Ep. 263- Growing A Garden in Clay Soil
Apr 20, 2024
Episode 263
Growing A Garden in Clay Soil
Do you feel cursed with clay soil? Many folks do. This week, Nathan assures you that you can grow great gardens in clay soil. He discusses preparing the bed to deal with water movement, digging appropriately in clay, and choosing the best plants for the space. With a little thought and attention, a clay-based soil CAN produce a wonder garden space. There is hope!
Ep. 262- Notes on Growing Fruits
Apr 13, 2024
Episode 262
Notes on Growing Fruits
This week, Nathan talks about some of the easiest and more challenging fruits to grow in your home orchard! From blueberries to blackberries and apples to muscadines, Nathan gets you started on your fruity journey.
Ep. 261- Native Plants for Your Water Gardens
Apr 06, 2024
Episode 261
Native Plants for Your Water Gardens
This week, Nathan goes to the water garden to help you plant some wonderful native plants directly into the muck! The southeast has some wonderful plants that thrive in the wettest conditions. Nathan talks about both plants that grow in the water and plants that grow along the banks and marginal areas. Fragrant white waterlily, American lotus, Pickerelweed, and buttonbush have no problem being nearly submerged, but beardtongue, blazing star, swamp milkweed, and cardinal flower love to be right on the edge of the pond. If you don't have a water garden, no problem, you can start one today with something as simple as a bucket!
Ep. 260- March Q&A Week: Moles, Voles, Wisteria, and Water Pipes
Mar 30, 2024
Episode 260
March Q&A Week:
Moles, Voles, Wisteria, and Water Pipes
This week, Nathan answers all the questions that have been burning through your March gardens! Do you have moles? Do you have voles? Is there a difference and what can you do about them? Nathan helps Lee Ann deal with those irritating mammals in the landscape. Invasive wisteria is taking over Joshua's garden, but Nathan has both organic and non-organic options to help control it. Lastly, Kaye wants to build an arbor near a water line but wonders if the vines planted by the arbor will do damage to the water pipes. Nathan gives two situations that might be a concern and recommends certain plants to grow over water lines and some that should be planted elsewhere. Be sure to send us your gardening questions for our April Q&A week episode!
Ep. 259- Spring Blooming Perennials for Shady Spots
Mar 23, 2024
Episode 259
Spring Blooming Perennials for Shady Spots
If you're growing under shade, you might think that you are limited in what you can grow. Even though that's partially true, shade creates an opportunity to grow a unique group of plants that you rarely, if ever, see in sunny sites. This week, Nathan helps you turn your shade "crisis" into a wonderful opportunity! He talks about a number of blooming perennials that are outstanding in the shade, including barrenwort, lungwort, bleeding heart, brunnera, heuchera, astilbe, polemonium, and lamium. With a list like this, you'll quickly be able to brighten up even the darkest spots in your garden!
Ep. 258- Preparing Your Winter Garden for Spring
Mar 16, 2024
Episode 258
Preparing Your Winter Garden for Spring
Is it still winter? Has spring started yet? Some days are hot. Some nights are cold. This week, Nathan talks about preparing your winter garden for spring. He walks you through several gardening tasks, discusses the best (and worst) time to perform them, and encourages you to do several that are timely right now! From planning and designing to weeding and feeding, Nathan helps you prepare your garden for spring!
Ep. 257- Pruning Talk!
Mar 09, 2024
Episode 257
Pruning Talk!
This week, Nathan talks about pruning! As the growing season gets closer and closer, it's time to take a serious assessment of what might need to be pruned in your garden. Nathan hits on all the major points when it comes to pruning to get you pruning at the right time, using the right equipment, where to make a cut, and more!
Ep. 256- New Proven Winners Plants for 2024
Mar 02, 2024
Episode 256
New Proven Winners Plants for 2024
Everybody loves new plants, right? This week, Nathan discusses some new plant varieties coming out in 2024 from Proven Winners, the same folks that brought us beloved plants like the Limelight Hydrangea! The plants he discusses includes: Let’s Dance Sky View Hydrangea, Let’s Dance Lovable Hydrangea, Pinky Winky Prime Hydrangea, Flavorette Honey-Apricot Rose, Rise Up Emberays Rose, Oso Easy Peasy Rose, Fizzy Mizzy Sweetspire (Itea), Wine and Spirits Reblooming Weigela, Luminary Prismatic Pink Tall Garden Phlox, Mega Millions Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), and Storm Cloud Bluster (Amsonia). Be sure to look out for some of these in your local garden center or plant nursery this year!
Ep. 255- February Q&A Week: Growing Veggies and Native Blooming Vines
Feb 24, 2024
Episode 255
February Q&A Week: Growing Veggies and Native Blooming Vines
This week, Nathan answers your questions! Carol in Cleveland, Ga. is wondering if it's too early to plant vegetables. In short, yes and no. Nathan gives you the details on which veggies to grow now, which to grow later, and some cool things to try to get your veggies going sooner. Then Nathan gives some options for Jonathan who wants to know what awesome blooming vines to try in his landscape. Nathan talks about the top four native vines to literally getting you growing up!
Ep. 254- Plants that Usher in Spring
Feb 17, 2024
Episode 254
Plants that Usher in Spring
This week, Nathan inspires you to improve your late-winter gardens by discussing plants that bloom this time of year! Look around in February or March. Do you have anything blooming? If not, be sure to incorporate these plants to help usher in a new spring season into your garden!
