The Evergreen Thumb

Washington has temperate rainforest, sagebrush steppe, and alpine meadows within the same state, so gardening advice that works in one region may not work in another. This episode explains how Level III ecoregions, a framework developed by the EPA, can help you understand the conditions in your own garden. We start with what a Level III ecoregion is and how it differs from a USDA hardiness zone. T...

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb , Erin Hoover talks with Tim Kohlhoff about the role trees play in creating healthier, more livable communities. They explore why urban tree canopies matter, the challenges communities face in protecting them, and how thoughtful tree planting can help shape the future of our neighborhoods. Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can...

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, Erin Hoover covers everything you need to know about growing garlic in Washington state. She explains the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic, shares her own growing experience, and touches on elephant garlic as well. Erin walks through site selection, sourcing seed garlic, regional planting timing, spacing methods, and mulching for winter protec...

What does it take to protect important crops from harmful plant pathogens? In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb , we explore the work of the Clean Plant Center Northwest at Washington State University with its director, Sudarsana "Sud" Poojari. Sud explains what clean plant material means, why it matters to U.S. agriculture, and how plant material moves through testing and treatment before being...

Fall may feel like the end of the gardening season, but for many spring-flowering plants, it's just the beginning. In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb , Erin explores fall planting in Washington, with a focus on spring-flowering bulbs and other geophytes. We'll look at why fall is the right time to plant many of these plants, how soil temperature affects planting timing, and what Washington gar...

Cover crops can protect and improve garden soil during the time of year when our gardens are resting. In this episode, Erin talks with Twinflower Wilkie, a WSU Extension Master Gardener in Ferry County, about how cover crops help retain moisture, protect soil from erosion, cycle nutrients, and build healthier soil. Twinflower also shares why cover crops can benefit pollinators and other beneficial...

Every gardener has encountered advice that promises amazing results, from family traditions passed down through generations to the latest trend making the rounds on social media. How do you know what to trust? In this episode, Erin talks with Bryce Battisti about what "research-based" really means and why it is a core part of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program. Bryce shares his own journey...

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, Erin Hoover chats with Julie Banken, a Master Gardener with a background in entomology, about creating pollinator-friendly gardens by rethinking traditional fall cleanup practices. Julie shares her passion for gardening with insects in mind, explaining how leaving leaves, stems, and other natural debris provides essential winter habitat for a wide variety of...

Every gardener has decisions they would make again…and a few they probably wouldn't. In this episode, Erin Hoover reflects on the gardening choices that paid off, the ones that created more work than expected, and the unexpected surprises that have shaped her garden over the years. From self-seeding herbs that got out of control to volunteer flowers worth keeping, she shares practical lessons lear...

Gardening changes as we do. Tasks that once felt easy may take more planning, different tools, or a new approach. In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, we talk about practical ways gardeners can adapt their spaces and routines to keep gardening comfortably and confidently over time. King County Extension Master Gardener Sally Bagshaw shares ideas for reducing physical strain, improving accessibi...

In this episode, Lisa Taylor returns to share tips on saving water while gardening. Lisa focuses on how being intentional with water use improves soil health, efficient watering techniques, and drought-tolerant practices for thriving plants. She shares some of her favorite high-quality tools to make saving water easier. Listen to learn how to build resilient gardens that thrive with less water, pe...

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb , we talk with Master Gardener Ed Adams about growing dahlias in Western Washington, including what it takes to manage a large collection of over 600 plants. Ed shares why dahlias thrive in Sequim's unique climate and walks through practical, research-based approaches to growing them successfully. The conversation covers getting started with tubers, seasonal...

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb , we talk with Dr. Joel Gardner from the WSU M.T. James Entomological Collection about native bees, including Dialictus sweat bees, and how new species are discovered. Joel explains how insect collections support research on pollinators and biodiversity in Washington, and why preserved specimens remain important for understanding ecological change over time....

Explore the development of a sensory garden designed to be accessible and therapeutic for neurodivergent individuals, veterans with PTSD, and others with sensory sensitivities. Learn about the design, purpose, and community impact of this innovative project.   Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .  

Slugs and snails are a constant frustration for gardeners in Western Washington, but trying to eliminate them completely isn't the goal, and it's not realistic. In this episode, we're joined by Skagit County Master Gardener Diana Wisen to talk about why these pests thrive in our region, what role they play in the ecosystem, and how to manage them effectively in a home garden. We dig into slug beha...

In this episode, Patrick Schults, WSU Extension forester, discusses the threat of emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that poses a significant risk to Washington's forests and urban trees. Learn about how it spreads, signs of infestation, and what communities can do to prepare and respond.   Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .  

In this solo episode, Erin shares her top 10 gardening tips for 2026. These are practical shifts that can make your garden easier to manage while helping plants handle stress such as inconsistent water, pests, and changing weather patterns. You'll hear a mix of mindset shifts, common habits to stop, and a few practices worth adding to your routine. Topics include soil health, watering strategies,...

In  this conversation, Colleen Adams-Schuppe, the executive director of the Yakima Area Arboretum, shares her journey and the history of the arboretum, highlighting its unique origin story as a community-driven initiative. She discusses the challenges and successes of curating a living landscape in a desert climate, the significance of various garden spaces, and the role of educational programs in...

Most gardeners recognize honey bees, but in Washington, there are over 600 species of native bees doing much of the pollination work in our landscapes. In this conversation, Anne Bulger, a WSU Master Gardener, discusses the significance of native bees in gardening and pollination. She shares her journey into the world of native bees, emphasizing their efficiency as pollinators compared to honey be...

Good vegetable gardens aren't built by following rules; they're built by paying attention. In this episode, we step back from prescriptive advice and focus on how experienced gardeners actually make decisions. Instead of chasing planting dates or perfect systems, we talk through how to read your landscape, choose crops that make sense for your goals and conditions, and time planting based on what...

What does it take to steward a public garden in the middle of a growing city? This episode explores how Bellevue Botanical Garden blends design, ecology, and community partnerships to create a resilient urban landscape. James Gagliardi, the director of Bellevue Botanical Garden, shares insights into the garden's history, community involvement, and its role as a vital green space in an urban enviro...

Are you looking to boost your vegetable garden's productivity while keeping soil healthy and pests under control? In this episode, Erin dives into practical crop rotation strategies, including Eliot Coleman's proven rotation and the leaf–root–flower–fruit method. Learn how to sequence crops, use cover crops, and plan rotations that maximize yields and protect your garden soil. We'd love your feedb...

We're taking a break from the podcast this week for the holidays.  We'll be back on January 6 with a new episode on vegetable crop rotation.  Happy New Year!

Creating Plant Guilds with Native Plants in Washington State Discover how to design thriving, low-maintenance landscapes by mimicking nature's own plant communities! In this solo episode, we explore the concept of plant guilds—groups of plants that work together to create mutually beneficial ecosystems—using Washington's incredible diversity of native species. Learn the essential layers of a succe...

Washington once grew hundreds of unique apple varieties—many of which disappeared from modern cultivation. In this episode, David Benscoter of the Washington Lost Apple Project shares how he tracks down these forgotten varieties, why so many vanished, and what it takes to preserve their genetics for the future. We explore how old orchards are located and identified, the stories behind rare redisco...