Teaming With Microbes

This week Jeff and Jonathan break down the garden science behind ramial chipped wood.  They discuss its French roots, how it’s made, as well as the benefits it provides for soil, insects and animals. Later, the team discusses the complex underground web of life created by voles, as well as how to keep them out of your garden! As always, Jeff and Jonathan wrap up the episode by answering some great...

This week is all about science! The team delves into some new studies that show plants can benefit from being exposed to sound.  For example, did you know that plants will grow toward the sound of water? Later, Jeff dives into some recent work by MIT engineers who have created protective coatings that will protect bacteria from damage (which can potentially reduce the use of chemical fertilizers i...

This week Jeff and Jonathan continue their conversations about taking care of gardens and yards during the winter months.  For example, it’s good to protect your perennials by covering them with snow. Then, for all you science lovers out there, Jeff talks about the fascinating possibilities of growing plants and food on Earth’s Moon (and even Mars)! As always, Jeff and Jonathan wrap up the episode...

As southcentral Alaska endures its first snow storm of the season, the guys talk about a variety of indoor lighting systems to help your plants thrive during the winter months.  Also, did you know that snow has a little bit of nitrogen in it (poor man’s fertilizer)!? Other topics include indoor hydroponic gardening systems, as well as what to look for when purchasing LED lights. As always, Jeff an...

Jeff and Jonathan dispel some common myths about caring for indoor plants during the winter season. They also talk about some solutions including testing soil, using a microbiometer and repotting plants. Plus, Jonathan tells a Halloween story that involves…Miracle Grow? ********************************************** Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com Plant a row for the hun...

As fall transitions into winter, Jeff and Jonathan discuss plants that don't require much light (short day plants), including Chrysanthemums, Poinsettias, and various cacti. Additionally, the duo discusses various indoor lighting systems. Later, the guys talk about insects that might move indoors for the winter, and why you might want to keep some of them around! As always, the episode wraps up wi...

This week Jeff and Jonathan put their gardens to bed before winter, as the first big frost is upon us!   Other topics include how to protect your perennial garden areas during fall and spring, the right kind of snow shovel to use, as well as a curious garden riddle! Finally, some special guests drop by to ask inquisitive garden questions. ********************************************** Have a quest...

The guys discuss various aspects of roots and their relationship with different soil layers.  Speaking of soil layers, did you know that during the winter months, microbial activity doesn't stop - it just slows down! Other topics include recycling mulched leaves in your lawn or meadow, preparing raspberries and strawberries for winter, and taking care not to bring pests into your garage or greenho...

There are seasons to the soil food web. It operates differently in the fall and winter than it does in the spring and summer. And, it should be operating in your house plants as well.  Stay tuned till the end for some listener questions and more gardening advice from the masters. ********************************************** Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com Plant a row f...

This week Jeff and Jonathan discuss more ways to prep the garden for winter.  Make sure and turn the outdoor water faucets off (so they don’t freeze)!  Other topics include prepping the shed, transplanting perennials, and acting on soil test results.  As always, the guys wrap up the episode by answering listener questions.   ********************************************** Have a question? Let us kn...

This week Jeff and Jonathan talk about why leaves change colors in the fall.  They also discuss the benefits of leaving leaves on the lawn, using them for compost, or to enhance the health of your meadow.  Additionally, they talk about leaf mold (the product) and how it can be used in the garden.  Finally, the duo wraps up with some listener questions. *********************************************...

This week Jeff and Jonathan hop into a stimulating conversation with Don Larson, an assistant professor at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.  They discuss his research on the polar physiology of wood frogs, and consider setting up a habitat in their gardens next year. ********************************************** Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com Plant a row for the hu...

This week Jeff and Jonathan talk about the importance of soil microbes in gardening. They touch on planting garlic, tulips, and daffodils, but emphasize the need for early preparation.  Additionally, they discuss how microbes help with plant health, nutrient cycling, and disease control. As always, the team wraps up with some listener questions! ********************************************** Have...

