The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers

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"Organic" vs. "Synthetic" Chemicals Aug 23, 2019

Show notes

Today we discuss an important topic: organic vs. synthetic...what does it ACTUALLY mean? I think it's very important we understand the definitions of these words so when we hear arguments or statements made, we understand the potential flaws in thinking, or the misunderstanding of what is actually being talked about. Order Field Guide to Urban Gardening My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is available for sale! It's a complete guide to growing plants, no matter where you live. Here's how to order:

EPIC Raised Beds I'm carrying Birdies Garden Products raised beds, the ones I use exclusively in my front yard garden. They're a corrugated Aluzinc steel, powder-coated raised bed designed to last a lifetime.

Buy Birdies Raised Beds at my online store

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How to Use Pumice in the Garden Aug 22, 2019

Show notes

We've never talked about pumice, a close cousin to perlite as far as its use cases in your garden. Learn why you may want to consider it as an alternative to perlite, as well as some classic mixtures to use for your succulents and cacti. Order Field Guide to Urban Gardening My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is available for sale! It's a complete guide to growing plants, no matter where you live. Here's how to order:

Buy Birdies Raised Beds at my online store

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vietnamese Coriander: Another Fantastic Cilantro Substitute Aug 21, 2019

Show notes

Love cilantro but hate its fast-to-bolt personality? Hate cilantro but crave an herby element in your homemade salsa? Up your culinary game with unsung garden hero, Vietnamese coriander! Vietnamese coriander, or Vietnamese cilantro, is a heat-loving perennial with slightly spicy, flavorful leaves that are a great culinary substitute for cilantro or mint. If papalo herb isn’t your thing, this may be the cilantro alternative for you! It thrives in warm climates spring through fall (zones 9-11) and in pots in cooler climates until the first frost. Learn More:

Vietnamese Coriander: Another Fantastic Cilantro Substitute

Order Field Guide to Urban Gardening My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is available for sale! It's a complete guide to growing plants, no matter where you live. Here's how to order:

Buy Birdies Raised Beds at my online store

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Grow Lemongrass Aug 20, 2019

Show notes

Anyone who likes Asian cooking is likely to be a fan of the lemongrass plant. With its lemony, slightly-bitter citrus flavor and aroma, it’s commonly used in food. But what very few realize is that it’s fairly easy to grow at home if you’re in a warm climate. Even cooler-climate gardeners can grow it outdoors during the late spring and summer. It’s easy to bring a small clump indoors for the cold months, allowing you to grow it year-round! So let’s explore the citrusy sensation that is lemon grass. Not only is it good for food, it’s great in the landscape! Learn More:

Lemongrass Plant: Bright Flavor & Ornamental Charm

Order Field Guide to Urban Gardening My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is available for sale! It's a complete guide to growing plants, no matter where you live. Here's how to order:

Buy Birdies Raised Beds at my online store

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop Using "Dish Soap" In The Garden Aug 19, 2019

Show notes

Today we discuss the difference between a "detergent" and a "soap", as well as why you should only use insecticidal soaps in the garden instead of DIY dish soap pest control recipes. My Favorite Insecticidal Soap:

Safer Brand Insecticidal Soap

Order Field Guide to Urban Gardening My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is available for sale! It's a complete guide to growing plants, no matter where you live. Here's how to order:

Buy Birdies Raised Beds at my online store

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My Favorite Grow Bags Aug 18, 2019

Show notes

You all know I'm a huge fan of grow bags for their light weight, portability, and breathability for your plants. Today I answer a listener question from Donna who's wondering what my favorite brands are! My Favorites:

Smart Pots (available at most nurseries)
Bootstrap Farmer Grow Bags
Vivosun Grow Bags

Order Field Guide to Urban Gardening My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is available for sale! It's a complete guide to growing plants, no matter where you live. Here's how to order:

Buy Birdies Raised Beds at my online store

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Septoria Leaf Spot: What It Is And How To Fix It Aug 17, 2019

Show notes

You’ve noticed a disturbing trend. The lower leaves on your tomato plants have developed spotting. Some are turning yellow and are falling off. And it looks like it’s spreading. If this sounds familiar, you may have just discovered septoria leaf spot. But while this is likely the most common tomato disease known to home gardeners, it’s fixable. It’s also not limited to tomatoes — it may pop up in many places you wouldn’t expect! Let’s talk about what septoria fungi are, what they cause damage to, and how to treat it. You don’t have to watch your plants drop leaves until there’s none left… you can fix this! Learn More: Septoria Leaf Spot: What It Is And How To Fix It
Order Field Guide to Urban Gardening My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is available for sale! It's a complete guide to growing plants, no matter where you live. Here's how to order:

Buy Birdies Raised Beds at my online store

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Know When Your Potatoes Are Ready Aug 16, 2019

Show notes

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are grown throughout the world as a nutritious, convenient, shelf-stable food. Potatoes are the #1 most-consumed vegetable in the Americas, Europe, and Asian countries. I cannot imagine life without potatoes, can you? Potato cultivars vary in appearance, days to maturity, growth requirements, and culinary qualities. If you live in a temperate climate region like I do, your potatoes planted in late April will be ready for harvesting from mid-summer through early fall. You’ll have the best results with your potato harvest if you choose cultivars best suited for your local growing conditions and culinary interests. Learn More: Harvesting Potatoes: How to Know When Your Potatoes Are Ready
Order Field Guide to Urban Gardening My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is available for sale! It's a complete guide to growing plants, no matter where you live. Here's how to order:

Buy Birdies Raised Beds at my online store

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing The “Peruvian Apple Cactus” Aug 15, 2019

Show notes

Cereus peruvianus, which is more commonly referred to as Cereus repandus these days, makes a unique addition to your ornamental oredible landscape with its tall, thorny, columnar appearance and low care requirements. Also known as the Peruvian apple cactus, you might be surprised to find that the Cereus fruits, called Peruvian apples, are actually edible! In fact, they make a wonderful source of food for both the people where this plant originated, as well as the local bird population. Let’s learn how to grow, care for, and harvest from this gorgeous and under-utilized cactus…hopefully we can increase its profile amongst gardeners everywhere! Learn More: Cereus Peruvianus: Growing The “Peruvian Apple Cactus”
Order Field Guide to Urban Gardening My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is available for sale! It's a complete guide to growing plants, no matter where you live. Here's how to order:

Buy Birdies Raised Beds at my online store

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tomato Plant Spacing: Everything You Need to Know Aug 14, 2019

Show notes

Tomatoes are the quintessential garden crop…but they can also be one of the most confusing! With determinate and indeterminate varieties, there’s no absolute right formula for tomato plant spacing. Your selection of tomato variety along with your garden soil, light, and growing conditions all give clues to answer the question, “How far apart do you plant tomatoes?” Learn More: Tomato Plant Spacing: Everything You Need to Know
Order Field Guide to Urban Gardening My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is available for sale! It's a complete guide to growing plants, no matter where you live. Here's how to order:

Buy Birdies Raised Beds at my online store

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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