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Fred Hoffman

Tips for beginning and experienced gardeners. New episodes arrive every Friday. Fred Hoffman has been a U.C. Certified Master Gardener since 1982 and writes a weekly garden column for the Lodi News-Sentinel in Lodi, CA. A four-decade fixture in Sacramento radio, he hosted three radio shows for Northern California gardeners and farmers: The KFBK Garden Show, Get Growing with Farmer Fred, and the KSTE Farm Hour. Episode Website: https://gardenbasics.net

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

Looking for easy to grow succulents for a wide variety of climates? We cover the basics for growing these unthirsty plants both outdoors and indoors. 
Spice up your salsa garden this year with the tomato relative, tomatillos. We have tips, and a warning.
We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go!

Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629

Pictured:
 Jade Plant, Crassula ovata

Links:
 Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery

Tomatillo Salsa Recipe from the CA Master Food Preservers 
Tomatillo Seeds 
Tomatillo Heirloom Varieties 
Sacramento Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale, May 6-8 
Harvest Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center, Sat. Aug. 6, 2022 

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

All About Farmer Fred:
 The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter 
 https://gardenbasics.substack.com

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com
 
 Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter 
 https://twitter.com/farmerfred

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
 http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

And thank you for listening.

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

176 Succulent Basics. Tomatillos Instead of Tomatoes? A Warning.

The healthiest food you can eat is the food you grow yourself! In this episode, we speak with Dr. Laura Varich from FreshPhysician.com about the vital role of nutrition in supporting immunity, especially during the winter months. We explore the balance of immunity rather than just boosting it. And we discuss the correlation between diet and chronic diseases. Dr. Varich highlights the benefits of a plant-centered diet and compares germ theory with terrain theory. We also emphasize the immune-boosting properties of specific foods like turmeric and the health advantages of gardening. Lastly, we share resources from her website for actionable insights on living a healthier lifestyle.

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: Immunity Boosting (and Inflammation-Reducing) Homegrown Onions and Garlic

Links:
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Website: FreshPhysician.com (Dr. Laura Varich)

Turmeric Growing info (U. of VT)

All About Yacon (UCANR)

How to Grow Yacon

The Dietary Inflammatory Index

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

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? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• 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, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

370 Grow Your Own Immunity Boosting Foods

In today’s episode, we explore America’s top 10 homegrown vegetables. We are guided by Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour. From tomatoes—America’s favorite, with 86% of gardeners growing them—to cucumbers, sweet peppers, hot peppers, squash, beans, lettuce, peas and more, we cover essential tips for garden success in your backyard.

In Part 1: Tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, beans, and carrots. 
In Part 2 (after the commercial break): summer squash, onions, hot peppers, lettuce, and peas. 

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: Cucumbers on a Trellis

Links:
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Rapid City (SD) Journal Newspaper: 10 most popular vegetables grown in American gardens

National Gardening Association: Top 5 Homegrown Vegetables

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

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? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• 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, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

371 America's Top 10 Vegetables to Grow (and Enjoy!)

In this episode, we reflect on the ups and downs of Northern California’s 2024 tomato gardening season, with Don Shor of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We share insights on the successful varieties, such as Rugby, Chef’s Choice, and Jet Star. But we also point out the ones that struggled, and failed, during 2024’s record breaking July heat waves here (I’m looking at you, heirlooms!). We explore the effects of weather on tomato growth, including coping with extreme heat, and a comparison of heirloom versus hybrid tomato varieties, with planting tips.

Anyone in the world growing tomatoes will glean valuable information from this chat, despite the truism, ALL GARDENING IS LOCAL.

It’s all in today’s episode number 372, "2024 Tomato Winners (and losers!)". 
We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and accurate transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: A Good Tomato Harvest

Links:
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Redwood Barn Nursery, Davis CA
 
For more information about the TOMATO VARIETIES mentioned in this podcast, visit the “ Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter ” of Dec. 27, 2024

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

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? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• 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, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

372 Tomato Winners (and Losers) of 2024

We're kicking off the 2025 season with the garden interviews that were the Top 3 topics that drew the most interest from you, the listeners, in 2024. 

Debbie Flower and I have the tips to start your first garden, along with advice for anyone who wants a successful. 

Blueberry experts, including Master Gardeners and professional blueberry growers, delve into the knowledge you need for growing the best blueberries ever. 

And, we talk with noted doctor and gardener, The Fresh Physician, Doctor Laura Varich, about the heart healthy garden.

It’s all in today’s Episode 373, the "Greatest Garden Hits of 2024".

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: Blueberries

Links:
 Smart Pots 
 Dave Wilson Nursery 

Farmer Fred Rant Blog: Tips for the Beginning Vegetable Gardener
 Solarize your soil to control weeds, diseases
 Reciprocating Hoe (aka Hula Hoe, Scuffle hoe)
 Dripworks (drip irrigation supplies and tutorials)
 AmpleHarvest.org for your excess backyard produce
 
 Farmer Fred Rant Blog Page: Grow Blueberries in Containers
 Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
 Dave Wilson Nursery Video: Container Blueberries for Small Spaces

 Heart Healthy Foods Newsletter from Fresh Physician
 My Fitness Pal
 Black Seed (Black Cumin, Nigella Sativa)
 Ground Flaxseed
 Devil's Ear Lettuce
 Tokyo Bekana Chinese Cabbage
 Book: "The One Minute Workout" by Martin Gibala

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

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? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe. 

