Gardening with Daddy Pete

Alan Smith

Join Alan Smith, Melvin York, and Jay York as they cover a variety of gardening topics and answer your gardening questions.

  1. Sep 25

    Gardening with Daddy Pete: Organic vs. Conventional Fertilizer - Ep. 148 - September 24, 2026

    Can skipping fertilizer at planting improve seed germination and reduce insect pressure? In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York and Jay York share what they observed in their North Carolina turnip and greens patch, then explain how fertilizer timing can affect plant growth and pest activity. After years of adding fertilizer before sowing, Melvin tried planting without it. The greens germinated well, and leafhoppers and other pests caused less trouble. The hosts discuss why too much nitrogen early on can lead to rapid, soft leafy growth that attracts insects, and why applying nutrients when plants are ready to use them can make a difference. They also compare conventional fertilizers such as 10-10-10 with organic options, including fish emulsion, blood meal, bone meal, and composted manure. You'll hear how release rates vary, why soil conditions affect nutrient availability, and how a soil test can guide both fertilizer choice and timing. The conversation also covers raised-bed soil health, cover crops, winter mulch, drainage, pH, and keeping garden notes so you can learn from each season. Fertilizer needs depend on your soil and the crop, so use a soil test and watch how your plants grow. Too much nitrogen can cause problems, but thoughtful timing and the right amount can support a healthy harvest while helping limit excess fertilizer and runoff. Find gardening resources, product information, recipes, and more at https://www.daddypetes.com. Share your questions and garden observations with the Daddy Pete's team. #Gardening #OrganicGardening #GardenFertilizer #PestControl #DaddyPetes

  2. Sep 18

    Gardening with Daddy Pete: What's In The Bag? - Ep. 147 - September 17, 2026

    What's really in that bag of compost? The label may say "cow manure," but the ingredients, consistency, and testing process can vary widely. In Episode 147 of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York and Jay York explain how to compare bagged compost products and why the source of the manure matters. They discuss the differences between dairy cow manure, beef cattle manure, and horse manure, including concerns about herbicide residues, unwanted materials, and products that contain far less composted manure than shoppers expect. You'll learn what to check before buying:  * The complete ingredient list  * The percentage of composted cow manure  * Forest products, peat, and other added materials  * Product consistency from one bag to the next  * Soil pH requirements for blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, nandina, and other plants  * Why a product's label and customer reviews deserve a close look  * How vole activity can affect bulbs, roses, and shrubs  * Why Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser compost is produced from dairy cow manure at the family farm in Stony Point, North Carolina The conversation also covers composting standards, covered composting, garden center products, raised beds, planting mixes, and the importance of choosing the right soil amendment for the plants you're growing. Before spending money on compost or planting mix, turn the bag over, read the ingredients, and check the recommended soil pH for your plants. Visit https://www.daddypetes.com to learn more about Daddy Pete's products, find a dealer, watch additional gardening videos, and send in your gardening questions. Next year's garden starts today. Plan ahead, choose your materials carefully, and happy gardening. #GardeningTips #Compost #SoilAmendments #RaisedBedGardening #DaddyPetes

  3. Sep 11

    Gardening with Daddy Pete: Seedless vs. GMO: Part 1 - Ep. 146 - September 10, 2026

    Are seedless fruits and vegetables genetically modified? Gardening with Daddy Pete examines the difference in Part 1 of this two-part discussion. Melvin York and Jay York explain why seedless produce is often confused with GMO crops, even though the two terms describe different processes. The conversation covers familiar grocery store varieties, including seedless grapes, cucumbers, citrus, bananas, tomatoes, and watermelon. You'll learn how some seedless varieties can develop through natural mutations, grafting, or crossbreeding. The episode also explains how seedless watermelon is produced through chromosome pairing that results in sterile seeds. These methods differ from genetic modification, which changes an organism's DNA through biotechnology. The discussion also considers why people prefer seedless produce, including convenience and eating preferences. However, seedless and sterile varieties raise important questions for gardeners who want to save seeds, grow open-pollinated plants, preserve heirloom varieties, and maintain control over next year's crops. Melvin and Jay also discuss potential benefits and tradeoffs connected to modified plant varieties, including disease resistance, drought tolerance, sweetness, and nutritional content. Rather than telling viewers what to think, they encourage gardeners to research the subject and make informed choices for their families and gardens. Part 2 will provide a closer look at the scientific differences between seedless varieties, hybrids, heirlooms, open-pollinated plants, and GMOs. Visit https://daddypetes.com to find Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® products, social media pages, podcast links, gardening resources, the monthly newsletter, and a way to submit questions for future episodes. #GardeningWithDaddyPete #SeedlessFruit #GMOs #SeedSaving #HomeGardening

  4. Sep 4

    Gardening with Daddy Pete: Berries & Bulbs - Ep. 145 - September 3, 2026

    Planning a fall garden starts now. Learn which vegetables, berries, grapevines, and flowering bulbs to plant in September, plus the soil and drainage tips that help them thrive. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete's, Melvin and Jay York cover practical fall gardening advice for the Piedmont and Southeast, including:  * Cold-weather crops such as beets, carrots, onions, radishes, lettuce, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and garlic  * The best time to plant blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, grapevines, muscadines, and scuppernongs  * Differences between rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries  * Why blueberries need acidic, well-drained soil and more than one variety for pollination  * How to prepare planting beds with Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® Planting Mix  * Using Permatil to improve drainage, provide aeration, and help deter vole activity around bulbs  * Proper planting depth for irises, crocuses, daffodils, daylilies, and other fall-planted bulbs  * The right soil level for strawberry crowns and spacing for runners  * Blackberry, raspberry, strawberry, and grape varieties suited to the Southeast  * Ways to use local extension offices and independent garden centers for regional planting advice The episode also covers pollinator-friendly gardening, companion planting, choosing the right location for each plant, and preparing beds before purchasing new plants. Whether you're adding a few berry bushes, expanding a raised bed, or planning spring flowers, these tips will help you make better planting decisions this fall. Visit https://www.daddypetes.com to learn more about Daddy Pete's products, subscribe to the monthly newsletter, submit gardening questions, and find the podcast and social media links. #FallGardening #BerryGardening #RaisedBedGardening #BulbPlanting #DaddyPetes

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Join Alan Smith, Melvin York, and Jay York as they cover a variety of gardening topics and answer your gardening questions.