The Garden Show with Charlie Dobbin

Latest Episodes:

With Guests The Biggs Gardening Duo Aug 21, 2021

Show notes

Emma Biggs (16 yr old tomato grower), and her dad Steve (the "fig pig") are in studio to share some tips and tricks from their intensively planted North York home garden. Listen in for Emma's favourite tomato varieties and learn more at foodgardenlife.com. Callers are struggling with lack of water, but bumper crops!

Eco-landscaping with Guest Sean James Aug 14, 2021

Show notes

With Sean James in the studio we talk about all things "eco". Examples include design, plant choices, avoiding invasive plants, pruning roses and insects in the garden.

It's Harvest Time! Aug 07, 2021

Show notes

Herbs, tomatoes, eggplant, carrots, beans and lettuce are all ready for harvest in Charlie's garden. Listeners want more harvest details, tomato information and how come the zucchini have no fruit? Meanwhile in Toronto boxwood are under attack from a new pest, Box Tree Moth.

Roses & Rose of Sharon Jul 31, 2021

Show notes

Listeners are interested in transplanting, pruning, and caring for a diverse range of garden plants including: roses, rose of Sharon, lavender, evergreens, fruit trees and figs. Some diseases are showing up on tomatoes, phlox and Shasta daisies.

We Go International! Jul 24, 2021

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Japanese beetles are eating just about everything this time of year. Meanwhile the weather is encouraging fungal diseases like rust and powdery mildew.

More Tips & Tricks for Keeping Garden Plants Healthy! Jul 17, 2021

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Whether it's homemade herbicides or details on how to 'pick & squish' Japanese Beetles, listeners are tuning in. Pruning Clematis, cherry trees, and creeping Phlox are covered. As well as identifying Giant Hogweed and detailing what to do next! Listen live every Saturday at 9am on Zoomer Radio

Gardening in Tofino, B.C. Jul 10, 2021

Show notes

Pruning, pruning and more pruning! Having a certified arborist in your back pocket is not a bad thing. We hear about crab apple trees, blue spruce and smoke bush all in need of proper pruning. A search for a rose continues and weather conditions bring on fungal problems on begonia and tomatoes.

Invasive Plants! Jul 03, 2021

Show notes

Both callers and emailers want to know how to eradicate aggressive plants like: violets and trumpet vine. Removing deadwood from indoor and outdoor plants, plus when and what to fertilize is addressed as well.

What's Wrong With Clover? Jun 26, 2021

Show notes

Callers and email questions about more garden pests - like slugs, bindweed, and environmental stress on plants. Charlie is stumped when trying to ID (over the radio) a strange and fragrant plant!

Gypsy Moth Update Jun 19, 2021

Show notes

Between email and calls, listeners want to know about thistles, compost, why ladybug beetles are congregating on a honeysuckle, and what about those long roots growing from an orchid?