Garden Basics with Farmer Fred
Tips for beginning and experienced gardeners. New episodes arrive every Friday. Fred Hoffman has been a U.C. Certified Master Gardener since 1982 and writes a weekly garden column for the Lodi News-Sentinel in Lodi, CA. A four-decade fixture in Sacramento radio, he hosted three radio shows for Northern California gardeners and farmers: The KFBK Garden Show, Get Growing with Farmer Fred, and the KSTE Farm Hour. Episode Website: https://gardenbasics.net
Episodes
413 episodes
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412-B Goodbye, Garden Basics Podcast.
(FredNote: AI had a hand in creating this written summary. I took out the stilted parts and made it sound better to the eye…if that makes sense.)In this final episode, I provide an update on the transition from the Garden Basics podcast ...
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Season 6
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Episode 41
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4:03
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412 Plant Frost Protection Tips
Debbie Flower, America's Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, drops by to discuss essential strategies for protecting potted and in-ground plants when a frost or freeze is expected. Topics include relocation, mulching, watering, and...
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Season 6
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Episode 40
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32:26
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411 Soil Building Tips
Today, we delve into the Garden Basics archive for three segments about the importance of building your soil in the fall. We talk with America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, and Sacramento’s Organic Advocate, ...
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Season 6
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Episode 39
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52:57
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410 Fall Gardening Tips. How to Water.
We share essential fall gardening tips for both the garden and the orchard. Also, Debbie Flower offers a primer on correct watering techniques. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home s...
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Season 6
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Episode 38
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48:52
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409 Bird-Friendly Gardening
Farmer Fred interviews garden writer Jen McGuinness, author of "Bird-Friendly Gardening," who highlights the urgent need for creating habitats for declining bird populations in North America. Jen shares her personal journey of transforming her ...
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Season 6
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Episode 37
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49:08
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408 Landrace Gardening
Today, we talk with Joseph Lofthouse about landrace gardening, which emphasizes the cultivation of locally adapted crops. Lofthouse shares his methods of developing diverse seed varieties, seed-saving techniques, and efficient watering practice...
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Season 6
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Episode 36
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36:32
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407 Low Water Vegetables
Gardeners who want to save water with wise irrigating techniques might consider an unusual approach: plant crops that don't require much water in the first place. Today, Marlene Simon, the Plant Lady, of the Flower Power Garden Hour podcast and...
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Season 6
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Episode 35
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50:36
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Mid-Summer Tomato Report
In this episode, we talk with Don Shor from Redwood Barn Nursery about summer gardening - specifically tomatoes - in the context of this year's mild weather. We share successes with tomato varieties like Dr. Wyche’s Yellow and Chef's Choi...
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Season 6
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Episode 34
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52:30
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405 Q&A: Who's Eating My Melons? Growing Fava Beans.
Q&A: How to Grow Fava Beans as a cover crop or an edible.Controlling Roof Rats in the Garden (good luck!)Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids!Previous episodes, show notes, links, product...
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Season 6
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Episode 33
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33:56
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404 Harvest Day Garden Tips
One of the best places to get your garden questions answered is at the annual gathering of local Master Gardeners, gardening professionals, and horticultural consultants at Harvest Day, held the first Saturday of August each year at the Fair Oa...
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Season 6
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Episode 32
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40:58
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403 Battling Fusarium Wilt
Why are some of my plants turning yellow and dying? One possibility: fusarium wilt. We address the challenges posed by fusarium wilt, a destructive, soil-borne fungal disease impacting favorite garden plants like tomatoes, peppers, ...
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Season 6
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Episode 31
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32:01
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402 Edible Succulents
In this episode of the Garden Basics podcast, I speak with succulent expert Debra Lee Baldwin about the world of edible succulents. We delve into what defines succulents, their survival in arid conditions, and their nutritional benefits. Baldwi...
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Season 6
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Episode 30
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24:41
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401 Home Landscaping Tips for Fire Safety
We examine the growing wildfire risks for homeowners, particularly in fire-prone areas across the United States. We get insights from Kevin Marini, a UC Defensible Space Advisor. He highlights the importance of maintaining clear spaces around h...
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Season 6
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Episode 29
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1:01:41
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400 Top 4 Garden Topics of All Time
To celebrate Episode 400 of the Garden Basics podcast, we present the four most listened-to garden topics in the history of the podcast. Topics include: starting a victory garden; growing caneberries; container gardening basics; and...
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Season 6
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Episode 28
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2:03:02
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399 Understanding Seed Packets
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
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Season 6
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Episode 27
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36:47
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398 Aromatic Plants, plus Roses!
In this podcast, you’ll hear from these U.C. Sacramento County Master Gardeners and their favorite aromatic plants:Collete Armao - Scented Geraniums
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Season 6
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Episode 26
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31:09
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397 Garden Lessons Learned (the hard way)
Master gardeners share lessons from their mistakes, covering topics like thinning fruit, plant spacing, and pest management, highlighting gardening as a continuous learning experience filled with humor and growth.Previous episodes, show ...
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Season 6
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Episode 25
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34:14
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396 Cucumber Success Tips
Today, we dive into the world of cucumbers, the second most popular crop among backyard gardeners. Debbie Flower shares her expertise on cucumber varieties, growing techniques, and addressing common issues like bitterness. We discuss the import...
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Season 6
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Episode 24
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28:07
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395 "Survival Garden" Basics
We explore the concept of a survival garden, focusing on growing nutritious crops that enhance healthy living. We redefine "survival garden" as a means to reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods while improving dietary intake. Our discussion i...
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Season 6
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Episode 23
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1:07:51
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394 Home Weather Station Basics
Episode 394 features climate scientist Daniel Swain of Weather West and UCANR discussing the link between gardening and weather patterns. He provides tips on monitoring conditions, setting up weather stations, and adapting practices amid Nation...
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Season 6
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Episode 22
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49:07
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393 Garden Pests - Whiteflies, Slugs, and More!
Farmer Fred and Debbie Flower share tips for managing pests like whiteflies and slugs, highlighting organic solutions and beneficial insects to help you reclaim your garden.Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and t...
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Season 6
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Episode 21
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32:47
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392 I Did Not Know That! Garden Tips for Success, Live
Debbie Arrington of the Sacramento Rose Society club introduces Master Gardener Farmer Fred and horticulture professor Debbie Flower at a recent meeting of the club. Fred and Debbie don't necessarily talk about roses, though. They share 10 esse...
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Season 6
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Episode 20
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32:48
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391 A Masterclass in Melons
If you love melons, this episode is a must-listen!In Episode 391 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, we chat with Gail Pothour from the Sacramento County Master Gardener Program about growing mouthwatering melons at home. Disc...
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Season 6
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Episode 19
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35:10
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390 Pepper Growing Basics
Get ready to spice up your garden in Episode 390 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred! Join Master Gardener Gail Pothour as we explore the vibrant world of peppers—discussing their health benefits, essential growing tips, and delicious culinary us...
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Season 6
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Episode 18
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47:39
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389 Digging Squirrels? Soil Irrigation Basics
In Episode 389 of *Garden Basics with Farmer Fred*, learn to deter pesky squirrels and manage soil moisture. Farmer Fred, Debbie Flower, and Steve Zien share tips on protecting gardens and optimizing watering techniques.Previous episodes...
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Season 6
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Episode 17
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42:39