The Dallas Garden School

Pruning shrubs is one of the most misunderstood tasks in the North Texas garden. Many homeowners reach for the hedge trimmers without realizing that the wrong pruning method or timing can eliminate blooms, damage plant structure, or weaken the shrub over time. In this episode, I walk through how to prune shrubs correctly in late winter and early spring, the most common mistakes I see in North...

Are squash vine borers wiping out your zucchini every summer? You’re not alone. These destructive pests can take down a healthy squash plant almost overnight. But here’s the good news: preventing squash vine borer damage is far easier than trying to fix it after the fact. In this episode, I walk you through the simple, practical strategies I use in my own North Texas garden. I haven’t lost a squas...

Best of 2025 Series Finale: Fall Vegetables & Advanced Seed Starting Tips Welcome back to the podcast! Today we're enjoying some bird-watching out my window and wrapping up the 'Best of 2025' series by diving into fall vegetables. I'll share highlights and lessons from my fall garden, along with tips for indoor seed starting—an essential technique even for beginners. We’ll also discuss the upc...

Preparing for the 2026 Educational Season and Top Flower Picks for North Texas Gardens In this podcast episode, I share exciting updates about our upcoming 2026 educational season and the new enrollment model that grants students access to all classes with a single registration. I also discuss the recent addition of an on-demand class, 'Step-by-Step Building a Garden from Scratch.' The episode con...

Join me in this exciting episode of the Dallas Garden School podcast as I recap the highlights of my 2025 gardening season. Discover the warm-season vegetables that thrived in my North Texas garden this year, including standout varieties like the highly productive Sophy squash and the flavorful Paloma eggplant. Learn about the challenges and successes I faced, tips for soil health and garden maint...

Best of 2025: Vegetables, Part One In this episode, I continue my 'Best of 2025' series, sharing the results of my growing trials. I discuss what worked, what didn't, and what I'm changing for next year. Last week, I reviewed tomatoes, and today I move on to Part One of discussing vegetables. Additionally, I share tips for indoor seed starting and preparing your garden for winter. Don't forget to...

Best of 2025: Tomatoes or Lack Thereof This episode is the first in my Best of 2025 series and delves into a detailed analysis of my tomato trials for 2025, highlighting what worked, what didn't, and why. I share insights on disease resistance, specifically focusing on early blight, and the performance of different tomato varieties from various seed sources. I’ll also touch on my plans for 2026, n...

Beginner Tips for Transitioning from Containers to a Full Garden In this episode of the Dallas Garden School podcast, host Callie Works-Leary answers a listener's question about transitioning from growing plants in containers to creating a full-fledged garden in the yard without spending a fortune. Callie discusses essential factors to consider, such as selecting the ideal garden location based on...

In this episode, I introduce a new format that includes answering listener questions in addition to the usual lecture-style content. First, I discuss important gardening tasks for the week, such as transplanting brassicas, lettuce, and cool-season flowers like snapdragons and pansies. I also emphasize the need for consistent watering despite cooler temperatures. Next, I address Angela's question a...

 In this episode, I introduce a new interactive podcast format that focuses on answering listener questions. Today, we're addressing a question from Morgan about pruning her overgrown Texas Rock Rose and Salvia greggii. I explain the science behind pruning, including the role of the hormone auxin, and offer detailed advice on when and how to cut back these plants to promote healthier, fuller...

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of record keeping in gardening success. I share my personal experiences and tips on how detailed records have significantly enhanced my gardening skills over the years. I cover the types of information to track, such as planting dates, varieties, sources, and productivity, and explain how these details help in planning and improv...

Ditch the pumpkin patch, and grow your own! Learn how to grow pitch-perfect pumpkins in your own North Texas backyard with these simple and easy-to-implement tips and tricks.   I cover how to pick the right varieties, how to prep your garden beds for success, how to care for your plants like a pro, and when to harvest.   00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview   00:28 Pers...

Are your pumpkin and squash plants mysteriously wilting and dying just when they're getting established? If you've ever lost plants to squash vine borers, this episode is your complete guide to prevention and early intervention! Squash vine borers are one of the most frustrating pests for home gardeners, but with the right preventative strategies, you can protect your plants without expensive trea...

