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The Evergreen Thumb — Home & Garden
The Evergreen Thumb

Since 1973, WSU Extension Master Gardeners have been developing programs to address the evolving needs of our communities. Each episode, we’ll dig into the fascinating world of gardening, exploring a wide range of topics tailored to our unique climate and diverse flora. Whether you’re an experienced gardener with a green thumb or a beginner eager to cultivate your own green oasis, we’re here to inspire and educate.

Join us as we invite expert horticulturists, seasoned Master Gardeners, and passionate plant enthusiasts to share their wisdom, practical tips, and hands-on experiences. We’ll cover everything from plant selection and care, sustainable gardening practices, organic pest control, and landscaping design, to tackling common challenges specific to our region.

Discover the secrets to thriving vegetable gardens, vibrant flower beds, bountiful fruit trees, and breathtaking native plant landscapes. We’ll also explore the intersection of gardening and sustainability, discussing topics like permaculture, composting, and water-wise gardening to help you create an environmentally friendly garden that nurtures both you and the ecosystem.

So, whether you’re tuning in from the urban jungles of Seattle, the rolling hills of Spokane, or anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest, get ready to dig deep, cultivate your knowledge, and connect with a community of fellow gardening enthusiasts.

Copyright: © 2023

Latest Episodes:

Free Public Gardens of Washington: Bellevue Botanical Garden Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to steward a public garden in the middle of a growing city? This episode explores how Bellevue Botanical Garden blends design, ecology, and community partnerships to create a resilient urban landscape.

James Gagliardi, the director of Bellevue Botanical Garden, shares insights into the garden's history, community involvement, and its role as a vital green space in an urban environment. He discusses the importance of accessibility, educational opportunities for home gardeners, and the collaborative efforts in maintaining and curating the garden. The conversation also highlights future growth plans and how visitors can engage with and support the garden.

We'd love your feedback! 🌱

Your input helps The Evergreen Thumb improve and bring you more of the gardening content you care about. Please take a few minutes to complete our listener survey and share your thoughts.

Take the survey here: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QIbU5wb07yEGTs

Thank you for helping us grow!

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

Vegetable Crop Rotation Secrets to Save Time and Soil Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Are you looking to boost your vegetable garden's productivity while keeping soil healthy and pests under control? In this episode, Erin dives into practical crop rotation strategies, including Eliot Coleman's proven rotation and the leaf–root–flower–fruit method. Learn how to sequence crops, use cover crops, and plan rotations that maximize yields and protect your garden soil.

We'd love your feedback! 🌱

Your input helps The Evergreen Thumb improve and bring you more of the gardening content you care about. Please take a few minutes to complete our listener survey and share your thoughts.

Take the survey here: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QIbU5wb07yEGTs

Thank you for helping us grow!

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

A Short Holiday Interlude Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

We're taking a break from the podcast this week for the holidays. We'll be back on January 6 with a new episode on vegetable crop rotation. Happy New Year!

Northwest Native Plant Guilds: How to Design Low-Maintenance Gardens Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Creating Plant Guilds with Native Plants in Washington State

Discover how to design thriving, low-maintenance landscapes by mimicking nature's own plant communities! In this solo episode, we explore the concept of plant guilds—groups of plants that work together to create mutually beneficial ecosystems—using Washington's incredible diversity of native species.

Learn the essential layers of a successful guild, from canopy trees down to groundcovers, and how each plant plays a specific role in supporting the whole community. We feature detailed deep dives into two guilds:

Western Washington Rainforest Edge Guild - Multi-layered woodland for moist, shaded sites with plants like Western Red Cedar, Vine Maple, Red-flowering Currant, and Sword Fern

Eastern Washington Shrub-Steppe Guild - Incredibly drought-tolerant plants for hot, dry sites featuring Ponderosa Pine, Big Sagebrush, Rabbitbrush, and Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Plus overviews of four additional guilds covering Garry Oak savanna, Palouse prairie, mountain meadows, and riparian corridors. Get practical tips on implementation, maintenance, and common mistakes to avoid when creating your own native plant guilds.

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

Rediscovering The Lost Apples Of The Pacific Northwest Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

Washington once grew hundreds of unique apple varieties—many of which disappeared from modern cultivation. In this episode, David Benscoter of the Washington Lost Apple Project shares how he tracks down these forgotten varieties, why so many vanished, and what it takes to preserve their genetics for the future.

We explore how old orchards are located and identified, the stories behind rare rediscoveries, and how these heritage apples contribute to biodiversity and resilience in a changing climate. David also offers insight into how home gardeners can support conservation efforts and even grow heritage fruit trees themselves.

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

Soil Structure Secrets: Grow Thriving, Vibrant Gardens Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, host Erin Hoover interviews Deirdre Griffin-LaHue, an expert in soil health, about the importance of soil structure in gardening. They discuss how soil structure—how mineral particles and organic matter form aggregates—affects water retention, air flow, and plant health.

Deirdre explains the difference between soil texture and soil structure. Key tips include protecting soil with mulch or cover crops, adding organic matter to feed beneficial microbes, and avoiding compaction by not working the soil when it's too wet or dry.

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

Gardening for Clean Water: How Everyday Choices Impact Water Quality Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

In part nine of our Program Priority Series, guest Laurel Moulton is back to go over clean water. In this episode, Laurel covers:

What the clean water program priority is about
How our everyday gardening practices impact water quality
Gardening and landscape choices to protect clean water
Clean water and Integrated Pest Management
Key aspects of Integrated Pest Management
How Integrated Pest Management practices help safeguard clean water
Integrated Pest Management approaches for common pests and plant problems
Common pest management misconceptions
Resources for Integrated Pest Management and water-friendly gardening
How to support clean water in your community

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

How Climate Shifts Are Changing Our Pest Problems Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, guest Todd Murray joins host Erin Hoover to discuss how climate change is affecting garden pests. He explains that "pests" are defined by their interactions with humans and tend to thrive in disturbed environments, often reproducing rapidly. Climate change, especially shifting rainfall patterns and warmer temperatures, is stressing plants, making them more vulnerable to native and non-native pests such as beetles and aphids.

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

Soil Health Secrets: How to Build Resilient Garden Soil Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

Healthy soil is the foundation of every thriving garden. 🌱 In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, Erin explores the key principles of soil health and how gardeners can apply them to create resilient, productive soil at home.

What you'll discover in this episode:

The core principles of soil health and why they matter for your garden
How to keep soil covered, reduce disturbance, and maintain living roots
Ways to encourage diverse soil life for stronger, healthier soil

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

Soil Health Made Simple: A Practical Guide Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Soil is a living and dynamic resource. It provides critical services essential for life, including food production, shelter, and water filtration. It supports plant growth, serves as a habitat for countless organisms and even supplies antibiotics. Humans depend on soil for waste management, water purification, and as a foundation for infrastructure.

In part eight of our Program Priority Series, guest Tessa Halloran goes over soil health. In this episode, Tessa covers:

What is the soil health program priority?
What is soil health?
The Soil Food Web
Simple steps to care for your soil
Components of soil texture
Ways to evaluate your soil for improvement
Common soil challenges in Washington

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