:22:35 +0000

I love to eat okra, but it’s not a love we all share — and that’s okay. Okra is a vegetable you either like or you don’t, though we can all agree it provides great ornamental value to any landscape. In flower, the plant is striking as an attractive backdrop. And if the flower looks […]

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208-Growing Epic Tomatoes: Our Just-Released Online Course Preview, With Craig LeHoullier

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 13 May 2021 04:30:00 +0000

Tomato expert Craig LeHoullier and I have been working all year toward this week’s launch of the newest joegardener Online Gardening Academy™ course, Growing Epic Tomatoes, and Craig now joins me on the podcast to share our excitement for what’s in store. Craig literally wrote the book on growing tomatoes successfully — “Epic Tomatoes: How […]

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How Do I Grow Eggplant?

Joe Lamp'l — Sat, 08 May 2021 00:51:28 +0000

Eggplant is a warm-season crop that you’ll love eating, and as a bonus, it adds a lot of visual interest in the garden with its purple flowers and gorgeous fruit. Eggplant is related to tomatoes and peppers, so if you’ve ever grown either of those, you’re already off to a good start — but no […]

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206-Our Most Essential Trees: The Nature of Oaks, with Doug Tallamy

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 04:30:55 +0000

It’s always a pleasure speaking with Dr. Doug Tallamy, a renowned entomologist and advocate for native gardening. Based on the feedback his past appearances on the podcast have received, I know listeners will be just as excited as I am that he is back this week discussing North America’s most important native tree: the oak. […]

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205-A Primer on Growing Blueberries, with Lee Reich-Encore Presentation

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 04:30:54 +0000

Blueberry bushes add year-round visual appeal to a landscape and provide a bounty of tasty fruits each summer. Getting started is easy — if you have a sunny location and well-drained soil, you can grow blueberries — but there are a few things to know first. For the best advice on how to grow blueberries, […]

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How Do I Grow Spinach?

Joe Lamp'l — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 13:42:04 +0000

Spinach is a cool-season plant that’s one of the first crops of spring and a great fall crop as well. You’ll enjoy growing this undemanding plant and will enjoy eating it even more. Harvest spinach any time to enjoy raw in salads or cook it up in seconds for a delicious side dish that’s loaded […]

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How Do I Grow Peppers?

Joe Lamp'l — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 21:02:42 +0000

Peppers are one of the most rewarding plants grown in an edible garden. They are very productive — giving gardeners all the fruit they can eat, and then some — and the fruit look gorgeous as they develop. If you want to grow peppers in your garden, here’s what you need to know. You can […]

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200-Monty Don: Behind the Scenes of Gardeners’ World, and More

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 04:30:43 +0000

Monty Don is the biggest name in gardening in the United Kingdom, and this week he’s my guest for the very special 200th episode of “The joe gardener Show.” In our conversation, he shares his behind-the-scenes experience as Lead Presenter of the No. 1 British gardening show, Gardeners’ World during a pandemic and discusses the […]

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199-Growing Epic Potatoes: Everything to Know From Before You Plant to Storing the Harvest

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 05:10:58 +0000

For the very first episode of The joe gardener Show that’s dedicated solely to growing potatoes, I couldn’t have asked for a better guest than Jim Gerritsen, the founder of Wood Prairie Family Farm in Bridgewater, Maine, where he has grown potatoes organically for 45 years. Jim generously shares everything to know about growing epic […]

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How Do I Grow Brussels Sprouts?

Joe Lamp'l — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 14:25:25 +0000

Brussels sprouts are cool-season brassicas that taste even better after they have been kissed by frost. Nothing complements a main course in fall quite like fresh Brussels sprouts that came straight to the kitchen from the garden. They have a delicious, slightly crunchy, nutty flavor and can be served roasted, sautéed, steamed and even raw. […]

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Choosing Materials for Building a Raised Bed Garden – Pros & Cons

Joe Lamp'l — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:56:58 +0000

While designing and building a raised bed garden, you have plenty of choices when deciding what materials to use to contain the soil. Each option has its pros and cons, and what’s best for another gardener may not be what’s best for you. In this video, I explain the important things to consider and give […]

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190-Growing Herbs: The Workhorse Plants for Every Garden, Outdoors and Indoors

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 05:30:04 +0000

From time to time on the podcast, we’ve touched on growing herbs, but this week’s episode is the first that is dedicated solely to growing herbs. My guest to help us dive into this topic of these workhorse plants for every garden is horticulturist Sue Goetz, whose new book, “Complete Container Herb Gardening,” was published […]

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How Do I Grow Herbs?

