The Organic Gardener

Fall just arrived, but winter is just around the corner! Doug and Jess open the show talking about Epimedium growth and great bulbs. They also talk about how it has been a great growing year for plants with berries and a great use for button bushes. Dick Till of DaveyTree joins Doug and Jess to share essential tips for winter tree care. Learn with the callers as Jess and Doug answer questions on garlic stocks, fall cyprus trees, removing poplar trees and how to get groundhogs out of the garden. 

It's the perfect time for planting perennials and other garden plants that will come back year after year. Doug has all the details you need to know. Chad Whepley of the Pittsburgh Agway stores joins Doug to discuss the organic products they sell and the pride Whepley feels in running a family-owned business. Learn along with their callers as Doug answers questions about gladiolas, burning bushes, azaleas and peonies!

Doug and Jess have trees on their minds - they open the show talking about the different varieties of trees they would like to plant and how to protect the ones they currently have. Of course, the garden gets some love as well - Jess shares her plans for kale and oat cover crops. Miles Stephens with Davey Tree joins in to discuss this warm, dry tree planting season. Learn along with their callers on how to care for patchouli over winter, growing a pineapple plant, proper planting procedure for a Paperbark maple tree and what could cause brown spots on a tree's leaves. 

Fall has arrived and there is so much to do! Doug and Jess talk about cold weather crops, using a cold frame, cover crops, weed management and the joy of starting a garden for the first time. Learn how to transplant a redbud tree, replant and divide houseplants like Swedish ivy and peace lilies, identify wild garlic, caring for a gerbera daisy over winter and why a winter pear tree might lose leaves earlier than expected.

It's your last chance to plant vegetable crops for the fall, and Jess breaks down if and when you should plant your trees and shrubs. Jess explains the history of plant patents to Rob Pratte and Mrs. Know It All calls in to talk knockout roses. Jess answers questions from callers on a phalaenopsis orchid during dormancy, bagworms on a pine tree, pruning pumpkins and a diseased dogwood tree.

Dick Till from Davey Tree joins Doug and Jess this week to talk fall care for trees. Callers ask about Juniper tip blight, early leaf drop, and more. Mrs. Know-It-All joins the program to talk about the proper pruning of trees. 

It's not fall just yet! Doug tells Rob Pratte all about plants that will grow well in the late summer. Doug has suggestions for greens, like the tatosi he's growing, that will thrive heading into colder weather. Mrs. Know It All shares her love for Detroit Dark Red beets and the importance of soil testing. Doug answers questions from callers on shaping rose bushes, when to plant fall seeds, transplanting Rose of Sharon bushes, ground cover plants and how to handle moss and crabgrass. 

Jess is joined in-studio by horticulturist and fig and lemon growing expert Steve Biggs. His daughter and published author, 14-year-old Emma, tells Jess about over 130 varieties of tomatoes she grows alongside other unusual plant varieties. Eric Countryman from Davey Tree joins Jess to discuss tree health during the recent dry spell. Mrs. Know It All calls in about canning. They answer questions from callers on apple scab disease, hard cores in tomatoes, transplanting roses and more!

Doug and Jessica answer questions and talk about hydrangeas that refuse to bloom this growing season. Doug is having an issue with squirrels and shares his experience with the Van Gogh exhibit at Phipps Conservatory. They also answer questions from callers about yellow oxheart tomato seeds, a tree covered in scale, how to bug proof plants coming inside, brown rot on a peach tree and a cucumber plant that might not be what it seems. 

Doug joins Rob Pratte to talk about the importance of deadheading to keep plants blooming, what kind of plants to look for during bargain hunting this late in the season, the return of his rabbit "visitor" and the delightful peaches at Janoski's. Miles Stephens from Davey Tree talks with Doug about when and why you should consider hiring a certified arborist.

The Organic Gardeners & Jess' blog won national awards at the 2019 GardenComm Annual Conference & Expo! Doug and Jess talk about what cicada damage looks like, wrens eating cabbage worms in Jess' garden and how Doug's tomato plants have avoided blight this season. Mrs. Know It All calls to discuss her tall tomato plants. They also answer questions from callers on Japanese beetles, stink bugs, lilac bushes and pruning a Japanese maple tree. 

Jess talks about powdery mildew and other diseases that are popping up from the rain. She also shares a tip on keeping Japanese beetles away from her blueberries. Dick Till from Davey Tree joins Jess to talk about insects and diseases that can impact trees. They answer questions from callers on Siberian irises, stripped cucumber beetles, a split tree branch and when to trim a weeping cherry.

