Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

• 386 Grape Growing Basics (And More!)

  Farmer Fred and Debbie Flower provide practical advice on cultivating table and wine grapes, focusing on the essentials  such as sunlight, well-drained soil and variety selection. Also: peach leaf curl controls, prematurely falling figs, no-till gardening benefits.Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.  Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: A cluster of grapes on the vine (Photo: UCANR)Links:“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/Fair Oaks Horticulture Center“Growing Grapes for Beginners”- West Virginia UniversityTraining and Pruning Grapes - UCANRNo-Tiil Gardening - Sonoma Co Master GardenersPeach Leaf Curl Info - UCANRAll About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net“Beyond the Garden Basics” NewsletterFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

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• 385 The Repurposed, Sustainable, and Creative Garden

  Prepare to be inspired as we dive into a creative and sustainable approach to gardening with Sacramento County Master Gardener Gail Pothour. We explore how to turn everyday household items and scrap materials into stunning and functional garden art. Whether it’s using an old manhole cover as a striking stepping stone or transforming downed trees into rustic pathways, Gail shares her innovative methods for infusing charm and creativity into any garden space. We explore the many ways she's embraced repurposing, showcasing the beauty of sustainability in a tangible, hands-on manner. This episode blends creativity with pragmatism. Gail's enthusiasm for gardening and her resourceful methods bring an upbeat energy to the conversation, making it a delightful listen for aspiring and seasoned gardeners alike.Plus - "Will my blueberry plants recover after being weed trimmer whipped by my grandson?"Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.  Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: Gail’s Repurposed Items in the GardenLinks:“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 28 edition features more about Gail’s repurposed garden)Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/Fair Oaks Horticulture CenterScilla peruvianaBilbergia nutansNew Zealand Lemonade TreeLarge Binder Clips (for securing frost/shade cloth to PVC supports)Mesh Wastebasket for plant protection (much cheaper at a Dollar-type Store)All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net“Beyond the Garden Basics” NewsletterFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

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• 384 Ideas for a Successful First Garden!

  Essential tips for beginner gardeners, focusing on starting small, plant selection, spacing and companion planting, along with maintenance strategies and the value of involving children and keeping a gardening diary.Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.  Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: An all-container first gardenLinks:“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 21 edition features more about first gardens)Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/Six-inch mesh grid reinforcement wireHori Hori KnifeSoil Moisture MeterSoil ThermometerSmart PotsPlanting Calendars by USDA Zone (from Urban Farmer)Planting Calendar for Northern CaliforniaManual Water TimerDrip Irrigation Systems for ContainersMicrosprayersAll About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net“Beyond the Garden Basics” NewsletterFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

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• 383 The 2025 Tomato Preview Show!

  If you’re a tomato-head, this is the episode for you!We dive into the world of tomatoes with Don Shor from Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We discuss our favorite tomato varieties to plant for the 2025 gardening season. What’s new and intriguing? What’s old and good? Plus, Don has tips for choosing reliable varieties if you are new to tomato gardening, as well as good advice to get those young plants off to a healthier start. It’s Episode 383, The 2025 Tomato Preview Show!Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.  Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: The Rugby tomatoLinks:“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 14 edition features more about tomatoes)Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/What is “Breaker Stage” for tomatoes? (from the Farmer Fred Rant blog page)TOMATO CATALOGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:Wild Boar FarmsSeeds ’n SuchTomato FestJohnny’s Selected SeedsBurpeeSeminis SeedsTomato Growers Supply Co.Totally TomatoesNorfolk Healthy Produce (The Purple Tomato)All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net“Beyond the Garden Basics” NewsletterFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

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• 382 Delayed Winter Pruning of Fruit Trees, and More!

  In this episode:• The benefits of delayed winter pruning of fruit trees, with orchardist and Master Gardener Quentyn Young.• Controlling ants in raised garden beds, with America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower.• Protecting your garlic crop in winter weather.• Redwood tree roots vs. raised garden beds. Guess who wins? How to build up your defenses against tree roots. With Debbie Flower.Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.  Now on YouTube (audio) Pictured: The March bloom of the Garden Gold dwarf Peach tree.Links:“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 7 edition features Debbie’s recipe for ant bait)Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/Ant Control ProductsOutdoor Ant Bait StationLiquid borate for ant controlFair Oaks Horticulture Center (Sac. Co. Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden)Soil Solarization TipsBackyard Orchard Culture: Tips for controlling fruit tree heightAll About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net“Beyond the Garden Basics” NewsletterFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

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