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 00:29:05 +0000

Growing culinary herbs is the easiest way to start a kitchen garden, as herbs are undemanding and produce continuous harvests throughout the season. Even if you have no room for a garden — as long as you have sun — you can grow herbs in containers. If you want to grow herbs, here’s what you […]

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How Do I Grow Lettuce?

Joe Lamp'l — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 17:06:26 +0000

Lettuce is a fast-growing cool-season crop for spring and fall that is attractive in both vegetable and ornamental gardens and is suited to container gardening as well. If you want to grow lettuce in your garden, here’s what you need to know. You can also download my How Do I Grow Lettuce? one-sheet and keep […]

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How Do I Grow Artichokes?

Joe Lamp'l — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 13:00:35 +0000

Artichokes are delicious to eat roasted, grilled, fried or steamed, and in the garden they provide incredible ornamental value with their structural form, silver-green foliage and blazing neon purple color when allowed to bloom. If you want to grow artichokes in your garden, here’s what you need to know. You can also download my How […]

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How Do I Grow Cabbage?

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 13:00:15 +0000

Cabbage is a brassica crop — related to broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts — that thrives in cold. Because of its frost tolerance, cabbage is perfect for starting your gardening season early in spring or for extending it into the fall. If you want to grow cabbage in your garden, here’s what you need […]

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How Do I Grow Strawberries?

Joe Lamp'l — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 23:57:11 +0000

Strawberry plants are cold hardy and easy to grow, and they thrive in containers and raised beds. Best of all, home-grown strawberries taste a thousand times better than any store-bought variety. If you want to grow strawberries in your garden, here’s what you need to know. You can also download my How Do I Grow […]

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184-More Must-Have Books for Every Gardener: Encore (Hybrid) Presentation

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 05:30:41 +0000

While I am a big proponent of learning through experience, I also hone my gardening skills and draw inspiration by regularly dipping into my library of books on horticulture and the natural world. In the nearly two and a half years since I first presented an episode on my favorite books for gardeners, I’ve added […]

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183-Your Gardening Successes in 2020

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 05:30:49 +0000

As we approach Thanksgiving, a time for taking stock of all the things we are grateful for, it feels like a good time to reflect on our gardening successes this year. I’ll admit I’m guilty of talking about how challenging this summer was in the garden for many of us while failing to highlight the […]

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181-The Power of a Plant: Stephen Ritz and His Incredible Green Bronx Machine

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 05:30:37 +0000

Gardeners know that eating food you grew yourself raises your spirits in a way that few things can. My guest this week, educator and author of The Power of a Plant, Stephen Ritz, recognized the benefit of growing edible plants to enrich students’ bodies and minds in a variety of ways, and his Green Bronx […]

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179-Plant Partners: The Science-based Benefits of Companion Planting, with Jessica Walliser

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 04:30:16 +0000

Companion planting has been practiced for centuries, but it’s not always clear why some plants perform better when paired with others. To separate conjecture from facts, my guest this week, horticulturist and author Jessica Walliser, has penned a new book on companion planting strategies supported by science. Jessica holds a degree in ornamental horticulture from […]

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176-Always Learning: 10 Lessons the Garden Has Taught Us in 2020, with Meg Cowden

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 04:30:59 +0000

The most satisfying triumphs in the garden are built on experimentation and, yes, what many call failures, but what I always call learning opportunities. We’re always learning, no matter how long we’ve been gardening. Perhaps no one I know pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the garden further than veteran gardener, Meg Cowden of […]

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The Complete Guide to Growing Garlic (Everything You Need to Know)

Joe Lamp'l — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 23:22:50 +0000

Garlic is an easy-to-grow crop that requires little to no care, and if you set aside a head or two from each harvest for planting the next season, you’ll never have to buy garlic again. Garlic is in the Allium genus, which also includes onions, shallots, leeks, scallions, chives and ornamental Alliums. Because garlic grows […]

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173-Starting a New Tomato Garden: Lessons Learned, with Craig LeHoullier

