Best Beneficial Insects Podcasts (2024)

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350 New Home? First Garden Tips 29:35

1h ago29:35

29:35

Looking to start a first garden in a new home? Before digging, do some planning, and some research. Today, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, Debbie Flower, and I have tips for getting that first garden off to a great start at your new home. And, we answer about how to garden when there’s a concrete patio in the way. We’re …

1
349 Stressed? Your Garden Can Help. 33:24

2h ago33:24

33:24

Gardening and being in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety. Forest bathing, or simply spending time in a natural environment, has been shown to have calming effects. Having a garden or indoor plants can also provide stress relief. Aromatic plants, such as jasmine, lavender, and mint, can have a soothing effect on the mind and body. Taking the…

1
An irresistible virgin redback spider lure (BDIS)

6d ago

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Redback spiders have established populations in Central Otago and Taranaki, posing a threat to human health and taonga native species such as the critically endangered Cromwell chafer beetle.We talk to Chemist Dr Andrew Twidle, who is leading the development of a pheromone tool to eradicate these invasive redback spiders, the first attempt in the w…

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FRAGRANT ROSES 46:14

3h ago46:14

46:14

FRAGRANT ROSES Matt Douglas, High Country Roses On this episode of the Rose Chat Podcast, Host Teresa Byington chats with Matt Douglas, owner of High Country Roses about one of the most amazing attributes of the rose - her fragrance. We'll take a look at some of the most fragrant roses from old garden roses to modern roses that are on the market to…

1
348 The Tastiest Peaches and Plums. Improving Sandy Soil. Raised Bed Drainage Tips. 38:12

1d ago38:12

38:12

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Pictured: Garden Gold Peach in Bloom Links: Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Sm…

1
347 Travelers' Garden Basics Playlist. All About Berries. Slugs in Compost. 41:08

8d ago41:08

41:08

It’s a holiday weekend and you might be traveling. What about a Garden Basics playlist for that long car ride or for listening to while lounging around someplace cool? We have suggestions for that playlist - the five most listened-to Garden Basics episodes. Also: wherever you live, you can probably grow some kind of berries. Today, we revisit our c…

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The future urban consumer - part 2 (SITK)

18d ago

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Join us for the latest insights from a comprehensive global study on consumer preferences, following up on our initial Future Urban Consumer podcast from October last year. Understanding consumer attitudes is crucial when developing new food technologies and farming systems. Plant & Food Research's Future Urban Consumer programme delves into how co…

1
346 All About Soil Thermometers, pH Testing, Cardboard Mulch 29:08

18d ago29:08

29:08

How do use and adjust a soil thermometer? Why is my soil pH so variable at different soil depths? How do you use cardboard to replace a lawn and start a garden? Those are some of the questions, along with scenic bypasses - of course - that we’ll be tackling today. And there’s a lot of great garden tips in those scenic bypasses today. It’s all in Ep…

1
NEW HORIZON ROSES 41:28

1M ago41:28

41:28

NEW HORIZON ROSES Rating Roses for Exhibition Suzanne Horn, Editor On this episode of the Rose Chat Podcast, host Teresa Byington chats with Suzanne Horn, the current editor of the American Rose Society’s publication, New Horizon Roses. This ARS publication is dedicated to providing up-to-the-minute information from national growers on exhibition q…

1
345 The Heart Healthy Garden, Live! 40:48

23d ago40:48

40:48

Did you know rose petals are edible, and contain lots of healthy fiber? That's part of today’s podcast, recorded live, in February 2024, at the Sacramento Rose Society's monthly meeting. The main topic is growing the Heart Healthy Garden! And roses can be an edible part of that healthy landscape. This podcast episode features foods to grow that can…

1
344 Q&A - Tomato Seed Saving? Seeding Mulched Area? 15:19

1M ago15:19

15:19

In this episode of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, Fred Hoffman and Master Gardener Gail Pothour discuss saving tomato seeds. They address the question of whether saved tomato seeds will produce the same tomato variety and provide tips for ensuring seed purity. The conversation covers topics such as flower structure, pollination, isolat…

1
Exploring agritech with Brendan O’Connell (PPF)

1M ago

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In this episode of People | Planet | Food, Roger Robson-Williams speaks with Brendan O’Connell, Chief Executive of AgritechNZ, to discuss the role of agritech in creating a healthier, fairer, and more environmentally friendly food system. Brendan shares his perspective on what agritech is, how it can help, and how AgritechNZ supports a diverse rang…

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343 A Tour of Debbie Flower's Garden 53:00

