Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Southern Ground

Education EN ↓ 15 episodes

Gardening and farming in the South come with their own unique challenges but incredible rewards. When questions arise, the Southern Ground podcast is your trusted source for answers. Tune in as Alabama Extension educators Chip East and Shane Harris from Auburn University dig into timely lawn and garden topics, tackle common problems, and share practical, proven solutions that you can use. This information is not guesswork or internet folklore; it is research-based guidance from two respected horticulturists with more than 50 years of combined experience helping growers succeed. Episodes are al...

Author

Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Episodes

Season 1 Episode 15—It’s Peach Season, Y’all 10.07.2026 31:45

Nothing says summer in Alabama quite like a fresh peach. On this episode of Southern Ground, hosts Shane Harris and Chip East are joined by David Lawrence, an Alabama Extension....

Season 1 Episode 14—Ugly Tomatoes: Diseases 26.06.2026 31:14

What causes tomatoes to turn ugly? On this episode of Southern Ground, hosts Shane Harris and Chip East are joined by Alabama Extension plant pathologist Ed Sikora to break down....

Season 1 Episode 13—Ugly Tomatoes: Insects 17.06.2026 30:46

Tomatoes are a summer favorite, but attempting to grow a good crop can be frustrating. On this episode of Southern Ground, hosts Shane Harris and Chip East talk with Paulo Cremonez....

Season 1 Episode 12—Ugly Tomatoes: Nonliving Causes 05.06.2026 19:57

Why do perfectly healthy tomato plants sometimes produce fruit that’s…well, a little U.G.L.Y.? Before you resort to telling your tomatoes that they ain’t got no alibi, let Alabama Extension’s experts....

Season 1 Episode 11—Turfgrass for Home Lawns: Part 2 22.05.2026 25:54

Turfgrass: so nice we’re talking about it twice! On this episode of Southern Ground, hosts Shane Harris and Chip East continue their conversation with Extension Specialist Dave Han. Building on....

Season 1 Episode 10—Turfgrass for Home Lawns: Part 1 21.05.2026 26:49

From shade tolerance to maintenance requirements, there are many things to consider when trying to establish a new lawn or renovate an existing one. On this episode of Southern Ground, hosts....

Season 1 Episode 9—Managing Fire Ants 01.05.2026 35:02

Boiling water, instants grits, and gasoline are all the supposed miracle treatments for fire ants. However, these fake remedies don’t hold a candle to practical, research-based control methods. On this....

Season 1 Episode 8—What’s Wrong with My Tree? 17.04.2026 27:08

Every looked out in your yard and said, “What’s wrong with my tree?” You are not alone. In fact, this is one of the most common questions that Extension agents....

Season 1 Episode 7—Planting the Garden with Dani Carroll 04.04.2026 21:01

Spring may feel like the time to plant everything, but a better garden starts with better timing. On this episode of Southern Ground, hosts Shane Harris and Chip East are....

Season 1 Episode 6—Buzzing Carpenter Bees 20.03.2026 15:20

Spring has a way of announcing itself—and on this episode of Southern Ground, it comes with a buzz. Hosts Shane Harris and Chip East blend childhood memories with practical advice....

Season 1 Episode 5—It Starts with Soil 06.03.2026 40:08

Soil is one of the most asked about topics for many Alabama Extension professionals across the state. On today’s episode of Southern Ground, hosts Chip East and Shane Harris take....

Season 1 Episode 4—Starting Seeds Indoors 20.02.2026 35:16

Things are starting to grow on this episode of Southern Ground! For those who just can’t wait to get in the garden, starting seeds indoors is a great option, but....

Season 1 Episode 3—Fruit Selection 06.02.2026 28:45

The middle of winter is the prime time to start choosing the fruits that you may want to grow. On this episode of Southern Ground, hosts Chip East and Shane....

Season 1 Episode 2—Pruning Basics 30.01.2026 16:30

Pruning is one of the most impactful things to a plant’s future growth and output. On this episode of Southern Ground, hosts Shane Harris and Chip East discuss some pruning....

Season 1 Episode 1—Welcome to Southern Ground 30.01.2026 8:58

Welcome to Southern Ground, a place to learn, laugh, and gain an inside look into the many horticultural resources of Alabama Extension. On this premier episode, Chip East and Shane....