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 04:30:35 +0000

Starting a new tomato garden in an unfamiliar location poses a number of challenges and can be intimidating, even for experienced gardeners, but it also provides a clean slate and new opportunities for lessons learned. Tomato growing expert Craig LeHoullier moved in January to Hendersonville, North Carolina, and he has much to share about experimenting […]

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172-Tips for Growing Cool-Season Vegetables in Fall-Encore Presentation

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 04:30:58 +0000

Of all the gardening seasons, the fall growing season is my favorite. Arugula, beets, broccoli, carrots, lettuce and more — there are so many cool-season vegetables that you can grow in fall and enjoy on your dinner plate. The trick is to know your first frost date and work backward from there to pick the […]

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How to Save Tomato Seeds

Joe Lamp'l — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 22:23:54 +0000

Saving seeds from tomatoes is simpler than you think. Once you learn how to save tomato seeds, you can continue growing your favorite heirloom varieties for seasons to come. If you love eating and growing a certain variety of tomato and you wish to grow the same tomato next gardening season, check whether your tomato […]

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167-Managing Plant Diseases Organically, with Jeff Gillman

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 04:10:30 +0000

Plant diseases pose one of the biggest challenges that gardeners face, and while it can be tempting to reach for a chemical control, managing plant diseases organically is possible. To speak to that fact, I invited Dr. Jeff Gillman on the podcast a couple of years back, and I am revisiting that conversion this week […]

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166-Tracing the History of Heirloom Seeds, With Seed Savers Exchange

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 04:10:47 +0000

Every seed has a story to tell, if someone will listen. This week, I asked Sara Straate, the seed historian for Seed Savers Exchange, to come on the show and explain the work that goes into tracing the history of heirloom seeds that, in many cases, came to the exchange after being saved for generations […]

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163-Plant Propagation Tips: Easy Ways to Make More Plants, With Brie Arthur-Encore Presentation

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 04:10:43 +0000

One of my favorite gardening activities is plant propagation. In fact, you could say that it’s what first got me interested in gardening as a young child. Plant propagation is one of the best ways to add more plants to your garden and landscape for free, and it’s a fun way to make more of […]

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152-The Native Plant Trust: Why Plant Choices Matter

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 04:10:10 +0000

Another spring brings the excitement of a new garden season. For most of us, that means adding more plants to our landscape. Well, today’s episode is a reminder that your plant choices matter, especially when it comes to supporting biodiversity and wildlife. Guest Uli Lorimer is the Director of Horticulture at the Native Plant Trust. […]

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148-Gardening in Straw Bales: An Easy & Inexpensive Solution to Make Growing Food More Accessible for All

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 04:10:24 +0000

With all that is going on in our world during these recent weeks, more folks than ever are feeling drawn to gardening. The confidence that comes with growing your own source of healthy food is appealing, of course, but the garden also provides a refuge through periods of anxiety. Well, this week’s episode focuses on […]

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147-Monarchs and Milkweed: A Precarious Struggle Between Life and Death

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 04:10:18 +0000

This week, I’m excited to bring you an episode I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. My guest, Dr. Anurag Agrawal is the author of Monarchs and Milkweed, an engrossing look at the intricacies of the monarch life cycle and the role a single genus of plant plays in their migration and survival. […]

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146-Catching Up With Epic Tomatoes Author Craig LeHoullier: Big Changes and New Opportunities

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 05:10:27 +0000

This week, I’m catching up with Epic Tomatoes author Craig LeHoullier. I’m proud to call him a good friend and happy that he’s a frequent guest on this podcast. But a lot has changed in the Tomato Guy’s world during the past few months, and many of you have wondered what Craig has been up […]

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141-Encore Presentation: Easy Ways to Make More Houseplants, Vegetables and Flowers

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 05:10:47 +0000

This week’s episode is an encore presentation of an episode which originally aired last summer. Leslie Halleck was a returning guest to the show, and this time around she was sharing some of the fascinating information from her new book, Plant Parenting. One thing that fascinates just about every plant lover is the process of […]

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140-The Successful Journey of a Market Farmer: Conor Crickmore of Neversink Farm

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 05:10:09 +0000

If you are a market or small-scale farmer, this episode is for you, but there’s plenty of inspiration for you home gardeners too. This week’s guest is Conor Crickmore. About 12 years ago, Conor exchanged a lucrative career in technology for a successful journey to the life of a market farmer. Here’s the real kicker […]

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137-Food Freedom Through Foraging: How and Why Rob Greenfield Lived Off the Land for an Entire Year

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 05:10:38 +0000

Have you ever thought about living exclusively off the land for an entire year? Likely not considering how much of our daily lives revolve around food. For those of us who garden, our passion can also provide food freedom through foraging and harvesting up a healthy bounty for our table. Even so, most of the […]

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132-Encore Presentation: The Year-round Vegetable Garden with Niki Jabbour (and New TV Episode!)

