Best Beneficial Insects Podcasts (2026)

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Starting Seeds Strong: Early Peppers, Tomatoes, and Big Garden Dreams 26:36

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1h ago26:36

26:36

Hey green thumbs! It’s one of the most exciting times of the year, when garden dreams start with a single seed. In this episode, Kevin shares his pro tips for starting spring and summer vegetables early indoors. Learn why the right soil mix matters, what conditions seeds need to germinate, and what to look for along the way to ensure healthy seedli…

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Try planting unique veggies this spring, like a burgundy sweet corn or sprouting cauliflower 5:00

2d ago5:00

5:00

As you're planning out your garden, choose some unusual vegetables to grow this spring with the help of the All-American Selections Winners list.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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New Year Garden Fun 30:19

7d ago30:19

30:19

Welcome green thumbs! This week, Kevin and Austin celebrate the new year with garden updates and a few games to test your horticultural knowledge. Kevin recommends pruning and spraying dormant fruit trees, planting bareroots, and smothering out weeds. Play along with garden trivia and start setting your sights on what you want to grow in the new ye…

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How to care for large houseplants, from lighting to the proper container 4:59

9d ago4:59

4:59

Certain houseplants like dracaena and monstera can grow quite big. And these plants need specialized care, from the proper amount of sunlight to the right kind of container.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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What Sacramento Gardeners Are Loving This Season 28:42

14d ago28:42

28:42

Welcome, green thumbs. This week, Kevin and Austin sit down in the studio to talk about everything that looks and tastes amazing this time of year. Kevin shares his freshly harvested mandarins, Austin reveals his favorite camellia, and the duo dives into lessons and great advice from Sacramento gardeners in the Facebook community. Green Acres Garde…

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Holiday poinsettias come in red, white, orange, yellow or freckled 5:00

16d ago5:00

5:00

Consider some unique varieties of this iconic holiday plant. If you fall in love with your choice, it's easy to keep poinsettias alive long past the holiday season.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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Grit, Growth, and the Real Work Behind Flower Farming with Lyndsay Biehl-Mercer and Shannon Allen 1:15:27

19d ago1:15:27

1:15:27

Most of flower farming doesn't look like the photos—and that's exactly what this conversation is about. In this episode, I sit down with Lyndsay Biehl-Mercer of Wildroot Flower Co. and Shannon Allen of Bloom Hill Farm to talk about the real side of building a flower business: grit, focus, fear, finances, burnout, and learning as you go. We talk abo…

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Garden Reflections, Trends & Goals 28:55

21d ago28:55

28:55

Hey green thumbs! This week, the podcast team reflects on a year of gardening adventures, sharing lessons learned, celebrating successes, and looking ahead to future goals. The key takeaway: you never know who you might inspire by growing and cultivating. Every seed you plant has the power to spark growth in someone else. Want to document your own …

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Gift ideas for the gardener on your list 5:06

23d ago5:06

5:06

These practical gifts are just right to tackle multiple jobs in the garden.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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Texas Edition: Growing Smarter in Texas with Greg Grant 34:33

25d ago34:33

34:33

We’re continuing our Texas Edition of the podcast with one of Texas’s most celebrated horticulturists: Greg Grant! Greg brings a lifetime of gardening wisdom as a seventh-generation Texan, writer, and Smith County Extension Agent with Texas A&M AgriLife. In this episode, Greg shares his deep knowledge of Texas’s diverse eco-regions, the importance …

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Houseplant Essentials: What to Grow and How to Care for It 28:42

28d ago28:42

28:42

This week the team heads to the Green Acres Nursery & Supply in Rocklin to meet with CJ and learn all about houseplants. CJ walks us through his top plant recommendations for beginners, intermediate growers, and those ready for more advanced or special-care plants. Learn smart, practical tips on watering habits, drainage, and how to build custom so…

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Which holiday plants are naughty or nice? Here's a list to keep kids and pets safe 4:59

1M ago4:59

4:59

Certain plants used in holiday decorations, like holly berries and mistletoe, can be toxic for kids and pets if they ingest them. Find out which alternatives look just as festive and are safe.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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Using Beneficial Insects in Cut Flower Production with Erik van der Sluys 1:24:36

