Best WSU Extension Master Gardener Program Podcasts (2024)

1
How to Prevent Crimes Against Nature with PlantAmnesty with Keith Dekker - Episode 21 51:44

3h ago51:44

51:44

In this episode, we try to prevent crimes against nature with PlantAmnesty volunteer Keith Dekker. Plant Amnesty is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing malpruning and the preservation of urban green spaces. Join us as we uncover the key benefits of proper pruning for plant health and growth and learn essential pruning techniques for tr…

1
Digging Deeper: Exploring the Link Between Geology and Soil Composition with Mark Amara - Episode 20 33:36

6d ago33:36

33:36

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, we delve into the fascinating connection between geology and soil composition, uncovering the hidden secrets beneath our feet that influence gardening success. Retired USDA soil scientist and WSU Extension Master Gardener Mark Amara, shares insights into how the geological history of Washington State has shap…

1
From Vine To Table: What You Need to Know About Growing Great Grapes in Your Backyard with Gwen Hoheisel - Episode 19 37:31

1M ago37:31

37:31

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb podcast, we explore the joys and challenges of growing grapes at home. Gwen Hohiesel shares valuable insights, tips, and techniques to help home gardeners cultivate delicious grapes. This episode covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right grape varieties to harvesting your bountiful crop. Key …

1
Cultivating Tomorrow: A Special Episode for Cougs Give 2024 13:56

27d ago13:56

13:56

Join us for a special episode of The Evergreen Thumb podcast featuring guests Jennifer Marquis and Chalayne Foster as we share our support for the Master Gardener Endowed Chair Campaign for Cougs Give 2024. 🌿 Get ready to dive into the future of gardening education with insights from our guests and learn how you can be a part of it! For resources, …

1
Spring into Action: Essential Tips for Starting Your Vegetable Garden with Bob Cain - Episode 18 47:44

1M ago47:44

47:44

In this episode of "The Evergreen Thumb," we uncover the secrets to successful spring gardening including soil testing, succession planting, and other essential techniques. Along the way, we share expert insights, real-life examples, and actionable advice to empower listeners to cultivate thriving gardens and enjoy a plentiful harvest. For resource…

1
Pests, Predators, and Prevention: IPM Strategies for Vegetable Gardens with Laurel Moulton - Episode 17 36:08

2M ago36:08

36:08

In this episode of "The Evergreen Thumb," we are joined by Laurel Moulton, an integrated pest management specialist with the WSU Regional Small Farms Program. Laurel sheds light on utilizing a holistic approach to tackle pests in your vegetable garden. Learn how to strategically manage pests, leverage natural predators, work with the weather, and i…

1
How to Support Solitary Bees with Thyra McKelvie - Episode 16 40:21

2M ago40:21

40:21

Join us as we explore the wonderful realm of leafcutter and mason bees with our special guest, Thyra McKelvie from RentMasonBees.com. In this episode, Thyra shares her wealth of knowledge about these incredible pollinators, shedding light on their unique behaviors, vital roles in pollination, and how gardeners can support their populations. Thyra o…

1
Unveiling the Secrets of Successful Rain Gardens with Valorie Savisky - Episode 15 40:04

3M ago40:04

40:04

In this episode, Master Gardener Valorie Savisky joins us to chat about what successful rain gardens are and how to build them in the PNW. We discuss the technical aspects of planning and installing a rain garden, as well as plant choices and resources for guidance when building a rain garden. For resources, links, a transcript, and more, be sure t…

1
Unlocking the Soil Carbon Code with Doug Collins- Episode 014 51:33

3M ago51:33

51:33

Delve into the fascinating world of carbon sequestration, exploring how gardeners in can play a crucial role in environmental stewardship. Our expert guest, Doug Collins sheds light on the significance of healthy soil in capturing and storing carbon, emphasizing the impact of gardening practices on this process. From the role of plants in soil carb…

1
Dry to Dazzling: Xeriscape Gardening with Elaine Jamerson 22:38

4M ago22:38

22:38

In this episode of "The Evergreen Thumb," we delve into the world of xeriscape gardening, exploring the art of creating water-wise landscapes in the unique climate of Washington State. Join us as we unravel the principles of xeriscape gardening, sharing practical tips on plant selection, soil improvement, and water-conserving techniques. Discover t…