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 05:10:38 +0000

Nearly two years after my initial conversation in podcast episode 022, my Growing a Greener World® TV crew and I were finally standing in the year-round vegetable garden of Niki Jabbour to film an entire episode around her four-season growing success while defying extremely challenging conditions of USDA zone 5b in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In […]

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130-Winter Sowing: A Simple Way To Successfully Start Seeds Outdoors

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 05:10:09 +0000

I love starting seeds indoors. It’s a great way to get a jump start on the season – to play in the soil even when the temperatures outdoors are sub-freezing. Growing seedlings indoors can be a little tricky though. Plus, those seed trays take up space that not all homeowners are fortunate to have. It […]

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125-Saving Seeds: The Basics, the Benefits and Beyond

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 04:10:56 +0000

Do you save seeds? These days, more and more gardeners are interested in keeping seeds from the plants in their garden, but it’s a process that can be intimidating. For this week’s episode, I invited Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance and master seed saver, Bill McDorman, to share his expertise for anyone […]

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122-Fall Vegetable Garden Success: Best Plants and Tips for Cool-Season Growing

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 04:10:25 +0000

Here we are in mid-September already. Where did the summer go? I never mourn the end of the summer garden season, but I am getting a bit later start than usual on my favorite garden – the fall garden. So as I now plant in haste, I wanted to share what you should know for […]

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108-Easy Ways to Make More Houseplants, Vegetables and Flowers

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 04:10:26 +0000

One thing that fascinates just about every plant lover is the process of propagation, and finding easy ways to make more houseplants, vegetables, and flowers from those plants you already have and love. If you’ve ever tried to propagate a plant, did you know your success rate was just as dependent on the type of […]

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104-A Field Guide to Urban Gardening, with Kevin Espiritu of Epic Gardening

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 16 May 2019 04:10:24 +0000

This week’s guest is Kevin Espiritu, author of the new book – Field Guide to Urban Gardening. Kevin is a self-taught garden guy. Like many of you, he’s figuring things out as he goes along and letting his curiosity be his guide. Kevin doesn’t have a background in horticulture. His introduction to the garden world […]

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Busted – Top Five Tomato Growing Myths

Joe Lamp'l — Wed, 15 May 2019 17:17:12 +0000

When it comes to growing tomatoes, there’s no shortage of advice, and some of it has been handed down for generations. Fortunately for us, there are researchers who put these time-honored tips to the test. So, which recommendations have been proven as nothing more than garden myth? Let’s take a look at the most common […]

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103-How to Create a Backyard Meadow: Simple Steps for Success No Matter the Space

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 09 May 2019 04:10:41 +0000

When you hear the term “meadow” what do you envision? For most people, the picture in their mind’s eye is a sweeping field of grasses and multi-colored blooms. The thing is, a meadow doesn’t require much space, and it could become a favorite spot in any urban garden setting. Meadows aren’t difficult to create, and […]

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100-Understanding Cover Crops: The Basics and Beyond, with Jack Algiere

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 04:10:28 +0000

This week, I continue my conversation with Jack Algiere and we shift our focus to cover crops. If you missed last week’s episode on crop rotation, be sure to check that out too. Jack is the Farm Director of Stone Barns Center, a highly-regarded expert on sustainable and regenerative farming, and a wealth of information […]

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099-Understanding Crop Rotation: The Basics and Beyond, with Jack Algiere

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 04:10:48 +0000

If you live in or ever travel to the New York City area, one place worth visiting is Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. This 85-acre farm is just 30 minutes from the heart of the city, which is hard to believe when you tour its spectacular setting and innovative farming practices. In all […]

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098-Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden with Lee Reich

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 04:15:50 +0000

Many gardeners shy away from growing the typical fruit trees and shrubs because of the amount of care and upkeep needed to maintain them, especially when it comes to pest and disease control. Yet some of the more uncommon fruits can be ideal for many gardens because they are so carefree while offering delicious and […]

