Teaming With Microbes

Latest Episodes:

Springtails and the soil food web Sep 13, 2024

Show notes

Last week the guys talked about applying organics to the garden to nurture the soil food web. This week, they talk about another contributor to healthy soil: Springtails!

Springtails are very small insects that break down organics by ingesting bacteria and fungi. They can also jump about 2 feet. This means when they jump around, they carry bacteria and fungal spores with them - which helps spread around the good stuff to the soil and gardens.

After the break, the team dives into more discussions about things you can do to prepare your gardens for the fall / winter transition. This includes collecting brown and green piles for your compost, putting down organics, and staking and labeling your perennials.

Finally, they answer a listener’s question about planting micro-clover in the fall.

All this and more on this episode of Teaming with Microbes!

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Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com

Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!

Thanks to our sponsors:

The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.

Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

Soil testing for healthier gardens Sep 06, 2024

Show notes

As the weather transitions from summer to fall, it's time to consider how this change affects your garden.

Jeff encourages listeners to apply organic matter to their gardens now to prepare for next year's crops. He also suggests that this is an ideal time to get your soil tested. However, he emphasizes the importance of using a reputable soil tester that employs either the Reams Method or Albrecht Method. Jeff recommends Kinsey Agricultural Services or International Ag Labs.

After the break, the guys delve deeper into ways to prep the garden for the following year. They stress the importance of being strategic about where you apply fertilizers. For instance, they advise against putting fertilizer in areas where you'll be walking or where weeds tend to grow.

To wrap up, they field a question from a very special guest about the reason pumpkins grow so large in Alaska.

All this and more on this episode of Teaming with Microbes!

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Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com

Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!

Thanks to our sponsors:

The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.

Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

Building healthy soil structure Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

This week, Jeff and Jonathan are discussing healthy soil structure—particularly the role of worms. As the true engineers of the soil food web, worms bring organic matter from the surface down into the soil. This action creates burrows that hold air, water, and organic matter, forming the building blocks for a thriving organic soil structure.

After the break, the duo addresses a listener question about the differences between applying chemical treatments versus concentrated organic substances to soil.

Finally, they highlight the importance of maintaining a gardening diary or journal.

All that and more on this episode of Teaming with Microbes!

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Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com

Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!

Thanks to our sponsors:

The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.

Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

Embrace the fungus Aug 23, 2024

Show notes

As rain pelts Southcentral Alaska, mushrooms (and wood frogs) are popping up everywhere. Jeff and Jonathan point out that mushrooms in lawns or meadows are usually a positive sign, indicating thriving soil microbiology. In fact, fungal activity in your lawn is beneficial, as mushrooms are great decomposers in the food chain.

After the break, the guys discuss growing potatoes and ways to ensure you get the most out of your spuds. For example, if your potatoes are flowering, don't panic! Let them hang out for a few weeks (or a month) so the starches can filter down into the spud. This ensures a great-tasting potato!

Finally, the team tackles a listener's question about cauliflower.

All that and more on this episode of Teaming with Microbes!

**********************************************

Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com

Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!

Thanks to our sponsors:

The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.

Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

Gardening in the rain Aug 16, 2024

Show notes

Record rainfall has hit Southcentral Alaska. However, as the guys discuss this week, gardens can still thrive despite the wet conditions.

The team acknowledges that Alaskans are experts at gardening in wet soil. Jonathan points out that raised beds are excellent for rainy gardening, while Jeff mentions that containers are also effective. However, the best way to ensure your garden thrives in wet soil is to utilize the soil food web with ample amounts of compost. This approach creates healthy soil structure and drainage, also ensuring plants will fare well during dry spells.

After the break, the guys list various vegetables and plants that grow well in wet conditions, including:

Celery
Cranberries
Rhubarb
Forget-me-nots
Iris
Milkweed

Finally, they answer a listener's question about managing leaf-rollers.

