Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

Fred Hoffman
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Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

Tips for beginning and experienced gardeners. New episodes arrive every Friday. Fred Hoffman has been a U.C. Certified Master Gardener since 1982 and writes a weekly garden column for the Lodi News-Sentinel in Lodi, CA. A four-decade fixture in Sacramento radio, he hosted three radio shows for Northern California gardeners and farmers: The KFBK Garden Show, Get Growing with Farmer Fred, and the KSTE Farm Hour. Episode Website: https://gardenbasics.net

  1. 373 Greatest Garden Hits of 2024

    2 DAYS AGO

    373 Greatest Garden Hits of 2024

    We're kicking off the 2025 season with the garden interviews that were the Top 3 topics that drew the most interest from you, the listeners, in 2024. Debbie Flower and I have the tips to start your first garden, along with advice for anyone who wants a successful. Blueberry experts, including Master Gardeners and professional blueberry growers, delve into the knowledge you need for growing the best blueberries ever. And, we talk with noted doctor and gardener, The Fresh P...

    2h 9m
  2. 372 Tomato Winners (and Losers) of 2024

    12/27/2024

    372 Tomato Winners (and Losers) of 2024

    In this episode, we reflect on the ups and downs of Northern California’s 2024 tomato gardening season, with Don Shor of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We share insights on the successful varieties, such as Rugby, Chef’s Choice, and Jet Star. But we also point out the ones that struggled, and failed, during 2024’s record breaking July heat waves here (I’m looking at you, heirlooms!). We explore the effects of weather on tomato growth, including coping with extreme heat, and ...

    1 hr
  3. 371 America's Top 10 Vegetables to Grow (and Enjoy!)

    12/20/2024

    371 America's Top 10 Vegetables to Grow (and Enjoy!)

    In today’s episode, we explore America’s top 10 homegrown vegetables. We are guided by Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour. From tomatoes—America’s favorite, with 86% of gardeners growing them—to cucumbers, sweet peppers, hot peppers, squash, beans, lettuce, peas and more, we cover essential tips for garden success in your backyard.In Part 1: Tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, beans, and carrots. In Part 2 (after the commercial break): summer squash, onions, hot peppers, ...

    1h 5m
  4. 370 Grow Your Own Immunity Boosting Foods

    12/13/2024

    370 Grow Your Own Immunity Boosting Foods

    The healthiest food you can eat is the food you grow yourself! In this episode, we speak with Dr. Laura Varich from FreshPhysician.com about the vital role of nutrition in supporting immunity, especially during the winter months. We explore the balance of immunity rather than just boosting it. And we discuss the correlation between diet and chronic diseases. Dr. Varich highlights the benefits of a plant-centered diet and compares germ theory with terrain theory. We also emphasize the immune-b...

    42 min
  5. 369 Container Food Gardening Basics

    12/06/2024

    369 Container Food Gardening Basics

    If you are about to set foot into a garden for the first time in the coming new year, or looking to expand your gardening horizons, and you are wondering where to begin, a good tip is to start small…with container gardening. Today, we talk with Pam Farley, who is the writer and photographer behind the highly successful gardening website, brown thumb mama dot com. And, she is the author of the book, “The First Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening.” Even experienced gardeners will pick up a ...

    41 min
  6. 368 Trees vs. Invasive Shot Hole Borers

    11/29/2024

    368 Trees vs. Invasive Shot Hole Borers

    Today, we venture into the critical realm of invasive pests, zeroing in on the invasive shot hole borer (ISHB), a formidable newcomer from southern Asia threatening California's trees. We navigate through the fascinating biology of the ISHB, discussing its rapid spread and dire consequences for urban and native forests alike, not only threatening California’s tree canopy, but over 65 species of trees throughout the country. We are joined by Dr. Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann from the University ...

    48 min
  7. 367 Ten Secrets of Successful Gardeners

    11/22/2024

    367 Ten Secrets of Successful Gardeners

    In this episode, along with America's Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, Debbie Flower, we discuss the importance of soil health, effective pruning techniques, and the value of learning from gardening failures. Water management strategies and proactive pest control are also highlighted, along with the joy of simply spending time in the garden. Packed with practical tips from a wide variety of Master Gardeners, this episode offers valuable insights for gardeners of all levels.Pr...

    1h 1m
  8. 366 Thwarting Ant Invasions. Fair-Winning Preserves.

    11/15/2024

    366 Thwarting Ant Invasions. Fair-Winning Preserves.

    Farmer Fred and Debbie Flower discusses ant management in raised beds. Master Food Preserver Wendy Rose talks about garden food preservation techniques and how to wow the judges at county and state fairs with your homemade preserves.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 BuzzsproutPictured: Ant Control Product in Fruit Tree Contain...

    34 min
See All (373)

About

Tips for beginning and experienced gardeners. New episodes arrive every Friday. Fred Hoffman has been a U.C. Certified Master Gardener since 1982 and writes a weekly garden column for the Lodi News-Sentinel in Lodi, CA. A four-decade fixture in Sacramento radio, he hosted three radio shows for Northern California gardeners and farmers: The KFBK Garden Show, Get Growing with Farmer Fred, and the KSTE Farm Hour. Episode Website: https://gardenbasics.net

Information

  • Creator
    Fred Hoffman
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    373
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, Garden Basics Theme Music
  • Show Website
    Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

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