The Dallas Garden School

Callie Works-Leary
  • 5.0 (25)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Dallas Garden School Podcast, where gardening gets smart, practical, and regionally relevant. Hosted by garden educator and founder Callie Works-Leary, this show answers real questions from real gardeners growing in the challenging climate of North Texas. Each episode tackles common conundrums and seasonal strategies to help you grow thriving vegetable gardens, cut flower beds, and lush native landscapes. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned green thumb, you'll get actionable advice rooted in experience, sprinkled with humor, and focused on long-term garden success. Tune in, dig in, and let’s grow something great together.

  1. Defeat Squash Vine Borers

    5D AGO

    Defeat Squash Vine Borers

    Are squash vine borers wiping out your zucchini every summer? You’re not alone. These destructive pests can take down a healthy squash plant almost overnight. But here’s the good news: preventing squash vine borer damage is far easier than trying to fix it after the fact. In this episode, I walk you through the simple, practical strategies I use in my own North Texas garden. I haven’t lost a squash plant to vine borers in more than a decade, and it’s not because I’m out there performing plant surgery or drenching everything in products. It’s because I focus on prevention first. You’ll learn:  What squash vine borers are  The early warning signs most gardeners miss  Effective strategies for preventing squash vine borer damage  How to identify and treat damage  The ideal planting window in North Texas to stay ahead of the pest life cycle  Which squash varieties tend to hold up better If you’re tired of watching beautiful squash plants collapse in June, this episode will give you a clear, low-stress plan to keep them thriving and productive. Listen in and take control of squash season this year. 00:00 What Are Squash Vine Borers? 01:19 How the Damage Happens (and Why Plants Suddenly Wilt) 03:26 Prevention Over Treatment: A Smarter Gardening Mindset 04:09 Using Floating Insect Mesh Correctly 05:30 Why You Must Rotate Squash Every Year 07:17 Planting at the Right Time in North Texas 09:22 Choosing More Resistant Squash Varieties 10:39 Catching Damage Early: What to Look For 12:19 Simple, Practical Bt Application 14:13 Seed Starting and Planning Ahead 15:13 Supplies to Stock Up On Now 17:03 Optional Egg Scouting (and Why It’s Not My Main Strategy) 17:49 Final Reminders and Planner Resources   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Buy the 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://https://shop.thedallasgarden.com/products/2026-north-texas-garden-planner Learn more about enrollment: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com/enroll-in-the-dallas-garden-school Bacillus thurengiensis Floating insect mesh Johnny's Seeds   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

    19 min
  2. Best of 2025, Series Finale: Fall Vegetables

    JAN 24

    Best of 2025, Series Finale: Fall Vegetables

    Best of 2025 Series Finale: Fall Vegetables & Advanced Seed Starting Tips Welcome back to the podcast! Today we're enjoying some bird-watching out my window and wrapping up the 'Best of 2025' series by diving into fall vegetables. I'll share highlights and lessons from my fall garden, along with tips for indoor seed starting—an essential technique even for beginners. We’ll also discuss the upcoming classes you don't want to miss and explore what’s growing in my garden. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what worked and what didn’t, and help make your gardening journey both enjoyable and productive!  00:00 Introduction and Bird Watching Joys 01:23 Best of 2025 Series Finale: Fall Vegetables 02:04 Upcoming Gardening Classes 06:09 Detailed Planting Records and Recommendations 08:52 Pumpkin Varieties and Growing Tips 13:17 Exploring Chinese Cabbage and Other Greens 15:19 Kale and Lettuce Varieties 22:54 Current Garden Status and Final Tips   RESOURCES MENTIONED: ENROLL IN SCHOOL HERE! 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Renee’s Garden Seeds Swallowtail Seeds   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ 2026 Class Schedule: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com/2026-class-schedule Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