This week Jeff and Jonathan commiserate about the weather before diving into an entertaining game of “Myth vs Truth” for the organic gardener. After the break, they discuss Jeff’s book, Teaming With Nutrients, before wrapping up with listener questions. ********************************************** Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming...

It is ‘shroom time. Jeff gets a bit crazy about his favorites and Jonathan reveals he has never eaten one! Who doesn’t like mushrooms, even in lawns? Of course, the duo also dips into some listener questions. ********************************************** Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com Plant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes , Teaming With Nutrients and Te...

This week, Jeff and Jonathan talk about ways to “firewise” your home or property.  They also discuss transplanting plants, shrubs or trees, as well as the abundance of mushrooms and fungi popping up around town. Finally, the duo addresses some listener questions, with a focus on composting! ********************************************** Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com Pl...

Jeff and Jonathan confront formidable garden foes: massive 4-inch slugs and the legendary 1-foot-long hammerhead worms. If they were vampires, maybe the garlic ordering and fall planting would ward them off!  The guys also dive into soil testing, the intriguing world of kohlrabi, plus a grab-bag of listener questions! ********************************************** Have a question? Let us know at t...

This week, Jeff and Jonathan delve into the art of tree planting, sharing insights and techniques the 'Teaming With Microbes' way. They also discuss the impact of forest fires on gardening, discussing their implications for soil health, plant growth, and garden recovery. Finally, the team dives into a grab-bag of listener questions including managing daddy long legs and slugs effectively.  *******...

This week, Jeff and Jonathan discuss the undervalued potential of cover crops, moving beyond just clover - an unexpected ally in your garden, not a weed!  Later, they talk about seasonal care for lilacs and other bud-prepping plants, sharing optimal times to prune and deadhead for a fruitful following year.  They wrap up by answering questions about the shelf life of soil food web supplements, as...

This week, Jeff and Jonathan discuss the diverse matter that falls from the sky, including: fireweed seeds, cottonwood seeds, and pollen. They explore these fascinating plant phenomena and how they impact our gardening perspectives.  The duo also express their grievances about the frequent rain, offering advice on how to make the most of it and what pitfalls to avoid. In their meadow report, they...

This week, Jeff and Jonathan debunk the myth that soil feeding is a fall-only activity and discuss innovative soil nourishing options - one even involves urine!  They also explore the beneficial role of the soil food web in heavy rain conditions.  Other topics include the relationship between daisies and dandelions, the importance of selective mowing, and  the challenging decisions around meadow c...

This week, Jeff and Jonathan share progress reports on converting lawns into meadows - highlighting sightings of violas, tiger swallowtail butterflies, false spirea, and more! They also discuss creating pathways in the meadow and share mowing patterns for regular lawns. Later, while exploring vegetable gardens, they discover the surprising fact that tomato flowers are both male and female and only...

​​In this episode, Jeff and Jonathan discuss the influence of weather on plant growth. While annuals suffer from unfavorable conditions, perennials thrive in windy weather. They mention the importance of the soil food web's response to water and caution against excessive watering, which can lead to the production of unwanted alcohol. Additionally, the  team covers some brief tips for dealing with...

This week, Jeff and Jonathan discuss how to care for your plants during unseasonably cool weather. They emphasize the importance of observing your plants to identify any issues such as pests, the need for remay cloth, aphid infestations (where ladybugs might not be effective), and dealing with delphinium and current defoliator (different control techniques required for fly larvae and caterpillars)...

This week, the team learns there is more than one way to say fungi! But just to be sure, Jeff introduces the show’s very first guest , none other than  the OG of all things mycorrhizal fungi, Dr. Mike Amaranthus . They discuss some science, some folklore, and even dive into Dr. Mike's excellent book Fry, Thrive, or Die: A Fun Pocket Guide to 50 Common, Delicious, Hallucinogenic, Medicinal, and Poi...