In episode 120 of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, host Hilary Dahl is joined by Meg Cowden, author of 'Plant Grow, Harvest, Repeat: Growing a Bounty of Vegetables, Fruits, and Flowers by Mastering the Art of Succession Planting.' They discuss Meg's background in forestry and natural resource management, her journey into gardening, and the evolution of her extensive garden. The conversation delves into the nuances of succession planting, crop layering, and interplanting techniques, with Meg offering insights into her methods and how they can be applied in various garden sizes and climates. They also touch on the importance of understanding plant lifespans, direct seeding crops, and planning for fall gardens by considering the Persephone period.
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30:58
Growing Broccoli, Cauliflower and Cabbage
In episode 119 of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, host Hilary Dahl is joined by her husband and business partner, Colin McCrate, to dig into the cultivation of broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. They discuss the importance of scientific nomenclature, focusing on Brassica oleraceae, and emphasize aspects of growing these crops, such as spacing, nitrogen requirements, and transplanting. The episode offers practical advice for dealing with pests, managing nitrogen levels, and ensuring proper growth conditions. It also touches on the challenges of growing cauliflower and the importance of timely harvesting. The discussion aims to help home gardeners improve the success of their brassica crops.
Here's a link to our books!
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36:26
Oakleaf Papaya and Guava with Kyle Haggerty
In this episode of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, Kyle from Urban Farmstead discusses his experiences growing subtropical plants like oak leaf papaya and various guava varieties in his Sacramento backyard. Kyle shares insights into his zone 9B climate, how he adapts soil for his tropical plants, and specific techniques for growing and maintaining these crops. He also talks about the cold tolerance of different plant varieties, including lemon guava and white sapote, and mentions other noteworthy plants like Babaco papaya and ice cream bean. Check out Kyle's YouTube channel for a full garden tour and more detailed information on his diverse plant collection.
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33:57
Rainwater Harvesting with Kevin Espiritu
In Episode 117 of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, host Hillary Dahl discusses rainwater harvesting with Kevin Espiritu of Epic Gardening. Kevin details the extensive rainwater harvesting system he installed on his suburban San Diego property. They talk about the importance of capturing rainwater in a low-rainfall climate like San Diego’s and the logistics of such systems. Kevin provides insights into the economic and practical aspects of rainwater harvesting, while Hilary shares her experiences and thoughts on integrating these systems into home gardens. They also discuss the environmental benefits, costs, and challenges of rainwater harvesting, while offering practical advice for those considering similar projects.
YouTube video of Kevin's rainwater harvesting system
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25:08
Fragrance in the Garden with Stefani Bittner
In episode 116 of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, host Hilary Dahl interviews Stefani Bittner, owner of Homestead Design Collective and author, about her latest book, 'The Fragrant Flower Garden.' They discuss the often-overlooked importance of fragrance in gardens, the role of fragrant plants in attracting pollinators, and tips for integrating these plants into existing gardens. Bittner also shares insights on designing a garden with a variety of fragrant plants, the art of creating flower arrangements, and practical advice for small-space gardening using multifunctional, fragrant edibles. The episode concludes with a conversation about ongoing projects, including Bittner's design work in Italy and upcoming workshops.
Order "The Fragrant Flower Garden" from Bookshop.org
Stefani's business, Homestead Design Collective
Morning Sun Herb Farm (source for flowering basil)
New Zealand