Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

The healthiest food you can eat is the food you grow yourself! In this episode, we speak with Dr. Laura Varich from FreshPhysician.com about the vital role of nutrition in supporting immunity, especially during the winter months. We explore the balance of immunity rather than just boosting it. And we discuss the correlation between diet and chronic diseases. Dr. Varich highlights the benefits of a plant-centered diet and compares germ theory with terrain theory. We also emphasize the immune-boosting properties of specific foods like turmeric and the health advantages of gardening. Lastly, we share resources from her website for actionable insights on living a healthier lifestyle.Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at BuzzsproutPictured: Immunity Boosting (and Inflammation-Reducing) Homegrown Onions and GarlicLinks: Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/Website: FreshPhysician.com (Dr. Laura Varich)Turmeric Growing info (U. of VT)All About Yacon (UCANR)How to Grow YaconThe Dietary Inflammatory IndexAll About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net“Beyond the Garden Basics” NewsletterFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

If you are about to set foot into a garden for the first time in the coming new year, or looking to expand your gardening horizons, and you are wondering where to begin, a good tip is to start small…with container gardening. Today, we talk with Pam Farley, who is the writer and photographer behind the highly successful gardening website, brown thumb mama dot com. And, she is the author of the book, “The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening.” Even experienced gardeners will pick up a few handy tips on dealing with all the various kinds of containers you can use to grow edibles and flowers.You’ll find out:• That not all drill bits are created equal. You’ll find out the best tools and implements to use to add drain holes in wood, plastic, ceramic or terracotta pots.• Different pots have different shapes: square, round, rectangular, cylindrical, vase shaped. Each of those will look better in certain parts of the yard. Pam Farley will direct you to the right places for those different shaped pots.• And to keep those pots draining, Pam Farley has some tips and tricks for keeping the water flowing. Today, it’s container gardening basics!We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery.  Let’s go!Photo: Mandarins in Wood Half BarrelsLinks: Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/Book - The First Time Gardener: Container Food GardeningPam Farley’s website, BrownThumbMama.comEpisode 168-Award Winning Vegetables and Flowers, Pt 1Episode 169-Award Winning Vegetables and Flowers, Pt 2Farmer Fred Rant: Tomato Blossom End RotAll About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net website“Beyond the Garden Basics” NewsletterFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Today, we venture into the critical realm of invasive pests, zeroing in on the invasive shot hole borer (ISHB), a formidable newcomer from southern Asia threatening California's trees. We navigate through the fascinating biology of the ISHB, discussing its rapid spread and dire consequences for urban and native forests alike, not only threatening California’s tree canopy, but over 65 species of trees throughout the country. We are joined by Dr. Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann from the University of California Cooperative Extension, who sheds light on the pest's impact to a wide variety of ornamental trees, including a very important agricultural crop, avocado trees.We will emphasize the importance of monitoring and early detection of the Invasive Shot Hole Borer, with Dr. Nobua-Behrmann outlining diagnostic signs and mitigation strategies. We highlight integrated pest management techniques and the potential of biological controls, such as the introduction of parasitoid wasps. We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory, it’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS  at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at BuzzsproutPictured: Trunk of a heavily infested California sycamore (Photo by Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann, UC Cooperative Extension)Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors!Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/Topic Links:Introduction to Invasive Shothole Borers (Video)Invasive Shothole Borer list of susceptible treesInvasive Shothole Borer Management Tips (video)How to Spot the Invasive Shot Hole Borer (Assessment link)All About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net website"Beyond the Garden Basics" NewsletterFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

In this episode, along with America's Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, Debbie Flower, we discuss the importance of soil health, effective pruning techniques, and the value of learning from gardening failures. Water management strategies and proactive pest control are also highlighted, along with the joy of simply spending time in the garden. Packed with practical tips from a wide variety of Master Gardeners, this episode offers valuable insights for gardeners of all levels.Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS  at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.Pictured: 95 Pounds of Tomatoes HarvestedHelp Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors!Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/Topic Links:Top Ten Habits of Successful Gardeners: Pt. 1Top Ten Habits of Successful Gardeners: Pt. 2Book: Pruning and TrainingPodcast: Ep. 79 Seed Starting Tips. Reusing old potting soil.Farmer Fred Rant Blog: Plants That Attract Beneficial InsectsHedgerow California Native Plants to Attract BeneficialsFloraLife Flower FoodBrooklyn Botanical Garden: Cut Flower CareFlashback Episode of the Week: #247 Trees vs. StormsAll About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: [email protected] Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.