All this and more in this episode of Teaming with Microbes!

*********************************************

Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com

Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!

Thanks to our sponsors:

The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.

Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

All about hydrangeas Aug 09, 2024

Show notes

This week, the guys discuss the fascinating world of hydrangeas. Jeff mentions that these vibrant flowers are the top-selling plant in garden centers across the U.S. because they are both gorgeous and easy to maintain. He notes that their popularity is due to their colorful appearance as well as their resilience and adaptability. Jonathan adds that hydrangeas thrive in warm soil and temperatures, making them an excellent choice for various climates. He also points out an interesting fact for Alaskans: moose don’t like them!

After the break, they continue their in-depth discussion on hydrangeas. They explore how pH levels in the soil can produce a spectrum of colors from blue to pink.

Finally, they address a listener's question about dealing with garden weeds.

All that and more on this week’s episode of Teaming with Microbes!

**********************************************

Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com

Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!

Thanks to our sponsors:

The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.

Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

Into the meadowverse Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

This week, Jeff and Jonathan talk about all things lawns! But first, Jeff shares his thoughts on the benefits of going digital, including his weekly column at ADN.

Next, they dive into lawn care. Jeff advocates for getting creative with mowing, especially with different designs. For example, you can switch things up every mow with new patterns like diagonals, criss-crosses, waves, and even hearts! Jonathan reminds listeners that changing mowing patterns helps avoid creating ruts in the lawn. Also, it's a good idea to leave your mow clippings, as they're beneficial for the soil food web.

Finally, they answer a listener's question about managing chickweed.

All that and more on this week’s episode of Teaming with Microbes.

**********************************************

Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com

Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!

Thanks to our sponsors:

The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.

Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

Harvest season Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

This week, the guys share plenty of tips on getting the most out of your garden, especially on how to harvest your plants and vegetables efficiently. In Alaska, things grow quickly, particularly cole crops like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.

Jeff emphasizes picking vegetables before they flower, while Jonathan suggests using a juicer to make the most of every bit of the garden.

After the break, they answer questions about blueberries and cherry trees.

Finally, Jeff wraps up by reminding everyone to start weeding invasive plants early.

All that and more on this week’s episode of Teaming with Microbes.

**********************************************

Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com

Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!

Thanks to our sponsors:

The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.

Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

Edible in Alaska Jul 19, 2024

Show notes

The guys are talking about all the rain happening in Southcentral Alaska recently, and Jonathan asks: Is too much rain bad for your garden? It turns out this is a nuanced question. For example, if your outdoor soil food web garden is healthy, rain shouldn't be too big of a deal. Just remember that too much water for indoor plants can be a bad thing.

After the break, the team discusses some abundant Alaskan wildflowers that are edible, including fireweed, dandelions, and watermelon berries, to name a few.

Finally, they answer some listener questions, one of which involves radishes—Jeff's favorite food!

All that and more on this week’s episode of Teaming with Microbes.

**********************************************

Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com

Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!

Thanks to our sponsors:

The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.

Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

Cottonwood conundrum Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

This week, Jeff and Jonathan are dealing with the vast amounts of cottonwood seeds flying around Southcentral Alaska. Jonathan highlights how the seeds trigger allergies, while Jeff shares some science facts. For example, did you know a cottonwood tree can produce 1 to 2 million seeds per year? Additionally, parts of the cottonwood are edible, and it can even be harvested for syrup.

After the break, they discuss an invasive plant infesting parts of Alaska: Japanese Knotweed. Although it can be a beautiful plant, its roots spread incredibly fast and deep underground, which could cause huge problems if it makes its way into Southcentral Alaska.

Finally, they address a few listener questions, circling back to last week's thoughts on electric composters and garden tools.

All that and more on this week’s episode of Teaming with Microbes.

**********************************************

Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com

Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!

Thanks to our sponsors:

The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.

Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily Newsfor hosting the show!