Take It or Leaf It

We're back! In the first episode of Season 2 of Take It or Leaf It, the Flora Fellas are covering the devastation caused by the impending cicada invasion. Will things ever be the same?! Take a listen to learn all the details on these insects that have some of the longest lifespans of any insect, as well as what you can do to save your kids and pets from the impending doom. Enjoy! Extra resources a...

It's the rare houseplants episode! This week the Flora Fellas are covering some of their recent unique plant finds at independent garden centers around St. Louis, MO; a few other funky varieties they managed to get their hands on in 2023; and some industry insider secrets on how some of the rarest houseplants on social media can go from costing hundreds of dollars to being available at all the big...

In this week's episode the Flora Fellas go into detail about everything you need to know on how to keep your houseplants (and outdoor plants brought in for winter) alive through the cold months! The duo covers everything from changes in watering routines and fertilizing to humidity, light levels, and placement in the home. If you have succulents, cacti, aroids (monstera, philodendrons, pothos, etc...

Now that spooky season is over, the Flora Fellas discuss what to do with the fallen leaves in your yard as we move further into the fall and winter seasons, as well as the many benefits of incorporating leftover Halloween pumpkins into your garden. The pair describes how leaf litter is an essential part of the back yard ecosystem, how it can be a great insulator for plants through winter, and even...

This week the Flora Fellas cover the fascinating world of viruses that can alter the DNA of both plants and the aphids that feed on them in order to ensure their spread and survival! Listen to find out how these invaders can make new aphids develop wings, make plants more attractive to aphids, and weaken their defenses so that the insects can more readily spread the viruses to more hosts. The duo...

In this week's episode, the Flora Fellas discuss another scary topic just in time for spooky season: GMOs (genetically modified organisms)! What are they, how do they differ from traditional hybridized plants, and are they really something to be concerned about? The pair gets into some of the differences between how GMOs have been treated in Europe vs. the United States, as well as some more recen...

In this week's episode, the Flora Fellas get ready for spooky season by discussing the three scariest boogeymen of the plant world: poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac...but are they really all that scary? The duo goes into detail on how to identify the three terrors, varieties that can sneak up on you in the woods by coming in different shapes and sizes, and what your chances are of running...

In this week's episode, Nick fills us in on his recent visit to Red River Gorge and Grays Arch in Kentucky, including a federally threatened plant he ran into. The Flora Fellas then get into the main topic of the week, starting to prepare for fall: How to bring plants inside for winter while preventing pest and disease issues; what can be planted in the landscape now; fall vegetable and container...

In this week's episode, the Flora Fellas are joined by a surprise guest and new member of the Take It or Leaf It recording team - whether they like it or not! Then the pair discuss biochar (what is it?), as well as its possible benefits for your plants and potential for preventing plants from absorbing heavy metals in the soil. Finally, Ethan brings us some more hilarious customer encounters and a...

In this week's episode, Ethan brings us two crazy stories from the plant world: Can some plants actually see? And how can sea grass be pollinated underwater? Get ready for the unexpected! Later, what do Bentleys, Porches, and mud streaks have in common? Listen to the Flora Fellas' first installment of the segment called "Bizarre Encounters of the Garden Center-th Kind" to find out! Enjoy! Extra re...

This week the Flora Fellas touch on several topics related to keeping your plants alive during the heat of summer: debunking the idea that summer isn't a good time to plant; watering tips to keep your plants thriving no matter what season it is; options for encouraging root growth and fertilizing during hot months; defining the role of a horticulturist and having them as a resource for your plant...

This week the Flora Fellas went on an adventure, making stops at both the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House and Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri. Take a listen to find out about some of the very unexpected connections they made and hear some details on the brand new $100M Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center and surrounding landscapes at MOBOT. Enjoy! As always, thank you for listening! Fin...

This week the Flora Fellas discuss the terrifying (if you're a bug) and fascinating world of carnivorous plants! They cover everything from the varieties you'd be most likely to find at your local garden center and care tips for them to some of the more funky, unusual types that capture their prey under water. Perhaps most importantly, The Bramble Conspiracy is finally revealed! Enjoy! As always,...

