Videos

When is a "thorn" not a thorn? When it's a spine or a prickle. What's the difference? Retired college horticultural professor Debbie Flower explains (in 7 minutes). Originally aired in Episode 29 of t...

More details about germinating pepper seeds in the "Beyond the Garden Basics" newsletter, on Substack. Plus in that issue: a list of cold tolerant succulents; and, links to great plants for a school g...

The Garden Basics newsletter now has its own podcast. On the latest, Don Shor of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, CA has a nifty trick for saving your tomatoes from heat-related issues such as sunburn o...

Does the arrival of colder fall weather doom those tomatoes that haven't ripened yet? Retired college horticulture professor Debbie Flower explains how to backtime your tomato production to insure tha...

On Episode 155 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, explains why Bermudagrass is Forever (but she has tips for controlling...

Although the tree has beautiful fall color, the Liquidambar (aka Sweet Gum) tree has a lot going against it, including surface roots that can crack driveways, sidewalks and patios; branches that break...

College Horticulture Professor Debbie Flower talks about how to be a better garden observer, including this tip on setting up an outdoor "to-do list". Also on Episode 140 of the Garden Basics with Far...

In Episode 134 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Podcast, Prof. Debbie Flower talks about the benefit of protecting young plants (less than a year old), especially fruit bearing plants, from the w...

Master Rosarian Debbie Arrington talks about rose varieties that do well throughout the country: Knockout roses, Drift roses, ground cove roses. Part of Episode 133 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fr...

University of California Farm Advisor Rachael Long talk about the benefits of interspersing "insectary plants" throughout your garden or farm. It can dramatically reduce your pest problems! More on Ep...

Gisele Schoniger of Kellogg Garden Products explains why low dosage, organic fertilizers are better for your soil, and your plants. More on Episode 83 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Podcast. ht...

Where do those kernels of corn come from? College Horticulture Professor (retired) Debbie Flower has the non-erotic details. More on Episode 85 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. https://w...