Growing with Gray

Graylen Brown

Welcome to "Growing with Gray," your sanctuary for all things gardening. Join host Gray, a certified Texas Master Gardener with over two decades of hands-on experience, as they guide you through the art and science of nurturing your garden. In each episode, we explore essential gardening topics, from the fundamentals of soil health to effective pest management strategies, all delivered in a peaceful, yet educational environment. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your growing journey, Gray's expert insights and practical advice will help you cultivate success in your garden.

Episodes

  1. Mar 9

    Beginner's Guide to Growing Fruits and Vegetables

    🌱 Beginner's Guide to Growing Fruits and Vegetables | Gardening with Texas Master Gardener Graylen Brown (Zone 8B) S1E3Check out the entire podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJpwghr7bwWia6_DIVvKi8ax2Y_GQHt0yChapters: 00:00 - 01:32 Introduction01:32- 02:15 Fruit Vs Vegetable Explanation02:15 - 03:58 Tomato History and Family of Plants03:58 - 08:37 Why you should grow Cherry Tomatoes08:37 - 12:25 Why you should start growing Lettuce12:25 - 14:28 Lettuce Variety Recommendations14:28 - 16:42 Dinosaur Kale & Georgia Collards with Dewayne16:42 - 17:54 Garden Pro Tip 1 Choose Plants based on you local climate17:54 - 20:49 Garden Pro Tip 2: Grow what you like to eat20:49 - 21:20 Conclusion/ Next EpisodeIn this episode of Growing with Gray, join Texas Master Gardener Graylen Brown and special guest Dewayne  @urbanharvestdfw  as we dive into four beginner-friendly plants to kickstart your gardening journey!🍅 Tomato Spotlight: A Delicious JourneyCherry Tomatoes • Ideal growing temps: 65-85°F • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost • Recommended varieties: 'Sungold' and 'Sweet 100' • Planting tips: - Use well-draining, organic-rich soil - Full sun exposure (6-8 hours daily) - Plant deep, add support early- Container, raised bed, and row planting optionsThe Cool Weather Crop PowerhouseLettuce • Cool weather crop (early spring or fall) • Quick harvest: 3-4 weeks for baby greens • Succession planting for continuous harvest • Flexible growing options: - Containers - Raised beds - Traditional rows🌟Special Segment: Dewayne shares insights on Dinosaur Kale and Georgia Collard Greens for the Dallas Metroplex!🌟 Bonus Pro Tips:- Soil testing resources- Gardening best practices- Sustainable growing techniques🔗 Resources:- Texas Soil Testing: https://soiltesting.tamu.edu/- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: (979) 845-4816🌐 Connect with Urban Gardening with Gray:- Instagram: @urbangardeningwithgray- Facebook: Urban Gardening with Gray- YouTube: @urbangardeningwithgray- Website: Urbangardeningwithgray.com- Elevate your gardening skills - join us at Skool.com/Better Gardener!

  2. Mar 9

    The Best Beginner's Guide to Garden Planning & Plant Selection

    🌱 Garden Planning Guide with Master Gardener Graylen Brown | EP.2Check out the entire podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJpwghr7bwWia6_DIVvKi8ax2Y_GQHt0yChapters: 00:00 - 01:09 Introduction01:09 - 03:55 Selecting Your Garden Location03:55 - 08:32 Understanding Garden Water Needs08:32 - 10:42 Community Gardening Benefits10:42 - 12:28 Better Gardener: With Andre The Farmer12:28 - 13:04 USDA Zone Guide13:04 - 13:18 Beginner-Friendly Herbs Overview13:18 - 13:49 Growing Basil13:49 - 14:37 Growing Mint14:37 - 15:02 Growing Thyme15:02 - 15:35 Growing Parsley15:35 - 16:01 Growing Chives16:01 - 19:14 Advanced Herb Garden Tips19:14 - 20:00 Wrap-up & PreviewFollowing last week's episode on garden goals and budgeting, we're diving deeper into garden location planning and starter plants! Join Texas Master Gardener Graylen Brown (Zone 8B) and special guest  @andrebaptiste  as we explore essential considerations for your garden's success.📍 GARDEN LOCATION ESSENTIALS:Understanding sun patterns & optimal layoutWater access planning & infrastructureLand elevation considerations🌞 SUN PLANNING:East/West sun patternsOptimal row orientationPlant height organizationDealing with shade & obstacles💧 WATER ACCESS:Source & delivery optionsInfrastructure planningPractical considerationsPlant layout strategyMaintenance factors🌿 HERB GROWING GUIDE:Detailed growing conditions for beginner-friendly herbs:BASILStart indoors 6-8 weeks before last frostPlant outdoors after frost (soil 70°F)Full sun, pH 6.0-7.0Container: 6" deep minimumSpacing: 12-18" apartAnnual - dies at first frostPeak: Mid-summerMINT (Contains Aggressively!)Plant early springPerennial (zones 3-8)Partial to full sunContainer growing strongly recommended12" deep container minimumIndoor growing possible year-roundPeak: Late spring/early summerTHYMEPlant after last frostPerennial (zones 5-9)Full sun, drought tolerantContainer: 6" deep, great for hanging basketsSpacing: 12-18" apartBest flavor before floweringEvergreen in warm climatesPARSLEYStart indoors 8-10 weeks before frostTolerates light frostFull sun to partial shadeContainer: 8-12" deepSpacing: 6-8" apartBiennial grown as annualPeak: Late spring through fallCHIVESPlant early springPerennial (zones 3-10)Full sun to partial shadeContainer: 6-8" deepSpacing: 4-6" apartEdible flowersCan be brought indoors for winterUniversal Tips:Well-draining soil essentialMonthly liquid fertilizer during growing seasonRegular harvesting encourages growthMost prefer 6.0-7.0 pHContainer plants need more frequent wateringStart indoors 6-8 weeks before last frostMost herbs prefer pruning to prevent floweringContainer growing ideal for kitchen accessSpecial Notes:Only plant mint in containersBasil dies at first frostParsley overwinters in mild climatesThyme and chives return yearlySmall plants give faster results than seeds💡 KEY TIPS:USDA Growing Zone considerationsDirect sow vs. transplant guidancePlant grouping strategiesSeason-specific planning

About

Welcome to "Growing with Gray," your sanctuary for all things gardening. Join host Gray, a certified Texas Master Gardener with over two decades of hands-on experience, as they guide you through the art and science of nurturing your garden. In each episode, we explore essential gardening topics, from the fundamentals of soil health to effective pest management strategies, all delivered in a peaceful, yet educational environment. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your growing journey, Gray's expert insights and practical advice will help you cultivate success in your garden.