The Garden Show with Charlie Dobbin

Latest Episodes:

Pests, Weeds and Sterilizing Soil Jun 12, 2021

Show notes

Hydrangea leaf-tier, lupin aphids, and bindweed are some of the pests addressed this week. Clematis wilt, goutweed (called Bishop's Weed in the USA), and when and how to transplant African Violets, Tri-colour willow, Hydrangeas and Barberries. A wide-ranging very full show!

Plant ID and All Manner of Plant Pests! Jun 05, 2021

Show notes

Peach leaf curl, gypsy moth larvae, brown patches on cedars, and fungus gnats are some of the topics callers wanted more information about. Late frost caused damage to tomatoes planted out to early. Email provides photos so Charlie can ID unknown plants. Even potting soil is discussed in terms of quality and ingredients.

Charlie Apologizes For Errant Weather Forecast! May 29, 2021

Show notes

Despite balmy days recently - it's now cold with snow and hail. And Charlie told everyone to go ahead and get planting, starting last weekend! Insect infestations predominate in emails, while callers want to rejuvenate lilacs, orchids, Clivia, Hydrangea and palm trees.

May Two-Four Weekend! May 22, 2021

Show notes

So much happening during this busy spring planting time! A little rain would be great at my place; meanwhile listeners want information about growing lavender, rhubarb, when to plant, florist hydrangeas, dealing with spring bulbs after they flower, mulching, and bugs sewing Hydrangea leaves together. Tomatoes, even poinsettia plants make an appearance today.

Spring Is Here, Next Week We Plant! May 15, 2021

Show notes

Tips and questions keep rolling in from fans of the Garden Show. How to keep birdfeeders for the birds, fertilize tomatoes with a secret recipe (see charliedobbin.com for more), or rejuvenate a 60+ year old lilac stand, it's just the way we do the Garden Show. We discuss flat rakes, Rhododendron, Clematis and Hosta health and what's up with the garlic this spring.

It's the Pest Episode! May 08, 2021

Show notes

Email and callers are wanting to know how to control violets in the lawn, slugs in the soil, sticky excrement on Schefflera plants, peach leaf curl and squirrels in the tulips. Charlie does her best to solve everyone's problems.

Moses Znaimer Loves A Tree! May 01, 2021

Show notes

Special guest and head honcho at Zoomer Media, Moses Znaimer, shares the details about his 'tree daughter' named Plum. She's a tree of 40 fruits planted in High Park in Toronto. The park is currently closed to the public but a grand unveiling is planned for spring 2022. And callers want to know about amending soil with manure, pruning and transplanting plus tips are shared to help "journal" our gardens.

Call Before You Dig Apr 24, 2021

Show notes

Ian Simpson, Director of Education & Marketing joins the Garden Show to remind everyone to always call or email the Ontario One Call (https://www.ontarioonecall.ca/) before you put spade into earth. Even something simple like a fence post or fire pit. Call first! Email and callers want to know more about: journaling garden details, planting wildflowers, and when plus how corn gluten works to control weeds.

Pests on Plants Apr 17, 2021

Show notes

We get calls and email asking about spider mites on Hibiscus, red spots on Rhododendron, killer cauliflower and apricot trees that don't bear fruit. And why does moss grow and kill lawns?

All About The Birds Apr 10, 2021

Show notes

More about lawn care, hiding "monster homes" with plants and when to prune. Problems: lack of drainage in a raised bed and tossed recycling bins damaging a hedge are solved!