29d ago53:00

53:00

We pay a visit to the garden of America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. It’s a living classroom on thriving low water use plants. Debbie talks in detail about the plants, many of which are California natives, and discusses the strategies of hydrozoning (grouping plants together based on their watering needs), desig…

1
342 Q&A Grow Carrots in Summer? Weed Cloth - Good or Bad? 18:31

1M ago18:31

18:31

Master Gardener Fred Hoffman and his guests answers garden questions from listeners on the Tuesday edition of the Garden Basics podcast. The first question is about weed cloth and its impact on soil improvement and fertilization. Fred and Debbie Flower advise removing the weed cloth and using just mulch instead. The second question is about plantin…

1
MENAGERIE FARM & FLOWER 53:33

2M ago53:33

53:33

MENAGERIE FARM & FLOWER Felicia Alvarez, Founder On this episode of the Rose Chat Podcast, host Teresa Byington, chats with Felicia Alvarez, founder of Menagerie Farm and Flower. Menagerie Farm is a rose farm and nursery nestled in the heart of the Sacramento Valley. Don't miss this inspiring episode as we hear from Felicia who believes daily life …

1
341 Fred's Garden Tour with Debbie 47:33

1M ago47:33

47:33

Something a little different today. America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower and myself take a stroll through the Farmer Fred backyard garden, talking about the plants, and discussing the strategies to make them successful plants, with, of course, all sorts of garden tips thrown in. It’s the ultimate scenic bypass ep…

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Dion Mundy: new tech for the vine doctor (SLFM)

1M ago

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New technologies are essential in helping scientists and growers combat vine diseases in vineyards. This week, podcaster and data scientist Tom Moore interviews vine doctor Dion Mundy about his latest research on plant disease monitoring, disease identification, and modelling for future climate changes. Dion was one of our first interviews on Scige…

1
340 Q&A Cross-Pollination Concerns, Best Cities and States for Gardening 20:05

1M ago20:05

20:05

Farmer Fred and Debbie Flower discuss: •The impact of climate and weather on gardening success. •Understanding cross-pollination and its implications for seed saving and plant breeding. •The importance of local conditions and location-specific knowledge in gardening. •Different perspectives on the best US cities for gardening, highlighting the infl…

1
339 How To Water Clay Soil (and more clay gardening tips!) 34:15

1M ago34:15

34:15

In this episode of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, the focus is on how to water clay soil and other tips for gardening in clay. Debbie Flower, America's Favorite retired college horticultural professor, shares valuable insights on the topic. The episode covers the characteristics of clay soil, the importance of organic matter, watering techniques, …

1
058: What To Do In Your June Garden 18:39

2M ago18:39

18:39

By Homegrown Food and Flowers

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338 Q&A Squash Flowers? Fertilizer Application? Tart Cherries? 25:14

2M ago25:14

25:14

In this episode of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, Fred and his expert guests answer questions about: • Squash pollination woes with Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour. • The timing and application of plant fertilizer, with America's Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower. • Choosing tart/sour cher…

1
GROWING ROSES IN CONTAINERS 40:20

2M ago40:20

40:20

GROWING ROSES IN CONTAINERS Jason Croutch, Fraser Valley Rose Farm On this episode of The Rose Chat Podcast host Teresa Byington is joined by Jason Croutch of Fraser Valley Rose Farm. Jason shares his favorite roses to grow in containers as well as tips to help us be successful. Regardless of your soil type or the size of your garden, growing in co…

1
337 How To Choose Nursery Plants. Tips for Starting a School Garden. 52:49

2M ago52:49

52:49

If you’re the type of gardener that buys flowering plants at a nursery that are covered in blooms, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, will explain why you shouldn’t do that, and a lot more nursery plant shopping tips! Also, we have tips for starting an elementary school garden. And you don’t have to be a schoo…

1
Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest flume tank (FTS)

2M ago

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Plant & Food Research's Nelson site is home to Aotearoa New Zealand's largest flume tank, an innovative facility that allows scientists to test and develop new technologies in both simulated open ocean and controlled laboratory environments. In this week's podcast, Julie Blommaert sits down with fellow scientists Suzy Black and Louise Kregting to d…

1
057: Companion Planting In Containers: Tips and Combination Ideas 28:08

2M ago28:08

28:08

By Homegrown Food and Flowers

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336 Q&A Kitchen Scraps in the Garden? When to Plant a Magnolia Tree? 18:09

2M ago18:09

18:09

In this episode, Farmer Fred answers a listener's question about burying kitchen scraps in the garden. He discusses the potential problems with this method, including attracting scavengers and affecting the quality of the soil microbiology. He suggests composting the kitchen scraps first or using alternative methods like African keyhole gardens. De…

