The Evergreen Thumb

Have you ever heard of permaculture?   In this episode, I delve into the basics of Permaculture, a sustainable and holistic approach to gardening.  I break down the fundamental principles of permaculture, sharing insights on creating resilient ecosystems, conserving resources, and fostering biodiversity in your garden.  Tune in to discover how permaculture can help enhance your garden and contribu...

Is winter really the best time to prune fruit trees?  What do I do if my tree is damaged by wind or snow?  Do I need to water in the winter?  Tim Kohlhauff, certified Arborist and the Urban Horticulture Program Coordinator for Spokane County, answers these questions and more on this episode of The Evergreen Thumb. First up is the December gardening calendar.  Then, Tim Kohlhauff joins me to talk a...

David James joins me today to talk about pollinators, particularly in winter.  We discuss: Supporting Pollinators in Winter Protecting habitat for overwintering pollinators Mason Bees Butterflies Xerces Society Pollinator-related research Attracting pollinators to the vegetable garden Attracting pollinators with native plants David James is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at...

In this episode of the Evergreen Thumb, Ann Amato shares her expert insights on house plants, providing practical tips on care and the benefits they bring to our indoor spaces. From choosing the right plants for your home to creating a lush and healthy indoor garden, Ann's guidance will help you transform your space into a haven of greenery. In this episode, we talk about: Watering and Humidity Li...

Today I talk with Todd Murray, entomologist and Director of WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center, about "creepy critters" and their value in the garden (or lack thereof in the case of rats). We discuss: Bats Spiders Snakes Beetles Rats Parasitoids Todd also explains, from his perspective, the value an endowed faculty chair/professor will bring to the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program. Fo...

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, Jonica Burkett explains indoor gardening essentials.  She discusses the hows and whys of growing indoors, briefly touching on methods like aquaponics and hydroponics, as well as the key concerns of managing soil, water, and pests.   Resources and show notes, as well as a transcript can be found at:   https://evergreenthumb.mastergardenerfoundation.org/episod...

In this episode, Bonnie Orr discusses various strategies for preparing gardens for winter weather. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your local environment, including factors like sunlight exposure, climate patterns (such as El Niño or La Niña), and the unique features of your yard, such as slopes, trees, and shade. Bonnie also provides practical tips for gardeners, such as correct pl...

In this episode, I have a conversation with Alice Allison, a WSU Extension Master Gardener in Benton-Franklin Counties, about their work with the local juvenile justice center. The Benton-Franklin County WSU Extension Master Gardener Program won the David Gibby Search for Excellence Award in the youth category at the 2023 International Master Gardener Conference in Overland Park, Kansas for this p...

Do you like to store some of your garden harvest for the winter?  Do you wish you had a root cellar to store it in? In this episode of "The Evergreen Thumb," the focus is on how to harvest and store crops for winter without a root cellar. Your host, Erin, provides valuable insights into the ideal conditions for storage and more practical options for home gardeners. The episode covers various veget...

Have you ever wondered what a Master Gardener is?  What exactly do Washington State University Master Gardener Program volunteers do? Our guest today is Jennifer Marquis, Statewide Program Leader of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program.  We talk about how the program started, how Extension Master Gardeners serve their communities, and how much Extension Master Gardeners love their "job."    V...

In this introductory episode of "The Evergreen Thumb" podcast, host Erin Landon, a Washington State University Extension Master Gardener, shares her background and gardening journey. Erin discusses her experiences with gardening and her current gardening focus. Erin also introduces the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program, providing a brief history of the program and its mission, as well as that...

Welcome to The Evergreen Thumb, brought to you by Washington State University Extension Master Gardener program volunteers and sponsored by the Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State. I'm your host Erin Landon, a WSU Extension Master Gardener since 2015 as well as a certified permaculture designer and modern homesteader. I'm thrilled to be your guide on this journey through the landscapes...