Each week our host, Nathan Wilson, brings you current gardening topics, how-to’s, and answers your landscape questions. From vegetables to trees and shrubs, soil and seed-starting, Nathan brings you time-tested and researched information to make your southern garden successful. Things are changing in the south, so should the way we garden. Let’s grow something new…together.
This week, Nathan takes you through the many layers of our woodlands to help you grow your own native woodland garden. With a few design principles and many plant options, Nathan guides you down a trail of shady cultivation many people don't think is possible. Embrace the shade and grow a unique garden!
Ep. 377 | Growing A Native Woodland Garden
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 376 | The Plants That Made America
Jul 04, 2026
episode 376
The Plants That Made America
This week, Nathan celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States by talking about the plants that made this country and how you can grow these same plants in your own garden!
Ep. 376 | The Plants That Made America
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 375 | The Problems with Summer Veggies
Jun 27, 2026
Episode 375
The Problems with Summer Veggies
This week, Nathan talks about some of the common issues you might be finding in your vegetable patch and how to deal with them.
Ep. 375 | The Problems with Summer Veggies
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 373 | Nathan's New Perennials | Part Two
Jun 13, 2026
episode 373
Nathan's New Perennials | Part Two
This week, Nathan continues his discussion on the new perennial plants he has added to his garden this year!
Ep. 373 | Nathan's New Perennials | Part Two
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 372 | Nathan's New Perennials | Part One
Jun 06, 2026
episode 372
Nathan's New Perennials | Part One
This week, Nathan talks about some of the new perennial plants he has added into his perennial plant borders this year.
Ep. 372 | Nathan's New Perennials | Part One
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 371 | Growing Butterfly Bush, Responsibly
May 30, 2026
Episode 371
Growing Butterfly Bush, Responsibly
This week, Nathan talks about the dangers of growing butterfly bush but gives you ways to counteract those dangers. He discusses a list of butterfly bush cultivars that might be more appropriate for our modern landscapes.
Ep. 371 | Growing Butterfly Bush, Responsibly
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 370 | Maintaining Your Slopes, Natively
May 23, 2026
episode 370
Maintaining Your Slopes, Natively
This week, Nathan helps you tackle one of the most difficult sites in the garden... slopes. Nathan explains the benefits to using plants to help "hold" slopes and describes many native plants that can handle the job!
Ep. 370 | Maintaining Your Slopes, Natively
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 369 | Controlling Insects Organically
May 16, 2026
episode 369
Controlling Insects Organically
This week, Nathan helps you take care of pesky insects…organically!
Ep. 369 | Controlling Insects Organically
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 368 | Feeding Your Plants, Responsibly
May 09, 2026
episode 368
Feeding Your Plants, Responsibly
In order for plants to grow their best, they need everything required to grow. This week, Nathan talks about the macro and micro nutrients required by plants to grow well. He also talks about the symptoms to look for if your plants are suffering from a nutrient deficiency.
Ep. 368 | Feeding Your Plants, Responsibly
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 367 | Welcome These New Plants to Your Hardiness Zone!
May 02, 2026
episode 367
Welcome These New Plants to Your Hardiness Zone!
With winter temperatures becoming more and more mild, many hardiness zones have been reconsidered by the USDA. Join Nathan as he talks about a list of plants that once weren't able to be grown in parts of the south but now can.
Ep. 367 | Welcome These New Plants to Your Hardiness Zone!
Nathan Wilson
Nathan's wife rarely gives him ideas for the show, but this week is the exception! She tasked Nathan with delivering an entire show about...green beans! But can he fill a whole hour with the intricate details of the green bean and how to grow them successfully? Listen in to find out!
Ep. 366 | Nathan's Wife Loves Green Beans!
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 365 | Vegetable Gardening by Family, Watering In Droughts, and Turfgrass Thoughts
Apr 18, 2026
episode 365
Vegetable Gardening by Family, Watering In Droughts, and Turfgrass Thoughts
This week, Nathan tackles a few gardening topics including grouping your vegetable plants by family, effectively watering in drought times, and just a touch of turf grass thoughts.
Ep. 365 | Vegetable Gardening by Family, Watering In Droughts, and Turfgrass Thoughts
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 364 | The Wonders of "Cutback" Shrubs
Apr 11, 2026
episode 364
The Wonders of "Cutback" Shrubs
For thousands of years, humans have been "cutting back" trees and shrubs...and for good reason! This week, Nathan talks about the reasons why you might want to partake in the wonderful world of "cutback" shrubs.
Ep. 364 | The Wonders of "Cutback" Shrubs
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 363 | Easiest Annual Flowers to Start from Seed
Apr 04, 2026
episode 363
Easiest Annual Flowers to Start from Seed
This week, Nathan continues a seed-starting talk he began on the previous show except he talks about some of the easiest flowers to start from seeds. They're even easy for the beginning gardener!
Ep. 363 | Easiest Annual Flowers to Start from Seed
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 362 | Top Tips for Starting Seeds Indoors
Mar 28, 2026
episode 362
Top Tips for Starting Seeds Indoors
This week, Nathan helps you get a jump start on your garden outdoors by giving you his top tips for starting seeds indoors!
Ep. 362 | Top Tips for Starting Seeds Indoors
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 361 | Brand New Perennials for 2026
Mar 21, 2026
episode 361
Brand New Perennials for 2026
This week, Nathan discusses some exciting new herbaceous perennial releases that can't wait to be grown in your garden!
Ep. 361 | Brand New Perennials for 2026
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 360 | Add Pre-Spring Garden Pizazz
Mar 14, 2026
episode 360
Add Pre-Spring Garden Pizazz
The time between winter and spring is always an awkward time in the garden. This week, Nathan talks about ways to make your "pre-spring" garden really shine.
Ep. 360 | Add Pre-Spring Garden Pizazz
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 359 | Getting Raised Beds Up and Running for 2026
Mar 07, 2026
episode 359
Getting Raised Beds Up and Running for 2026
This week, with spring in the air, Nathan talks about ten of the things you ought to do now to get your raised-beds and vegetables garden prepped for spring planting!