1
Digging into the Basics of Soil Biology - Episode 12 32:24

4M ago32:24

32:24

Soil is Alive! Today we talk about the basics of soil biology including: Understanding soil as a living ecosystem The "players" in soil biology Soil organic matter and nutrient cycling The principles of soil health I also go through the January gardening calendar. It is a great time for planning in the garden. Check out the show notes for resources…

1
Designing With Nature: An Introduction to Permaculture - Episode 011 38:46

5M ago38:46

38:46

Have you ever heard of permaculture? In this episode, I delve into the basics of Permaculture, a sustainable and holistic approach to gardening. I break down the fundamental principles of permaculture, sharing insights on creating resilient ecosystems, conserving resources, and fostering biodiversity in your garden. Tune in to discover how permacul…

1
Managing Winter Issues in Trees with Tim Kohlhauff - Episode 010 46:02

5M ago46:02

46:02

Is winter really the best time to prune fruit trees? What do I do if my tree is damaged by wind or snow? Do I need to water in the winter? Tim Kohlhauff, certified Arborist and the Urban Horticulture Program Coordinator for Spokane County, answers these questions and more on this episode of The Evergreen Thumb. First up is the December gardening ca…

1
Pollinators in Winter with David James - Episode 009 32:11

6M ago32:11

32:11

David James joins me today to talk about pollinators, particularly in winter. We discuss: Supporting Pollinators in Winter Protecting habitat for overwintering pollinators Mason Bees Butterflies Xerces Society Pollinator-related research Attracting pollinators to the vegetable garden Attracting pollinators with native plants David James is an Assoc…

1
Greening Your Space: Caring for House Plants with Ann Amato - Episode 008 40:25

6M ago40:25

40:25

In this episode of the Evergreen Thumb, Ann Amato shares her expert insights on house plants, providing practical tips on care and the benefits they bring to our indoor spaces. From choosing the right plants for your home to creating a lush and healthy indoor garden, Ann's guidance will help you transform your space into a haven of greenery. In thi…

1
Creepy Garden Critters with Todd Murray - Episode 007 38:44

7M ago38:44

38:44

Today I talk with Todd Murray, entomologist and Director of WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center, about "creepy critters" and their value in the garden (or lack thereof in the case of rats). We discuss: Bats Spiders Snakes Beetles Rats Parasitoids Todd also explains, from his perspective, the value an endowed faculty chair/professor will brin…

1
Bringing The Outdoors In: Indoor Gardening Essentials with Jonica Burkett - Episode 006 24:31

7M ago24:31

24:31

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, Jonica Burkett explains indoor gardening essentials. She discusses the hows and whys of growing indoors, briefly touching on methods like aquaponics and hydroponics, as well as the key concerns of managing soil, water, and pests. Resources and show notes, as well as a transcript can be found at: https://everg…

1
Surviving Winter's Wrath: Preparing Your Garden for Winter Weather with Bonnie Orr - Episode 005 42:14

8M ago42:14

42:14

In this episode, Bonnie Orr discusses various strategies for preparing gardens for winter weather. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your local environment, including factors like sunlight exposure, climate patterns (such as El Niño or La Niña), and the unique features of your yard, such as slopes, trees, and shade. Bonnie also provide…

1
Cultivating Second Chances: Benton-Franklin Master Gardeners Empower Incarcerated Youth 15:52

8M ago15:52

15:52

In this episode, I have a conversation with Alice Allison, a WSU Extension Master Gardener in Benton-Franklin Counties, about their work with the local juvenile justice center. The Benton-Franklin County WSU Extension Master Gardener Program won the David Gibby Search for Excellence Award in the youth category at the 2023 International Master Garde…

1
Rooted Resilience: How to Harvest and Store Crops for Winter - Episode 003 16:45

9M ago16:45

16:45

Do you like to store some of your garden harvest for the winter? Do you wish you had a root cellar to store it in? In this episode of "The Evergreen Thumb," the focus is on how to harvest and store crops for winter without a root cellar. Your host, Erin, provides valuable insights into the ideal conditions for storage and more practical options for…

1
Cultivating Expertise: Inside the Master Gardener Program with Jennifer Marquis - Episode 002 30:18

9M ago30:18

30:18

Have you ever wondered what a Master Gardener is? What exactly do Washington State University Master Gardener Program volunteers do? Our guest today is Jennifer Marquis, Statewide Program Leader of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program. We talk about how the program started, how Extension Master Gardeners serve their communities, and how much E…

