Best Montana State University Extension Podcasts (2024)

1
Visiting other gardens is a great way to learn something new 27:36

21m ago27:36

27:36

For something as deep and complex as gardening, it's vital to have others around to teach you new things and give you new ideas. In this episode, Don and John are joined by Rachel Sailer, organizer of the 2nd Annual Red River Valley Garden Tour. The tour allows any gardener to take a peek at the yards of experienced gardeners and find new inspirati…

1
This time of summer marks a shift in your yard and garden duties 33:10

6d ago33:10

33:10

As we enter the thick of summer, you've no doubt been busy in your garden. But this time of year marks a time when you can take it a little easier. In this episode, Don and John discuss the tasks you can stop doing once we hit July, like fertilizing and pruning,

1
Summertime apple tree care that will help you get a better harvest this fall 31:24

13d ago31:24

31:24

Apples and apple trees are more commonly associated with cooler autumn days and heaping buckets full of delicious apples. But if you want that sweet apple crop, there's no time like summer to give them some extra attention. In this episode, Don and John go over some of the tasks you should be thinking about with your apple trees, or what to do if y…

1
Imperiled | 07 | What can pollinators teach us about the future of conservation? 38:30

16d ago38:30

38:30

Throughout this season, we’ve explored landowner- and community-led efforts to support imperiled species, from bears and birds to ferrets and fish. In the final episode of this season, we’re looking ahead to the future of imperiled pollinators on working lands. Across the country, there is a growing crisis when it comes to pollinators. What happens…

1
How to add the delight of peonies and irises to your early summer garden 43:04

20d ago43:04

43:04

Peonies and irises are an enthusiastic addition to your yard or garden thanks to their early summer start and showy blossoms. In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of caring for peonies and irises, including an easy way to get ants off your peony blossoms before bringing them indoors.

1
Want to grow roses? Here's how to get started 44:05

26d ago44:05

44:05

Arguably, no other flower carries as much meaning and history as a rose, which makes them a popular choice for a gardener. But roses can also present a thorny (forgive the pun) challenge. In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of growing and caring for your roses, from sourcing the best roses to pruning them safely.…

1
Imperiled | 06 | Can Pacific salmon and Idaho ranchers share the river? 32:02

30d ago32:02

32:02

How do we restore salmon spawning habitat in the Upper Salmon watershed without harming the ranching communities that rely on the river? The answer lies in locally-driven collaboration. In this episode, we explore the decades-long community effort to restore spawning grounds for Columbia Basin salmon by letting landowners take the lead. Back in the…

1
A summer weather outlook with meteorologist John Wheeler 40:33

1M ago40:33

40:33

In this episode, WDAY Chief Meteorologist John Wheeler joins Don and John for a look at possible weather patterns for the upper Midwest as we head into the summer growing season. Plus, he talks about setting up new raised garden plots and gives us a simple pepper sauce recipe.

1
Why fertilizing now will benefit your yard and garden 46:45

1M ago46:45

46:45

We all know fertilizing is an important part of maintaining healthy trees and shrubs along with a healthy yard and garden. But when should we fertilize, how much should we use, and what kinds of fertilizers work the best? In this episode, Don and John tackle the important question of fertilizing and discuss why May and June are the best times to ge…

1
How to breathe life into your lackluster lawn 46:03

2M ago46:03

46:03

There isn't anything quite as satisfying as a full, lush lawn. And nothing is as frustrating as a lawn that doesn't look healthy, no matter how hard you try. In this episode, Don and John go over some of the most common concerns facing those who care for lawns, including yellow patches, thinning spots, weeds, fertilizing and mowing.…

1
Imperiled | 05 | What do carbon and cows have to do with lesser prairie-chickens? 39:53

2M ago39:53

39:53

In the heart of America's grasslands, a battle for survival is unfolding. The lesser prairie-chicken, an iconic species of the Great Plains, is on the brink of extinction. But there's a growing network of producers and partners across the plains looking to change that. Today on the show, can ranchers and partners work together to save the lesser pr…

1
Heading out to a garden center? Listen to this first 52:51

2M ago52:51

52:51

We're hot on the heels of planting season, meaning it's time to head out to our local garden centers to find the right plants and shrubs for our yards and gardens. What should we know before we go? In this episode, Don and John share their collected wisdom to keep in your back pocket before you find yourself enthralled with what a garden center has…

1
What our moms taught us about gardening 38:18

2M ago38:18

38:18

Gardening is all about strong connections, like our connection to the Earth and the connections with one another shown in the love and knowledge we pass down from one generation to the next. In this episode, Don and John pay tribute to the moms (and dads and grandparents) who shared their hard-won gardening experience with us. Our listeners share t…