Ep. 359 | Getting Raised Beds Up and Running for 2026
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 358 | Do NOT Prune These Plants Now!
Feb 28, 2026
episode 358
Do NOT Prune These Plants Now!
This week, Nathan talks about what you should NOT be doing in the garden any time soon: pruning your "old wood" blooming plants! Nathan describes the difference between "old wood" and "new wood" blooming plants and lists out the special spring bloomers you shouldn't prune until after their flowers have faded. If her in doubt, remember, "If it blooms before June, do not prune...until after it blooms."
Ep. 358 | Do NOT Prune These Plants Now!
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 357 | Contemporary Garden Style
Feb 21, 2026
episode 357
Contemporary Garden Style
This week, Nathan talks about the 12 key features of contemporary garden style.
Ep. 357 | Contemporary Garden Style
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 356 | Love in the Garden
Feb 14, 2026
episode 356
Love in the Garden
This week, Nathan celebrates Valentine's Day with you by bringing love into the garden! Join him as he talks about garden-themed gift ideas, the "love language" of flowers, garden activities to perform with your loved ones, and how our gardens truly do relate to our lives and relationships.
Ep. 356 | Love in the Garden
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 355 | Late Winter To-Do List
Feb 07, 2026
Episode 355
Late Winter To-Do List
This week, Nathan helps you remember the things you've been forgetting to do in the garden over the late winter and also draws attention to some things you never even thought about doing.
Ep. 355 | Late Winter To-Do List
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 354 | Unique Pruning Techniques to Elevate Your 2026 Garden
Jan 31, 2026
episode 354
Unique Pruning Techniques to Elevate Your 2026 Garden
This week, Nathan helps you add unique interest and pizzazz to your garden by employing some unique pruning techniques. Shaped shrubs, flattened fruit trees, and trees narrowed into tight hedges will all help your garden stand out from the neighborhood while adding some useful function as well.
Ep. 354 | Unqiue Pruning Techniques to Elevate Your 2026 Garden
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 353 | Glow-in-the-Dark Petunias and New Garden Styles for 2026
Jan 24, 2026
episode 353
Glow-in-the-Dark Petunias and New Garden Styles for 2026
This week, Nathan talks about new trends in gardening to try in your own landscape! From the new (and strange) bioluminescent petunia, to gravel gardens, modern meadows, kokodama and more, Nathan provides you with some novel and unusual ideas for your 2026 gardening year!
Ep. 353 | Glow-in-the-Dark Petunias and New Garden Styles for 2026
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 352 | Soil Testing 101, Fruit Tree Basics, Seed Check, and Small Azaleas
Jan 17, 2026
episode 352
Soil Testing 101, Fruit Tree Basics, Seed Check, and Small Azaleas
This week, Nathan talks about some things that you might consider doing soon-- taking and submitting a soil sample, working in some new fruit trees or managing existing one, verify if old seed is still viable, and install some of the world's shortest, reblooming azaleas.
Ep. 352 | Soil Testing 101, Fruit Tree Basics, Seed Check, and Small Azaleas
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 351 | Damp, Wet Native Plants
Jan 10, 2026
episode 351
Damp, Wet Native Plants
This week, Nathan makes a case that wet, soggy soil isn't a crisis but an opportunity to grow some wonderful plants that don't bat an eye at the boggy side of life! With this water-loving native plants, you can create a beautiful garden space that dry soil just can't provide.
Ep. 351 | Damp, Wet Native Plants
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 350 | "Lemonading" Your Garden in 2026
Jan 03, 2026
Episode 350
"Lemonading" Your Garden in 2026
This week, Nathan takes a new gardening trend known as "Lemonading", explains what it is and how to employ it into your new 2026 gardening year! Happy new year!
Ep. 350 | "Lemonading" Your Garden in 2026
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 349 | Christmas Gifts For the Gardener
Dec 20, 2025
Episode 349
Christmas Gifts For the Gardener
What do you plan to get that gardening friend in your life for Christmas? With just a few days left to decide, Nathan helps you with some great gift ideas for that green thumb in your life. Maybe you should just gift one of these ideas to yourself!
Ep. 349 | Christmas Gifts For the Gardener
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 348 | Grade Your Garden! 10 Checkpoints for Looking Good
Dec 13, 2025
episode 348
Grade Your Garden!
10 Checkpoints for Looking Good
This week, Nathan urges you to test your garden and see if it passes with a stellar grade! Using winter to assess the state of your garden is perfect because you really can see "through" the garden rather than just looking at it. With the 10 checkpoints Nathan provides, you will be able to take your garden from lackluster to filled with luster!
Ep. 348 | Grade Your Garden! 10 Checkpoints for Looking Good
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 347 | Christmas Trees and Evergreens
Dec 06, 2025
Episode 347
Christmas Trees and Evergreens
Why keep spending money on a cut Christmas tree that you know will be brown and crispy by the second day of the new year when you could be decorating a living tree that can be planted and enjoyed for the next one hundred years or more? Nathan explains how to take care of a living tree indoors over the holidays and provides you with a list of the top tree kinds to use! He then continues the conversation on evergreens and talks about native evergreens that can be used in a variety of ways including hiding that junk pile your neighbor keeps growing in your direct line of sight!
Ep. 347 | Christmas Trees and Evergreens
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 346| New Blueberries, Bare-Root Planting, Dormant Oils, and Dividing Hellebore
Nov 29, 2025
Episode 346
New Blueberries, Bare-Root Planting, Dormant Oils, and Dividing Hellebore
Right off the bat, Nathan talks about new blueberry varieites that are both dwarf and self-fruitful, meaning if you are limited on space, you can grow these tiny blueberry plants by themselves with no need for a pollinizing partner! Then he explains the benefits of planting "bare-root" plants over winter and why spraying your plants with dormant oil in the cool months can help prevent insect and disease issues over the next growing season. Lastly, if you need to divide, thin out, or transplant hellebores, Nathan explains when and how to do it.