1M ago1:24:36

1:24:36

In this episode of The Flower Podcast, Scott welcomes Erik van der Sluys of Beneficial Insectary for a deep dive into natural pest control strategies tailored specifically for flower farmers. They explore practical, real-world approaches to managing common pests such as thrips, aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and fungus gnats, and discuss how int…

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How to Grow Citrus: Tips for Mandarins, Lemons, Limes & Oranges 28:59

1M ago28:59

28:59

Citrus season is here! Kevin and Austin sit down in studio to discuss growing citrus like mandarins, Meyer lemons, Key limes, navel oranges and more. Kevin shares his favorite varieties, growing tips, pest management and even his recipe for delicious Key lime pie. Check out these Tips For Growing Citrus Learn more from our friends at Four Winds Gro…

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Save money on your favorite native plants by sowing seeds this winter 4:59

1M ago4:59

4:59

Sow native perennial seeds now and leave them protected and undisturbed over the winter. In the coming seasons, you'll have lots of free native plants.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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Houseplant Care with We The Wild 35:44

1M ago35:44

35:44

Calling all houseplant enthusiasts! This week Kevin chats with Josh Armstrong, founder of We the Wild, an organic houseplant care company from Australia. Josh reveals how microbes, fungi, and worm castings can replicate nature in a pot, why plants need more than just NPK fertilizers, and how simple, ready-to-use solutions make indoor gardening stre…

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Create a natural holiday centerpiece using elements from your garden and yard 5:01

1M ago5:01

5:01

With evergreen boughs, seed pods, dried berries and more, you can create a custom centerpiece for your holiday table.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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Celebrating California Natives with Sacramento Valley CNPS 32:49

2M ago32:49

32:49

Hey green thumbs! This week Kevin sits down with Lesley Hamamoto, president of the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Learn why California native plants are so important to local ecosystems and hear Lesley’s passion for growing natives at home. She shares her favorite species, practical tips for gardeners, and simple …

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Prune some, bury others. How to care for hydrangeas before winter 5:00

2M ago5:00

5:00

Knowing which hydrangea you have in your yard or landscape is key. That way, you can prep it for winter.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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Rethinking Growth with Lindsey Mizock of Pompelmo Floral 1:12:14

2M ago1:12:14

1:12:14

Scott Shepherd sits down with floral designer and grower Lindsey Mizock of Pompelmo Floral to talk about creativity, freelancing, and what it means to intentionally keep your business small. Lindsey shares insights from her years working on small farms along the California coast, her fine-art background, and her approach to design rooted in observa…

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Texas Edition: Growing With The Texas Garden Guy 35:34

2M ago35:34

35:34

We’re kicking off our Texas Edition of the Green Acres Garden Podcast with one of Texas's favorite gardeners: Destin Noak, The Texas Garden Guy! Destin shares his passion for raised bed gardening with organic practices, the rise of ecological gardening using Texas native plants, and his favorite seed-starting tips. Check out Destin's podcast: The G…

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Gardening for Wildlife with David Mizejewski 36:07

2M ago36:07

36:07

This week, Kevin chats with David Mizejewski, naturalist, author, and media personality from the National Wildlife Federation. David reveals how you can create your own haven for wildlife by planting native species, embracing organic gardening, and leaving the leaves. With these simple steps any green thumb can make a big impact. Check out David's …

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Is it too late to plant peony roots? Late-fall gardening questions answered 4:30

2M ago4:30

4:30

Charlie Nardozzi answers gardeners' questions about moles, voles and Boston ferns.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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Soil Health Study Results with Chis Baxter 17:02

2M ago17:02

17:02

Dr. Chris Baxter, a Professor of Soil & Crop Science at UW-Platteville and an Extension Specialist, is here to share some interesting findings from a soil health study. This study was part of a project started back in 2018, and it was carried out by the UW-Weeds Team under the guidance of Dr. Rodrigo Werle. The main focus was to see how cereal rye …

