Teaming With Microbes

Latest Episodes:

Don't smell the daisies Jul 14, 2023

Show notes

This week, Jeff and Jonathan debunk the myth that soil feeding is a fall-only activity and discuss innovative soil nourishing options - one even involves urine!

They also explore the beneficial role of the soil food web in heavy rain conditions. Other topics include the relationship between daisies and dandelions, the importance of selective mowing, and the challenging decisions around meadow creation and plant relocation.

Finally, they explore the concept of second harvests, with the guys offering their top crop suggestions that require less effort than their predecessors. Remember, resist the urge to smell the daisies!

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

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!

From lawns to meadows Jul 07, 2023

Show notes

This week, Jeff and Jonathan share progress reports on converting lawns into meadows - highlighting sightings of violas, tiger swallowtail butterflies, false spirea, and more!

They also discuss creating pathways in the meadow and share mowing patterns for regular lawns. Later, while exploring vegetable gardens, they discover the surprising fact that tomato flowers are both male and female and only need vibration for pollination. Additionally, they advise listeners to watch for fruit problems and mention the blooming of cucumbers.

Finally, they suggest incorporating flowers in the vegetable garden and provide tips on mulching annuals and perennials.

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

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!

Winds of growth: perennials vs. annuals Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Jonathan discuss the influence of weather on plant growth. While annuals suffer from unfavorable conditions, perennials thrive in windy weather. They mention the importance of the soil food web's response to water and caution against excessive watering, which can lead to the production of unwanted alcohol.

Additionally, the team covers some brief tips for dealing with aphids in greenhouses and gardens, as well as touching on the Holy Grail of gardening: tomatoes!

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

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!

Cool weather care Jun 23, 2023

Show notes

This week, Jeff and Jonathan discuss how to care for your plants during unseasonably cool weather. They emphasize the importance of observing your plants to identify any issues such as pests, the need for remay cloth, aphid infestations (where ladybugs might not be effective), and dealing with delphinium and current defoliator (different control techniques required for fly larvae and caterpillars).

They also mention the abundance of dandelions, chickweed, and clover, which can serve as cover crops and provide nutrients once they die. Finally, they encourage a change in attitude towards weeds, particularly dandelions and Bishop's weed.

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

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!

Fungi masterclass with Dr. Mike Amaranthus Jun 16, 2023

Show notes

This week, the team learns there is more than one way to say fungi!

But just to be sure, Jeff introduces the show’s very first guest , none other than the OG of all things mycorrhizal fungi, Dr. Mike Amaranthus .

They discuss some science, some folklore, and even dive into Dr. Mike's excellent book Fry, Thrive, or Die: A Fun Pocket Guide to 50 Common, Delicious, Hallucinogenic, Medicinal, and Poisonous Mushrooms of the Western United States.

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

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!

Did the dandelions win? Jun 09, 2023

Show notes

This week Jeff and Jonathan delve into the fascinating world of lawn care and the soil food web.

They discuss effective strategies to combat dandelions and decide whether the grass collector is right for your mower. Additionally, they talk about benefits of utilizing grass clippings for mulch and compost.

Finally, they address listener queries about dealing with troublesome voles and their tunnels, conquering aphids, and helping plants adapt to windy conditions.

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

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!

Bark beetles, root maggots and worms, oh my! Jun 02, 2023

Show notes

This week Jeff and Jonathan emphasize the importance of exercising patience and caring for the soil food web as plants continue to grow. They delve into the issue of bark beetles invading trees, providing insights on how to address these challenges.

Additionally, the episode explores the role of water and the application of the "Teaming With Microbes" rule with mulches. The team also touches on lawns, highlighting their ability to handle driveway gravel that eventually transforms into essential soil components.

Finally, they address concerns related to moss, maggots, and offer suggestions for controlling slugs, providing practical advice for maintaining a healthy and thriving garden.

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

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!

Redefining the lawn May 26, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Jonathan explore a new vision for lawns, shifting away from the traditional weed-free grass obsession. They share practical tips for easier lawn maintenance, including regular watering, leaving clippings on the lawn, and applying compost to specific areas.

Next, they delve into the art and science of composting. You'll learn about the benefits of a compost calculator and how to achieve the optimal 30:1 ratio in your pile.

Later, Jeff and Jonathan impart essential knowledge on kickstarting your organic vegetable garden, including planting potatoes and initiating lettuce and peas. Additionally, they discuss the 'pinching' technique to stimulate plant branching and explain why it's crucial for encouraging abundant plant growth.

Finally, they answer listener questions!

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

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!

Spring into composting May 19, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Jonathan discuss spring organic gardening.

They share tips on what to look out for during your spring inspection, from signs of emerging life to possible remnants of winter damage. Next, they dive deep into the art and science of composting, including the right way to turn your compost pile. Additionally, they discuss the critical process of 'hardening off' - a technique to acclimatize your plants, gradually introducing them to the outdoor conditions to minimize stress and maximize their resilience. Finally, they take a closer look at the fascinating world of plant chemistry, explaining how the surge of phytohormones in spring assists plant development, providing resistance to environmental stress and promoting healthy, robust growth.

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!

Seeds, soil, and sunshine May 12, 2023

Show notes

This week Jeff and Jonathan take a deep dive into the season's start to gardening in Alaska. They cover a range of topics from warming soils and hardening off starts, to the science of willow water and straw water, and the importance of appropriate soil temperatures for seed planting. The episode also highlights the natural phenomena guiding our gardening timeline, and the significant role of composting.

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!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected