The Dirt on Gardening

Andre Baptiste, Graylen Brown, Derek Haynes
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Weekly

The Dirt on Gardening Podcast brings real talk and science to gardeners of every level. Hosted by Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist, this near-weekly podcast (Tuesdays at 7 PM EST) blends casual conversation with expert insight on horticulture, botany, and practical gardening. Whether you're growing in a small urban space, tending land in the countryside, or nurturing houseplants indoors, you’ll get actionable how-to advice, plant science made approachable, and honest discussions rooted in experience. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, these three friends dig into sustainable gardening, urban farming, plant care, and the science behind how plants grow. If you love gardening tips, plant education, and authentic conversations about horticulture, then you'll dig The Dirt on Gardening!

  1. 21h ago

    Companion Planting, Garden Pests & Healthy Soil: Do Insects Attack Weak Plants?

    In this episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast, we—Andre the Farmer and Urban Gardening with Gray—dive into one of the most debated topics in gardening: why pests attack certain plants and how healthy soil impacts plant resilience. Along the way, we mix in gardening science, practical pest control strategies, gardening myths, and plenty of laughs. We explore a fascinating discussion around the Brix index, plant sugars, and the theory that insects are more attracted to stressed or unhealthy plants. Are pests really targeting weak plants first? And can healthier soil biology actually reduce pest pressure naturally? We break down the science, skepticism, and real-world gardening experiences behind the idea. This episode also covers:  Companion planting for natural pest management  Soil microbes, fertilizers, and plant health  Neem oil, insecticidal soap, and organic pest control  Why over-fertilizing can attract aphids and pests  Blueberry soil pH and feeding mistakes  Bird, squirrel, and rabbit management in the garden  Growing tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and mulberries  Blossom end rot and unusual tomato-growing practices  Starting seeds vs. transplants for different climates  Gardening in Florida vs. northern growing zones We also share updates from our own gardens, celebrate Andre’s son graduating from Georgia Tech, and even welcome a surprise guest appearance from Mama Andre, who joins the conversation to talk gardening, pineapples, and pepper sauce. Of course, no Dirt on Gardening episode would be complete without some wild tangents—from grits debates and doubles to gardening while ADHD, internet myths, and whether healthy plants really can repel pests naturally. Resources & Sponsors Mentioned:  Andre the Farmer Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com  Sonias Bug Spray: soniasbugspray.com  Retain Spray: retainspray.com  Thryve Roots: thryveroots.com  Urban Gardening with Gray  The Chocolate Botanist Whether you're troubleshooting pests, improving soil health, or just looking for honest gardening conversations, this episode is packed with practical advice, science-backed ideas, and community-driven growing knowledge. Keywords (SEO): companion planting, organic pest control, healthy soil gardening, plant pests and insects, neem oil gardening, soil microbiome plants, aphid prevention, blossom end rot tomatoes, gardening podcast, natural garden pest management   Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

    1h 1m

  2. May 26

    Spring Gardening Q&A: Soil, Strawberries, Pests & Spring Planting Tips

    In this spring-focused episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast, we—Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist—kick off the growing season with a lively gardening Q&A packed with practical tips, laughs, and real-world garden updates.  We dive into everything gardeners are dealing with right now, from spring planting prep and recovering from winter damage to pest control, strawberries, compost, hydroponics, and choosing the right native plants for your region.  This episode covers:   Spring garden planning and seasonal planting tips  Recovering mango trees and tropical plants after freezes  Favorite native plants for pollinators and ecosystems  Carnivorous plants native to the Carolinas  Filling raised beds and improving soil naturally  Growing Okinawan spinach and longevity spinach  Strawberries: sunlight, soil pH, drainage, and bigger harvests  Hydroponic fertilizer issues and nutrient mixing  Worm composting and vermiculture basics We also answer listener questions on:  Whiteflies, spider mites, cucumber beetles, and grasshopper control  Using neem oil, insecticidal soap, and diatomaceous earth safely  Compost recommendations for different regions  Soil brands vs. building living soil locally  Earthworms, compost tea, and molasses myths  Watermelons, pawpaws, tropical fruit trees, and growing by climate zone Along the way, we share stories from our own gardens, reflect on PlantCon experiences, debate gardening myths like electroculture, and somehow end up talking about Michael Jackson, movie nostalgia, and internet conspiracies.   Whether you grow on a patio, in raised beds, or across acres of land, this episode is packed with science-backed advice, honest gardening experiences, and community-driven conversation to help you grow with confidence this spring.   Resources & Links Mentioned:  Sonias Bug Spray: soniasbugspray.com  Thryve Roots: thryveroots.com  Andre the Farmer: https://andrethefarmer.com Urban Gardening with Gray: https://urbangardeningwithgray.com/ The Chocolate Botanist: https://bio.site/thechocolatebotanist Keywords (SEO): spring gardening tips, gardening Q&A podcast, strawberry growing tips, pest control in garden, native plants gardening, compost and soil health, spring planting guide, hydroponic gardening tips, organic pest control, gardening podcast    Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