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Farm-To-Fork With Patrick Mulvaney 45:38

2M ago45:38

45:38

In this flavorful episode, Kevin sits down with renowned Sacramento chef and restaurateur Patrick Mulvaney of Mulvaney’s B&L to explore how California’s capital blossomed into the official Farm-to-Fork Capital. Discover how the local food industry is cultivating more than just crops; it's growing community connections, food literacy, and even menta…

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Four ways to resist the rake (or leaf blower!) and help beneficial insects over the winter 5:04

2M ago5:04

5:04

Raking isn't a beloved fall pastime for most, but before you feel obligated to do it, check out these benefits of leaving leaves on the ground.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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The Science and Art of Plant Breeding with Dr. Keith Hammett 1:11:38

2M ago1:11:38

1:11:38

This week, Scott explores the intersection of science and artistry in the world of flower breeding. Dr. Keith Hammett, New Zealand's leading ornamental plant breeder, shares his passion for developing Dahlias, Sweet Peas, and Clivias that blend genetics, color, and creativity. Together, they discuss the delicate balance between science and art, the…

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Fall Tasks From A Master Gardener 46:40

2M ago46:40

46:40

Hey green thumbs! This week, Kevin and Austin welcome UC Master Gardener Julie Barbour from Placer County to dig into essential fall garden tasks. From rejuvenating your soil and dethatching your lawn to mastering dormant sprays and tackling pests with Integrated Pest Management, Julie breaks down each topic with clarity and enthusiasm. Whether you…

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Gardening Starts in the Fall 12:07

2M ago12:07

12:07

Are you dreaming of harvesting your own juicy, homegrown tomatoes next summer? Tired of paying outrageous prices at the grocery store? Good news: fall is the best time to prepare your garden for success. If I’ve learned one thing about organic gardening, it’s this: healthy soil = healthy plants. And there’s no better season than autumn to build a s…

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Talking Tomatoes 4:20

2M ago4:20

4:20

The shortest episode ever probably but a couple of good tips about tomatoes. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

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4 ways to keep burrowing rodents from ruining your flowering bulbs 5:00

2M ago5:00

5:00

Rodents love to dig down and eat certain spring bulbs. Protect yours with these ideas.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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The Art of the Pot-Up 29:35

3M ago29:35

29:35

Welcome green thumbs! This week, Kiki shares how she creates stunning pot-ups by combining plants in creative ways. Make your own combinations by uniting a thriller, filler, and spiller, but also mixing in contrasting colors, textures, and plant types. Watch Kiki's video to see examples of her containers: How To Create Fall Container Combos Green A…

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When it comes to carving pumpkins that last, it's all about where you carve 4:57

3M ago4:57

4:57

Keep carved pumpkins looking festive longer, plus more fall decorating tips.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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Starting Fresh with Galena Berkompas, Micro Flower Farm 1:08:23

3M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

Starting Fresh with Galena Berkompas Building a new flower farm from the ground up! In this episode, returning guest Galena Berkompas of Micro Flower Farm shares what it's like to start over on a new piece of land in Vancouver, Washington. She talks about prioritizing perennials, choosing cover crops, and balancing short-term crops with long-term i…

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Slugs and Beneficial Insects with Dane Elmquist 19:13

3M ago19:13

19:13

Dr. Dane Elmquist, Conservation Cropping Outreach Specialist at UW-Madison Extension, shares some really interesting insights about how slugs, beneficial insects, and their interactions play out in no-till and cover crop systems. He's currently working on research at three Dane Demo Farms, keeping a close eye on pests and beneficial insects in the …

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Fall Season Check-in 30:43

3M ago30:43

30:43

Welcome back, green thumbs! This week, Kevin and Austin reunite in the studio to swap stories, share fresh garden updates, and dive into what every gardener should be focusing on this season. Plus, Kevin throws in a curveball: propagation! Turns out, now is the perfect time to propagate succulents. Watch and learn how to propagate from a succulent …

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How to prep trees and perennials for winter during a drought 4:59