Ep. 346| New Blueberries, Bare-Root Planting, Dormant Oils, and Dividing Hellebore
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 345| Cold Hardiness, Mulch Mistakes, and Pruning Problems
Nov 22, 2025
Episode 345
Cold Hardiness, Mulch Mistakes, and Pruning Problems
This week, Nathan tackles some concerns that need to be addressed in fall. He explains what the "cold hardiness" of a plant is and how it helps dictate what you can plant in your area and how a plant will act over winter. He gives some guidelines for choosing a mulching material and how to properly mulch. Lastly, should we be pruning over winter? Nathan lets you know the best practices when it comes to pruning.
Ep. 345| Cold Hardiness, Mulch Mistakes, and Pruning Problems
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 344| Questions for Fall
Nov 15, 2025
Fall is often a troubling time of year when it comes to knowing what you can and can't do or should and shouldn't do in the garden. This week, Nathan answers some of the most timely questions he get each autumn.
Ep. 344| Questions for Fall
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 343| Even More Plants for Glorious Fall Color
Nov 08, 2025
Episode 343
Even More Plants for Glorious Fall Color
Last week Nathan gave you ideas for adding outstanding fall color to your garden with native plants. This week, we travel to other parts of the world and discover even more plants to enrich your landscapes autumnal color palette.
Ep. 343| Even More Plants for Glorious Fall Color
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 342| The Best Native Trees and Shrubs for Fall Color
Nov 01, 2025
Episode 342
The Best Native Trees and Shrubs for Fall Color
Are things looking lack luster in your garden this autumn? This week, Nathan helps you select native trees and shrubs that are going to light up your fall gardening world for years to come!
Ep. 342| The Best Native Trees and Shrubs for Fall Color
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 341 | The Dark Side of Plants
Oct 25, 2025
episode 341
The Dark Side of Plants
Sure all plants are pretty with their colorful flowers and textural leaves, but some of them have a dark side. This week, just in time for Halloween, Nathan discusses a list of plants that might seem cute and innocent on the outside, but hide secrets within that can be down right...fatal.
Ep. 341 | The Dark Side of Plants
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 340 | Gardening is for Kids!
Oct 18, 2025
episode 340
Gardening is for Kids!
As gardeners it's important for us to cultivate the next generation of gardeners: our own children! This week, Nathan talks about creative and kid-intriguing ways to get the little ones interested in all things gardening.
Ep. 340 | Gardening is for Kids!
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 339 | Build Your Soils Naturally Now!
Oct 11, 2025
episode 339
Build Your Soils Naturally Now!
Whether you have poor sandy soils or poor clay soils, both problems can be remedied naturally! This week, Nathan talks about practical things you can do this season and all year long to improve your plants' forever home: your soil.
Ep. 339 | Build Your Soils Naturally Now!
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 338 | Embracing Winter Seed Head Beauty
Oct 04, 2025
episode 338
Embracing Winter Seed Head Beauty
If our gardens look like spring during spring, then shouldn't our gardens look like winter in the winter? This week, Nathan discusses ways to enjoy the "winter look" in your garden once temperatures have dropped and days have shortened. There is beauty in all of the decay.
Ep. 338 | Embracing Winter Seed Head Beauty
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 337 | The Joro Spider Has Taken Over the South
Sep 27, 2025
episode 337
The Joro Spider Has Taken Over the South
This week, Nathan gives his annual update on the spider that has taken over the south: the East Asian Joro Spider!
Ep. 337 | The Joro Spider Has Taken Over the South
Nathan Wilson
Tired of the usual pansies over winter? Join Nathan as he talks about trying your hand at a different kind of annual winter garden!
Ep. 336 | Unique and Unusual Winter Annuals
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 335 | Growing Underground with Bulbs
Sep 13, 2025
episode 335
Growing Underground with Bulbs
Ep. 335 | Growing Underground with Bulbs
Nathan Wilson
As the mornings crisp up and the days soften, there's a quiet thrill in the air—the kind that tugs at every gardener's heart. Fall isn't just a season; it's a canvas for creating landscapes that don't just surround your home but elevate it. I'm Nathan Wilson, your gardening pal from The New Southern Garden Show, and today, I'm pulling back the curtain on designing outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of your soul. We'll chat about those sneaky signs that autumn is knocking (spoiler: your gardenia's yellowing leaves aren't dying—they're just packing for winter), and dive deep into bulbs, those underground superstars that deliver surprise blooms year after year.
Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just dipping your toes into container gardening, this guide is your roadmap. Drawing from decades of hands-on designs, client stories, and my own trial-and-error plots, let's turn your yard into a memory-making haven. Ready to layer color, nook in surprises, and watch your home shine? Let's dig in.
Why Your Landscape Should Hug Your House (Not Hide It)
Picture this: Your home, that sturdy beacon of memories, standing tall against a backdrop of earth. Too often, we treat the yard like an afterthought—a spot for the grill or the kids' swing set. But here's the truth I've learned from countless consultations: The house is the star. Every shrub, tree, and flower should accentuate it, not compete.
Start with "lines of force." Imagine extending straight lines from your home's edges—the corners, window sills, door frames—out into the yard. These invisible guides dictate where to place elements. Want a blooming native dogwood? Tuck it toward a corner, at least 10–15 feet from the foundation to avoid foundation cracks or gutter shade. It's a fine tree (up to 25 feet tall), perfect for framing a two-story facade without overwhelming it.
For low windows, fill the soil-to-sill gap with a low hedge or groundcover. It softens those awkward voids, blending hard architecture with soft greenery. I remember my first big design gig in Cleveland, Georgia. A retiree had poured 40 years into her dream home overlooking misty mountains. The view? Stunning. The house? Spot-on. But she called me in tears: "Nathan, something's wrong." It was naked—no plants. A bare house feels cold, like unfinished siding and nails without a soul.