Ep. 253- Picking A Landscaper and Working Well With Them
Feb 10, 2024
Episode 253
Picking A Landscaper and Working Well With Them
This week, Nathan brings a guest on to talk about choosing and working with a landscaper in your own garden. Ben Ross, with Ross Landscapes in North Georgia talks about the ins and outs of the landscape industry. If you are looking to hire a company to help with your projects, you might learn some helpful things here before you sign a contract!
Ep. 252- January Q&A Week: Growing Poppies and Preventing Fruit Drop in Peach
Feb 03, 2024
Episode 252
January Q&A Week: Growing Poppies and Preventing Fruit Drop in Peach
This week, Nathan answers your gardening questions! Nancy asks if poppies can be grown in the south and if there are any perennial kinds. Even though the south isn't the best place to grow poppies year round, Nathan talks about five poppies that will work and when you should plant them. Larry is having trouble with his peach tree dropping its fruits. Yikes! Nathan givers three possible reasons for this and how you might help the tree keep those delicious fruits on until they're ready to harvest.
Ep. 251- New House, New Landscape: A Beginner's Guide to Landscaping- Part Two
Jan 27, 2024
Episode 251
New House, New Landscape:
A Beginner's Guide to Landscaping
Part Two
This week, Nathan continues the discussion on a simple four step process to getting your new (or rehabilitated) landscape going! He talks about the importance of designing your landscape before you even start digging. You don't have to be an artist to design a nice landscape! He gives you a few methods of designing your landscape even if you have no artistic skills. He concludes the program with the final step of installing your landscape. Sure it's hard work but it's great to see a dream coming to reality! He talks about the things you might need to do before you even start planting and then reminds you of how to dig the best hole for your new plant babies!
Ep. 250- New House, New Landscape: A Beginner's Guide to Landscaping- Part One
Jan 20, 2024
Episode 250
New House, New Landscape:
A Beginner's Guide to Landscaping
Part One
This week, Nathan tackles tips on starting a new landscape! He lays out four steps to creating the garden of your dreams: assessing the site, determining your goals, designing your space, and installing your landscape. Join New Southern Garden next week, to hear Part Two!
Ep. 249- The Healthiest Vegetables You Could Possibly Grow
Jan 13, 2024
Episode 249
The Healthiest Vegetables You Could Possibly Grow
This week, Nathan helps you plan your 2024 vegetable garden by talking about the healthiest vegetables you could possibly grow. Of course, the whole point to growing vegetables is to eat them once they're harvestable. Why not grow the vegetables that are going to benefit your own health the best? Nathan opens up your favorite vegetables and exposes the essential compounds and vitamins that are hiding inside. At the same time, he weaves in the critical things these vegetables need to grow well in your garden.
Ep. 248- Making Your 2024 Garden Dreams A Reality
Jan 06, 2024
Episode 248
Making Your 2024 Garden Dreams A Reality
This week, Nathan talks about his biggest failures and garden let-downs in 2023. He didn't get nearly all the things done he'd hoped to. But, he's making a change! Nathan shares with you four things you need to do to document, organize, and prioritize your garden dreams for 2024. To start, he encourages you to write down your biggest and smallest garden goals for 2024. Then, he talks about ways to prioritize those goals and make them more manageable. Lastly, he discusses the importance of timeliness in your garden goals and planning them out based on the seasons and months of the year. With a little planning, you can make your 2024 garden dreams a reality! Hopefully, even Nathan will be more successful this year...
Ep. 247- December Q&A Week: Vines and Groundcovers, Evergreen Shrubs for Shade, and Forcing Bulbs Indoors
Dec 30, 2023
Episode 247
December Q&A Week:
Vines and Groundcovers, Evergreen Shrubs for Shade, and Forcing Bulbs Indoors
This week is the last week of the month...and the year for that matter! That means that Nathan answers your gardening questions for the last time in 2023. Josh wants to learn about some good vines and ground covers that provide winter interest. Taylor needs some evergreen shrubs for the shade. Carrie is wanting to force some bulbs to bloom indoors. Nathan answers all of these questions and gives updates on what's happening in his own garden! Have a happy New Year gardening!
Ep. 246- Grow Onions In Winter and All Year Long
Dec 23, 2023
Episode 246
Grow Onions In Winter and All Year Long
This week is all about edible onions! Nathan describes four main groups of onions- bulb onions, leeks, scallions, and garlic- talks about their unique characteristics, and discusses what they need to grow and grow well. Many of these wonderful garden plants can be grown overwinter in mild climates and can continue to be planted virtually all year long!
Ep. 245- Hugelkultur: What It Is and Should You Use It?
Dec 16, 2023
Episode 245
Hugelkultur: What It Is and Should You Use It?
This week, Nathan talks about a strange practice of horticulture known as Hugelkultur. Many people in the permaculture and biodynamic gardening world are promoting this practice, but what is it and should you use it? Originating in Germany, "Hugelkultur" directly translates into English as "mound cultivation." Nathan talks about the murky history of Hugelkultur and talks about how to create a Hugelkultur mound. Then, he turns to what the science says about the details of this practice and tries to answer the question if we should be practicing Hugelkultur in our gardens and landscapes or not.