    26 min
  3. Best of 2025: Cut Flowers

    JAN 16

    Best of 2025: Cut Flowers

    Preparing for the 2026 Educational Season and Top Flower Picks for North Texas Gardens In this podcast episode, I share exciting updates about our upcoming 2026 educational season and the new enrollment model that grants students access to all classes with a single registration. I also discuss the recent addition of an on-demand class, 'Step-by-Step Building a Garden from Scratch.' The episode continues with a detailed review of my 'Best of 2025' series, focusing on the performance of various seeds and plants in North Texas. I cover a wide range of flowers, including Shirley Poppies, Sweet Peas, Cosmos, Rudbeckia, and Zinnias, providing insights and recommendations based on my extensive trials and tests. Additionally, I offer valuable seed starting tips and emphasize the importance of indoor seed starting for successful gardening in North Texas. Lastly, I remind listeners to enroll in the upcoming indoor seed starting class and grab the planner to stay organized throughout the gardening season. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:21 New Enrollment Model for 2026 00:52 Step-by-Step Garden Building 01:37 Best of 2025 Series Overview 03:00 Cut Flowers Review 03:41 Poppies: Easy Indoor Growing Tips 07:53 Sweet Peas: Challenges and Tips 10:43 Cosmos: A Garden Staple 13:35 Rudbeckia and Summer Bloomers 18:49 Amaranthus: Beautiful and Prolific 21:40 Zinnias: A Pleasant Surprise 24:03 Housekeeping and Final Thoughts RESOURCES MENTIONED: ENROLL IN SCHOOL HERE! 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Renee’s Garden Seeds Swallowtail Seeds MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ 2026 Class Schedule: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com/2026-class-schedule Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

    29 min
  4. Best of 2025: Vegetables, Part Two

    JAN 5

    Best of 2025: Vegetables, Part Two

    Join me in this exciting episode of the Dallas Garden School podcast as I recap the highlights of my 2025 gardening season. Discover the warm-season vegetables that thrived in my North Texas garden this year, including standout varieties like the highly productive Sophy squash and the flavorful Paloma eggplant. Learn about the challenges and successes I faced, tips for soil health and garden maintenance, and get a sneak peek into the 2026 gardening classes. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for making the most of your garden this year. Happy gardening! 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:01 Warm Season Vegetables: Peppers and Eggplants 07:52 Hot Peppers and Sweet Peppers 15:13 Corn and Cucumbers 24:11 Squash and Seed Companies 30:48 Garden Maintenance and Cold-Hardy Annuals 35:52 Indoor Seed Starting and Upcoming Classes 38:53 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Renee’s Garden Seeds   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

    40 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Best of 2025: Vegetables, Part One

    Best of 2025: Vegetables, Part One In this episode, I continue my 'Best of 2025' series, sharing the results of my growing trials. I discuss what worked, what didn't, and what I'm changing for next year. Last week, I reviewed tomatoes, and today I move on to Part One of discussing vegetables. Additionally, I share tips for indoor seed starting and preparing your garden for winter. Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for updates on the 2026 learning themes and class schedules. 00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast 01:08 Seed Shopping and Preparation 04:33 2026 Learning Themes 08:09 Reviewing the Best Vegetables of 2025 23:32 Indoor Seed Starting Tips 24:52 Garden Bed Transitioning 26:17 Conclusion and Final Tips   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Renee’s Garden Seeds   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

    27 min
  6. Best of 2025: Tomatoes (Or Lack Thereof)

    12/05/2025

    Best of 2025: Tomatoes (Or Lack Thereof)

    Best of 2025: Tomatoes or Lack Thereof This episode is the first in my Best of 2025 series and delves into a detailed analysis of my tomato trials for 2025, highlighting what worked, what didn't, and why. I share insights on disease resistance, specifically focusing on early blight, and the performance of different tomato varieties from various seed sources. I’ll also touch on my plans for 2026, new varieties to be tested, and tips for making educated choices for next season's garden. Plus, learn why I am having to say goodbye to a seed company that I’ve bought from for years. 00:00 Welcome and Winter Garden Update 00:33 Preparing for Winter: Clearing Summer Vegetables 03:05 Introducing the Best of 2025 Series 04:34 Tomato Trials: Successes and Failures 10:34 Micro and Container Tomatoes 12:33 Tomato Varieties: Hits and Misses 17:02 Seed Companies and New Trials 21:46 Black and Yellow Tomatoes: Fall Performance 23:06 Yellow Pear Tomato Review 24:32 Porter Tomato: Heat Tolerance vs. Flavor 26:42 Tomato Fest: A Mixed Experience 29:49 Fall Tomato Season Results 31:59 Planning for Next Year's Tomato Crop 33:39 New Tomato Varieties for 2026 39:24 Cozy Holiday Season and Final Thoughts   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Tomatofest.com   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