1
Rooted Beginnings - Meet Your Host and What to Expect - Episode 001 15:20

10M ago15:20

15:20

In this introductory episode of "The Evergreen Thumb" podcast, host Erin Landon, a Washington State University Extension Master Gardener, shares her background and gardening journey. Erin discusses her experiences with gardening and her current gardening focus. Erin also introduces the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program, providing a brief histor…

1
The Evergreen Thumb - Episode #000 2:11

10M ago2:11

2:11

Welcome to The Evergreen Thumb, brought to you by Washington State University Extension Master Gardener program volunteers and sponsored by the Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State. I'm your host Erin Landon, a WSU Extension Master Gardener since 2015 as well as a certified permaculture designer and modern homesteader. I'm thrilled to be …

1
Pity the poor poinsettia 6:10

3+ y ago6:10

6:10

Debunks the myth of the poisonous poinsettia and provides some tips for its care as a houseplant during the holiday season.

1
Fall lawn care 8:30

3+ y ago8:30

8:30

Explains how to care for home lawns in the fall as part of an overall lawn care plan in the Pierce County WA area.

1
Planting trees and shrubs 7:57

3+ y ago7:57

7:57

Explains best practices when planting trees and shrubs in the yard in the Pierce County WA area.

1
Tomato problems 8:52

3+ y ago8:52

8:52

Explains common problems growing tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest.

1
Fall bulbs for spring flowers 6:57

3+ y ago6:57

6:57

Gives information on how, when and what to plant in the fall for spring flowers in the Pacific Northwest

1
Rain Gardens 7:04

4y ago7:04

7:04

Explains the concept of a rain garden with links to websites with how to information for Pierce County and western Washington.

1
What is Hugelkultur? 6:11

4y ago6:11

6:11

Describes the hugelkultur method of composting

1
Encouraging bumblebees 6:55

4y ago6:55

6:55

Explains the lifecycle of bumblebees and how to provide habitat to encourage their survival in western Washington.

1
How to make compost 7:24

4y ago7:24

7:24

Explains both the hot and cold methods of making compost.

1
What is good garden soil? 9:53

4y ago9:53

9:53

Provides information on how to create and maintain good garden soil for growing vegetables and flowers in Pierce County WA

1
What is eating my plants? 7:40

4y ago7:40

7:40

Information on dealing with insect pests organically in Pierce County WA.

1
What is a Master Gardener? 5:00

4y ago5:00

5:00

Explains what Master Gardeners do in Pierce County and a link for application information.

1
Spiders 6:47

4y ago6:47

6:47

Information on the common species of spiders in Washington

1
Vegetable garden project how to's 3:20

4y ago3:20

3:20

Provides information on how to build structures for the vegetable garden and explores links from the Pierce County Master Gardener website.

1
Growing basil 7:17

4y ago7:17

7:17

Provides information on how to grow sweet basil in Pierce County WA

1
Apple tree pest problems 7:22

4y ago7:22

7:22

Description of the three most common pests of apple trees in western Washington and where to find authoritative information on controlling them

1
Growing cucumbers 5:20

4y ago5:20

5:20

Information on growing cucumbers in Pierce County WA

1
Growing squash 5:21

4y ago5:21

5:21

Information on growing squash, pumpkins and zucchini in Pierce County WA.

1
Growing carrots 5:16

4y ago5:16

5:16

Information on how to grow carrots in Pierce County WA. 9

1
Apartment vegetable gardening 8:36

4y ago8:36

8:36

Explains how you can grow your own vegetables on your apartment balcony in Pierce County WA

1
Beneficial insects 5:45

4y ago5:45

5:45

Information on how to encourage beneficial insects to stay in your yard.

1
Natural pesticides 7:11

4y ago7:11

7:11

Explains what natural pesticides are and how to find information on using them.

1
Growing peppers 4:58

4y ago4:58

4:58

How to grow peppers in Tacoma WA

1
Arsenic in soil 4:49

4y ago4:49

4:49

Information about arsenic and lead contamination in soils in and near Tacoma WA

1
Growing tomatoes 5:34

4y ago5:34

5:34

How to grow tomatoes in Pierce County WA

1
Coffee grounds in the garden 5:16

4y ago5:16

5:16

Should you use coffee grounds in your yard or garden?

1
Vegetable gardening 7:04

4y ago7:04

7:04

General information and WSU resources for the home gardener

Podcasts Worth a Listen

WSU Extension Master Gardener Program Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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