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096-Tips for Fruit Growing Success: Selection, Maintenance & Advice, with Dr. Lee Reich

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 04:10:13 +0000

Do you grow fruit? Berries and fruit trees are often under-appreciated in the world of gardening, but it’s my topic this week with guest, Dr. Lee Reich. An expert on many thing gardening – such as composting and the no-till approach – Lee’s greatest passion is growing fruit. Lee has written several books on gardening, […]

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095-Tomato Seed Starting Update: Innovations and Inspiration, with Craig LeHoullier

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 04:10:45 +0000

For this week’s podcast, I’m catching up with a good friend and frequent guest, Craig LeHoullier. Craig is responsible for the revival and development of many favorite heirloom tomato varieties, and he is a pioneer in a dense-planting technique for seed starting. Craig is always experimenting. One of his recent projects involves testing germination rates […]

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088-The New Organic Grower: 50-Years in the Making, with Eliot Coleman

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 05:10:13 +0000

This week’s guest is a legend in the world of organic gardening and farming – Eliot Coleman. Eliot has been a market gardener for over 50 years, yet he remains as excited about his work every day as when he first began. He claims the secret of life is to love what you’re doing – […]

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079-Foodscaping: How to Create an Edible Landscape, With Brie Arthur

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 05:10:27 +0000

Have you ever thought about how to grow food without a garden? I’m not talking about tearing out those flowers and shrubs to convert the bed to a vegetable garden. I’m talking about incorporating vegetables in with those aesthetic plants to create an edible landscape. It’s called foodscaping, and my guest this week, Brie Arthur, […]

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069-The Fascinating Facts Behind the Plants We Eat, with Jeff Gillman

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 04:10:25 +0000

Today’s episode dives into some of the interesting facts of the foods we all eat. My guest, Dr. Jeff Gillman, is Director of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, and he recently began his own podcast show “The Plants We Eat” which features the unique aspects and history of common garden edibles. We rarely consider, or […]

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066-Tomatoland: The Dirty Truth of the Tasteless Tomato, with Barry Estabrook

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 04:10:47 +0000

Recently, my podcast featured some of my favorite garden books. In this episode, I talk with the author of one of those books. Barry Estabrook is a multi-James Beard Award-winning author, and one of his most renowned titles, Tomatoland, is a favorite among my extensive library. When I first read Tomatoland, I couldn’t put it […]

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064-Tomato Growing Season Lookback: Lessons Learned With Craig LeHoullier

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 04:10:37 +0000

Here in the southeast, our warm temperatures mean that tomato season is coming to a close. If you find yourself in the same boat, this podcast is right up your alley. I invited my honorary co-host, Tomato Guy Craig LeHoullier to join me for a discussion about the highs and lows of this particularly odd tomato […]

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052-Why Organic Matters – with Maria Rodale

Erin Best — Thu, 17 May 2018 04:10:19 +0000

In this week’s episode, I revisit a conversation with one of my hero’s – Maria Rodale, on why organic matters. Maria is a lifelong advocate of organic farming and gardening and is third generation in a legacy of commitment to organic agricultural practices. Although her family is now iconic in the world of health and […]

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051-How to Grow Bountiful Blueberries – Key Steps with Lee Reich

Erin Best — Thu, 10 May 2018 04:10:54 +0000

Just about everyone loves blueberries, but this week’s guest – Dr. Lee Reich – might just be blueberry-obsessed. Lee knows how to grow bountiful blueberries and has been perfecting best practice techniques for over 30 years on his small farm in New York state. Beyond bearing delicious fruit, blueberries are also an attractive addition to […]

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024–Japanese Maples: A Passion and Profession with Matt & Tim Nichols

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 04:05:41 +0000

Who knew a childhood introduction to Japanese maples would turn into a thriving business for two young brothers? Matt and Tim Nichols of Hendersonville, NC never doubted that someday they would turn that passion into a thriving Japanese maple nursery business. Fueled by their grandmother’s Japanese maple-filled yard, and their dad’s weekend ritual […]

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023-Attracting and Protecting Pollinators with Eric Mader

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 04:05:47 +0000

Does your garden or landscape attract pollinators? Attracting – and protecting – pollinators is something many of us have become more concerned about in recent years and for good reason. The combination of wide-scale pesticide use and habitat loss are two of the biggest culprits to the problem. While it’s unfortunate that we are facing […]

