In Episode 389 of *Garden Basics with Farmer Fred*, learn to deter pesky squirrels and manage soil moisture. Farmer Fred, Debbie Flower, and Steve Zien share tips on protecting gardens and optimizing watering techniques.

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.

Now on YouTube (audio)

Pictured: Squirrel! (Photo by Joe Mabel)

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (by becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Squirrel Controls (UCANR):

Ground Squirrels

Tree Squirrels

Soil Moisture Meters

Soil Probes

Farmer Fred Rant Blog Page: Don’t Let Drip Irrigation Become Drip Irritation

Soil Tests at Universities:

Texas A&M Soil Testing

Colorado St. Soil Testing

U. Mass/Amherst Soil Testing

All About Farmer Fred:

GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer 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: fred@farmerfred.com

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Master Gardener Gail Pothour shares tips on growing summer and winter squash. We cover variety selection, planting, pest management, harvesting, and storage of squash to boost your yield.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net.

Now on YouTube (audio)

Pictured: Male and Female Squash Flowers

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (by becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

All America Selections Squash varieties mentioned in today’s podcast:

Gold Rush

Bossa Nova

Sunburst yellow scalloped squash

Green Lightning squash

Early Prolific Straightneck Squash

Tivoli Spaghetti Squash

Waltham butternut squash

Black Futsu butternut squash

Sweet Jade Kabocha squash

OTHER PLANTS MENTIONED:

Green Zebra zucchini

Honey Boat Squash

Ortolana di Faenza zucchini

Galeux d’ Eysines pumpkin

Rouge Vif d’ Etampes pumpkin

Jarrahdale pumpkin

Marina Di Chioggia pumpkin

African Blue Basil

Wild Magic Basil

All About Farmer Fred:

GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question?

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

America’s Favorite College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, and I answers questions about the importance of building “reaction wood” in seedlings, greenhouse airflow, scale pest management for fruit trees, and the benefits of organic mulch. Once again, we’re here to promote proactive gardening practices for healthier gardens.

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.

Now on YouTube (audio)

Pictured: Tomato Seedlings building "Reaction Wood"

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (by becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

“Teaming with Bacteria” (book) by Jeff Lowenfels

Scale Control Tips (from UCANR)

Thigmotropism - What is That?

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer 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: fred@farmerfred.com

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Farmer Fred and Debbie Flower provide practical advice on cultivating table and wine grapes, focusing on the essentials such as sunlight, well-drained soil and variety selection. Also: peach leaf curl controls, prematurely falling figs, no-till gardening benefits.

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.

Now on YouTube (audio)

Pictured: A cluster of grapes on the vine (Photo: UCANR)

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

“Growing Grapes for Beginners”- West Virginia University

Training and Pruning Grapes - UCANR

No-Tiil Gardening - Sonoma Co Master Gardeners

Peach Leaf Curl Info - UCANR

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer 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: fred@farmerfred.com

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Prepare to be inspired as we dive into a creative and sustainable approach to gardening with Sacramento County Master Gardener Gail Pothour. We explore how to turn everyday household items and scrap materials into stunning and functional garden art. Whether it’s using an old manhole cover as a striking stepping stone or transforming downed trees into rustic pathways, Gail shares her innovative methods for infusing charm and creativity into any garden space. We explore the many ways she's embraced repurposing, showcasing the beauty of sustainability in a tangible, hands-on manner. This episode blends creativity with pragmatism. Gail's enthusiasm for gardening and her resourceful methods bring an upbeat energy to the conversation, making it a delightful listen for aspiring and seasoned gardeners alike.

Plus - "Will my blueberry plants recover after being weed trimmer whipped by my grandson?"

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.

Now on YouTube (audio)

Pictured: Gail’s Repurposed Items in the Garden

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 28 edition features more about Gail’s repurposed garden)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

Scilla peruviana

Bilbergia nutans

New Zealand Lemonade Tree

Large Binder Clips (for securing frost/shade cloth to PVC supports)

Mesh Wastebasket for plant protection (much cheaper at a Dollar-type Store)

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer 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: fred@farmerfred.com

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Essential tips for beginner gardeners, focusing on starting small, plant selection, spacing and companion planting, along with maintenance strategies and the value of involving children and keeping a gardening diary.

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.

Now on YouTube (audio)

Pictured: An all-container first garden

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 21 edition features more about first gardens)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Six-inch mesh grid reinforcement wire

Hori Hori Knife

Soil Moisture Meter

Soil Thermometer

Smart Pots

Planting Calendars by USDA Zone (from Urban Farmer)

Planting Calendar for Northern California

Manual Water Timer

Drip Irrigation Systems for Containers

Microsprayers

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer 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: fred@farmerfred.com

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

If you’re a tomato-head, this is the episode for you!

We dive into the world of tomatoes with Don Shor from Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We discuss our favorite tomato varieties to plant for the 2025 gardening season. What’s new and intriguing? What’s old and good? Plus, Don has tips for choosing reliable varieties if you are new to tomato gardening, as well as good advice to get those young plants off to a healthier start. It’s Episode 383, The 2025 Tomato Preview Show!

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.

Now on YouTube (audio)

Pictured: The Rugby tomato

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 14 edition features more about tomatoes)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

What is “Breaker Stage” for tomatoes? (from the Farmer Fred Rant blog page)

TOMATO CATALOGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

Wild Boar Farms

Seeds ’n Such

Tomato Fest

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Burpee

Seminis Seeds

Tomato Growers Supply Co.

Totally Tomatoes

Norfolk Healthy Produce (The Purple Tomato)

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer 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: fred@farmerfred.com

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:

• The benefits of delayed winter pruning of fruit trees, with orchardist and Master Gardener Quentyn Young.

• Controlling ants in raised garden beds, with America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower.

• Protecting your garlic crop in winter weather.

• Redwood tree roots vs. raised garden beds. Guess who wins? How to build up your defenses against tree roots. With Debbie Flower.

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.

Now on YouTube (audio)

Pictured: The March bloom of the Garden Gold dwarf Peach tree.

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (Mar. 7 edition features Debbie’s recipe for ant bait)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Ant Control Products

Outdoor Ant Bait Station

Liquid borate for ant control

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center (Sac. Co. Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden)

Soil Solarization Tips

Backyard Orchard Culture: Tips for controlling fruit tree height

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website:
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer 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: fred@farmerfred.com

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.