1
335 Roof Rat Controls, Asparagus-Lemon Recipes 35:01

2M ago35:01

35:01

The first chat today involves roof rats (and is an encore presentation while construction is ongoing here at Barking Dog). It will be particularly useful for those of you with large yards, or acreage, or even a small farm, in which you have a large orchard. And for those of you suburban dwellers who might have a few citrus trees, or, for that matte…

1
GB 334 Q&A Rhubarb for Hot Climates? Lights for Seedlings? 21:20

2M ago21:20

21:20

The first question on the Tuesday Q&A edition of the Garden Basics podcast is about growing rhubarb in hot weather. Fred and his guests, Master Gardeners Kathy Morrison and Ruth Ostroff, discuss their experiences with growing rhubarb in Sacramento. They also share a rhubarb recipe. The second question is about grow lights for starting tomato and pe…

1
056: How To Work With A Shady Garden 20:27

3M ago20:27

20:27

Send us a Text Message. Even though a shady garden space isn't ideal for all gardeners, there are still a ton of options when choosing what to plant. Plus, with the tips in this episode, you might be able to adapt to your shady situation that you have in the past. 📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com Please leave a review on…

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Future-Fit: Navigating Sustainability with Martin Rich (PPF)

2M ago

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In this episode of the People | Planet | Food podcast series, host Roger Robson-Williams talks to Martin Rich, a former investment banker turned Chief Executive of the UK’s Future-Fit Foundation. Martin shares his journey from international finance to earth systems science and doughnut economics and explains why he now leads a sustainability charit…

1
BRINGING A ROSE TO MARKET 37:45

3M ago37:45

37:45

BRINGING A ROSE TO MARKET Heidi Mortensen, Rose Portfolio Manager Star Roses and Plants On the episode of the Rose Chat Podcast host Teresa Byington is joined by Heidi Mortensen, Rose Portfolio Manager of Star Roses and Plants. Heidi directs the introduction of roses from breeders around the world into the US & Canada. In addition to breeders, she …

1
333 Controlling Snails & Slugs, Feed Your Soil, Grow Your Own Protein 42:12

3M ago42:12

42:12

We are in the midst of spring construction here, so we are taking the opportunity to not shout over the whine of power saws and the banging hammers. Instead, we will be revisiting some of the most popular segments ever aired on our podcast. In Episode 83, we explained why feeding your soil yields better results than feeding your plants. Sound confu…

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332 Q&A Whiteflies? 1st Tomato? Planting Citrus? 19:59

3M ago19:59

19:59

Farmer Fred and Don Shor from Redwood Barn Nursery answer a garden question from a listener about whiteflies on grapes. But are they really whiteflies? They discuss how to control whiteflies and leaf hoppers on grapevines, the use of organic sprays, and the importance of correct pest identification. Also, Debbie Flower answers a question about remo…

1
331 Cucumber Starting and Training Tips 37:00

2M ago37:00

37:00

Mid to late spring is cucumber planting time in most of North America, and we have more cucumber growing tips for you today. We covered a lot of cucumber growing basics back in episode 266 last May, but today, cucumber cheerleader and America's favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, has more cucumber planting advice for yo…

1
055: What To Do In Your May Garden 19:47

3M ago19:47

19:47

Send us a Text Message. It's planting time! Finally, the month of the last spring frosts is here and we're able to plant out so many things. Tomatoes, peppers, squash, zinnia, sunflower, and so many more summer crops can make their way tot the garden. 📩 Questions? Email me at jessica@homegrownfoodandflowers.com Please leave a review on Apple Podcas…

1
330 Q&A Bermudagrass Control? Black Plastic for the Garden? 23:47

3M ago23:47

23:47

In Episode 330, Q&A - Gail from Orangevale, CA wants to start a vegetable and flower garden in her backyard, which is currently covered in Bermuda grass. Debbie Flower, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, and I suggest waiting a year and using soil solarization to kill off the Bermudagrass. We also recommend starting small wi…

1
Food. Who's helping? (PPF)

3M ago

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What would it take to make the global food system healthier, fairer, and more environmentally restorative? Hi, I am Roger Robson-Williams, Chief Sustainability Officer at Plant & Food Research. I am delighted to start my People | Planet | Food series in conversation with two remarkable leaders from opposite sides of the planet working on exactly th…

1
329 How to Water 39:37

3M ago39:37

39:37

This episode is entitled, How to Water Your Garden. “What!?!” you’re probably thinking. “Of course I know how to water my garden, lawn, and indoor plants, I’m a gardener!” As Farmer Fred Garden Rule #8 says: “If it works for you, fine. But keep an open mind.” Join us as America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, has a…