Doug shares the details of his next international trip to Portugal. Luke Werner with Davey Tree talks with Doug about how the increased rainfall impacts trees, mulching, and more. Mrs. Know It All talks glass gem ornamental corn, silk road lilies and shares a funny zucchini story. Doug and Luke answer questions from callers on hot pepper wax, dogwood trees and limelight hydrangeas.

Doug and Jess are off on vacation, which means Rob Pratte was joined in studio this week with two special guests! EAS Master Beekeeper, Author and Consultant Stephen Repasky with Meadow Sweet Apiaries shares his knowledge on bees. State Master Gardener Coordinator Nancy Knauss shares information on the Master Gardener Program through Penn State University. 

Doug and Jess start the show by talking about fungal diseases and Jess' appearance at the International Master Gardener Conference. Doug is planting chartreuse colored ornamental millet as a thriller plant and Jess shares a good trap crop for Japanese beetles. Micah Tribou from Plumline Nursery joined Doug and Jess to talk about trees and shrubs. They also answered questions from callers about wilting tomato plants, holes in the leaves of a Japanese eggplant and recommendations for flowering trees.

Happy Father's Day from Doug & Jess! Doug and Jess talk about 3945 tomato seeds, four line plant bugs and how to control weeds in the rain. Matt from Davey Tree joined Doug and Jess to talk about blue spruce trees loosing needles and maple tar spots. They also answered questions from callers on removing spent flower heads, the difference between rhododendrons and mountain-laurels and relocating a boxwood hedge. 

Doug provides an update on the rabbit “visitor” in his garden. Doug and Jess talk about Jess’ new book, “Gardener's Guide to Compact Plants,” that is officially released on Tuesday & how Jess planted compact cucumbers. Mrs. Know It All provides advice on handling ornamental grasses and shares details about her ornamental eggplant. They also answer questions from callers on covering a vegetable garden, rabbits eating tomato plants and how to get rid of wild roses.

It’s raining...again. Doug and Jess talk about the implications for your garden. Jess’ new book, “Gardener’s Guide to Compact Plants,” comes out on June 11th! Matt from Davey Tree joins Doug and Jess to talk about how to identify and treat girdling roots and the impact of hatching cicadas on trees. They also answer questions from callers about using liquid fertilizer and biofungicides, grinding tree roots, curling and browning leaves on coleus plants and withering flowers on New Guinea impatiens.

Jess shares what you need to know about cicadas and how to keep them away from your trees. Mrs. Know It All joins Jess to talk about frivolous pruning and how to properly trim tall plants. Jess answers questions from callers about carpenter bees, getting rid of poke weed and good cover crops for heavy clay soil.

Summer is right around the corner and it's time to think about protecting your trees from summer storm damage. Eric from Davey Tree joins Doug and Jess to talk about preserving your trees and how the cicadas can damage them. Plus, they talk to callers about weigela pruning, getting rid of moss, and favorite new varieties. 

Happy Mother's Day from Doug and Jess! They talk about tomato varieties they are excited about this growing season. Doug tells Jess about seeing the Vatican Gardens on his recent trip to Italy. They also answer questions from callers on pinching back butterfly bushes, roots on an amethyst falls wisteria, planting white Easter lilies outside & when to expect cicadas. 

Learn when to plant annuals and warm season plants. Jess was solo this week and talked about the importance of supporting local farmers. Davey Tree's Rob Kruljac joined Jess to discuss tree curb appeal and what types of tree are good for the street or the yard. Jess answered a question on when to harvest oregano and other perennial herbs. She also gave advice to a caller on forsythia plants with transplant shock.

Spring means dandelions and other lawn weeds are in bloom. Learn how to manage them organically and get advice for planting tree from arborist Miles Stephens from The Davey Tree Company. Plus, Jess talks to a caller about creating new planting beds

Learn how to manage weeds with newspaper, how to handle different soil types and tips for early planting.

Spring troubles are cropping up for gardeners. Doug and Jess talk about controlling bagworms, fertilizing the lawn, and dealing with ornamental pear damage. Plus, tips for rooting roses, planting lettuce, and harvesting garlic.

