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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

Q&A: How to Grow Fava Beans as a cover crop or an edible.

Controlling Roof Rats in the Garden (good luck!)

Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids!

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: Melon Damage from Rats?

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

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.

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

405 Q&A: Who's Eating My Melons? Growing Fava Beans.

One of the best places to get your garden questions answered is at the annual gathering of local Master Gardeners, gardening professionals, and horticultural consultants at Harvest Day, held the first Saturday of August each year at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center in Sacramento County, California. And last Saturday was no exception. A question I posed to several dozen of the pros there was this: “What is the one garden tip you would like people to know?” Here’s their answers. 

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: Part of the crowd of gardeners at the vegetable garden information tables, at Harvest Day 2025.

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

Sacramento Cactus and Succulent Society

Sierra Foothills Rose Society

El Dorado Nursery and Gardens

Sacramento Digs Gardening newsletter

Miridae Mobile Nursery

Sacramento Perennial Plant Club

Soil Moisture Probes

Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito Vector District

Ed Able Fruit Solutions (Youtube)

Emerald City Interior Landscape Services

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.

404 Harvest Day Garden Tips

Why are some of my plants turning yellow and dying? One possibility: fusarium wilt. 

We address the challenges posed by fusarium wilt, a destructive, soil-borne fungal disease impacting favorite garden plants like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. But it’s not just edibles. Fusarium wilt can strike trees, shrubs and perennials such as palm trees, prickly pear cactus, pyracantha, chrysanthemum, daffodils and gladiolus.

What's a gardener to do? We have tips for thwarting - and living with - fusarium wilt. (Originally aired in Ep. 312).

Pictured: a date palm tree infected with fusarium wilt. (Photo: CDFA)

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.

Links:
Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter 

Fusarium Wilt Information from: 
UC Ag & Natural Resources
University of Minnesota
The Missouri Botanical Garden

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 

All About Farmer Fred:
The GardenBasics.net website
The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics
https://gardenbasics.substack.com
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 
Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/
Twitter/X: @farmerfred
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

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

403 Battling Fusarium Wilt

In this episode of the Garden Basics podcast, I speak with succulent expert Debra Lee Baldwin about the world of edible succulents. We delve into what defines succulents, their survival in arid conditions, and their nutritional benefits. Baldwin highlights notable varieties such as Agave tequilana (Blue Agave) and Opuntia, discussing their culinary uses and growth requirements. She shares tips on preparing these plants for consumption and reveals the value of lesser-known edibles like purslane. Baldwin also emphasizes succulents' role in food security. Also, we get a quick tip from Debbie Flower on where to place snail bait in a raised bed (not near the plants!) Originally aired in Ep. 61.

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 edible succulent, purslane.

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

Debra Lee Baldwin's Success with Succulents website

Snail and Slug Control Tips from UCANR

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.

402 Edible Succulents

We examine the growing wildfire risks for homeowners, particularly in fire-prone areas across the United States. We get insights from Kevin Marini, a UC Defensible Space Advisor. He highlights the importance of maintaining clear spaces around homes and managing vegetation in three defensive zones. Originally aired in Episode 361.
 
 Pictured: Aftermath of the Altadena (CA) Wildfire, January 2025.

Links:
 Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
 
 Other links mentioned in today’s podcast:

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
 British Columbia, Canada

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.

401 Home Landscaping Tips for Fire Safety

To celebrate Episode 400 of the Garden Basics podcast, we present the four most listened-to garden topics in the history of the podcast. 

Topics include: starting a victory garden; growing caneberries; container gardening basics; and planting and growing shade trees. 

This edition runs a bit (!) longer than normal...over two hours. Move over Joe Rogan, this one is worth a long summer road trip!

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: raised bed with peppers, raspberries, Pam Farley with containers, Crape Myrtle tree in bloom

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

National Garden Bureau Victory Garden Blogs

Growing Caneberries

Pam Farley website - Brown Thumb Mama 

Pam Farley book - “Container Food Gardening”

American Society of Consulting Arborists

How to Plant a Tree

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.

400 Top 4 Garden Topics of All Time

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: seed packets

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “Where are all the Ripe Tomatoes?”. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Botanical Interests Seed Company Glossary

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.

399 Understanding Seed Packets

In this podcast, you’ll hear from these U.C. Sacramento County Master Gardeners and their favorite aromatic plants:

Collete Armao - Scented Geraniums

Dan Vierria - the Tuberose

Kathy Hellesen - Lemon Verbena

Greta Lacin - Sage (Salvia), especially sages for cooking

Teri Van Airsdale - the banana shrub (Magnolia figo)

And bonus audio - an interview with Master Rosarian Charlotte Owendyk about her 10 most favorite fragrant roses, including

Julia Child
 Firefighter
 Francis Meilland
 Memorial Day
 Pope John Paul II
 Secret
 Princess Alexandra of Kent
 Mr. Lincoln
 Double Delight
 Beverly
 Falling in Love
 Golden Celebration

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: Magnolia figo (banana shrub) 'Port Wine'

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “Aromatic Plants and Roses - More Info”. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

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? 

GardenBasics.net

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

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

398 Aromatic Plants, plus Roses!

Master gardeners share lessons from their mistakes, covering topics like thinning fruit, plant spacing, and pest management, highlighting gardening as a continuous learning experience filled with humor and growth.

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: crowded fruit on a donut peach tree

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “Gardening and Gratitude”. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

“Sacramento Digs Gardening” 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.

397 Garden Lessons Learned (the hard way)

Today, we dive into the world of cucumbers, the second most popular crop among backyard gardeners. Debbie Flower shares her expertise on cucumber varieties, growing techniques, and addressing common issues like bitterness. We discuss the importance of starting with fresh seeds, maintaining warm soil, and ensuring consistent moisture for optimal growth. Debbie also explains how to identify and manage male and female flowers, trellising for space optimization, as well as pest and disease management. (Originally aired in May, 2023)

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: Cucumbers Growing on a Trellis

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “Should You Prune Off Tomato Flowers?” By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Cucumber growing info from Sonoma County Master Gardeners

Cucumber Pests

Cucumber seeds

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.

396 Cucumber Success Tips

Today, we are talking about New Plants for the 2024 garden year. How about a houseplant that you can eat? And better yet, it’s actually a small cucumber plant! Have you heard of the petchoa (Pet-Koa)? It’s a cross between a petunia and a calibrichoa, the plant you may know as Million Bells. The petchoa is a plant with large flowers and a tidy habit for baskets, planters, or gardens. Those and more new plants for 2024. It’s all on today’s episode.

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 TRANSCRIPTS at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: “Quick Snack” Cucumber

Help Keep This Podcast Going by Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

Topic Links:

Flashback Episode of the Week: #144 Using Wood Ash in Your Garden

National Garden Bureau: New Plant Introductions for 2024

All About Farmer Fred:
 The GardenBasics.net website

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

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

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

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

Farmer Fred on TikTok

Twitter/X: @farmerfred

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.

296 New Plants for 2024

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