Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

403 Battling Fusarium Wilt

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 ResourcesUniversity of MinnesotaThe Missouri Botanical GardenGot 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 websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basicshttps://gardenbasics.substack.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Twitter/X: @farmerfredFarmer 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.

402 Edible Succulents

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 websiteSnail and Slug Control Tips from UCANRAll About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net“Beyond the Garden Basics” NewsletterFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer 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

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 plantsMore Wildfire Protection Tips :Utah State University University of Nebraska-Lincoln Vail, Colo. Ashland, Oregon Minnesota/Wisconsin Fort Worth, TX British Columbia, CanadaAll About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net“Beyond the Garden Basics” NewsletterFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer 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

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 bloomLinks:“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 BlogsGrowing CaneberriesPam Farley website - Brown Thumb Mama Pam Farley book - “Container Food Gardening”American Society of Consulting ArboristsHow to Plant a TreeAll About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net“Beyond the Garden Basics” NewsletterFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer 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

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 packetsLinks:“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 GlossaryAll About Farmer Fred: GardenBasics.net“Beyond the Garden Basics” NewsletterFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.socialFarmer 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.