Ep. 244- Budget-Friendly Hacks for the Garden
Dec 09, 2023
Episode 244
Budget-Friendly Hacks for the Garden
This week, Nathan helps you grow more while saving more! Nathan's budget-friendly hacks will help you get more plants in your garden without spending your life savings. He also talks about how repurposing containers and mulch bags will add more productivity to your landscape without breaking your bank account. Lastly, he talks about ways to feed wildlife without stealing your kid's lunch money and easy ways to compost your kitchen scraps. Now, let's get growing and saving!
Ep. 243- Organic Winter Weed Control
Dec 02, 2023
Episode 243
Organic Winter Weed Control
This week, Nathan helps you alleviate those pesky winter weeds...organically! From preventing them to eradicating them, he gives you several helpful options to getting rid of weeds. From pre-emergent options, like flame weeding and corn gluten, to post-emergent options like natural compounds and home brews, you will have enough tools in your tool belt to keep winter weeds at bay for good! Stay persistent though. Those weeds will always find a way to grow!
Ep. 242- November Q&A Week- Planting Bulbs, Hardwood Cuttings, and Pruning
Nov 25, 2023
Episode 242
November Q&A Week: Planting Bulbs, Hardwood Cuttings, and Pruning
This week, Nathan answers your gardening questions! Jane is wondering if it's too late to plant spring bulbs. Nathan takes her question on and talks about the different types of bulbs that can be planted now and how to plant them! Jake wants to propagate his azalea so Nathan gives his details on how to go about that at this time. Lastly, Peter wonders if he needs to be pruning his shrubs like the landscapers are doing around the neighborhood. Nathan gives the scoop on pruning and talks about which plants need to be pruned after they bloom.
Ep. 241- Working with Fruits and Vegetables Over Winter
Nov 18, 2023
Episode 241
Working with Fruits and Vegetables Over Winter
This week, Nathan gives you ideas about growing vegetables and fruits over winter. Whether you only have a sunny patio or a full-blown orchard, Nathan talks about vegetables and fruits that are great for the south and wonderful to plant over fall and winter!
Ep. 240- Colorize Your Shady Spaces
Nov 11, 2023
Episode 240
Colorize Your Shady Spaces
This week, Nathan helps you brighten your shady spaces! Many folks think that shade is a curse or plague in the landscape, with few options available. That's just not true. Nathan will help you embrace your shady garden and embolden you to make bold color choices. From annuals to perennials and shrubs, Nathan discusses plants that will stand so bright in the shade, you'd think you're gardening in the sun!
Ep. 239- Simplifying Garden Structure
Nov 04, 2023
Episode 239
Simplifying Garden Structure
This week, Nathan encourages you to use the "leafless-ness" of fall and winter to examine your garden structure. With one simple garden design principle, you can transform your space to look outstanding any season of the year. Nathan explains and walks you through the earth layer, the human layer, and the sky layer of your landscape to make sure you have interesting structural components that stand out within each layer.
Ep. 238- Sterilizing Soil, More Winter Annuals, and Transplanting Shrubs
Oct 28, 2023
Episode 238
Sterilizing Soil, More Winter Annuals, and Transplanting Shrubs
This week is Q&A Week and Nathan answers your questions! Jeff is wondering if he can reuse his old potting soil or if he has to discard it. Nathan gives him an easy method to sterilize soil that can then be safely reused. Next, Alyssa wants to grow some unusual annual flowers over the winter, so Nathan gives her tips on getting the bed prepared and which annuals you can buy at a nursery or grow from seed yourself! Lastly, another Jeff wants to know if he can transplant some overgrown shrubs now and, if so, how to do it properly for best success.
Ep. 237- Creating a Tropical-ish Winter Oasis
Oct 21, 2023
Episode 237
Creating a Tropical-ish Winter Oasis
This week, Nathan takes on a challenge! A challenge that actually comes from his cousin who is looking to create a space that feels like a tropical oasis all winter long. Nathan breaks down the characteristics of plant material that help give you a sense of a tropical forest. Then, he talks about plants that fit the bill but look good all winter long and don't get harmed by our winter weather!
Ep. 236- A Case for Planting Trees and Wildflowers
Oct 14, 2023
Episode 236
A Case for Planting Trees and Wildflowers
This week, Nathan encourages you to grow more trees and more wildflowers! Nathan discusses the economic, ecological, and physical benefits to planting trees and talks about a few you might want to consider. Then, he makes a case for not mowing your lawn and allowing wildflowers to take over! He gives you some specific wildflowers that are easy to grow and essentially take care of themself!
Ep. 235- Planting Peonies, Staking Trees, Curing Gourds, and Evergreen Trees
Oct 07, 2023
Episode 235
Planting Peonies, Staking Trees, Curing Gourds, and Evergreen Trees
This week, Nathan answers more of your gardening questions! Planting and dividing peonies can be nerve racking but Nathan gives you the keys for success in doing it. He also discusses staking trees and harvesting and curing gourds. Then, he lists a number of evergreen trees and shrubs to add winter interest in your landscape!
Ep. 234- Q&A Week September
Sep 30, 2023
This week, Nathan goes to the mailbag and answers your questions! Send your garden question to us at www.newsoutherngarden.com and on Facebook or Instagram!
Ep. 233- 10 Principles of Organic Gardening
Sep 23, 2023
Episode 233
Ten Principles of Organic Gardening
This week, Nathan encourages you to stop running to the shed for a pesticide when you have a plant problem and start growing organically. Through these ten practical steps, Nathan helps guide you to start growing more "green." By selecting appropriate plants, using cultural practices, and more, you can grow your landscape and garden organically. It might not be super easy, but it will definitely be super fun!