• 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, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

373 Greatest Garden Hits of 2024

Tips for starting pepper seeds. How to care for pepper seedlings. With Debbie Flower. 
Protecting your yard and home from wildfire. With Kevin Marini, University of California Defensible Space advisor.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and accurate, human-reviewed transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.

Pictured: Pepper Seed Packets

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

More Pepper Seed Germination TIps

The Dance of Defensible Space, by Kevin Marini

UCANR Fire Network: Creating a Defensible Space

U. Nevada-Reno: Mulch and Flammability

CalFire Demonstration Fire Video

IBHS Research Center Ember Storm Test Video

FireSafe Marin

CA Native Plant Society list of fire-resistant plants

MORE WILDFIRE PROTECTION TiPS :
Utah State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Vail, Colo., Ashland, Oregon, Minnesota/Wisconsin, Fort Worth, TX

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 
Instagram: 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? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe
• 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, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

374 Success with Pepper Seeds and Seedlings. Fire-Wise Landscaping.

We delve into cool season gardening with Master Gardener Gail Pothour and retired college horticultural professor Debbie Flower. We explore best practices for growing peas, focusing on varieties like sugar snap and snow peas, while discussing germination tips, planting times related to frost dates, and inventive trellising methods using materials such as bicycle wheels.

Shifting to tulips, we address a listener question about improperly stored sprouted bulbs. Debbie shares her expertise on proper bulb storage, planting depth, and vital conditions to avoid mold, alongside the effects of vernalization (cold storage of bulbs) and etiolation (long, weak stems). The episode provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced gardeners, equipping listeners with essential strategies to cultivate peas and ensure vibrant tulips come spring.

Pictured: All America Selections Winner, the Snak Hero pea.

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. Also available on YouTube.

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
Snak Hero Pea
Oregon II Sugar Pod Peas
Sugar Magnolia Peas
Magnolia Blossom Peas
Mushroom brush
Species Tulip information
Zone information for tulip growing

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

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? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• 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, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

375 Cool Season Pea Planting. Tulip Tips.

Episode 376 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast offers more sustainable gardening tips for all gardeners. We cover managing hackberry aphids using less toxic methods with Debbie Flower; growing tips and benefits of the herb, self-heal with Master Gardener and herb specialist Ruth Ostroff; and advice from Organic Consultant Steve Zien, using fallen leaves for winter soil nourishment.

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) 

Pictured: The Herb, Heal-All (Prunella Vulgaris) (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
 More Information about the Herb, Heal-All (Prunella)

Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects (Episode 41 of this podcast)

Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects, part 1 (Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter)

Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects, part 2 (Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter)

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

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? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• 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, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

376 Heal-All Herb Growing. Hackberry Aphids. Leaf Mulching Winter Garden Beds.

Want bountiful tomatoes and beautiful roses in 2025? Today, we cover essential tips for starting tomato seeds and winter rose pruning. Debbie Flower shares insights on timing for planting tomato seeds and the benefits of starting them indoors. We discuss nurturing seedlings and the advantages of hybrid varieties for beginners. Master Rosarian Charlotte Owendyk explains winter pruning techniques for healthier rose growth this spring. 

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).

Pictured: Tomato Seedlings

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

All America Selections Tomato Winners

Concrete Reinforcement Wire Sheets (6” mesh)

Soil Thermometers

Ep. 374 Pepper Seed Germination Tips

American Rose Society

The Best Roses for America (and rose pruning)(Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter of Jan. 21, 2022)

How to Prune a Climbing Rose

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

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? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• 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, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

377 Tomato Seed Planting Tips. Rose Pruning Success.

We tackle the management of four-legged garden fruit tree pests with Debbie Flower. 

We discuss listener concerns about squirrels, raccoons, and rats, exploring protective measures and the importance of exclusion methods. Our conversation also covers strategies for deterring deer and effective, humane rat control tactics. We share practical tips for ongoing maintenance and highlight the relationship between gardening and wildlife, encouraging listeners to check the Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter for additional resources.

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) 

Pictured: A Tree-Munched Green Persimmon

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Backyard Orchard Culture Basics (maintaining short fruit trees)

Wire Mesh Fruit Bag Protection

Hardware Cloth

Barn Owl Boxes

Rat Traps

Rat Poison Restrictions in California

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

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? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• 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, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

378 Battling Four-Legged Fruit Tree Pests

11 Tips for Garden Success, recorded live, at the Lincoln Hills/Sun City (CA) garden club, May 2023.
• All Gardening is Local. (6:04)
• Know Your Soil. (10:27)
• Right Plant, Right Place. (20:47)
• Mulch, Mulch, Mulch. (23:13)
• Mother Nature Bats Last. (26:38)
• What's Old is New Again. (32:06)
• Everything You Know is Wrong. (38:37)
• If It Works for You, Fine. But Keep An Open Mind. (42:40)
• Read and Follow All Label Directions. (43:44)
• Life is Too Short to Put Up with a Problem Plant. (46:40)
• Bermuda Grass is Forever. (49:20)

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

271 Eleven Tips for Garden Success, Live!

Lyt når som helst, hvor som helst

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