Two Minutes in the Garden: Gardening Tips, Science, Myths

Latest Episodes:

What Does it Mean to Garden Organically? May 04, 2021

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Most of us would probably call ourselves organic gardeners to some degree -- and maybe entirely. But what is organic gardening, exactly?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: The History of Seed & Nursery Catalogs for Gardeners

Can You Propagate a Patented Plant? Apr 29, 2021

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You buy a plant from the garden center, bring it home, love it, and decide to divide it or take some cuttings so you can have even more. But in some cases you're actually breaking the law.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 50 Creative Garden Shed Ideas

Using Neem Oil as an Organic Insecticide Apr 25, 2021

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It's widely touted as a safe, organic alternative to synthetic pesticides, and it will kill a long list of pests. But neem oil isn't for everyone.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Transplant Raspberries and Grow More Fruit

Aphids and How to Control Them (Part 2) Apr 21, 2021

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They drain the energy out of your plants and inject them with viruses. What can we do to stop aphids? What about ladybugs? Diatomaceous earth? Sticky traps?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: What is Soil pH and How to Work With It

Aphids and How to Control Them (Part 1) Apr 17, 2021

Show notes

They're tiny insects that can sap plants of their energy, give them viruses, and coat them with black mold. They're also born pregnant and can quickly multiply on your plants.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 14 Creative and Functional Potting Bench Ideas

Mulch: What It Is and Why You Should Use It Apr 10, 2021

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It's not just some pretty decoration for your garden! Mulch delivers benefits to your plants, your soil ... and will even save you some work.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Do You Know Hummingbirds? Take the Quiz and Find Out!

Protecting Seedlings from Damping-Off Apr 05, 2021

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One of the biggest threats our new seedlings face is damping-off. What can we do to improve our odds of avoiding it?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Best Living Plants for Miniature Gardens (Resource Guide)

The Strengths of No-Dig ... and Objections Mar 30, 2021

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What is it about the no-dig approach that is so appealing? What are some of the objections? And what does the research say?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow String of Pearls (Semecio rowleyannus)

The Growth of No-Dig Gardening Mar 27, 2021

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No-dig methods lower the apprehension of many new gardeners and have attracted lots of adherents over the years. Others question if a garden can really go without a good digging.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Sunflowers and What to Avoid