Ep. 232- September Garden To-Do List
Sep 16, 2023
Episode 232
September Garden To-Do List
This week, Nathan talks about things to look for as September comes to an end. He walks you through every part of your landscape including shrubs, perennials, and trees, giving you ideas and tasks to complete this time of year.
Ep. 231- Plants with a BARK!
Sep 09, 2023
Episode 231
Plants with A BARK!
This week, Nathan talks about plants with a BARK! Don't worry, they don't bite. These plants just give you something unique and interesting to look at over fall and winter even when leaves have long fallen. Nathan discusses some shrubs including Oakleaf Hydrangea and Red Twig Dogwood. Then, he explains the awesome bark of some trees like Paperbark Maple and Sycamore. He scatters in how to grow and where to grow these plants all along the way. If you are laking something unusual in the landscape over winter, consider planting trees and shrubs with unique bark this fall!
Ep. 230- Landscaping to Increase Home Value
Sep 02, 2023
This week we add value to our homes by simple landscaping projects. Join Nathan as he discusses things you can do around your landscape to impress potential buyers or just friends and family. From planting trees to building a fire pit, Nathan gives you ideas to really add curb appeal!
Ep. 229- Late Summer Garden Tasks
Aug 26, 2023
Episode 229
Late Summer Garden Tasks
This week, Nathan answers your gardening questions! Katie from Cleveland, Ga. is a new home owner and wants to learn more about taking care of her landscape. Nathan helps guide her through what she should be looking for and doing in the garden in late summer.
Ep. 228- 10 Must Have Perennials for Late Summer
Aug 19, 2023
Episode 228
Ten Must Have Perennials for Late Summer
This week, Nathan talks about plants you MUST HAVE in your garden right now, late summer! He talks about agapanthus, Joe-pye weed, hardy hibiscus, Russian sage, Rudbeckia, maidenhair grass, Virginia switchgrass, yarrow, garden phlox, and canna lily. All of these either add beautiful blossoms or intriguing foliage to your garden at the end of summer.
Ep. 227- Growing a Fall Veggie Garden (Continued)
Aug 12, 2023
Episode 227
Growing a Fall Veggie Garden
(Continued)
This week, Nathan continues the discussion on growing fall vegetables! Even though it's still summer, it's time to get started for fall. Don't be late to the planting party!
Ep. 226- Growing a Fall Veggie Garden
Aug 05, 2023
Episode 226
Growing a Fall Veggie Garden
Don't forget to get your fall veggies started before it's too late! This week, Nathan reminds you to take advantage of the warm weather to get your fall veggies a head start on growing and growing well! He talks about things to do in August through October to get your fall vegetable garden off the ground. Then, he takes some time to talk about a few notable individual crops that you can grow during the cool season.
Ep. 225- July Q&A Week: Beneficial Insects
Jul 29, 2023
Episode 225
July Q&A Week
Beneficial Insects
This week, Nathan answers your gardening questions! Ken in Cleveland is wondering what are some common beneficial insects in our veggie gardens. Nathan talks about a handful including Assassin Bug and Parasitic Wasps. Then, he discusses ways that you can encourage beneficial insects to populate and create a community in your own space. Some of these tactics are so simple, it's easy to get started!
Ep. 224- Restoring Beauty in Summer Stress
Jul 22, 2023
Episode 224
Restoring Beauty in Summer Stress
This week, Nathan tackles the lackluster, yellowy, drying-back garden of summer. If the stresses of summer have got your plants looking a bit sad, Nathan explains a few simple and basic actions you can take to help restore your garden's beauty in the dead of summer!
Ep. 223- Horticultural History: The People Behind the Plants
Jul 15, 2023
Episode 223
Horticultural History: The People Behind the Plants
Every plant has a story to tell, but how often do we tell those stories? This week, Nathan does just that. He will introduce you to the history and the people behind some of our most well-known garden plants.
Ep. 222- Perennial Plants of the Year(s)
Jul 08, 2023
Episode 222
Perennial Plants of the Year(s)
Since 1990, the Perennial Plant Association has awarded certain plants with the Perennial Plant of the Year award. Based on unique characteristics, performance in the garden, and disease resistance, this list of plants can help you add winners in your landscape! This week, Nathan selects a few plants from the thirty-three available and talks about why you should add them to your garden this year!
Ep. 221- Horticultural History: Liberty Hyde Bailey
Jul 01, 2023
Episode 221
Horticultural History: Liberty Hyde Bailey
This week, Nathan takes a look back at the people and practices of horticultural history. Liberty Hyde Bailey (1858-1954) was a plantsman, gardener, agricultural college professor and dean, and a promoter of the rural lifestyle. Through his numerous books, articles, and other writings, he has left behind a treasure trove of information. Nathan discusses a few entries found in Bailey's 'The Horticulturist's Rule-Book' (1899) and takes a look at some interesting, but some times shocking, ways of dealing with garden pests. Perhaps by utilizing our 21st Century knowledge, we can employ a bit of these late 19th Century techniques in our gardens today.
Ep. 220- June Q&A Week
Jun 24, 2023
Episode 220
June Q&A Week
This week, Nathan goes to the mailbox and answers your questions! He answers questions from a wide range of topics including, controlling slugs in the garden, finding "the perfect plant", and transplanting trees in the summer. Send us your questions at www.newsoutherngarden.com!