1
Imperiled | Bonus | Can these teens recover the razorback sucker? 18:14

2M ago18:14

18:14

When it comes to conservation, can a group of high school students really make a difference? Join Jared and Hallie as they dive into a story involving the Colorado River, an ancient endangered fish, and a group of high school students who are becoming the next generation of stewards. Complete show notes are available on our website.…

1
The best methods for successful spring planting in your yard and garden 51:39

2M ago51:39

51:39

Every stage in the development of your garden is important, but nothing matches the excitement of getting your plants into the ground once spring comes around. In this episode, Don and John go over spring planting methods that will give your plants their best shot at a successful growing season. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show…

1
The best gear for growing season 59:11

3M ago59:11

59:11

Don and John go over their recommendations for the best tools to get your yard in garden in shape this spring, from the right pair of gloves to a reciprocating saw.

1
Get your yard and garden in shape for spring 49:25

3M ago49:25

49:25

The season is finally starting to make a turn for the warmer, and while it's still a little too cool to get plants in the ground, there's still plenty to do. In this episode, Don and John go over some of the tasks you can do to get your yard and garden in shape after the dormant winter months, like raking and pruning.…

1
Looking for the next great tree for your yard? 58:08

3M ago58:08

58:08

How do new trees get introduced to our region, and who's researching how well they'll do here? In this episode, Don and John talk to Dr. Todd West, NDSU's Woody Plant Improvement Director, for a look into the research he does on new varieties of trees and shrubs that will perform well in our region. Dr. West also has some advice on choosing trees f…

1
This community garden isn't just growing plants. It's growing a community 36:10

3M ago36:10

36:10

When we think of a community garden, we might think it's a community of people growing gardens. But the inverse is also true. In this episode, Don and John welcome Jack Wood, co-founder of the Growing Together community garden, to the show. Jack talks about how his group has opened its arms to new Americans in the Fargo-Moorhead area and grown a ti…

1
Spring planting and canning season go hand in hand 38:02

4M ago38:02

38:02

Since you're probably thinking about the growing season, chances are you're also thinking about canning your harvest once fall comes. In this episode, Don and John are joined by Rita Ussatis, the Cass County (N.D.) Extension Agent for Family and Community Wellness, to hear her guidance about successful canning.…

1
It's been a weird winter, and our listeners have questions about it 47:36

4M ago47:36

47:36

From rain in January to a blizzard bookended by unseasonable warmth, it's been an odd winter for gardeners in our part of the world. In this episode, Don and John field questions from your fellow Growing Together listeners on what to do and what to look out for as we transition from not-winter to spring.…

1
Imperiled | 04 | Chasing ghosts: Can a mysterious bird galvanize a rural renaissance? 32:41

4M ago32:41

32:41

Finding an imperiled species on his ranch scared the daylights out of Russell Davis. What he and his neighbors did next may have saved their town. Today on Working Wild U, join us as we return to the high plains of eastern Colorado to learn how a small ranching community transformed a migratory bird’s imperiled status from threat to opportunity. Co…

1
How to care for succulents, a wildly popular low-maintenance option for houseplants 35:29

4M ago35:29

35:29

If you're new to growing plants in your home, or looking for something that gives you a little slack when it comes to timely watering, succulents may be right for you. In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of succulents, from watering to potting to making them bloom. They'll also settle the nagging question: Are they "cactuses" or "cacti…

1
Get this year's garden up and running by starting your seeds indoors 46:49

5M ago46:49

46:49

It's been a mild winter in our neck of the woods, but it's still not quite warm enough to get your garden growing ... or is it? In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of starting seeds indoors, including the setup you'll need and the timelines for your favorite varieties. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" is a show for gardeners…

1
Imperiled | 03 | Can we bring black-footed ferrets back from the brink? 36:33

5M ago36:33

36:33

Today on Working Wild U, we're spotlighting, quite literally, one special species that calls the Great Plains home. A small predator that was thought to be extinct.... twice! Meet the black-footed ferret, the most endangered mammal in North America. Thanks to community-driven efforts spanning the Great Plains, from dedicated ranchers in eastern Col…

1
It's been an unusually warm winter. How will that affect your garden? 44:31

5M ago44:31

44:31

Those of us in the northern U.S. are appreciating this warm winter for reducing the stress of things like travel or snow removal. But what about plants that are stirring way too soon? In this episode, Don and John talk through the effects that a warm winter can have on your plants, ways you can give them some extra care, and what to plan for the ne…

