The Organic Gardener

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.

Doug talks about keeping the deer away from your garden, using mushroom compost when you have to, and planting bulbs till we get that first frost.

Fall gardening tasks are starting to pile up. On today's show, Doug and Jess talk to callers about feeding rhododendrons, re-blooming amaryllis, and dividing hydrangeas. 

Doug and Jess share their favorite planting techniques, plus they talk to callers about iris borers, holly bushes, and rose pruning.  Plus, Rob from Davey Tree joins in the fun.

Doug and Jess talk about fall planting tips for trees,shrubs, perennials, and vegetables.  Jess also tells us how to raise monarch butterflies at home.  Listen to find out how to diagnose blight issues for tomatoes.

Doug and Jess talk to callers about what is happening in their gardens and what they need to do this time of year.  They are also joined by the People from Davey Trees to talk about taking care of the trees around your house and trying to Identify a listeners tree.

Jessica chats with callers about pruning, insects, and the importants of public gardens.  She also discusses tree care and trouble shooting.

THe Tomato and Garlic is a free event to benefit the food bank.  Jess and doug talk to Dick TIll from Davey trees.

Doug and Jess discuss septoria leaf spot, blights, and other tomato diseases and troubles.  They also talk to callers about growing figs, drying basil, and harvesting cantaloupes.

Doug answers question about Blue Bells and tomato plants. He is also joined by Todd from Davey Tree and they discuss the proper mulching around a tree.

Summer's heat brings pests and maintenance.  Doug and Jess answer callers' questions about lacebugs,birch leaf drop, dividing day lillies, and more.

Arbourist Dick Till from Davey Tree joins us to discuss summer storm tree care.  Doug and Jess also talk to callers about managing tomato disease, growing Freesia, and growing figs.

Doug is still planting in his garden and is even planting a tree.  Davey Tree let him know the best way to plant and answer other tree questions the listeners have.

Even though summer can be fun it can also bring some some garden woes.  Today, Doug and Jess answered questions about tomato leaf curl, zucchini problems,managing slugs, and growing peaches.