Ep. 219- Disease Management in the Landscape
Jun 17, 2023
Episode 219
Disease Management in the Landscape
Just like people, plants deal with diseases. This week, Nathan gives you a three step program to follow when controlling plant disease. Prevention is always the key!
Ep. 218- The Rapid Decline of Ornamental Cherry Trees
Jun 10, 2023
Episode 218
The Rapid Decline of Ornamental Cherry Trees
Every southern gardener loves a good cherry blossom tree, but do cherry trees really love the southern garden? Nathan exposes the issues that ornamental cherry struggles with and things to look for that might be compromising your ornamental cherry. If you'd rather plant an easier alternative, Nathan also lists a few great, small ornamental trees that don't need so much attention.
Ep. 217- Georgia's Five Favorite Flowers
Jun 03, 2023
Episode 217
Georgia’s Five Favorite Flowers
Based on the number of Internet searches made, Nathan exposes Georgians top favorite flowers! Some of them might surprise you but others are a no-brainer. Nathan discusses each plant type and how to grow Georgia's favorite flowers in your own garden!
Ep. 216- Q&A Week May- Growing Plants for Free
May 27, 2023
Episode 216
May Q&A Week
Growing Plants for Free
This week, Nathan answers your questions! He answers a question wondering the best way to propagate a hydrangea from cuttings. Nathan gives you his top tips on finding success at growing plants for free!
Ep. 215- A Garden from a Hundred Packets of Seed
May 20, 2023
Episode 215
A Garden from a Hundred Packets of Seed
Who needs to buy a garden full of plants when you can grow them all from seed? Whether you don't know what your long-term goal for a given space is or you just need a few things to fill in the gaps, growing plants from seed is not only rewarding but also budget-friendly! Nathan talks about easy-to-grow from seed annual and perennial plants. Give growing an entire garden from seed a go!
Ep. 214- Top Tips for Terrific Tomatoes
May 13, 2023
Episode 214
Top Tips for Terrific Tomatoes
This week, Nathan talks about the Southeast's favorite garden vegetable: the tomato! Join him as he walks you through selecting the appropriate tomato for your needs, planting it well, mulching, feeding, and problem solving. In just a few more weeks, you should be able to harvest the tastiest tomato you've ever eaten!
Ep. 213- Five Great Perennials for the Garden
May 06, 2023
Episode 213
Five Great Perennials for the Garden
This week, Nathan talks a walk from the sun garden into the shade garden and talks about 5 plants you could find along that route. Some perennials today require sun, others can grow in part sun or shade, and the last group thrive under the shade.
Ep. 212- Q&A Week April
Apr 29, 2023
Episode 212
Q&A Week April
This week, Nathan goes to the message board to answer your questions! We've had a bit of a backlog, but Nathan plays catch up and gets the answers you've been waiting for! Thanks to all of you who have submitted a question and made Q&A Week such a special part of the show!
Ep. 211- Gardening with the Blues
Apr 22, 2023
Episode 211
Gardening with the Blues
This week, Nathan is gardening with the blues! The "blues" today aren't a depressed disposition, but rather, plants that produce a true blue flower. Finding a "true" blue flower in the garden can be difficult, but Nathan gives you a list of plants with blue flowers that are totally worth it and some that, even though they've got an awesome blue, just don't make the cut for our southern gardens. Start gardening with the blues yourself!
Ep. 210- All About Shasta Daisy
Apr 15, 2023
Episode 210
All About Shasta Daisy
This week, Nathan talks about one of THE best daisies for the garden: the Shasta Daisy. Nathan chats about everything Shasta daisy from its unique horticultural history, how to grow it, and the variety of cultivars available. Be sure to incorporate this workhorse of blooms in your garden this season!
Ep. 209- Perennials on the Move!
Apr 08, 2023
Episode 209
Perennials on the Move!
Sometimes you don't need plants to grow quickly into spaces you don't want them to. But other times, you do! This week, Nathan talks about perennial plants that love to fill in spaces and move about. Sometimes, plants filling in open spaces is much needed!
Ep. 208- Notes on Peonies and Dry River Beds
Apr 01, 2023
Episode 208
Notes on Peonies and Dry River Beds
This week, Nathan talks about that dependable spring blooming perennial, the peony. Then, he gives some tips on installing a dry river bed as a critical feature to your landscape.
Ep. 207- March Q&A Week: Gardening with Gypsum and Creating New Landscape Beds
Mar 25, 2023
Episode 207
March Q&A Week
Gardening with Gypsum and Creating New Landscape Beds
This week, Nathan goes to the inbox to answer your gardening questions! Two great questions are answered this week. One asks about using gypsum in the garden and the other asks about an easy method to creating new garden beds.
Ep. 206- Hydrangeas, Turtle Plants, and Rasied Bed Soils
Mar 18, 2023
Episode 206
Hydrangeas, Turtle Plants, and Raised Bed Soils
This week, Nathan talks about reblooming hydrangeas and how growing them in your landscape can assure blossoms even after damaged by a hard winter. He then answers New Southern Garden's producer's question about plants to grow with turtles in a terrarium. Lastly, Nathan discusses what kind of growing mix to use in raised beds when you are first filling them up.