1
The language of flowers and why we give roses on Valentine's Day 39:47

5M ago39:47

39:47

Giving someone flowers can say a lot, but the flowers themselves might be saying more than you think. In this episode, Don and John talk about floriography, the "language of flowers" that arose in the Victorian era as a way for people to send messages of friendship, gratitude, sorrow and love via certain types of flowers. They'll also go over some …

1
How drilling into trees helps us study the impacts of major flooding 47:23

5M ago47:23

47:23

For someone who studies a serene topic like trees, NDSU Extension Forester Joe Zeleznik has quite a few pressing issues on his plate. In this episode, Don and John welcome Zeleznik onto the Growing Together podcast for a conversation about trees, which is normally a rather quiet topic. Zeleznik's studies, however, take him into some urgent topics l…

1
Imperiled | 02 | Where are the grizzlies headed? 49:36

6M ago49:36

49:36

Grizzly bears are expanding their range. But where are they headed? To find out, we get out on the land with ranchers Erik Kalsta and Jami Murdoch, who are working with partners to monitor wildlife – including grizzlies – on their operation in southwest Montana. Together with Erik, Jami and Blackfeet rancher Kristen Kipp, plus a band of other exper…

1
A few landscaping choices can turn your winter yard from bleak to beautiful 33:44

6M ago33:44

33:44

We tend to think about blossoms and greenery when landscaping our yards, but winter offers its own unique opportunities. In this episode, Don and John discuss the choices you can make to turn your yard into a winter wonderland of lingering shadows and attention-grabbing contrast using the principles of Piet Oudolf and the New Perennial Movement.…

1
Selecting seeds and getting an early start on spring 35:51

6M ago35:51

35:51

With so many different seed companies each offering different varieties, starting a flower and garden projects from seed can leave anyone feeling a little scattered In this episode, Don and John talk about different varieties of seeds and how to make the right choices when starting a garden project.

1
Imperiled | 01 | Can ranchers save arctic grayling? 36:20

6M ago36:20

36:20

When a section of the Big Hole River in southwest Montana ran dry in 1988, all eyes were on the future of one of the last remaining populations of arctic grayling in the lower 48. Out of the struggle, a collaboration emerged that change the future of the Big Hole - a future where human communities, wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on can thr…

1
Think spring with new seed catalogs 47:32

6M ago47:32

47:32

Don and John start making plans for next summer's garden by going over some of the seed catalogs coming in the mail. Don explains how to store seeds once they arrive, why he prefers starting some plants from seeds instead of buying from a local garden center, what success rates are for growing with seeds and the difference between open-pollinated a…

1
The year that was in our lawns and gardens 38:12

7M ago38:12

38:12

A long winter, short spring, hot summer and mild fall created a memorable growing season for area gardeners. In this episode, Don and John talk about the last year for local gardeners, what was learned from challenges and the successes they had.By Forum Communications

1
Season 2 Trailer – Imperiled 3:23

7M ago3:23

3:23

We're excited to announce the second season of Working Wild U: Imperiled. This season we're exploring community and landowner-led wildlife conservation on working and tribal lands across the West. From grizzly bears to lesser-known species, join us as we discover the challenges and successes of how communities are working together for common-ground…

1
How to care for poinsettias and other beloved holiday plants 58:49

7M ago58:49

58:49

While there's no shortage of light and color around the holidays, nothing adds warmth and life to your home quite like a healthy poinsettia. In this episode, Don and John talk about everyone's favorite holiday plant along with a few others, like Christmas cactus and amaryllis. They add a breath of life to your home during the cold, busy holiday sea…

1
Got a gardener on your gift list? They're simple to please if you know what to look for 49:01

7M ago49:01

49:01

If you have a gardener on your gift list, you can breathe easy. They're easy bunch to buy for. In this episode, Don and John go over some tried and true gifts for any gardener. Plus, they give you some ideas for gardeners with a focus and some thoughts on how to personalize your gift to make it extra special. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podc…

1
Overwintering plants breathes life into your home during the cold months 56:16

7M ago56:16

56:16

Winter may be here but you can keep things lively during these frigid months by overwintering your favorite plants. In this episode, Don and John are joined once again by the delightful Mary Holm, host of "Prairie Yard and Garden," to talk about overwintering coleus, clivia, geraniums and more. To learn more about PY&G, visit their website: https:/…

