Today: Practical flower seed starting techniques, such as the critical timing for beginning various flowers and the correct depth for planting those seeds. And, Debbie Flower shares with us her trick for careful watering of newly planted seeds. Also, she has important tips when transplanting those young flowering plants into the garden.

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, full episodes on YouTube (audio)

Pictured: Zowie Yellow Flame Zinnia

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Dramm 1000 Water Breaker Nozzle

"Zowie Yellow Flame" Zinnia

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.

We talk with Diane Blazek, the executive director of All-America Selections (AAS), exploring the newly announced 2025 winners of top-performing garden plant varieties.

Each year, AAS winners undergo rigorous trials, evaluated by expert judges, to ensure they will thrive in diverse U.S. and Canadian climates. Diane highlights standout varieties like the high-yielding tomato variety, “Tonatico”, the sweet and crunchy “Pick-N-Pop” pepper, and the visually striking “Murasaki Fioretto” cauliflower. We also cover herbs and flowers, including the resistant “Piedmont” basil and the vibrant Zinnia, “Zydeco Fire”. This episode is rich with advice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking the latest quality varieties for their gardens.

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: AAS 2025 National Award Winner, Celosia "Flamma Pink"

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

All-America Selections 2025 Garden Plant Winners

Scoville Scale for Peppers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.