Ep. 205- Cut Flowers: Growing Cosmos
Mar 11, 2023
Episode 205
Cut Flowers:
Growing Cosmos
One more easy addition to the cut flower garden has to be cosmos! This week, Nathan continues his discussion on great plants for the cut flower garden with this light, airy and dainty bloomer. The flowers make look dainty but they come in great numbers and the more they are harvested, the more they produce!
Ep. 204- Cut Flowers: Growing Dahlias
Mar 04, 2023
Episode 204
Cut Flowers:
Growing Dahlias
There are plenty of easy-to-grow plants in a cutting garden and dahlia doesn't disappoint! This week, Nathan talks about this true "cut and come again" garden plant, the in's and out's of growing them, and the wide array of variety its cultivars offer.
For thousands of years, gardeners have grown flowering plants for one sole purpose: to cut the flowers for display indoors. Today, we can follow our horticultural ancestors and do the same! This week, Nathan answers a listener's question about easy-to-grow flowers for cutting. Learn all about growing Zinnias in this episode and check out the next couple of shows as this is the first in a short series all about growing cut flowers!
Ep. 202- Gardening is for the Birds
Feb 18, 2023
Episode 202
Gardening is for the Birds
Gardening is for the birds! We can develop a landscape that provides all the necessary resources that birds look for in a habitat. In doing so, we will invite more birds to not just fly through but also build a home and stay in. This week, Nathan talks about plants that birds enjoy and also other key features needed when building a bird-friendly landscape.
Ep. 201- Early Blooming Plants
Feb 11, 2023
Episode 201
Early Blooming Plants
This time of year can really bring on the spring fever with a host of garden plants beginning to bloom! Nathan talks about some of the top garden plants to add some late winter flower power in and around your landscape.
Ep. 200- The Nutrient Cycle and Fertilizers
Feb 04, 2023
Episode 200
The Nutrient Cycle and Fertilizers
It's almost time to start fertilizing your garden babies! This week, Nathan gives you the scoop on the nutrient cycle, how plant nutrition actually cycles through animal life and back again. He also talks about the pros and cons to organic and commercial fertilizers. Be sure to start making your fertilizing plans soon so your garden will have just what it needs when spring starts!
Ep. 199- Q&A Week- Bog Plants and Rain Gardens
Jan 28, 2023
Episode 199
Q&A Week January
Bog Plants and Rain Gardens
This week Nathan answers your questions! The question of the day is concerning plants that can be planted in wet soil. In addition to giving you a number of wet-soil loving plants, Nathan talks about the benefits of preventing runoff rain water with the help of a rain garden. Try adding a new rain garden to your landscape today!
Ep. 198- Purchasing, Storing, and Planting Bare Root Roses
Jan 21, 2023
Episode 198
Purchasing, Storing, and Planting Bare Root Roses
Roses are one of America's favorite garden flower! This week, Nathan talks about purchasing roses as bare root plants. He also talks about storing them for planting later and how to plant them. Growing roses from bare root plants opens the door to a wide selection of varieties and types. Try something new this late winter!
Ep. 197- Talking to Plants and The Music They Make
Jan 14, 2023
Episode 197
Talking to Plants and The Music They Make
This week, Nathan is talking "weird" gardening. There are some good reports that sound waves and certain music can enhance plant growth, but can talking to your plants make them happier? Or does talking to plants make us happier gardeners? Also, Nathan talks about a new device that can help us hear the "music" plants make. This is definitely a show that brings up some unusual, and maybe, just down right weird gardening topics.
Ep. 196- All About Alliums
Jan 07, 2023
Episode 196
All About Alliums
This week, Nathan talks about a group of plants he's never really mentioned before: ornamental onions! Or rather, alliums. They are a diverse group of plants with quite an unusual bloom. He talks about specific species and cultivars, bloom times of them, and the conditions they need to grow well.
Ep. 195- December Q&A Week- Winter Damage, Winter Planting, and Mulch
Dec 31, 2022
Episode 195
December Q&A Week
Winter Damage, Winter Planting, and Mulch
It's the last week of the month and Nathan answers your questions! This week, he looks at winter damage concerns, planting over winter, and picking and laying mulch appropriately.
Ep. 194- Plants for Christmas Continued
Dec 24, 2022
Episode 194
Plants for Christmas Continued
As we anticipate Christmas tomorrow, Nathan continued talking about the "plants of Christmas" and how to grow them!
Ep. 193- Plants for Christmas
Dec 17, 2022
Episode 193
Plants for Christmas
Some plants go hand in hand with Christmas. Think about poinsettias, holly, ivy, and Fraser firs. They all remind us of the holiday season. This week, Nathan lists these plants, talks about their relationship to Christmas and histories, and explains how to grow them in your own garden and home.
Ep. 192- Great Perennials to Plant Now
Dec 10, 2022
Episode 192
Great Perennials to Plant Now
Plenty of gardening tasks exist all year long...even into winter! This week, Nathan gives you a list of great perennials to plant NOW for a saucy spring show!
Ep. 191- Trees and Their Special Considerations
Dec 03, 2022
Episode 191
Trees and Their Special Considerations
When planting trees in the garden, they do come with some special considerations. If we fail to consider their mature canopy and root systems, a tree might eventually become a problem. This week, Nathan talks about the most critical things to consider before you even start digging a planting hole. From how close to plant trees to a house and how close trees can be planted apart, you will be fully prepared to install your new tree or trees (safely)!
