The Garden Gamble

It's Ricki's 30th birthday, and we're celebrating with a special episode packed with 30 fun, surprising, and sometimes downright weird gardening facts. This episode is equal parts entertaining and eye-opening. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, this birthday episode is a fun, fast-paced celebration of everything that makes gardening so endlessly fascinating. 🌿 New episodes wee...

Just because you garden in a cold climate doesn't mean you have to wait until summer for color. In this episode of Garden Gamble, we explore the best spring blooming perennials for Zone 3. Think plants that shrug off late frosts and reward you with early flowers when you need them most. We cover hardy favorites like bleeding heart, creeping phlox, Siberian iris, and pasque flower, along with tips...

What does "full sun" even mean? 🌞 In this episode of Garden Gamble, we clear up the confusion around sun exposure labels so you can stop guessing where to plant. We break down what full sun, partial shade, and full shade actually mean for your plants and how to tell which spots in your yard fit each category. No more wilting surprises or leggy seedlings. Just simple, practical guidance that helps...

In this episode, we dive into the art of hanging baskets, showing you how to pick the right size and maintenance routine to match both your budget and lifestyle. We start by breaking down the three most common basket dimensions and explaining which spaces they’re best suited for, from balcony railings to porch eaves. Next, we explore plant varieties that thrive in each size: compact florals like p...

When the soil is still cool and the days are just lengthening, many gardeners think they have to wait for warm‑weather plants to get going. Not this spring, cool‑weather and cold‑tolerant annuals let you add vibrant color the moment the frost retreats. In this episode of Garden Gamble, we spotlight the top springtime annuals that love the chill, from pansies and violas to snapdragons and hardy pet...

If you’ve ever stared at a plain pot and wondered how to make it pop, this episode is for you. In Garden Gamble, Ricki breaks down the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” technique, a quick, three‑plant formula that turns any container into a balanced, professional‑looking arrangement. First, Ricki explains how to pick a tall, dramatic “Thriller” that draws the eye, then we add mid‑height “Filler” plants...

Before you see the first leaf, there are a handful of steps that turn a hopeful seed into a thriving seedling. In this episode of The Garden Gamble, Ricki is joined by her husband and Klasen's Greenhouse Co-owner, Kade Klasen, to walk you through every stage of starting a garden from seed. Together, they break down how to choose the right seeds and nurture seedlings from day 1. You’ll get step‑by‑...

Ever wondered what your hardiness zone actually means and why it’s so important for your garden? In this episode of The Garden Gamble , we break down hardiness zones in a simple, easy-to-understand way so you can make better planting decisions and avoid costly mistakes. We’ll talk about how hardiness zones impact what you can grow, when you should plant, and why choosing the right plants for your...

Before you plant a single seed, there’s one step most gardeners skip, and it can make or break your entire season. In this episode of The Garden Gamble, we’re talking about reverse garden planning and why starting with your end goal is the key to a successful garden. Instead of guessing what to plant, we walk through how to plan your garden backwards, thinking about what you actually want to harve...

Why do so many gardeners struggle every season? In Episode 1 of The Garden Gamble , we’re digging into the most common gardening mistakes and how to avoid them. From watering problems to picking the wrong plants, we break down simple tips to help beginner gardeners grow with confidence and take the gamble out of gardening.

Ever feel like gardening is just one big guess? The Garden Gamble is a podcast that helps take the gamble out of gardening. Each week, we break down common gardening questions, mistakes, and tips so you can stop guessing and start growing. From choosing the right plants to solving everyday garden problems, we’re here to help take the gamble out of gardening. New episodes weekly.