1
All about Christmas trees and how to care for them 58:46

8M ago58:46

58:46

Nothing warms your home during our frigid holiday season quite like a real Christmas tree ... as long as it's properly cared for. In this episode, Don and John welcome Eric Baker of Baker Garden and Gift of Fargo, N.D. to hear all about choosing, caring for, and, yes, flocking Christmas trees. (Did you know people really like black Christmas trees?…

1
What's in store for weather this winter? And what does that mean for our yards and gardens? 32:04

8M ago32:04

32:04

There's no way to know exactly what will happen this winter's weather, but we can take our best educated guess. In this episode, Don and John are joined by gardener and WDAY Chief Meteorologist John Wheeler, whose guess about the weather is about as educated you can get. He also gives us a recap of this season in his garden and talks indoor growing…

1
How to best care for houseplants, your winter companions 54:55

8M ago54:55

54:55

Now that our garden beds are sealed up for the winter, it's time to check in our favorite off-season roommates: our houseplants. In this episode, Don and John go over some basic tips for houseplant care, like optimal watering practices and intentional care. Plus, they discuss the importance of giving your houseplants something of a social life. Pla…

1
Get your lawns and gardens set for winter as we rummage through the Growing Together mailbag 51:51

8M ago51:51

51:51

Your fellow 'Growing Together' readers and listeners have lots of questions about getting ready for winter, and you likely do, too. In this episode, Don and John rummage around in the ol' Growing Together mailbag to answer questions about snow mold, voles, harvesting carrots and other late autumn tasks. === "Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast" i…

1
Everything you ever wanted to know about pumpkins, from folklore to fruit to jack o'lanterns 46:06

9M ago46:06

46:06

Did you know pumpkins are a fruit, not a vegetable? And that the jack o'lantern may have sprung from a story about a deal with the devil? In this episode, Don and John embark on the surprising tale of the pumpkin. Pumpkins occupy a unique space in human history and, in some cases, occupy a giant space in our gardens.…

1
This gardening book is almost 90 years old. How well does its advice hold up? 40:36

9M ago40:36

40:36

Modern tools like YouTube and podcasts put valuable gardening information right at our fingertips. How could a dusty 90-year-old book still possibly be relevant? In this episode, Don and John crack open "The Complete Book of Gardening Magic" to see how well its advice holds up and share several insights from it. === "Growing Together: A Gardening P…

1
How to grow and care for trees in your yard 43:26

9M ago43:26

43:26

Trees do so much for us. They provide shade, protect us from the wind, give us fruit to eat and give us color in the fall. Trees also have special care needs. In this episode, Don and John discuss some strategies for planting trees in your yard, providing you with a few ideas of what to plant and some guidelines for giving them their best shot. ===…

1
What worked in our gardens this year—and what didn't 53:33

9M ago53:33

53:33

With the season winding down, but still fresh in our memory, it's a good time to talk about what worked in our gardens and what didn't meet our expectations. In this episode, Don and John share the triumphs and tribulations they saw in their own gardens this year, from varieties that flourished to strategies that left them thinking "what was I thin…

1
Prepare your yard and garden for winter and set yourself up for success next spring 1:00:25

10M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

You might be looking forward to a bounty of harvest produce and the burst of fall colors right now, but don't slow down for winter just yet. In this episode, Don and John go over tasks you should be doing during fall to get everything buttoned up for winter. While you're at it, you can start getting preparted to hit the ground running next spring. …

1
Eating your way through the garden with chef Ryan Nitschke 38:44

10M ago38:44

38:44

A garden full of fresh, delicious produce is a vital step toward a great meal, but it isn't the only step. In this episode, Don and John welcome chef Ryan Nitschke to talk about his favorite garden ingredients and ways to prepare your garden's bounty, especially around harvest time. Nitschke has been a chef in Fargo area restaurants for years and h…

1
How you can see (and taste) the benefits of edible landscaping 39:18

10M ago39:18

39:18

A well-tended yard doesn't just look good. It can taste good, too. In this episode, Don and John discuss edible landscaping, the notion that your trees and shrubs can provide a literal feast in addition to being a feast for your eyes. They discuss some popular berry, tree and vine varieties for our climate that might also inspire your next menu ite…

1
Mums, asters and other colorful autumn delights for your garden 36:32

10M ago36:32

36:32

When we think of fall color, we're usually talking about trees, but many flowers and ornamental grasses can add their own dash of color to your yard and garden. In this episode, Don and John talk about mums, asters and grasses that can prolong the joy of garden color long after summer begins to fade into autumn. === "Growing Together: A Gardening P…

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Montana State University Extension Podcasts

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