    44 min
  7. Building A New Garden

    11/21/2025

    Building A New Garden

    Beginner Tips for Transitioning from Containers to a Full Garden In this episode of the Dallas Garden School podcast, host Callie Works-Leary answers a listener's question about transitioning from growing plants in containers to creating a full-fledged garden in the yard without spending a fortune. Callie discusses essential factors to consider, such as selecting the ideal garden location based on sun exposure and proximity to water sources. She outlines the pros and cons of raised beds versus in-ground beds, recommending starting with two 4x8 raised beds if space allows. Additionally, she provides advice on soil amendment, irrigation methods, and dispels common misconceptions like the necessity of landscape fabric in raised beds. Tune in for practical tips to kickstart your gardening journey and maximize plant health and productivity.   00:00 Introduction and Listener Question 01:24 Choosing the Right Garden Location 04:16 In-Ground vs. Raised Bed Gardening 07:29 Building and Filling Raised Beds 12:18 Preparing In-Ground Beds 16:52 Irrigation Tips and Techniques 21:15 Final Tips and Announcements   To calculate how much compost you need for a three-inch layer, measure the length and width of the bed in feet and multiply them to determine square footage. Convert three inches to feet by dividing by twelve (0.25 feet). Multiply the square footage by 0.25 to get the required volume in cubic feet. If you’re buying by the bag, divide that number by two and that’s how many bags of compost you need. For bulk orders, divide that number by twenty-seven to convert cubic feet to cubic yards, which is the standard unit for bulk compost orders.   Buy the planner here: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com/products/2026-north-texas-garden-planner

    24 min
  8. Angela Asks About Cut Flowers for Part Shade

    11/14/2025

    Angela Asks About Cut Flowers for Part Shade

    In this episode, I introduce a new format that includes answering listener questions in addition to the usual lecture-style content. First, I discuss important gardening tasks for the week, such as transplanting brassicas, lettuce, and cool-season flowers like snapdragons and pansies. I also emphasize the need for consistent watering despite cooler temperatures. Next, I address Angela's question about growing cut flowers in partial shade, providing detailed recommendations on suitable perennials and annuals, including oak leaf hydrangeas and dianthus. Don’t forget to check out our 2026 garden planner, now available for purchase. 00:00 Introduction and New Format Announcement 00:52 Weekly Gardening Tips: Transplanting and Winter Annuals 03:13 Angela's Question: Growing Cut Flowers in Partial Shade 05:13 Understanding Light Levels for Plants 07:02 Perennials for Part Shade Cut Flower Gardens 10:00 Annuals for Part Shade Cut Flower Gardens 12:14 Encouragement and Final Thoughts 12:49 Conclusion and Announcements   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

    14 min
See All (27)

5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Dallas Garden School Podcast, where gardening gets smart, practical, and regionally relevant. Hosted by garden educator and founder Callie Works-Leary, this show answers real questions from real gardeners growing in the challenging climate of North Texas. Each episode tackles common conundrums and seasonal strategies to help you grow thriving vegetable gardens, cut flower beds, and lush native landscapes. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned green thumb, you'll get actionable advice rooted in experience, sprinkled with humor, and focused on long-term garden success. Tune in, dig in, and let’s grow something great together.

Information

  • Creator
    Callie Works-Leary
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Copyright The Dallas Garden School
  • Show Website
    The Dallas Garden School

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