Flower Power Garden Hour

Want to grow your own bouquets? Bruce and I give our lists of top 10 flowers that are easy and last in bouquets. Plus, Bruce tells us which flower is toxic to other cut flowers. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:           Facebook           Instagram           email...

Believe it or not, it is time to start thinking about your fall vegetable garden. Bruce and I discuss this as well as answer your questions. When should you prune your cherry trees? It's not when you would expect. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:         Facebook  ...

A perfectly ripe strawberry right off the plant tastes worlds away from an underripe store bought one. But often people get frustrated growing them for various reasons. Bruce and I hit upon all aspects of growing strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries from which   varieties to choose, soil, pest problems and more. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at...

Bruce and I each give our top ten plants that we feel are a must to attract pollinators to your garden. So many to choose from that we only overlapped on one plant! Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:         Facebook         Instagram         email Marlene at marlenet...

Its June -- and yes you can still plant tomatoes and many other vegetables. Bruce and I discuss what can be planted and what garden chores you should tackle this month. Plus, we answer your questions. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:         Facebook         Instagr...

In part 2, Bruce and I discuss some larger pests that can cause issues in your garden including leaf footed bugs, rats, gophers, and cats! Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:         Facebook         Instagram         email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find...

Aphids, snails, thrips oh my! Bruce and I cover some of the most problematic pests you may encounter in your garden. In part one, we cover sucking and chewing insects, what to do about them and why most pesticides aren't even needed. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:...

It's May…if you have been waiting to plant peppers and eggplants, the time is here. Join Bruce and I as we go over what else to plant and tackle in the garden. Plus we answer your questions about fenestrations, bird of paradise and more. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them...

Love growing tomatoes and peppers but want to try something different? Bruce and I give our lists of top 10 unusual vegetables to grow. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:         Facebook         Instagram         email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Ma...

Healthy soil is the key to a healthy, productive beautiful garden but it can be a bit confusing with all the info out there. We discuss how to determine what kind of soil you have, how and what to amend with and more useful tips. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:    ...

It's officially tomato planting time! But what else can you plant? And what, in our opinion, should you hold off a bit longer planting. We go over your April garden tasks to do as well as answer your questions. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:         Facebook      ...

Bruce and I each break down our top 10 tips and tricks for growing a successful vegetable garden — no peeking, no comparing notes beforehand. Just two opinionated gardeners with a lot to say about what actually works. Who has a no-marigold policy on their list? Why heirlooms-only may lead to disappointment, and much more. Spoiler: we don't always agree (aka Bruce is wrong). There's plenty of livel...

To smell and see a Titan Arum in bloom is pretty spectacular, but what really fascinates me is the evolution and incredible diversity within the entire Amorphophallus genus. In this episode, I'm joined by Amorphophallus expert and plant explorer Derek Carwood, who shares his deep knowledge and stories from the field. We dive into the strange beauty, unique adaptations, and surprising variety of th...

Not sure if it's time to plant tomatoes or if you can squeeze in another round of broccoli? Bruce and I will break down what garden tasks could and should be done in March. Plus we answer your questions. What exactly are those bumps on trees?! Hmmmm. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows...

Looking to add a fragrant touch to your bedroom window or entry way? Bruce and Marlene each give their top 10 favorite fragrant plants. Will yours be on the list?  And we also reveal our most obnoxious smelling plants.   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:         Face...

There are many benefits for starting plants from seeds. But what are the best techniques for success. Bruce and Marlene go into detail on the basics and discuss more advanced seed starting requirements.   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.   To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:         Facebook         Ins...

Believe it or not, spring is around the corner.   It has been very dry in NorCal so far – sometimes we get Spring rain, so still TBD.   LOTS of prep to do for the upcoming season. It is time to plant:         Broccoli         Cabbage         Carrots         Cauliflower         Collards, swiss chard         Kale         Leeks         Loose leaf lettuce         Peas         Potatoes….late in the mon...

Kill every houseplant you try to grow? Not anymore. Bruce and I share our top 10 easiest houseplants that are guaranteed to thrive in your home… even if you are convinced you have a brown thumb.   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.     To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:         Facebook         Instagram...

Welwitschia mirabilis is one of the most unique plant species and on this episode we dive into everything about it. Succulent extraordinaire, Gianluca Bacci of rareplantcatalog.com , joins me in discussing its care, morphology, propagation and more.  Gianluca can be found at:         Retail website:   rareplantcatalog.com         Retail Nursery:   Boojums, 1505 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles         I...

It is the January To Do List – lots of fog in the California Central Valley recently, so a good amount of moisture even without significant rain.   Temperatures have been on the lower side, but no major freezes.   Even though it's the heart of winter, there are things that need to be done during the dry periods.     It is time to plant: Asparagus plants Bareroot trees, roses, shrubs Radishes Lettu...

It is the January To Do List – lots of fog in the California Central Valley recently, so a good amount of moisture even without significant rain.   Temperatures have been on the lower side, but no major freezes.   Even though it's the heart of winter, there are things that need to be done during the dry periods.     It is time to plant: Asparagus plants Bareroot trees, roses, shrubs Radishes Lettu...

Tired of getting a holiday plant just to have it die on you. Don't worry, Bruce and Marlene, share tips on how to prevent your plants from ending up in the compost bin after the New Year. Topics covered: getting Christmas cactus to bloom, the truth about paperwhites coming back, soil suggestions and more.   Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Powe...

It is the December To Do List, and we are in the middle of winter garden season.   Weather is moderately cold, foggy, and so far it has been pretty dry.   We finish up with a Listener Q&A.     It is time to plant: Asparagus Fava beans Bok choy Broccoli rabe Garlic Kale Loose leaf lettuce Mustard Onion sets Radish   Do not plant yet: Bareroot trees Roses Berries   Chores include: Protect succulents...

Fall is a great time to plant California natives. Brendan Wilce of the California Native Plant Society joins me to give his 10 top favorite natives. This episode is sponsored by BeWaterSmart . The Brendan and the California Native Plant Society can be found at:         Website: calscape.org         Instagram:   @theplanimal Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributi...

Want to take over that neglected school garden but need some inspiration? Listen to Shelley and Christy of @betweentwoshrubs discuss their story of creating a successful school garden program. Plus -- we talk about their new YouTube channel, which is exploring local gardens, talking to the gardeners, and all things garden-adjacent.   Very fun and informative, with frequent new content.   This epis...