1
328 Q&A Add Fertilizer to Compost Pile? Can Later Ripening Peach Trees Survive Peach Leaf Curl? 15:25

3M ago15:25

15:25

In this episode of the Garden Basics Podcast, Farmer Fred and Master Gardener Susan Muckey discuss composting and answer a listener's question about adding nitrogen to a compost pile. They explain that adding nitrogen is not necessary for most compost piles and discuss the ideal carbon-nitrogen ratio. They also provide tips for turning a compost pi…

1
054: 7 Time-Saving Steps To Get Your Garden Planted This Spring 22:07

3M ago22:07

22:07

Send us a Text Message. You've got a flat of plants, a garden almost ready to plant out, and no time to get it done. Sound familiar? This episode will give you seven tips to help you get your garden in the ground with a minimum of fuss and no time wasted on tasks that don't move the needle the way you want it to go. -Which seedlings you should buy …

1
327 The Heart Healthy Garden 57:01

3M ago57:01

57:01

The healthiest food you can eat, is the food you grow yourself. Where have you heard THAT before? Today, let’s grow a heart-healthy garden! What are the foods you can plant that are best suited, chemically, to help reverse what might be going on around your ticker, including high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, and stress? We talk with Dr. Laura…

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326 Q&A Working with Coir vs Peat Moss, Reuse Old Potting Soil. Runaway Plum Tree! 18:44

3M ago18:44

18:44

Q&A - Working with Coir, Peat Moss, Perlite, etc. Reusing Old Potting Soil. 00:24 Q&A - Runaway Plum Tree! 16:10 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: Wheelbarrow with H…

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053: An Easy Plan For Planting One Raised Bed (+ Seedling Shopping List) 12:08

3M ago12:08

12:08

Send us a Text Message. If you're still wondering what to plant, this episode lays it all out for you. Short and snappy instructions tell you how to lay out a single 4x8 raised bed with the right combination and location of your plants so they all thrive and you get months of harvests of fresh veggies, flowers, and herbs. If you want a more detaile…

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WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES 41:11

4M ago41:11

41:11

WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSESRebecca Koraytem, US Sales Executive On this episode of the Rose Chat Podcast, host Teresa Byington is joined by Rebecca Koraytem, U. S. Sales Executive for David Austin Roses. This chat is one of our annual favorites as we take a look at what's new in the beautiful and charming world of English Roses. Rebecca will a…

1
325 Peach Leaf Curl Control Tips. All the Presidents' Gardens. 31:58

4M ago31:58

31:58

Appearing now (or soon) on a peach or nectarine tree near you: Peach Leaf Curl? What is this fungus that causes the leaves on these trees to redden, pucker, and curl? And how can you control it? (Please note, I did not say, “eradicate”). America’s favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower has some tips. Also, we go back about …

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Roger Robson-Williams: A man on a mission (SLFM)

3M ago

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Roger Robson-Williams, Chief Sustainability Officer at Plant & Food Research, joins Scigest podcast host Rebecca Bloomer to discuss his scientific journey and interest in the future prosperity of food production in Aotearoa. In their conversation, Roger introduces his upcoming podcast, People, Planet, Food, which will feature discussions with indiv…

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051: 8 Gardening YouTube Channels Worth Watching (Composting, Self-Sufficiency, Flowers, and More) 25:11

4M ago25:11

25:11

Send us a Text Message. Here is an amazing list of resources during the peak learning time of the season. Plants are going in, seeds are getting started, and these channels will help you learn so much, from composting to self sufficiency to growing flowers in soil blocks. Huw Richards Charles Dowding Shifting Roots No-Till Growers: I misspoke here …

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GB 324 Q&A - Nitrogen Sources. Soil for a Raised Bed. 28:38

4M ago28:38

28:38

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: Pizza Pie Crop Rotation Garden Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com …

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ROOTED IN TIME: Saving Roses for Future Generations 44:40

4M ago44:40

44:40

ROOTED IN TIME: Saving Roses for Future GenerationsJohn Bagnasco, Chairman of Save the Roses! Foundation On this bonus episode of the Rose Chat Podcast, our host Teresa Byington delves into the captivating world of rose conservation with guest John Bagnasco. We’ll be highlighting the critical efforts underway to preserve the diversity and heritage …

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323 Gold Medal Plant Winners. Thin Your Fruit Trees Now! 39:03

4M ago39:03

39:03

Each year the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society puts out its list of Gold Medal winning Plants. Usually these plants are chosen for their adaptability to the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. This year, the chosen plants have a much wider range of possible success, including USDA Zone 9 and possibly up to Zone 10, and down to Zone 3. Also:…

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