The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers

Latest Episodes:

Gray Mold On Your Plants? May 14, 2018

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If you’ve ever checked on your garden and found weird, grey, fuzzy looking spores on your plants, chances are you’ve run into botrytis cinerea. This common fungal pathogen goes by many other names as well. Grey mold, ghost spot, ash mold, or botrytis bunch rot are just a few! But to most of us, it’s that cursed grey-black mold that turns fruit into mush and wreaks havoc on our plants. You don’t have to suffer through it for much longer. I’ll walk you through what botrytis cinerea is, how it develops, and what to do if and when you find it. With good care and some preventative tactics, you can free yourself of the grey mould for good! Learn More: Botrytis Cinerea: How to Prevent and Control It Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere:

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Ecotherapy: How Trees Make You Healthier May 13, 2018

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Arbor Day is celebrated nationally in the United States on the last Friday of April each year, although individual states celebrate it at different times. So in honor of National Arbor Day, I figured I’d share some fascinating information about ecotherapy as it relates to trees, and at the same time discuss some important aspects of tree care and stewardship! Ecotherapy is a reasonably new term, and refers to the process of growth and healing by interacting with nature. I’ve discussed it at length before while talking about gardening for the elderly. But did you know that just being in and around trees can be a healthy addition to people of all ages? Let’s start out by discussing some of those important health benefits that being under the living canopy can bring you! Learn More: Ecotherapy: How Trees Make You Healthier Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere:

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Kale: How to Grow Your Own Superfood May 12, 2018

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In recent years, it’s gotten a reputation as a superfood. Leaf cabbage, also called kale, is a brassica species which really packs a punch. But growing kale isn’t something a lot of people consider doing. They should! Vitamin-packed kale (Brassica oleracea) is considered to be among the world’s healthiest foods. Rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, it’s also mineral-rich, packing a good calcium and potassium punch. For a leafy green, it’s protein-rich as well. One cup of kale will give you 2.2 grams of protein. We’re going to go over everything you’ll ever need for growing kale, including information about the various types and a good number of planting tips. By the time we’re done, you’ll be a kale growing expert. Learn More: Growing Kale: The Ultimate Guide To Growing Your Own Superfood Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere:

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Choosing The Right Pruning Shears May 11, 2018

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Getting the best pruning shears is a necessity. Your pruning shears are one of your best tools as a gardener. How else do you get rid of excess growth or keep your plants trimmed to an appropriate size? But choosing the best pruning shears for your task can be a matter of personal preference, or it can be job-specific. Most of us have a few different types available depending on what we’re doing. Today, I’ll help you break down the various components of a quality pair of pruning shears and decide what, exactly, you’ll need to get your job done. With a quality pair of pruning shears, you’ll have no problem keeping everything properly trimmed! Learn More: Best Pruning Shears: Different Snips For Your Pruning Needs Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere:

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Dealing With Fungus Gnats May 10, 2018

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One of the most frustrating pests in many indoor gardens is the dreaded fungus gnat and its young, the fungus gnat larvae. These little buggers can absolutely destroy your plants if you’re not vigilant — and they can do it quickly. The primary way that fungus gnats affect your plants is through their larvae. They lay eggs in your growing medium. Once they hatch, the larvae will attach to the roots of your plants and drain them of nutrients. Although the larvae are the main negative actors, adult fungus gnats can carry disease, especially fungal diseases. These can be deadly on their own, but that’s not all. They also lay hundreds of eggs fast, which will devour plant roots! It’s absolutely essential that you stop these pests before they can take hold, whether indoors or out. The last thing you need is for your plants to succumb to a horrible fate. I’ll help you to overcome your fungus gnat woes, though. Let’s go into detail about fungus gnats and their larvae, and learn how to demolish them before they can take over! Learn More: Fungus Gnat Larvae: How To Kill Them Off Quickly Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere:

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The Many Uses of Comfrey May 09, 2018

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Comfrey is a super-plant for your garden. You can use it in a million different ways, and in today's episode I'll go over four different ways. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere:

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Soil Testing: Which To Do And When To Do It May 08, 2018

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Most people know what their plants need to thrive. But how will you know if your garden has everything it really needs? Test the soil, of course! And yet there’s so many test types available. How should you choose? I’ll help you sort through the different types of soil test kits that are on the market today and find the best soil test kit for your needs. Better yet, I’ll explain all about testing your soil and how to do it. Learn More: Best Soil Test Kit For 2018: Which To Get And What To Know Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere:

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Important Beneficial Insects May 07, 2018

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In our last episode with McKay Joice, we're looking at some other beneficial insects besides bees. There's an entire network of insects that are helpful in the garden...it's not ALL about bees ;) Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere:

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How to Save the Bees May 06, 2018

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We hear all about saving the bees...but how serious of an issue is really? And how do we do our part as home gardeners? Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere:

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Attracting Bees To Your Garden May 05, 2018

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We're learning a lot about bees this week...but what about how to get them IN our garden in the first place? That's what today's show is ALL about. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere:

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