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Mid-American Gardener

Mid-American Gardener is the podcast companion to Illinois Public Media’s television program of the same name. The podcast, hosted by Tinisha Shade-Spain and featuring experts from Illinois Extension and elsewhere, dives deeper into viewer/listener questions about flower gardening, vegetable gardening, fruit trees, shrubs and landscaping, pest control, tools and structures, coping with climate change, and much more. While the primary garden zones served are 5-6, this podcast offers useful and entertaining conversation that can be enjoyed by gardeners or the garden-curious in all zones.

Latest Episodes:

Tips on Growing Cannas from Seed Nov 17, 2024

Ella and Jim explain how to grow cannas from seeds, and discuss the toxicity of pokeberries and their use as a natural dye.

Summer Winds Down With Another Visit to Japan House Sep 22, 2024

John, Martie, and Kay come out to the Japan House in Urbana for a visit to discuss some late summer garden tips to help wind things down.

A Visit to the Japan House for Some Late Summer Fun Sep 16, 2024

This week we take a trip to the Japan House on the U of I campus, and Jen Nelson and Dr. Doug Williams tag along.

Shady Plants for Hot Weather and a visit to Fresh Press Paper in Champaign Aug 29, 2024

This week on Mid-American Gardener, Martie gives us her suggestions for shade-loving plants. She answers your garden questions and shares her expertise when it comes to landscape design and care. Plus, we visit Fresh Press Paper in Champaign, a local studio that turns agricultural waste into handmade artisanal paper. We take you through the process, learn about sustainable practices, and discover the art of papermaking.

In Bloom at Delight Flower Farm Aug 09, 2024

Flowers are in full bloom, and what better way to celebrate all your hard work this season than to enjoy those flowers indoors, too! This week, we’re at Delight Flower Farm in Champaign to learn about cut flower farming and how to create your own unique arrangements at home!

Looking for garden inspiration? Visit the Idea Garden! Jun 21, 2024

We’re at the Idea Garden in Urbana, Illinois this week to look for garden inspiration. Jennifer Nelson and Tinisha walk us through the grounds, pointing out sustainable gardening practices, unique plants not yet available in stores, and maintenance techniques. Maintained by Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, this demonstration garden features a central gazebo and four sections, each with a different focus. With more than 18,000 square feet of planted space, Master Gardeners and interns volunteer more than 6,000 work hours each year to ensure the Idea Garden continues to educate and inspire visitors. Join us as we explore, and save some ideas to try in your garden!

Create a Pollinator Pocket: How to Nurture Pollinators in Your Yard Jun 17, 2024

This week we're visiting Rusty Maulding at Lake of the Woods in Mahomet, IL to discuss all things pollinator beds: what plants to include, things to consider, and what insects you might attract.

Let’s get growing! May 30, 2024

Our expert panelists answer your garden questions, demonstrate how to's, and share their landscaping secrets for success.

Spring has sprung! May 13, 2024

There's finally things to do outside, as the Mid-American Gardener crew prep their gardens for the season!

Looking forward to spring! May 13, 2024

We attempt to say goodbye to winter and start to get ready for spring!

The days are getting longer! Feb 01, 2024

It's time to prepare your bulbs! Plus, get ready for a noisy summer!

January 2024 Episodes Jan 11, 2024

Do you have a hard time getting your hydrangeas to bloom? You might be stunting the flowers by pruning! Shane dives into the ways to distinguish the different types of hydrangeas and how to protect them to get beautiful blooms next year. Ella also shares some evergreen groundcover to give your yard a little bit of color, even when the midwest winter is dull and gray.

Recapping December 2023 Dec 28, 2023

Did you miss one of our latest episodes of Mid-American Gardener? Our panelists share lots of tips to keep busy in the garden and prepared for spring, even in the winter months!

Cultivating Joy: Winter Gardening Tips and Crafty Delights Nov 16, 2023

The autumn air is getting cooler. Learn how to close out your garden beds, make the most of your tomato surplus, and how to get crafty with the falling leaves.

Closing Out the Harvest Season Nov 09, 2023

Chuck and John give us their tips to close out the harvest season and welcome in the holidays! Learn all about seed saving, Christmas (or maybe Thanksgiving or Easter) Cacti, and ornamental grasses to try in your yard!

Tackling Indoor Bug Infestations and How to Care for Your Garden Tools Nov 02, 2023

Winter is beginning to settle in, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get your hands in the dirt or get started on preparations for spring! Martie, Kay, and Jim share their tips on planting garlic for a productive summer harvest, demonstrate how to sharpen your tools before putting them away for the season, and teach you how to manage houseplant bug infestations before they cause too much damage.

Celebrate the Harvest Season! Join us at The Great Pumpkin Patch! Oct 27, 2023

Connect with agriculture, cucurbit diversity, and family roots as we visit with the owner of The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, IL.

It’s Fall! So it’s time to think spring! Oct 12, 2023

On this episode of Mid-American Gardener, Jen Nelson and Rusty Maulding share their houseplant care tips, soil management recommendations, and ways to start prepping your garden for the colder months.

End-of-Season Garden Cleanup Oct 05, 2023

Jim and Martie are in the studio this week discussing all things cicadas. They also answer your questions about apple trees and suggest various perennials for your yard. It’s time to start the end-of-season garden cleanup, but be cautious when bringing outdoor plants back inside to avoid introducing pests to your houseplants.

Buzzing with Gardening Delights: Monarchs, Bonsai, and Blackberry Honey Sep 21, 2023

In this episode of Mid American Gardener, Phil and Shane are back with a mix of garden tips, insect knowledge, and even some sweet treats.

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