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

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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.

We share essential fall gardening tips for both the garden and the orchard. Also, Debbie Flower offers a primer on correct 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)

Cover Photo: Water Breaker Nozzle (Photo: Dramm)

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:

Leaf Vac/Shredder

Smart Pot Compost Sak

Australian Finger Lime

Avocados for USDA Zone 9

peat pots/peat pellets

Vermiculite for seed starting

Dramm Watering Video: Watering 101

Dramm breaker nozzles for fine spray watering

Hunter MP Rotator sprinklers

Outdoor sprinkler water measuring devices

Farmer Fred Rant: How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?

Olla Watering Pots

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.

Support the show

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