We fixed it fast: Low shrubs under windows, a dogwood at the corner, perennials in gaps. Suddenly, it breathed. Plants aren't just pretty; they're the love letter from your home to the world. They whisper, "Someone cares here." And trust me, from grandkids chasing fireflies to quiet evenings with a book, those outdoor memories rival the ones inside.
Quick Design Do's for Garden-Home Harmony:
Prioritize the front door: No massive oaks blocking entry—save them for the sides of doors.
Scale smart: Match plant height to home features (e.g., low-growers under windows, mid-sized trees at corners).
Accent, don't distract: Use evergreens for year-round structure, blooms for seasonal pops.
Fall's First Hints: Yellow Leaves Aren't the Enemy—They're Packing for Hibernation
If you've strolled your garden lately, you've felt it: cooler nights, shrinking daylight, that golden-hour glow hitting earlier. Days are still balmy, but fall's whispering. Don't fret those interior yellow leaves on your gardenias or roadside tulip poplars—they're not perishing. This is translocation, the plant world's clever prep for dormancy.
Botanically, it's the "trans" (different) + "location" (place): Plants pull nutrients, sugars, and water from older leaves to store in roots and stems. Think bears bulking up before hibernation (minus the cave drama—I'm no wildlife expert, but you get it). Deer are grazing like mad right now, stocking fat for lean winters. Your plants? Same vibe. They're recycling, conserving for that spring flush.
Gardenias, those evergreen darlings, yellow from the inside out—tips should stay green, or check for pests. Tulip poplars follow suit. It's normal, especially with our dry spells. Hydrangeas crisping early? Stress-induced dormancy. October's our driest month in Northeast Georgia, but established trees and shrubs will tough it out. Skip heavy watering unless rain's scarce—winter's the wet season anyway.
When to Worry (and When Not To):
Good sign: Interior yellowing on evergreens like gardenias—fall prep.
Red flag: Tip yellowing or widespread die-off—could be drought, disease, or overwatering.
Pro Tip: Containers need consistent moisture; in-ground perennials, shrubs, and trees? Let 'em coast.
Bulbs: Your Underground Allies for Non-Stop Garden Drama
Fall's my favorite season of the year—crisp air, foliage fireworks for a month. Fewer blooms, sure, but that's where bulbs swoop in like seasonal saviors.
Bulbs (or geophytes, if you're feeling fancy—“geo” for earth, “phyte” for plant) are nature's ephemerals. They hunker underground most of the year, then erupt in color. I've underused them until lately—planted crocus as a kid outside my parents' steps (some still bloom!), and now my own yard's getting surprise reticulated irises that doubled stem count by year two. They're forgiving, space-saving gems.
Why bulbs? Layer them by bloom time for succession: Late winter crocus into spring daffodils, summer lilies, fall lycoris. Nook 'em in shrub gaps, perennial borders, or annual beds—they vanish post-bloom, freeing space. Interplant with pansies or violas; bulbs push through come spring for double duty. They're the "forgot I planted that!" thrill every gardener craves.
Group by season:
Fall Bloomers: Plant now for quick color (e.g., autumn crocus, lycoris, fall daffodils).
Winter/Spring: Chill in soil now for February–April pops (e.g., daffodils, tulips, crocus, anemone).
Summer: Skip fall planting—they hate cold, wet winters. Plant next spring. (e.g., dahlia, Asiatic lilies, gladiolus)
Mastering Bulb Planting: Depth, Dirt, and That Slow-Release Magic
Success boils down to prep. Research moisture needs—most hate soggy soil (rot city), but marginals love pond edges.
Soil Setup: No “full till” needed, but loosen holes. Heavy clay? Work in organic matter. Mushroom compost's the “Cadillac” of soil amendments (per modern research)—nutrient-rich, drainage-boosting. Manure, leaf mold, or homemade compost work too. Fluff for soil tilth; bulbs thrive in loose, fertile beds.
Depth Rule: 2–3x the bulb's diameter. A 1-inch bulb should go beneath the soil 2–3 inches deep. Too deep = no show; too shallow = critter snacks. Check tags, but err high—they self-adjust when needed.
Orientation: Pointy end up (shoot side), basal plate (flat root base) down. Tubers? Whiskers (roots) down, eyes up. Unsure? Lay sideways—they'll right themselves. And be careful not to abuse the basal plate—it's the root-shoot divide.
Fertilize Smart: Toss Bulb-Tone (Espoma's organic fertilizer blend) directly in holes or simply top-dress after planting. Slow-release, low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus—feeds roots first, then leaves and blooms. Won't burn and eco-friendly.
Water: Settle soil in and around the bulb with a gentle soak—helps remove air gaps.
Cluster: And don’t forget to cluster your bulbs like eggs under a hen! One lonely daffodil? Sad. Groups of 5–7? A spectacular drift! Space bulbs 4–6 inches apart for natural waves— or whatever the bulb bag recommends.
Your Fall Action Plan: Plant, Layer, and Join the Fun
Fall is your bulb bonanza window—grab from reputable sources now! Design with house lines in mind, embrace those fall time yellowing cues, and let geophytes (bulbs) layer your magic. Your home deserves that loving landscape touch.
Feeling solo in the soil? Join our New Southern Garden crew on Facebook or Instagram—share wins, woes, and pics. Hit www.newsoutherngarden.com for full episodes and inspiration. Gardening's better together. What's your first bulb buy this fall? Drop it in the comments below—now, let's grow well, together.
Nathan Wilson has hosted New Southern Garden for years, blending Southern expertise with practical tips for veggies, containers, ornamentals and more. A North Georgia native, he's designed landscapes from mountain retreats to urban plots, always prioritizing plants that build homes into havens.
Ep. 334 | Grow THESE Herbs All Winter Long!
Sep 06, 2025
episode 334
Grow THESE Herbs All Winter Long!