Hey, Texas Gardeners! Today, we're diving into how to start and improve your cut flower garden. I'll be explaining why a cut flower garden is different from a traditional flower garden and how to lay it out with intention. We'll also cover selecting the right plant varieties for our seasons here in Texas, like snapdragons, cosmos, and zinnias, and I'll share tips on indoor seed starting and advanc...

October is a major turning point for North Texas gardeners. If you have felt frustrated by September’s heat and dry spells, this is when the garden finally starts to bounce back. In this episode, I walk you through exactly what you should be doing right now to set your garden up for success, both this fall and into the spring. We’ll cover: Why October matters so much in North Texas and what you ne...

Do you love garlic in your favorite dishes but wonder how you can successfully grow it in North Texas? If you’ve ever been intimidated by growing garlic or simply aren’t sure where to start, this episode is exactly what you need! Garlic is one of the most rewarding vegetables you can plant. It’s easy to store, incredibly versatile in the kitchen, and surprisingly fun to grow. In today’s episode, I...

How to Divide and Propagate Perennials: Tips for Texas Gardeners In this episode of the Dallas Garden School podcast, I address a question from my student Debra about dividing her Salvia 'Mystic Spires Blue'. I offer insights on the best time and methods to divide perennials and explain the reasons for dividing plants, such as improving performance, reducing overcrowding, and propagating new plant...

When we talk about plants in the garden, the words we use matter. Too often, gardeners describe a plant as “invasive” when they really mean “fast-spreading” or “self-seeding.” But the distinction is critical—both for accurate communication and for protecting our ecosystems. In this episode, Callie breaks down the differences between: Reseeding plants : Normal and often beneficial, with easy ways t...

Fall is For Perennials In this episode, I talk about the common pitfalls beginner gardeners face when buying and planting perennials and how relying solely on nursery stock can be limiting. Fall, especially here in North Texas, is actually the best time to plant perennials because it allows for robust root growth, leading to better performance in the spring. I'll guide you on how to source perenni...

In this episode, we're diving into the intriguing mystery of what's eating our plants. Join me as we decode the clues left by various pests and learn how to identify the culprits behind the damage. We'll explore different types of pest damage, from caterpillars to rabbits, and share effective prevention and treatment strategies specific to each pest. Whether you're dealing with chewed leaves, stic...

In this episode, I dive into the wonderful world of zinnias, a charming and super easy-to-grow flower. I cover everything from the various types of zinnias and their unique characteristics to how to plant, care for, and harvest them in North Texas. Plus, I share my favorite zinnia varieties that thrive in North Texas!  00:00 Introduction to Zinnias 00:04 Why Zinnias Are Trending 00:...

Unlock the secrets behind the most common — and confusing — gardening terms! In this episode of the podcast, I break down gardening lingo that can sometimes be confusing like “deadhead,” “transplant,” “pinch,” “bolt,” and more. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, you’ll gain practical tips and clear explanations to help you grow your best garden ever. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcomi...

Essential Gardening Tools and Supplies for North Texas Gardeners In this episode of the Dallas Garden School podcast, I'm sharing my must-have gardening supplies and walking through the critical tools and materials I keep in my garden bag. Throughout the episode, I'll offer practical advice and personal recommendations to help you choose effective tools and products for your gardening needs....

Mastering Liquid Fertilizer Application for Your Garden In this episode of the Dallas Garden School podcast, host and North Texas gardening expert Callie Works-Leary answers a question from a student about the proper application of liquid fertilizer. She explains the importance of following the instructions on fertilizer packaging, differentiates between granular and water-soluble fertilizers, and...

In this episode of The Dallas Garden School Podcast, host and North Texas gardening expert Callie Works-Leary shares her personal list of the top 10 best-performing perennials for our unique climate. These aren’t just any perennials—these are the tried-and-true varieties that bring color, resilience, and pollinator support to North Texas gardens year after year. Whether you’re looking to upgrade y...