WPTF Weekend Gardener

In the final hour, the team recaps summer planting progress and talks more about seasonal vegetables, blueberry tips, and upcoming remote broadcasts. They give a shout-out to Tom Campbell for guest hosting and reflect on listener traditions and favorite homegrown recipes.

Gail Hartfield joins the show to deliver the July 4th weekend forecast. The hosts take more listener calls, talk about stubborn weeds, blooming sunflowers, and Rufus' prized tomatoes. They also reflect on favorite summer crops and share tips for managing garden pests.

Mike Raley returns to the studio after a trip to Norway and reunites with Rufus Edmisten and Phil Campbell. The crew shares summer garden updates, including early crepe myrtle blooms and favorite hydrangeas. Listener Herb calls in from Jamesville to talk tomatoes, bee balm, and 10-foot corn.

Rufus shares a bit of garden lore, and the team hears from Monica David at the State Farmers Market about what’s fresh and in season. With daylilies peaking and local growers in full swing, it’s the perfect time to dig into summer color and prep for July.

The team takes listener calls on watering schedules, blossom-end rot in tomatoes, pruning tips for hydrangeas, and whether to fertilize in extreme heat. There’s also talk of reviving distressed dogwoods and encouraging continuous bloom from annuals like vinca and zinnias.

Tom Campbell hosts with Rufus Edmisten and Nelsa Cox as the crew digs into summer gardening challenges, including how to keep your plants hydrated during a dry spell. Mike Raley checks in by phone, and listeners call in with questions about blueberries, fertilizing zinnias, and diagnosing stressed maples.

The Weekend Gardener crew digs into heat stress recovery, watering timing, and pest management. They reflect on what makes homegrown tomatoes worth the effort and wrap up with advice on making the most of your summer garden.

The team answers more listener questions about pests, watering strategies, and basil woes. Hear expert tips on hydroponics, container gardens, and how to support vegetable plants through the North Carolina heat.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, Amanda Bratcher from Lee County Cooperative Extension, and tomato pro Gerald Adams share solutions for common tomato problems and summer growing questions. Listeners call in with issues related to squash and tomato varieties, while the hosts discuss soil reuse and maintaining healthy fruit.

In the final segment from Downtown Cary Park, the discussion covers everything from daylily conventions to native American uses of plants like yaupon holly and cattail. Patrick McMillan shares lessons in gardening for wildlife, and Rufus tells some memorable stories from his youth.

Mike Raley, Phil Campbell, Rufus Edmisten, and Paul McKenzie continue their conversation at Downtown Cary Park, highlighting water features, plant stories, and sustainable gardening practices. Plus, insights into the challenges and joys of growing native hydrangeas, trumpet creeper, and wild bergamot.

The Weekend Gardener team broadcasts from Downtown Cary Park with a focus on horticulture, native plant choices, and low-maintenance gardening. Learn about plant selection strategies, including alternatives to invasive species, and how Cary is transforming its landscapes for beauty and biodiversity.

The final segment covers hydrangea care, fig tree pruning, and pest management tips for the growing season. Listeners call with questions on roses, mulch, and leaf curl. The show closes with reflections on summer gardening routines and what’s thriving in the landscape.

In this hour, the hosts dive into container gardening, composting, and soil quality. Lawn maintenance for zoysia and centipede grass are discussed alongside weed control strategies. Calls come in with questions on tomatoes, daylilies and heat stress on plants.

The Weekend Gardener team opens the show in studio with discussions on watering practices, pruning peonies, dealing with black spot, and transitioning gardens into the summer season. Listener questions bring up fertilizer choices and weather-related plant care.

The final hour wraps with discussion on lemon trees, hydrangeas and hummingbird plants. Monica Wood checks in from the State Farmers Market. The team takes calls about composting, deer deterrents and ground covers, then signs off with thanks to Holy Trinity and the Raleigh Greek Festival organizers.

The show continues with advice on root rot, yellowing leaves and mole problems. Rufus recounts past visits to the Greek Festival, and Mike shares tips for tomatoes, squash and improving soil quality. Festival sounds and Greek hospitality add energy to the show as more callers chime in with questions.

Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show live from the 41st Annual Raleigh Greek Festival at the NC State Fairgrounds. They open with stories of the Dambalis family and the church’s community roots. Listeners call in with questions about peonies, crepe myrtles and controlling invasive plants. The team also shares weather-related tips for early summer gardening.

The crew reflects on WPTF’s broadcast history and shares memories of NASCAR great Junior Johnson. Monica Wood reports from the State Farmers Market with updates on fresh produce, blooming plants, and garden must-haves. Listener Stephen talks daylilies and warns about invasive plants. Carter Q calls in to thank Rufus for a tour of his garden.

Fred Gaines returns with Memorial Day flooring advice, including allergy-friendly carpet options and the latest on waterproof laminates. Rufus checks in from the road toward Boone, and the team answers listener questions about turfgrass, weeding, and garden planning.

Mike Raley, Ann Clapp, and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show live from Bell's Carpets and Floors in Raleigh. They welcome guest Fred Gaines to talk about summer home projects, and discuss plant stress, watering, and weather. Listener calls cover black spot on roses, mole problems, and composting tips.

Mike, Rufus and Phil wrap up the morning with Greenfield Communities president Matt Brubaker, who shares details on the Altis at Serenity launch, builder partners like Tri Pointe Homes, and community amenities. Dan the Flower Show Man checks in from the Got to Be NC Festival, and the hosts close the show with garden updates and hydrangea advice.

The show continues live from Altis at Serenity with more gardening questions from listeners and special guests discussing the area's unique landscaping. The team highlights the new clubhouse, upcoming walking trails and the rural charm of this growing Triangle-area community. Mike also reminisces about his early days at WPTF during a special tribute.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten and Phil Campbell broadcast live from Altis at Serenity, the new 55+ community by Tri Pointe Homes in Harnett County. They talk gardening with callers, share plant advice for May, and speak with guests from Greenfield Communities about the vision behind the development. Phil offers tips for summer vegetables, and Rufus shares a story from his days in politics.

WPTF celebrates Mike Raley’s 50th anniversary in broadcasting with a nostalgic montage of past voices. Phil and Monica spotlight specials on tomatoes, tropicals and handmade gifts, and share how supporting the nursery helps mountain communities. The show wraps with sausage talk, grilling tips and heartfelt tributes.