This week the Flora Fellas go over their top six and bottom six most and leaf-st favorite perennials! Enjoy! Top 6 Perennials (plus honorable mentions): https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php? ID=ECHWB https://www.monrovia.com/dwarf-joe-pye-weed.html https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/veronica/magic-show-wizard-ahhs-spike-speedwell-veronica-hybrid https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hibiscu...

This week the Flora Fellas cover what is perhaps the most popular group of flowering shrubs across much of the U.S. (and are flowering prolifically right about now) - hydrangeas! The duo runs through a quick breakdown of each of the six main types, give some examples of popular varieties, and go over some general care for keeping them looking their best in your landscape. Enjoy! As always, thank y...

The houseplant episode! This week the Flora Fellas describe their top six favorite and bottom six leaf-st favorite houseplants. Informed by years of experience as tropical/houseplant buyers for independent garden centers, the two give some hot tips from their time in the industry as to why they've made these twelve picks! Enjoy! As always, thank you for listening! Find us at: https://poplme.co/tak...

In this week's episode, the Flora Fellas go over one of the most common questions they get asked when it comes to taking care of both houseplants and plants in the landscape alike: organic vs. synthetic fertilizers! What are the pros and cons of each, and which one will they recommend? Take a listen to find out! Enjoy! As always, thank you for listening! Find us at: https://poplme.co/takeitorleafi...

In this week's episode, the Flora Fellas give some updates on the day to day life of horticulturists, their landscaping businesses, and then get into the experience they had while staring at tree trunks in the park. Enjoy! As always, thank you for listening! Find us at: https://poplme.co/takeitorleafitpod (All our links + ways to listen) https://www.takeitorleafitpod.com https://www.patreon.com/Ta...

In this week's episode, the Flora Fellas cover the first installment of a recurring segment that will take a deeper look at plant trends on social media and information from an endless barrage of ".com's." They find find out if there is actually any scientific validity to these DIY treatments and home remedies that are being promoted for houseplants and gardening and whether or not they actually w...

In this week's episode, Ethan and Nick resume their discussion on common pest and disease issues with plants by taking a dive into detrimental fungi, water molds, and bacteria. They explain why planting the same trees as your neighbors might not be the best idea, as well as what to do if your blue spruce or ornamental pear tree is looking rough. This episode is part three of a three part series al...

What would we get if a hummingbird, a lobster, and a moth had a baby? In today's episode, Ethan and Nick have a laugh while brainstorming more nicknames for the listeners and listing some hilarious mispronunciations of plant names. They then get into the main topic - discussing some of the most common insect pests of houseplants, gardens, and landscapes, as well as a variety of ways to manage them...

In today's episode, Ethan and Nick discuss their experiences with fruit and vegetable gardening! From greenhouse production to their own trials with growing veggies at home, the two go over some of their favorite varieties; what plants Ethan has selected to grow in containers this year; and some tips to address the most common issues that they hear of people facing while trying to grow vegetables....

In this week's episode, Ethan was on the news twice in one week to talk about horticulture topics, Nick helped to stop a garden center fire, and the two then get into debunking some of the common thoughts/fears society has towards bees. Ethan explains exactly why honey bees are pretty unmotivated to sting you, and then they discuss everything from petting bees on flowers to the impacts of pesticid...

In today's episode, Ethan and Nick discuss The Peat Moss Controversy (insert dramatic sounds here) that has been a developing story in recent months. They go in depth on what peat moss is and the purposes it serves in the plant world, as well as issues surrounding its sustainability, conservation, and the long-term effects of its use in the horticulture industry in North America and globally. Take...

Take It or Leaf It is a comedic plant and horticulture show covering everything from houseplants, gardening, and funky stories about the plant world to the ins and outs of the horticulture industry. Making learning about plants and horticulture more accessible and fun for everyone - we'll do the research so you don't have to! Co-hosted by Nick Farringdon and Ethan Wise Available anywhere you get y...