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022-The Year-round Vegetable Gardener with Niki Jabbour

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 04:05:03 +0000

I am a year-round vegetable gardener. I take pride in that. But it’s no big deal really. I live in Atlanta. Winters rarely get cold enough for snow to even stick around (on those rare times we even get any). And then there’s Niki Jabbour. She’s the real year-round vegetable gardener. She easily earned that […]

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021-How Plants Work with Linda Chalker-Scott (The Science behind Plants)

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 04:21:21 +0000

Understanding how plants work has been one of the most liberating experiences of my gardening profession and avocation. While I will always remain curious, especially when it comes to plants, I will never know it all. Nor do I want to. What’s the fun in that? However, having a sound basis from which to draw […]

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Okroar

Holly Mackle — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 03:05:13 +0000

“Honey, I can’t find the dog?” “The okra ate her.” Y’all. It’s tremendous. It’s out of control. It’s towering above the rest of the garden. It’s a marvel of feats of strength. It’s…it’s… delicious. We like it in creole succotash. And by “we” I mean David and I, as the girls have a […]

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Asking for a Friend: Your Organic Gardening Questions Answered

Holly Mackle — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 09:36:39 +0000

Hello from Holly. Well, we’ve arrived at the first installment of a little something we’re going to call “Asking for a Friend,” invisibly subtitled “Dumb Gardening Questions Submitted by Readers or Maybe Not Readers at All Maybe Just All My Dumb Questions but Why Would I Own up to That?” (Also acknowledged by the highly-accessible […]

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Requiem for Blackberry Season

Holly Mackle — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 17:29:43 +0000

Hello from Holly. It’s over. And a single tear slides down my family’s collective cheek. It was a beauty—a stunner, really. We’ve eaten off of them for weeks. Even Mr. Blackberry-head put aside his hatred of anything not banana Laffy Taffy to enjoy their bounty. (That’s my husband. Isn’t he so cute?} At […]

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Hello From Holly–Digging Suburbia From Zone 7B

Holly Mackle — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 18:36:53 +0000

A note from Joe – Hi friends. Allow me to introduce Holly Mackle. She’ll be a regular around here for a long time. That’s my plan anyway. You see Holly is definitely a “joe gardener” kind of gal. She’s a young mother, a suburban gardener, and someone who is just trying to figure it out […]

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004-Heirloom Tomatoes: Past, Present and Future with Craig LeHoullier

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 01:35:07 +0000

This episode is packed right from the start with interesting information about heirloom tomatoes, past, present and future. Our resident Epic Tomato growing expert, Craig LeHoullier is back for this part II conversation we started with episode 3. It was all about his process of how he grows over a ton of produce […]

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The Ultimate Tomato Cage in 5 Simple Steps

Joe Lamp'l — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 17:58:26 +0000

Of all the plants I grow in my edible garden, I have to say, my favorite are tomatoes! But, I don’t love the constant challenge of trying to keep them supported as they get really tall and wild. Yes, I’ve tried just about everything, but nothing worked well enough and at the same time, looked […]

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003-Growing Epic Tomatoes with Craig LeHoullier

Joe Lamp'l — Thu, 11 May 2017 17:56:48 +0000

Growing epic tomatoes likely makes it on to every vegetable gardeners wish list sooner or later. Fortunately, we now have someone who wrote the book on it, literally. Our featured guest for this episode, Craig LeHoullier wrote my new favorite book – a tomato growing guide: Epic Tomatoes; How to Select and Grow the Best Varieties […]

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When is the Best Time to Pick a Tomato?

Joe Lamp'l — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 19:07:19 +0000

When is the best time to pick a tomato? It’s one of the most often asked questions as we get closer to that time and the temptation to harvest gets greater by the day. When a tomato reaches a full size, and the fruit becomes a pale green, it begins the ripening process, regulated by an […]

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How to Create a Productive Raised Bed Garden

Joe Lamp'l — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 16:38:28 +0000

I’m often asked how to create a productive raised bed garden. Whether you choose to contain your bed within a raised border, or simply mound the soil up, the benefits of raised bed gardens provide a significant advantage in creating a productive and healthy growing environment. Gardening in raised beds offers a simple and effective way to grow healthy and productive plants by manipulating the […]

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