Ep. 190- November Q&A Week: "Winteresting" Your Garden
Nov 26, 2022
Episode 190
November Q&A Week:
"Winteresting" Your Garden
This week, Nathan answers a listener's question about how to bring some interest into your garden for the holiday and winter. Despite the gloom and doom weather of winter, Nathan gives you some bright ideas to make things look a bit more "winteresting."
Ep. 189- Small Native Trees for Big Fall Color
Nov 19, 2022
Episode 189
Small Native Trees for Big Fall Color
Take advantage of your small space by scaling the size of trees you plant to fit! This week, Nathan talks about some small and completely native small trees that are going to provide your garden with outstanding fall color!
Ep. 188- Growing Herbs in the South (Part 2)
Nov 13, 2022
Episode 188
Growing Herbs in the South
Part Two
Nathan continues his discussion on herbs this week and discusses some important topics concerning them! He discusses growing herbs indoors, in pots, how to preserve them, and more details about certain types of herbs.
Ep. 187- Growing Herbs in the South (Part 1)
Nov 05, 2022
Episode 187
Growing Herbs in the South
Part One
Herbs have been around gardens since prehistoric times. Gardeners have long enjoyed growing plants that have high fragrances, flavorful tastes, and even medicinal applications. This week, Nathan takes you on a journey to growing your own herbs in the south. He talks about prepping the soil for herbs, site conditions, planting them out, pruning herbs, and even propagating your own plants!
Ep. 186- Growing Lavender in the South
Oct 29, 2022
Episode 186
Growing Lavender in the South
Lavender is one of the most popular garden plants. Unfortunately, it doesn’t tend to love our southern gardens. Many gardeners can talk about utter failures when it comes to lavender. But this week, Nathan talks about things you can do to give lavender a fighting chance in your southern garden! Soil prep, site location, watering technique, and selecting the best cultivars are all things that must be addressed before growing that first lavender plant.
Ep. 185- Preparing for Winter Weather
Oct 22, 2022
Episode 185
Preparing for Winter Weather
This time of year, the weather can be quite unpredictable in the south. A frost here and an 80-degree day there. We can go back and forth when it comes to temperature in the fall, so Nathan gives you the information you need to make sure you are keeping your garden, and the plants within, nice and warm on cold autumnal nights.
Ep. 184- Creating and Maintaining a Hedge
Oct 15, 2022
Episode 184
Creating and Maintaining a Hedge
Garden hedges are as old as gardening itself. For thousands of years, gardeners have created and maintained hedges to keep things hidden, separate garden rooms, and create garden mystery. This week, Nathan talks you through the basics of installing a hedge and keeping it dense and well groomed.
Ep. 183- More Fall Flowering Perennials
Oct 08, 2022
Episode 183
More Fall Flowering Perennials
A couple of week’s ago, Nathan shared a short list of his favorite fall blooming perennials. This week, he’s adding more to that list to give you even more blossom power for your fall garden!
Ep. 182- September Q&A- Proper Planting, East Asian Joro Spider, and Deer Resistant Fall Plants
Oct 01, 2022
Episode 182
September Q&A Week
Proper Planting, East Asian Joro Spider, and Deer Resistant Fall Plants
Another month has passed and Nathan, once again, goes to the mailbox to answer your gardening questions! This week, Nathan answers questions about proper planting techniques, a strange spider that is populating in North Georgia, and deer resistant fall plants.
Ep. 181- Managing Moles and Voles in the Garden
Sep 17, 2022
Episode 181
Managing Moles and Voles in the Garden
There are a couple of creatures lurking below your garden’s surface just waiting for a new, delicious snack to be planted. Moles and voles are quite different when it comes to what they eat and how they look, but they both can be disastrous to your garden plants! This week, Nathan takes you underneath your garden soil and explains the differences between moles and voles and gives you ideas on preventing them from completely ruining your garden work.
Ep. 180- Fall Flowering Perennials
Sep 10, 2022
Episode 180
Fall Flowering Perennials
When fall comes around, most folks rush out to the garden centers on one mission and one mission alone: to buy pansies. But pansies aren’t the only fall blooming plants to grow in the south. There are a wide selection of fall blooming perennials that every garden could use. In this episode, Nathan introduces you to some of his favorites.
Ep. 179- Growing Great Fall Vegetables
Sep 03, 2022
Episode 179
Growing Great Fall Vegetables
Bring in your garden harvest all winter long! It’s quite warm over winter here in the south. There are a great selection of plants, such as broccoli, kales, cabbages, carrots, and more, that can be planted in the warmth of autumnal soil and be ready to harvest in a matter of weeks. Nathan gives you the information you need to be eating fresh from the garden all winter long!
Ep. 178- August Q&A
Aug 27, 2022
Episode 178
August Q&A Week
As usual, we tackle your toughest garden problems at the end of every month. Thanks to all who have submitted a question! We love to hear both your gardening troubles and successes!
Ep. 177- Working with Water in the Landscape
Aug 21, 2022
Episode 177
Working with Water in the Landscape
Water is one of the most powerful forces of nature. Even though our gardens LOVE it, we still have to deal with its mighty powers. Join Nathan on this week’s show as he discusses how to work with water in the landscape, instead of trying to fight against it. From preventing erosion to repairing the effects of erosion, Nathan gives you ideas to direct water, redirect it, and embrace its presence in the garden.