Doug was solo this week and talked about planting radishes and carrots in the same bed and his Gardening With Friends Video series. Davey Tree's Rob Kruljac and his new associate Eric told Doug about proper mulch application to tree roots and what trees they feel should be planted more often. They also answered questions from callers about moving raspberries, animals digging holes in backyards, debris under a hemlock tree and black spots on a weeping pear tree's leaves. 

They talk with callers about pea planting, managing chipmunks, impatiens downy mildew, and deer-resistant plants.

Doug and Jess are ready to get planting! Rob from Davey Tree answered all of Jess and Doug's tree related questions. They also talked with callers about cucumber plants and getting rid of ground ivy.

Jess shares tips for early fruit tree care, shade gardening, and weed control. Plus, she talks to callers about compost, surprise plants and spring planting 

Listen to learn how to grow delphinium, start seeds, manage weeds with pumpkin vines and more!

Is spring on your mind? You're not alone! Doug & Jess cover lots of spring topics on today's show. From pollinator plants and seed starting to a list of great perennials for dry sun, they have you covered for the growing season.

Looking to exercise your green thumb before spring's arrival? Let Doug and Jess tell you how to get started pruning fruit trees, planting for privacy, starting seeds, and more.

Winter is a great time to think about pruning and get started with the job! Doug and Jess talk to callers about how to prune oaks, dogwoods and azaleas. They also offer tips on mixing your own potting soil and ordering summer-blooming bulbs.

Think spring with Dough and Jess. Learn along with their callers and discover how to grow sunflowers, prevent weeds, manage orchard pests and plant peas. 

Despite the frozen temperatures, there's lots to be done when it comes to caring for your indoor plants and preparing your garden for the coming season. Learn about grafting, testing seed viability, nurturing native bees and starting figs from cuttings.

Despite the chilly temperatures, it's time to talk tomatoes! Discover some varieties from expert breeders, and some all-time favorites from Doug and Jess. They also talk to callers about frost-cracking, the dangers of systemic pesticides, and protecting tender plants.

The winter storm hit Pittsburgh this weekend. Doug and Jess talk about how it's best to stay inside and advise gardners to leave the snow alone on their plants. Doug told Jess about the amazel basil that will be available this spring. They talk to callers about replanting Christmas trees and fungs on blue spruce trees. 

On today's show, Jessica runs down the best techniques and timing for winter pruning chores. She also discusses bulb forcing for indoor blooms and how to care for orchids through the winter. You'll also get seed-buying tips and tricks!

Our warm winter weather means an unusual opprotunity to spend time in the garden. Dough and Jess discuss winter prunting, dormont oil applications, and caring for houseplants. They also help callers with lawn seedings and other questions.

Seed catalogs are coming and Jess discusses how to select the best seeds for your garden. She also talks to callers about using manure safely, how to control Japanese knotweed and the possible benefits of grafted vegetable plants.

Doug is joined by Randy Soergel of Soregel's to talk about what got him interested in plants and horticulture. Steve Repasky talks beekeeping. Doug and Rob Pratte talk about holiday.

The holiday season is here. Doug and Jess hear from callers about who inspired them to garden. Plus, they answer questions about caring for poinsettias and paperwhites. Mrs. Know-It-All calls to discuss how wet the garden has been and how it can influence our plants. 

Looking for the perfect gift for the gardner in your life? Doug and Jess share some of their favorite tools for gift giving. They also talk to a caller about pruning dogwood trees and storing apples.

The holiday season is here! Doug and Jess talk to callers about Christmas cactus care, as well as tree pruning and garlic planting. They also cover bulb planting tips and pepper varieties. 

Jessica offers tips for selecting a healthy, long-lasting Christmas tree, caring for outdoor trees over the coming months, and protecting trees and shrubs from animal damage,

Doug and Jess tell you how tofind out.  They also help callers with advice on poinsettia care, watering houseplants, dealing with azalea lacebugs, and overwintering canna tubers.

Jess and Doug share advice on controlling ground ivy and other weeds in the lawn.  They also cover tips for managing tomato diseases, over wintering figs, and planting bulbs.

Learn what to do when deer rub the bark off your trees, plus Doug and Jess talk to callers about pruning forsythia and holly and moving plants indoors.

On today's show Jessica invites callers to share their garden stories.  She also talks to callers about the benefits of not cleaning up their gardens in the fall, how to deal with moss in the landscape, and growing asparagus.

Doug talks about closing up your garden with the late stages of fall and winter on the horizon. He also discusses deer-resistant bulbs.