Winter is coming. Get these herbs going now and they will provide you with delicious flavors all winter long.
Ep. 334 | Grow THESE Herbs All Winter Long!
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 333 | What Does the Advanced Gardener Do Next?
Aug 30, 2025
episode 333
What Does the Advanced Gardener Do Next?
If you've been growing and killing plants for years but want to try your green hand at something a bit more challenging, listen in as Nathan gives the advanced garden some new things to try.
Ep. 333 | What Does the Advanced Gardener Do Next?
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 332 | How Does the New Beginner Gardener Get Started?
Aug 23, 2025
episode 332
How Does the New Beginner Gardener Get Started?
Have you ever stuck a shovel in the ground and planted a plant? No? Then listen in, as Nathan talks about ways a new beginner gardener might get started.
Ep. 332 | How Does the New Beginner Gardener Get Started?
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 331 | What to Plant Right Now
Aug 16, 2025
episode 331
What to Plant Right Now
Get out your shovel. It's time to do a little late summer planting. Nathan tells you what to plant right now.
Ep. 331 | What to Plant Right Now
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 330 | Principles of Regenerative Landscaping | Part Two
Aug 09, 2025
episode 330
Principles of Regenerative Landscaping | Part Two
Nathan continues the discussion on making your garden a place where ecology can bound and things need a little less attention and input from you.
Ep. 330 | Principles of Regenerative Landscaping | Part Two
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 329 | Principles of Regenerative Landscaping | Part One
Aug 02, 2025
episode 329
Principles of Regenerative Landscaping | Part One
Have you wanted to make your garden more self-sufficient and ecologically responsible? Nathan clues you in. Listen in.
Ep. 329 | Principles of Regenerative Landscaping | Part One
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 328 | Late July Gardening
Jul 26, 2025
episode 328
Late July Gardening
Late summer. Yikes! What to do? Join Nathan as he gives you a heads up on what to do in the garden in the heat of summer.
Ep. 328 | Late July Gardening
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 327 | Going Bananas!!
Jul 19, 2025
episode 327
Going Bananas!!
Why not dedicate a whole show to growing bananas? Is it even possible to grow bananas in the southeast? Nathan explains it all.
Ep. 327 | Going Bananas!!
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 326 | What's Bugging Your Vegetables?
Jul 12, 2025
episode 326
What's Bugging Your Vegetables?
We all think vegetables are tasty, but so do many insects. Join Nathan as he talks about the pests that might need a new pantry to live in.
Ep. 326 | What's Bugging Your Vegetables?
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 325 | Plants that Made America
Jul 05, 2025
episode 325
Plants that Made America
Celebrate America's birthday by planting a few plants and crops that were important in America's history!
Ep. 325 | Plants that Made America
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 324 | Gardening With Fragrant Plants
Jun 28, 2025
episode 324
Gardening With Fragrant Plants
What's that wonderful smell? It could be your garden if you grow these fragrant plants. Let Nathan explain.
Ep. 324 | Gardening With Fragrant Plants
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 323 | Summer Garden Cleanup
Jun 21, 2025
episode 323
Summer Garden Cleanup
Need some help getting your summer garden in shape and looking good? Nathan's got some tips for you.
Ep. 323 | Summer Garden Cleanup
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 322 | 10 Great Underplanted and Under Appreciated Native Plants
Jun 14, 2025
episode 322
10 Great Underplanted and Under Appreciated Native Plants
Native plants are great. Usually. But many times, you just don't see enough of the great ones in the garden center. Join Nathan as he reveals some of the best native plants that you might have never seen!
Ep. 322 | 10 Great Underplanted and Under Appreciated Native Plants
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 321 | 9 Great Companions for Hydrangeas
Jun 07, 2025
episode 321
9 Great Companions for Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are wonderful southern summer plants but they look so much better partnered with others! Join Nathan as he talks about some of the best companion plants for hydrangeas.
Ep. 321 | 9 Great Companions for Hydrangeas
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 320 | The Essential Guide to Summer Vegetables | Part Two
Jun 01, 2025
episode 320
The Essential Guide to Summer Vegetables | Part Two
Join Nathan as he continues his discussion on how to grow your favorite summer vegetables!
Ep. 320 | The Essential Guide to Summer Vegetables | Part Two
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 319 | The Essential Guide to Summer Vegetables | Part One
May 24, 2025
Episode 319
The Essential Guide to Summer Vegetables | Part One
Join Nathan as he talks about growing your favorite summer veggies!
Ep. 319 | The Essential Guide to Summer Vegetables | Part One
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 318 | Tasty and Beautiful Herbs
May 11, 2025
episode 318
Tasty and Beautiful Herbs
Herbs are those special plants that provide delicious flavors and boast numerous uses. However, we tend to only focus on their tastes and fail to give them credit for their aesthetic beauty and flowering benefits to pollinators. This week, Nathan talks about some of the most beautiful, but also tasty, herbs to try in your garden this year. Don’t just send herbs to the “herb garden”, combine them with all the other wonderfully beautiful flowers blooming in your landscape!
Ep. 318 | Tasty and Beautiful Herbs
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 317 | Not Your Grandma's Mints!
May 04, 2025
episode 317
Not Your Grandma's Mints!
Don't let the word "mint" turn you off from listening to this episode of New Southern Garden! Peppermint and Spearmint have been grown in gardens about as long as their stems spread from one end of your garden to the other. These mints are notoriously aggressive, but their "cousin" mints are not. The mint family of plants is full of diverse and beneficial plants that don't move into every crack and crevice they can find. Join Nathan as he discusses the wonderful side of the mint family and talks about why you should grow them These aren't your granny's mints!
Ep. 317 | Not Your Grandma's Mints!
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 316 | Extraordinary Relationships in Your Garden
Apr 27, 2025
episode 316
Extraordinary Relationships in Your Garden
Relationships can be complicated. But in the garden, they are welcomed! This week, Nathan talks about the unique and some times unusual matches between plants and other creatures. Join Nathan as he encourages you to increase the biodiversity in your landscape!
