Teaming With Microbes

Latest Episodes:

Secrets to thriving lilacs Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

This week, the guys are talking all about lilacs. In Alaska, there is a short window when lilacs are in full bloom (about 6 weeks), so it’s important to care for them properly to keep them healthy year after year. Fun fact: Jeff’s grandfather hybridized a lilac!

After the break, Jeff shares the battery-powered tools he uses for gardening:

Small chainsaw
Blower
Weed eater

Jeff is disappointed with his modern weed eater because it’s difficult to maintain, while Jonathan is pleasantly surprised with his weed eater’s ease of use. One thing the guys agree on is that a good weed eater is essential for a healthy-looking lawn or meadow!

Finally, they discuss the practicality of newer electric composters and ask listeners to share their thoughts.

Discover all this and more in this week's 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!

All about chickweed Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

Jonathan reveals his fondness for chickweed, while Jeff expresses his dislike for this rapidly growing weed. However, they both agree on chickweed's resilient nature and its ability to spread.

Digging a bit deeper, Jeff introduces the plant's alternative names, such as mouse ears, starflower and satin weed. Some fascinating aspects of chickweed include its ability to grow with minimal light and its indication of healthy soil.

After the break, they continue discussing chickweed, emphasizing that each plant can produce 25,000 seeds!

Wrapping up the episode, they answer a listener's question about compost.

Discover all this and more in this week's 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 Newsfor hosting the show!

The hidden power of dandelions Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

Jonathan is bummed out that the dandelions are turning white. However, Jeff reminds him that each flower has about 300 seeds (making it a powerful spreader). This kicks off a discussion about the hidden powers of dandelions. For example, did you know that you can make teas, wine and even tempura with them? Also, the dandelion taproot can burrow 15 feet into the ground!

After the break, Jonathan gives an update on his new ‘meadow’ and is surprised to see an abundance of clover.

All that and more in this week's 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.

Strategies for planting beans and peas Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode, Jeff and Jonathan dive into strategies for planting and caring for different types of beans and peas.

Jeff begins by discussing the history of sweet peas, emphasizing their delightful fragrance, vibrant colors, and easy cultivation.

Next, they compare sweet and snap peas, with Jeff emphasizing the importance of pinching and picking the flowers.

After the break, Jonathan recounts his experience of using a wildflower seed kit in hopes of creating a lush meadow in his yard.

All that and more in 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!

Mastering the introduction of native plants to your garden Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

This week, Jeff and Jonathan celebrate the bountiful dandelions flourishing in Southcentral Alaska, prompting an important question: where do they originate?

They discuss how attitudes towards dandelions have evolved over the years and explore strategies to prevent their overgrowth.

Next, they share tips on introducing native plants to your yard, garden, or meadow, including optimal planting locations and conditions for their growth. For those in northern climates, Jeff recommends the book, 'Wildflowers for Northern Gardens.'

Post-break, they discuss methods to identify plants, emphasizing that most mobile phones feature built-in AI plant identifiers.

Finally, they address a few listener questions.

Tune in to this week's episode of Teaming With Microbes for more.

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

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!

Tips for early season lawn care May 31, 2024

Show notes

This week, Jeff and Jonathan dive into essential tips for early season lawn care. Fresh off a weekend of 26 hours of yard work, Jonathan shares his experience aerating his entire lawn and testing the soil. Jeff emphasizes the importance of giving your lawn a trim, even if you're planning to let it grow into a meadow.

Did you know lawn mowers are significant polluters? Jeff suggests mowing one time less each month to benefit the environment and encourages listeners to get creative with their mowing patterns.

The discussion then shifts to the abundance of dandelions in South Central Alaska, reminding gardeners to consider the sun's axis when setting up greenhouses or planting gardens.

The guys wrap up by addressing a listener's question about the benefits and usage of liquid kelp in gardening. 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!

Jeff’s gardening hacks May 24, 2024

Show notes

This week, the team eagerly digs into early season gardening. To start, Jeff discusses hardening off your plants in his Anchorage Daily News column.

Jeff also offers a wealth of gardening advice, sharing his favorite hacks. These include ways to keep your fingernails clean when gardening, ensuring your hose can reach every garden corner, and labeling everything.

Following a short break, the team addresses dandelion management.

Lastly, they respond to a variety of listener questions. Topics range from the complexities of compost tea to the potential benefits of adding birch water to your garden.

Tune in to this week’s episode of Teaming with Microbes for these insights and more!

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

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!

Flawn seed kits with Anthony Nied May 17, 2024

Show notes

Jonathan needs assistance in regenerating a part of his lawn that was damaged last year. To aid him, the team brings in Anthony Nied, owner and operator of Flawn Seed Kits. This company focuses on creating lawns and meadows that require less maintenance. They discuss transitioning to a different type of lawn (not quite a meadow) that is low-growing, suitable for play, and has some color.

For more information about Anthony's work, visit Flawn Seed Kits.

Catch all this and more in 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!

Tomato Myths May 10, 2024

Show notes

This week, the team celebrates the upcoming gardening season in Alaska. However, this also means an increase in misinformation online, particularly about tomatoes! Jeff and Jonathan sift through the most misleading myths to set the record straight.

After the break, the team continues the discussion from last week about hardening off plants, providing examples of the correct way to do it. By the way, now is a great time to start planning this for Alaskan gardens and plants.

Finally, they address a listener's question about compost.

Don't miss all this and more in 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!

Finding you soil’s sweet spot May 03, 2024

Show notes

This week, the guys start the episode with a listener's question: When should you start working in the garden? In Southcentral Alaska, Jeff notes that gardening begins when birch leaves are the size of a squirrel's ear. That said, It's crucial to exercise patience because your lawn and garden need sufficient time to dry out after winter's heavy snowfall.

Later, they discuss the advantages of ramial wood and the necessity of allowing your soil to warm up consistently for your intended germination.

Lastly, the team explores the idea of hardening off your plants. They emphasize its importance in ensuring plants acclimate properly to sunlight and wind.

Catch all this and more in 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!