3M ago4:59

4:59

Our region has been experiencing drought conditions since late summer. As the seasons change, find out how to care for your plants so they can overwinter.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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412-B Goodbye, Garden Basics Podcast. 4:03

3M ago4:03

4:03

(FredNote: AI had a hand in creating this written summary. I took out the stilted parts and made it sound better to the eye…if that makes sense.) In this final episode, I provide an update on the transition from the Garden Basics podcast to the new Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter and podcast. With the conclusion of the 412 episodes of Garden Ba…

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Dane Demo Farms 101 28:50

3M ago28:50

28:50

By Kim Meyer

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Sacramento Valley Natives 27:48

3M ago27:48

27:48

Welcome green thumbs! This week Kevin meets with Julia Michaels Ph.D from Hedgerow Farms to learn about the ecological importance of planting Northern California natives. Fall is the best time to plant natives including the Xerces Central Valley Pollinator Mix which is available at Green Acres Nursery & Supply. Learn how to plant native seeds with …

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5 essential tasks to carry your garden through early fall 5:12

3M ago5:12

5:12

Early fall in the garden means it's time to get certain plants ready to harvest and prep others to overwinter indoors.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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412 Plant Frost Protection Tips 32:26

3M ago32:26

32:26

Debbie Flower, America's Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, drops by to discuss essential strategies for protecting potted and in-ground plants when a frost or freeze is expected. Topics include relocation, mulching, watering, and the use of frost cloths. We explore alternatives to frost cloths, tackle plant hygiene prior to indoor li…

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What Is Your Most Important Tool: Madeline Hooper of Gardenfit 1:04:35

3M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

What Is Your Most Important Tool? Madeline Hooper has such a great story. After years in public relations, competing as a ballroom dancer, and teacher she turned her focus to gardening and helping others. Together with her husband, she's spent over three decades creating and caring for their Rockland Farm in New York. She's also the co-creator of t…

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Nature's Internet: Mycorrhizal Fungi, Roots and Soil 36:21

3M ago36:21

36:21

This week Kevin talks with Gisele and Michael from G&B Organics about how healthy soil networks fuel plant growth, build resilience and create thriving gardens. Topics include the best soil mix ingredients, understanding plant nutrients, organics vs synthetics, the magic of fungi and living soil, and more. Check out G&B Organics Blue Ribbon Blend f…

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How to save your lilacs, keep deer from eating all your pears and more gardening tips 5:33

3M ago5:33

5:33

It's fall on the calendar, but there is still plenty of gardening left to do! Listeners sent in questions about struggling lilac bushes, protecting pears from deer, decommissioning a large garden and more.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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411 Soil Building Tips 52:57

3M ago52:57

52:57

Today, we delve into the Garden Basics archive for three segments about the importance of building your soil in the fall. We talk with America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, and Sacramento’s Organic Advocate, Steve Zien. We explore the vital role of nitrogen in gardening. We address a listener's concern about low …

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Dig Into Fall with Kevin's Top Plants 28:47

4M ago28:47

28:47

Happy Fall green thumbs! It's officially the best time of the year to plant. No matter what your plans are Kevin provides his best plant picks for fall veggie gardens, cover cropping, and seasonal flowers for beautiful autumn color. Cooler weather and warm soil make this the ultimate time to edit your landscape! Green Acres Garden Podcast Green Acr…

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Berries that will help fuel both overwintering and migrating birds 5:00

4M ago5:00

5:00

Right now, seed heads from certain flowers like echinacea are providing great food for birds. You can provide another key source of nutrition in your yard: native berries.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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410 Fall Gardening Tips. How to Water. 48:52

4M ago48:52

48:52

We share essential fall gardening tips for both the garden and the orchard. Also, Debbie Flower offers a primer on correct watering techniques. Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprou…

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Planning for Profit with Jenny Marks, Trademarks Flower Farm 1:02:58

4M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

My guest today is Jenny Marks from Clifton Springs New York, a grower and educator who has built her business from the ground up. Jenny runs Trademarks Flower Farm, a productive one-acre farm celebrated for its gorgeous early spring blooms and smart, efficient growing practices. Alongside her own farm work, she created Trademark Farmer, where she t…