Ep. 316 | Extraordinary Relationships in Your Garden
Nathan Wilson
This week, Nathan talks about one of his favorite garden perennials: Baptisia (also known as False Indigo). This native spring-flowering plant is becoming more and more popular in gardens and for good reason. Baptisia is very drought tolerant, provides winter interest with its blackened seed pods, and is becoming more available in a variety of colors and styles. Jump on the Baptisia bus as Nathan tells you all about them!
Ep. 315 | Native Baptisias (AKA False Indigo)
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 314 | Long Live(d) Perennials!
Apr 13, 2025
episode 314
Long Live(d) Perennials!
Perennials are some of our favorite garden plants because they return year after year without replanting. Some of them even seem to live...forever! Join Nathan as he discusses the longest lived perennial plants you could grow. (One of them could live to be 100 years or more!)
Ep. 314 | Long Live(d) Perennials!
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 313 | Gardening with AI, Pinestraw V. Mulch, and Slug Traps
Apr 06, 2025
episode 313
Gardening with AI, Pinestraw V. Mulch, and Slug Traps
Join Nathan as he gardens with artificial intelligence! The world is changing, so why not garden differently? Nathan puts AI to the horticultural test to see if it can provide gardeners with helpful but accurate gardening know-how.
Ep. 313 | Gardening with AI, Pinestraw V. Mulch, and Slug Traps
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 312 | Pruning Basics for Every Gardener
Mar 29, 2025
episode 312
Pruning Basics for Every Gardener
Whether you are a new gardener or have been gardening for one hundred years, pruning can be intimidating but it can be necessary at times. Join Nathan as he guides you through trimming and clipping your way to a beautiful garden.
Ep. 312 | Pruning Basics for Every Gardener
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 311 | Composting Basics for the Lazy Gardener
Mar 22, 2025
episode 311
Composting Basics for the Lazy Gardener
This week Nathan takes you on the wonderful journey of making your own compost! Compost is a great way to keep recyclable organic matter out of the landfill and into your garden to keep your plants growing well! If you're a lazy gardener like Nathan, you'll learn how to have nature make the compost for you with little work on your end. Keeping a compost pile or bin is easier than you might think!
Ep. 311 | Composting Basics for the Lazy Gardener
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 310 | Peonies and Tiny Evergreen Groundcovers
Mar 15, 2025
Episode 310
Peonies and Tiny Evergreen Groundcovers
Join Nathan as he starts off discussing what's going on inside your plants right now as they prepare for their first flush of growth this spring. It's a little bit of a botanical discussion, but it's pretty important stuff. Then, he reminds you to be careful with your peony buds as they begin to grow and gives you his top tips for growing them in the garden. Lastly, he discusses five great tiny and evergreen ground covers to fill all the cracks and crevices of your garden or use as a substitute for turfgrass. Groundcovers are often overlooked, but are super important to use and use well!
Ep. 310 | Peonies and Tiny Evergreen Groundcovers
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 309 | Plant What's Blooming Now!
Mar 08, 2025
episode 309
Plant What's Blooming Now!
This week, Nathan encourages you to plant what’s blooming now! Late winter blooming plants are reminders that the gray days of winter will soon be surpassed by the warm spring nights. He talks about some of the classic and well-known bloomers such as forsythia, daffodil, hyacinth, and lenten rose. But he also discusses some once beloved but now almost forgotten selections like the super fragrant winter honeysuckle and the delightful ground cover winter jasmine. Join Nathan as he helps you choose plants that will be a long-lived reminder of the spring days around the corner!
Ep. 309 | Plant What's Blooming Now!
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 308 | The Great Eight Vegetables for Your Garden | Part Two
Mar 01, 2025
episode 308
The Great Eight Vegetables for Your Garden | Part Two
This week, Nathan wraps up the discussion on his "Great Eight" vegetables to grow in your southern veggie garden! Whether you are a beginner gardener or not, Nathan walks you through the easiest vegetables you could possibly grow.
Ep. 308 | The Great Eight Vegetables for Your Garden | Part Two
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 307 | The Great Eight Vegetables for Your Garden | Part One
Feb 22, 2025
episode 307
The Great Eight Vegetables for Your Garden | Part One
This week, Nathan begins a discussion on the easiest vegetables to grow in your southern vegetable garden. He starts by describing the growing conditions we have to deal with here in the southeast and also the concerns we may have with our soil types. Then, he goes crop-by-crop describing the easiest plants to grow in your garden, the best ways to start them, when to plant them, and how to harvest their delicious produce! Join Nathan next week as he finishes up the greatest and easiest vegetables to try out in your garden this season!
Ep. 307 | The Great Eight Vegetables for Your Garden | Part One
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 306 | A Color Wheel of Flowers!
Feb 15, 2025
episode 306
A Color Wheel of Flowers!
To put an end cap on Nathan's discussion about using color in the landscape, this week he groups some great perennial plants by the color they provide. He talks about bout the flower color and leaf color that these lovely plants can give your garden.
Ep. 306 | A Color Wheel of Flowers!
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 305 | Color Your Garden Well! | Part Two
Feb 09, 2025
episode 305
Color Your Garden Well! | Part Two
This week Nathan continues his discussion on the theory of using color in your garden. Join him as he gives you ideas on some of the most effective ways to use color in your landscape!
Ep. 305 | Color Your Garden Well! | Part Two
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 304 | Color Your Garden Well! | Part One
Feb 02, 2025
episode 304
Color Your Garden Well! | Part One
Color is the life of garden! Which colors we choose to use in the landscape will dictate the kind of atmosphere and mood we create in our gardens. Join Nathan as he discusses the theory behind color in the garden and practical ways to use it effectively!
