Ask Grumpy

Latest Episodes:

Goodbye Spiky Vines Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Grumpy shares advice on how to remove spiky smilax vine for good, explains why black walnut trees produce toxins and which plants can thrive around them, and helps a reader revive a rescued camellia with browning leaves. Plus, the Plant of the Week: White Wedding Hydrangea.

You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy

Ask Grumpy Credits:

Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host

Nellah McGough - Co-Host

Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living

Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer

Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer

Peyton Beckwith - Recording Producer

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Save My Rosebush! Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Grumpy answers readers’ questions about planting Little Miss Figgy outdoors, shares tips for saving your rosebush from losing its leaves and blooms, and introduces the Plant of the Week: Red Diamond Loropetalum.

You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy

Ask Grumpy Credits:

Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host

Nellah McGough - Co-Host

Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living

Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer

Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer

Peyton Beckwith - Recording Producer

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leggy Lavender Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, a listener from Northern Virginia asks for advice on decorating a pergola with colorful, blooming vines. Grumpy shares tips on how to prune lavender and offers guidance on saving your hawthorn. Plus, tune in to learn about the Plant of the Week: Kousa dogwood!

You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy

Ask Grumpy Credits:

Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host

Nellah McGough - Co-Host

Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living

Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer

Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer

Peyton Beckwith - Recording Producer

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grandma’s Gardenia Cuttings Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

Grumpy talks passalong plants, offers expert advice on getting your amaryllis to bloom, and reveals the secrets to helping your hydrangeas thrive. Plus, don’t miss his Tip of the Week on how to grow hydrangeas from cuttings!

You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy

Ask Grumpy Credits:

Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host

Nellah McGough - Co-Host

Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living

Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer

Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer

Peyton Beckwith - Recording Producer

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shade-Loving Caladiums Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Grumpy helps a reader tackle stubborn sucker growth, shares his favorite shade-loving caladiums, and breaks down the different varieties of bell peppers. Plus, don’t miss his very special Tip of the Week!

You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy

Ask Grumpy Credits:

Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host

Nellah McGough - Co-Host

Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living

Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer

Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer

Peyton Beckwith - Recording Producer

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crepe Myrtle Problems Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Grumpy tackles readers’ questions about choosing the best clover for your lawn, troubleshoots common crepe myrtle problems, and spotlights the Plant of the Week: the 'Diamond Spire' Gardenia.

You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy

Ask Grumpy Credits:

Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host

Nellah McGough - Co-Host

Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living

Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer

Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer

Peyton Beckwith - Recording Producer

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Deer Resistant Plants Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Grumpy shares his top deer-resistant plant picks for Florida gardens, discusses tree and shrub fertilizer, and delivers a hot tip you won’t want to miss for successful spring planting.

You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy

Ask Grumpy Credits:

Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host

Nellah McGough - Co-Host

Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living

Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer

Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer

Peyton Beckwith - Recording Producer

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Groundhog Control Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

On the Season 4 debut, Grumpy answers readers’ questions about what you can grow from seedling to tree in a wet area, shares plants that help keep groundhogs from digging, and introduces the Plant of the Week: 'Radiance' Abelia.

You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy

Ask Grumpy Credits:

Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host

Nellah McGough - Co-Host

Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living

Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer

Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer

Peyton Beckwith - Recording Producer

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grumpy on Wednesdays! Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

Ask Grumpy is back for Season 4! Starting March 11, 2026, new episodes drop every Wednesday through April 29. In this eight-episode season, Steve Bender, also known as The Grumpy Gardener, answers your toughest gardening questions with his trademark wit and no-nonsense advice. From keeping deer out of your yard to fixing crepe myrtle woes and recommending standout plants like 'Diamond Spire' gardenia and 'White Wedding' hydrangea, Grumpy has you covered. Follow us wherever you get your podcasts so you do not miss an episode, and visit southernliving.com/askgrumpy for more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Plant Your Maples! Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

On the season finale of Ask Grumpy, a reader struggles with a dying Japanese Maple. Plus, the tip of the week.

You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy

Ask Grumpy Credits:

Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host

Nellah McGough - Co-Host

Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living

Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer

Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer

Isaac Nunn - Recording Tech