The Organic Gardener

It's not fall just yet! Doug tells Rob Pratte all about plants that will grow well in the late summer. Doug has suggestions for greens, like the tatosi he's growing, that will thrive heading into colder weather. Mrs. Know It All shares her love for Detroit Dark Red beets and the importance of soil testing. Doug answers questions from callers on shaping rose bushes, when to plant fall seeds, transp...

Jess is joined in-studio by horticulturist and fig and lemon growing expert Steve Biggs. His daughter and published author, 14-year-old Emma, tells Jess about over 130 varieties of tomatoes she grows alongside other unusual plant varieties. Eric Countryman from Davey Tree joins Jess to discuss tree health during the recent dry spell. Mrs. Know It All calls in about canning. They answer questions f...

Doug and Jessica answer questions and talk about hydrangeas that refuse to bloom this growing season. Doug is having an issue with squirrels and shares his experience with the Van Gogh exhibit at Phipps Conservatory. They also answer questions from callers about yellow oxheart tomato seeds, a tree covered in scale, how to bug proof plants coming inside, brown rot on a peach tree and a cucumber pla...

Doug joins Rob Pratte to talk about the importance of deadheading to keep plants blooming, what kind of plants to look for during bargain hunting this late in the season, the return of his rabbit "visitor" and the delightful peaches at Janoski's. Miles Stephens from Davey Tree talks with Doug about when and why you should consider hiring a certified arborist.

The Organic Gardeners & Jess' blog won national awards at the 2019 GardenComm Annual Conference & Expo! Doug and Jess talk about what cicada damage looks like, wrens eating cabbage worms in Jess' garden and how Doug's tomato plants have avoided blight this season. Mrs. Know It All calls to discuss her tall tomato plants. They also answer questions from callers on Japanese beetles, stink bu...

Jess talks about powdery mildew and other diseases that are popping up from the rain. She also shares a tip on keeping Japanese beetles away from her blueberries. Dick Till from Davey Tree joins Jess to talk about insects and diseases that can impact trees. They answer questions from callers on Siberian irises, stripped cucumber beetles, a split tree branch and when to trim a weeping cherry.

Doug shares the details of his next international trip to Portugal. Luke Werner with Davey Tree talks with Doug about how the increased rainfall impacts trees, mulching, and more. Mrs. Know It All talks glass gem ornamental corn, silk road lilies and shares a funny zucchini story. Doug and Luke answer questions from callers on hot pepper wax, dogwood trees and limelight hydrangeas.

Doug and Jess are off on vacation, which means Rob Pratte was joined in studio this week with two special guests! EAS Master Beekeeper, Author and Consultant Stephen Repasky with Meadow Sweet Apiaries shares his knowledge on bees. State Master Gardener Coordinator Nancy Knauss shares information on the Master Gardener Program through Penn State University. 

Doug and Jess start the show by talking about fungal diseases and Jess' appearance at the International Master Gardener Conference. Doug is planting chartreuse colored ornamental millet as a thriller plant and Jess shares a good trap crop for Japanese beetles. Micah Tribou from Plumline Nursery joined Doug and Jess to talk about trees and shrubs. They also answered questions from callers about wil...

Happy Father's Day from Doug & Jess! Doug and Jess talk about 3945 tomato seeds, four line plant bugs and how to control weeds in the rain. Matt from Davey Tree joined Doug and Jess to talk about blue spruce trees loosing needles and maple tar spots. They also answered questions from callers on removing spent flower heads, the difference between rhododendrons and mountain-laurels and relocatin...

Doug provides an update on the rabbit “visitor” in his garden. Doug and Jess talk about Jess’ new book, “Gardener's Guide to Compact Plants,” that is officially released on Tuesday & how Jess planted compact cucumbers. Mrs. Know It All provides advice on handling ornamental grasses and shares details about her ornamental eggplant. They also answer questions from c...

It’s raining...again. Doug and Jess talk about the implications for your garden. Jess’ new book, “Gardener’s Guide to Compact Plants,” comes out on June 11th! Matt from Davey Tree joins Doug and Jess to talk about how to identify and treat girdling roots and the impact of hatching cicadas on trees. They also answer questions from callers about using liquid fertilizer...

Jess shares what you need to know about cicadas and how to keep them away from your trees. Mrs. Know It All joins Jess to talk about frivolous pruning and how to properly trim tall plants. Jess answers questions from callers about carpenter bees, getting rid of poke weed and good cover crops for heavy clay soil.

Summer is right around the corner and it's time to think about protecting your trees from summer storm damage. Eric from Davey Tree joins Doug and Jess to talk about preserving your trees and how the cicadas can damage them. Plus, they talk to callers about weigela pruning, getting rid of moss, and favorite new varieties. 

Happy Mother's Day from Doug and Jess! They talk about tomato varieties they are excited about this growing season. Doug tells Jess about seeing the Vatican Gardens on his recent trip to Italy. They also answer questions from callers on pinching back butterfly bushes, roots on an amethyst falls wisteria, planting white Easter lilies outside & when to expect cicadas. 

Learn when to plant annuals and warm season plants. Jess was solo this week and talked about the importance of supporting local farmers. Davey Tree's Rob Kruljac joined Jess to discuss tree curb appeal and what types of tree are good for the street or the yard. Jess answered a question on when to harvest oregano and other perennial herbs. She also gave advice to a caller on forsythia plants with t...

Spring means dandelions and other lawn weeds are in bloom. Learn how to manage them organically and get advice for planting tree from arborist Miles Stephens from The Davey Tree Company. Plus, Jess talks to a caller about creating new planting beds

Learn how to manage weeds with newspaper, how to handle different soil types and tips for early planting.

Spring troubles are cropping up for gardeners. Doug and Jess talk about controlling bagworms, fertilizing the lawn, and dealing with ornamental pear damage. Plus, tips for rooting roses, planting lettuce, and harvesting garlic.

Doug was solo this week and talked about planting radishes and carrots in the same bed and his Gardening With Friends Video series. Davey Tree's Rob Kruljac and his new associate Eric told Doug about proper mulch application to tree roots and what trees they feel should be planted more often. They also answered questions from callers about moving raspberries, animals digging holes in backyards, de...

They talk with callers about pea planting, managing chipmunks, impatiens downy mildew, and deer-resistant plants.

Doug and Jess are ready to get planting! Rob from Davey Tree answered all of Jess and Doug's tree related questions. They also talked with callers about cucumber plants and getting rid of ground ivy.

Jess shares tips for early fruit tree care, shade gardening, and weed control. Plus, she talks to callers about compost, surprise plants and spring planting 

Listen to learn how to grow delphinium, start seeds, manage weeds with pumpkin vines and more!

Is spring on your mind? You're not alone! Doug & Jess cover lots of spring topics on today's show. From pollinator plants and seed starting to a list of great perennials for dry sun, they have you covered for the growing season.