Ep. 304 | Color Your Garden Well! | Part One
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 303 | Garden Jobs for Now, Garden Jobs for Later | Part Two
Jan 26, 2025
episode 303
Garden Jobs for Now, Garden Jobs for Later | Part Two
This week Nathan takes you through the second half of the Best Management Practices for the garden, informing you which jobs should be done now and which should be done later.
Ep. 303 | Garden Jobs for Now, Garden Jobs for Later | Part Two
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 302 | Garden Jobs for Now and Later | Part One
Jan 18, 2025
episode 302
Garden Jobs for Now and Later | Part One
Timing gardening activities is critical. Somethings need to be done over winter while others really need to wait for warmer weather. This week Nathan takes you through Best Management Practices for the garden, informing you which jobs should be done now and which should be done later.
Ep. 302 | Garden Jobs for Now and Later | Part One
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 301 | January To Do List- Reducing Lawn, Fruiting Plants, and DIY Garden Design
Jan 11, 2025
episode 301
January To Do List:
Reducing Lawn, Fruiting Plants, and DIY Garden Design
Looking for something to do in your garden this month but not sure what to do? Join Nathan as he gives you a garden to-do list for January!
Ep. 301 | January To Do List- Reducing Lawn, Fruiting Plants, and DIY Garden Design
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 300| New Plants in Garden Centers for 2025
Jan 04, 2025
episode 300
New Plants in Garden Centers for 2025
Join Nathan as he talks about a ton of new plants you can find in your local garden center and plant nursery this spring!
Ep. 300| New Plants in Garden Centers for 2025 - 1:3:25, 10.36 AM
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 299 | Climb Into 2025 With Flowering Vines
Dec 28, 2024
Episode 299
Climb Into 2025 With Flowering Vines
This week, Nathan discusses vines that will provide vertical interest and flowers in the sky for your garden. Every garden needs some kind of vine somewhere and Nathan walks you through a list of great options for your space!
Ep. 299 | Climb Into 2025 With Flowering Vines
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 298 | Plants That Wish You A Merry Christmas
Dec 21, 2024
Episode 298
Plants That Wish You A Merry Christmas
This week, Nathan talks about the plants that go hand in hand with Christmas. He talks about how to grow these beautiful plants that really know how to wish you a "Merry Christmas!"
Ep. 298 | Plants That Wish You A Merry Christmas
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 297 | Nearly Tropical Hardy Plants
Dec 14, 2024
Episode 297
Nearly Tropical Hardy Plants
As we get deeper and deeper into winter, Nathan talks about plants that might help warm things up a bit in the garden: nearly tropical, but hardy plants. Join Nathan as he talks about plants that can give you a feeling of a tropical place, but have no problem surviving through winter!
Ep. 297 | Nearly Tropical Hardy Plants
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 296 | Getting Caught Beneath the Botanical World of Mistletoe
Dec 07, 2024
Episode 296
Getting Caught Beneath the Botanical World of Mistletoe
Mistletoe is quintessential with Christmas, but it is one strange and unusual plant. This week, Nathan talks about the history, folklore, and botany behind this parasitic plant we know as "mistletoe."
Ep. 296 | Getting Caught Beneath the Botanical World of Mistletoe
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 295 | Gardening for Christmas
Nov 30, 2024
Episode 295
Gardening for Christmas
We always think about decorating our interiors for the Christmas season, but how often do we intentionally "decorate" the garden and landscape for Christmas? This week, Nathan gives you ideas that go beyond decorations to get your garden into the holiday spirit.
Ep. 295 | Gardening for Christmas
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 294 | Growing Herbs for Your Stuffed Thanksgiving Turkey
Nov 23, 2024
Episode 294
Growing Herbs for Your Stuffed Thanksgiving Turkey
This week, Nathan talks about how to grow the most popular herbs used in turkey stuffing and dressings. Get ready to grow and bake your own!
Ep. 294 | Growing Herbs for Your Stuffed Thanksgiving Turkey
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 293 | Edible Gardening in Winter
Nov 16, 2024
Episode 293
Edible Gardening in Winter
Join Nathan as he gives you tips and ideas for keeping your vegetable garden going all winter!
Ep. 293 | Edible Gardening in Winter
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 292 | Plant These Trees Under Trees
Nov 10, 2024
Episode 292
Plant These Trees Under Trees
If you have a garden that is surrounded by tall trees, don’t forget to plant something underneath them to add some mid-canopy interest! This week, Nathan talks about trees that are great to plant underneath other trees. Many of our favorite ornamental garden trees are found naturally growing beneath the shade of larger trees and we can recreate the whimsical beauty in our gardens that nature has already provided. Be sure to take notes about the trees that interest you and might make great additions under your existing trees.
Ep. 292 | Plant These Trees Under Trees
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 291 | Don't Buy THESE Garden Products!
Nov 03, 2024
Episode 291
Don't Buy THESE Garden Products!
Nathan always says that some gardening products only work in the store…to get you to buy them! This week, Nathan dispels the great marketing tactics of some of the worst garden products you could possibly waste your money on. He discusses the science behind why these products don’t work and encourages you not to purchase them. Save your money to buy some new plants instead!
Ep. 291 | Don't Buy THESE Garden Products!
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 290 | October Q&A Week | Raised Bed Filler and Nathan's Favorite Plants
Oct 27, 2024
Episode 290
October Q&A Week: Raised Bed Filler and Nathan's Favorite Plants
This week, Nathan goes to the mail bag to answer your questions! He answers a question regarding how you might fill new raised beds with quality growing mixes on a budget. Then, he gets to answer a question about himself…all about some of his favorite plants! Thanks for sending in your questions to New Southern Garden and we hope our answers help you to grow well!
Ep. 290 | October Q&A Week | Raised Bed Filler and Nathan's Favorite Plants
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 289 | Dangerous Plants for Pets and People
Oct 20, 2024
Episode 289
Dangerous Plants for Pets and People
On this week’s episode, Nathan talks about common indoor and outdoor plants that might be a bit scary! Nathan talks about plants that might cause skin reactions, some that cause even worse symptoms, and even some that could be fatal! Plants are great partners both in the house and in the garden, but be sure to learn about their personalities before getting too personal!
