(FredNote: AI had a hand in creating this written summary. I took out the stilted parts and made it sound better to the eye…if that makes sense.)

In this final episode, I provide an update on the transition from the Garden Basics podcast to the new Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter and podcast. With the conclusion of the 412 episodes of Garden Basics, we've shifted our format to better serve your gardening curiosity and needs through a more expansive platform. The new format allows for integration of multimedia resources via our newsletter, found at gardenbasics.substack.com, further enhancing your gardening experience.

The motivation behind this change is clear: by employing a newsletter alongside our podcast, I can deliver more comprehensive content. Listeners will now have access to links and resources that dive deeper into the topics we discuss, as well as the benefit of a transcript for those who wish to explore our discussions in writing (the eye and the brain are faster than the ear, so to speak.) In essence, the newsletter acts as a complementary tool to the podcast, providing an enriched educational format that appeals to both auditory and visual learners.

Even as we embrace this new direction, the original podcast remains accessible on platforms such as our home page GardenBasics.net as well as Apple Podcasts under the new title, Beyond the Garden Basics. Importantly, the podcast will be free of advertising, further reflecting our commitment to providing value to you, the listener (and I don’t have to hassle with flaky advertisers). This initiative is firmly supported by our community of listeners, with paid subscribers gaining exclusive access to the full range of podcasts and newsletters we've curated—over 240 pieces of content available to enrich your gardening knowledge.

This paid version allows us to maintain high-quality, engaging content without the distractions of commercial advertisements. I encourage you to consider becoming a paid subscriber, as the reasonable subscription rates are designed to broaden access to beneficial gardening insights while supporting the continued operation of the newsletter. But, hey, free subscribers are welcome, too. After all, it’s just gardening, which is our happy place.

I also reiterate the availability of all previously aired Garden Basics episodes, which will remain hosted at gardenbasics.net. I highly recommend downloading any of the old episodes that interest you before they potentially disappear, ensuring that you have access to that valuable content as we move forward with our new format and location.

Join me in exploring the Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter and podcast, where not only will you find continued conversations about gardening, but also additional resources that will leave you feeling more informed in your gardening endeavors. Be sure to subscribe at gardenbasics.substack.com and stay connected with our evolving community of smiling people with constant dirt under their fingernails.

Thank you for your continued support, as we embark on this new adventure together.

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

Debbie Flower, America's Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, drops by to discuss essential strategies for protecting potted and in-ground plants when a frost or freeze is expected. Topics include relocation, mulching, watering, and the use of frost cloths. We explore alternatives to frost cloths, tackle plant hygiene prior to indoor living, and managing indoor challenges like pests and humidity.

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)

Cover Photo: Agribon 70 frost cloth covering a Meyer Lemon Tree

Links:

Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids!

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and podcast.

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

Links:

Frost Cloths

Anti-Transpirants

plant stand rollers

indoor plant lights

greenhouse heaters

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

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?

• 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 and subscribing to the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

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

Today, we delve into the Garden Basics archive for three segments about the importance of building your soil in the fall. We talk with America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, and Sacramento’s Organic Advocate, Steve Zien. We explore the vital role of nitrogen in gardening. We address a listener's concern about low nitrogen levels in soil, discussing the challenges of measurement as well as alternative testing methods. We emphasize the significance of organic amendments, such as compost and cover cropping, particularly with crops like fava beans, to enhance nitrogen levels and overall soil health. Our conversation also covers the detrimental effects of high-salt synthetic fertilizers. And, we talk about sustainable gardening practices that promote nutrient cycling and plant growth.

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)

Cover Photo: Cover Crops, including fava beans, clover, oats

Links:

Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids!

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and podcast.

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

Links:

Crop Rotation Chart

Book: “Grow Now” by Emily Murphy

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

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?

• 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 and subscribing to the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

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