Ep. 176- Great Ornamental Grasses for the Landscape
Aug 06, 2022
Episode 176
Great Ornamental Grasses for the Landscape
This week, Nathan talks about a few under appreciated landscape plants: ornamental grasses! He talks about the seasonal change grasses provide, how to design with them, and how to maintain them. He gives details about several native selections and their cultivars and also a few from foreign places but ones that make a great impact!
Ep. 175- July Q&A Week- Screens, Cottage Garden Plants, Topdressing Lawns, and Tropical Plantings
Jul 30, 2022
Episode 175
July Q&A Week
Screens, Cottage Garden Plants, Topdressing Lawns, and Tropical Plantings
This week, Nathan opens up the mailbag and answers your questions! Sharon from Cleveland, Ga. asks about some small canopy trees that can add some height to their privacy fence. Rachel in north Atlanta wants to know some specific plants to use in a cottage garden. Bobby from East Tennessee wants to know if it's okay to top dress a lawn now with compost. Lastly, Michelle from Flowery Branch, Ga. wants to create a tropical-like garden around her pool. Leave your garden question for Nathan to answer here or on Facebook and Instagram!
Ep. 174- Creating a Cottage Garden
Jul 23, 2022
Episode 174
Creating a Cottage Garden
In this episode, Nathan gives you a brief history of cottage gardens, the people who influenced them, and essential elements of a cottage garden to build your own!
In this episode of New Southern Garden, Nathan continues his discussion of NEW summer blooming shrubs! He talks about butterfly bushes, rose of Sharons, roses, and a brand new smoke bush!
In this week's episode, Nathan discusses plants that you might not see too often because they bloom in the summer when many people don't shop for plants. This first part of a two part series touches on new summer blooming hydrangeas.
Ep. 171- Growing Your Garden Through Propagation
Jul 02, 2022
Episode 171
Growing Your Garden Through Propagation
This Independence Day weekend, Nathan helps you gain your freedom from spending money at the plant nursery! You can propagate your own plants with these simple garden activities. Nathan discusses the two main types of plant propagation: sexual and asexual propagation. Then, he discusses the basics of propagating plants by division and stem cuttings. Now you can get more plants for less money!
Ep. 170- Night Blooming Cereus, Naturalistic Planting, and Japanese Beetles
Jun 25, 2022
Episode 170
Night Blooming Cereus, Naturalistic Planting, and Japanese Beetles
This week on New Southern Garden, Nathan opens up the mailbag and answers your questions! Night blooming cereus is first up on the ticket, but it's really a question about potting up houseplants. Then, Nathan answers a question regarding planting a naturalistic landscape. And lastly, he gives you some ideas about battling our dreaded summertime enemy, the Japanese Beetle.
Ep. 169- Tomatoes Revisited and Other Veggie Favorites
Jun 18, 2022
Episode 169
Tomatoes Revisited and Other Veggie Favorites
This week, Nathan continues his discussion on issues in the vegetable garden and how to prevent and deal with them. He revisits tomatoes and adds a few other favorites to the list! Let's get to growing great vegetables this year!
Ep. 168- Preventing Tomato and Squash Problems
Jun 11, 2022
Episode 168
Preventing Tomato and Squash Problems
Things are growing in the vegetable garden! As our veggie plants mature and begin to produce delicious fruits, pests like insect and disease begin to invade! This week, Nathan talks about some common issues you might experience or help prevent when it comes to growing tomatoes and squash. Join us next week to discover how to deal with issues on other types of our veggie favorites.
Ep. 167- What's Blooming, Gardenia Gab, and Hydrangea Talk
Jun 04, 2022
Episode 167
What's Blooming, Gardenia Gab, and Hydrangea Talk
This week, Nathan starts off discussing what's blooming in his landscape. Then, he discusses some classic southern garden plants: gardenias and hydrangeas. Nathan talks about the different blossom styles you can find with gardenias and three great gardenia varieties with their own unique characteristics. Lastly, Nathan talks about four popular hydrangeas, describes the differences between them, and talks about their various bloom and prune times!
Ep. 166- May Q&A Week- Groundcover Maintenance, Soil Mushrooms, Rose Worms, and Transplanting a Rose
May 29, 2022
Episode 166
May Q&A Week
Groundcover Maintenance, Soil Mushrooms, Rose Worms, and Transplanting a Rose
This week, Nathan answers your questions! One valued listener has sent us a video question about maintaining ground covers and keeping them out of unwanted areas. Then, Nathan takes a look at a photo of some mushrooms growing in garden mulch and talks about the difference between good fungus and bad fungus. Another picture that was sent to us showed some worm damage on roses so Nathan gives some options of clearing up that problem. Lastly, he answers a question about transplanting a rose from one house to another. If you have a question that is burning through your begonias, send it to us via our contact us page or our Facebook and Instagram!
Ep. 165- Controlling Bugs Bunny in the Garden
May 21, 2022
Episode 165
Controlling Bugs Bunny in the Garden
This week, Nathan talks about a major plant pest-- the rabbit. Like deer, if rabbits are hungry enough, they will eat just about anything. Nathan talks a bit about important rabbit characteristics that need to be known when trying to fight them off in the landscape. Then, he takes a journey through five different methods of controlling them in the landscape. He also describes how to tell the difference between plants damaged by deer and plants damaged by rabbits. Know your enemy so you can fight the battle well!