Ep. 289 | Dangerous Plants for Pets and People
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 288 | October's Garden To-Do List
Oct 12, 2024
Episode 288
October's Garden To-Do List
In this episode, we dive into the essential gardening tasks for October. We start by clarifying first and last frost dates, helping you prepare your garden for the cooler months ahead. The conversation shifts to saving those precious late-season tomatoes before the frost arrives. We then explore the delightful process of planting strawberries for a sweet future harvest, alongside tips on harvesting and curing sweet potatoes and winter squash. Finally, we discuss the importance of planting cover crops, emphasizing how they protect the soil from erosion and enrich it with vital nutrients and organic matter. Tune in for a quirky yet informative look at October gardening!
Ep. 288 | October's Garden To-Do List
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 287 | Creating A "Memory" Garden
Oct 05, 2024
Episode 287
Creating A "Memory" Garden
In this episode, we explore the heartfelt concept of creating a memory garden to honor deceased loved ones. We delve into selecting meaningful plants that resonate with cherished memories, discussing options like fragrant flowers, resilient trees, and calming herbs. The conversation extends to how to design an entire garden space that serves as a tribute, incorporating elements that reflect the personality and spirit of those we've lost. Listeners will gain insight into thoughtful plant choices and creative layout ideas that transform their outdoor spaces into serene, commemorative havens. Join us as we celebrate life and memory through the art of gardening!
Ep. 287 | Creating A "Memory" Garden
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 286 | The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Own Wildflower Meadow
Sep 28, 2024
Episode 286
The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Own Wildflower Meadow
In this episode of New Southern Garden, we dive into the enchanting world of wildflower meadows, focusing on how to create one from both seed and plant plugs. We kick off with essential soil preparation techniques, emphasizing the importance of testing and amending your soil for the best results. Next, we discuss the ideal planting times, highlighting the benefits of spring and fall planting windows.
The heart of the discussion revolves around the vibrant flora that thrives in a wildflower meadow. We share our favorites, including coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and butterfly weed, all of which attract pollinators and provide visual appeal. The episode is packed with tips for successfully establishing and maintaining your meadow, ensuring it flourishes throughout the seasons. Join us for this wild journey into the colorful chaos of wildflower gardening!
Ep. 286 | The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Own Wildflower Meadow
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 285 | Great Perennials for the Fall Garden
Sep 21, 2024
episode 285
Great Perennials for the Fall Garden
In this episode, we dive into the world of perennial plants that bring vibrancy and life to your garden in the fall. We explore three key characteristics that make these plants stand out: their stunning fall flowers, vibrant fall color, and evergreen leaves that provide year-round interest. Listeners will discover top picks for each category, as well as tips on how to incorporate these beauties into their autumn landscapes. Tune in to get inspired and elevate your garden game with plants that shine even as the days get shorter!
Ep. 285 | Great Perennials for the Fall Garden
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 284 | The BEST Perennial Plants for Clay Soil
Sep 14, 2024
episode 284
The BEST Perennial Plants for Clay Soil
In this episode, we dive into the world of gardening with clay soil, tackling the challenges and opportunities that come with it. We explore the best perennial plants that thrive in these dense, nutrient-rich conditions, showcasing options that are both resilient and stunning. Listeners will learn about soil preparation techniques to improve drainage, the importance of mulching, and how to select perennials that won't just survive but flourish in clay environments. Don’t miss out on these top picks that can turn your clay garden into a vibrant paradise!
Ep. 284 | The BEST Perennial Plants for Clay Soil
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 283 | Invasive Insects!
Sep 07, 2024
Episode 283
Invasive Insects!
In this episode of New Southern Garden, we dive into the world of invasive insects, exploring how these uninvited critters can wreak havoc on your garden. Our host, Nathan Wilson, discusses identification tips for common invasive species, their impact on local ecosystems, and effective strategies for managing infestations. With a quirky twist, we share surprising facts and stories about these pests, alongside practical advice to help gardeners protect their plants. Tune in for a blend of information, humor, and gardening wisdom that will empower you to combat these garden villains!
Ep. 283 | Invasive Insects!
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 282 | Plants and Their Families
Sep 01, 2024
Episode 282
Plants and Their Families
This week, Nathan brings you a plant family reunion! Knowing which plants are related to others is an important tool for gardeners to know since many closely related plants can share the same pest issues and cultural requirements. You might be surprised to learn which of your garden plants are actually plant cousins!
Ep. 282 | Plants and Their Families
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 281 | Sow These Vegetables Now for Fall Harvest
Aug 24, 2024
Episode 281
Sow These Vegetables Now for Fall Harvest
This week, Nathan discusses some of the garden veggies you should plant now (or soon) to be sure to get a delicious harvest this fall. He talks about the time frame for planting and days to harvest for each crop to make sure you schedule your planting so that you have vegetables ready to eat when you need them!
Ep. 281 | Sow These Vegetables Now for Fall Harvest
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 280 | Drought Tolerant Perennials
Aug 17, 2024
episode 280
Drought Tolerant Perennials
This week, Nathan wraps up our discussion on drought tolerant plants for your garden with some awesome perennials that won’t disappoint with a beautiful show even in some of the driest summer days.
Ep. 280 | Drought Tolerant Perennials
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 279 | Drought Tolerant Shrubs
Aug 10, 2024
Episode 279
Drought Tolerant Shrubs
This week, Nathan continues the discussion on drought tolerant plants and it’s all about shrubs that can handle dry conditions!
Ep. 279 | Drought Tolerant Shrubs
Nathan Wilson
Ep. 278 | Drought Tolerant Trees
Aug 03, 2024
Episode 278
Drought Tolerant Trees
This week, Nathan talks about the importance of planting drought tolerant plants in the south and starts off with a list of great trees that can handle the "dry times."
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