    1h 2m

  3. May 19

    Gardening Q&A: Soil Mixes, Watering Tips, Sugarcane Sourcing & PlantCon Houston

    In this lively, Q&A-driven episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast, we—Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist—answer your best gardening questions and share real-world advice you can actually use. We cover everything from where to source sugarcane in bulk (and how to network with juicers and local farmers) to building the right soil mix for containers and grow bags—with the honest truth: it always depends on your plant, climate, and drainage setup.  We also break down:  Bamboo vs. native river cane for garden structuresWatering strategies that go beyond “just water more”Mosquito control that actually works (and what’s overhyped)Why most “plant repellent” claims aren’t as effective as advertised Along the way, we share updates from our own gardens—late-season potato experiments, unexpected cucumber success, and mango tree recovery—plus our excitement for PlantCon Houston, where we’ll be hosting a grafting class, bringing plant starts, and connecting with the community. Expect a mix of practical tips, science-backed insights, and a few wild moments (yes… we really questioned if pandas are real). Resources & Links:  The Chocolate Botanist: https://bio.site/thechocolatebotanistUrban Gardening with Gray: https://urbangardeningwithgray.com/Andre the Farmer: https://linktr.ee/andrethefarme We also shout out helpful tools like soil and root boosters, tool care essentials, and always recommend checking your local cooperative extension office for region-specific planting calendars and advice. Whether you're just starting out or leveling up your garden, this episode encourages you to experiment, grow bigger than you think, and learn fast from both wins and failures. Got more questions? Keep them coming—we’re building this with you. Keywords (SEO): gardening Q&A podcast, soil mix for containers, watering garden tips, sugarcane sourcing, mosquito control garden, plantcon houston, bamboo vs river cane, beginner gardening advice, urban gardening tips, grow bag soil mix  Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

    1h 3m

  4. May 12

    Why Blooms Drop (and How to Stop It): Pollinators, Heat, and Hand-Pollination

    In this episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast, we—Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist—dig into one of the most frustrating gardening problems: flowers that never turn into fruit. We break down the real reasons behind poor fruit set and blossom drop, especially for tropical crops like mango, dragon fruit, and cacao, and share practical solutions you can actually use in your garden. From pollination problems to heat stress and nutrient imbalances, we explain what’s going wrong—and how to fix it. We also explore the often-overlooked world of pollinators. It’s not just about honeybees—wasps, flies, and native pollinators play a huge role in successful fruiting. Plus, we walk through when and how to hand-pollinate for more reliable harvests.  In this episode, we cover:   Why flowers drop before setting fruit  The role of temperature, chill hours, and seasonal timing  Monoecious vs. dioecious plants and how that affects yield  Nutrient shifts (when to reduce nitrogen and boost phosphorus & potassium)  How to attract and support diverse pollinators  Simple hand-pollination techniques for better fruit production  We also answer listener questions on pawpaws, loquats, peppers, and blueberries, share a real-world cautionary story about a social media account hack (and how to recover), and highlight the value of cooperative extension resources for region-specific growing advice. This episode blends science, experience, and community—plus a personal reflection on legacy, travel, and the power of gardening to bring people together. If you’re struggling with fruiting plants or want to boost your harvests, this episode gives you the tools to troubleshoot and succeed. Keywords (SEO): why plants not fruiting, flower drop causes, pollination tips gardening, hand pollination guide, mango pollination, dragon fruit pollination, cacao pollination, fruit set problems, garden pollinators, increase fruit yield gardening    Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

    1h 2m

  5. May 5

    Spring Boom, Summer Stall: Microclimates, Heat-Resilient Gardens, and Food Forests

    In this vibrant episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast, hosts Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist are joined by special guest Malakai of Edible Earth Solutions, tuning in from The Gambia to share real-world insights on tropical gardening, food forests, and climate-smart growing. We kick things off celebrating a 500-download milestone before diving into practical, experience-driven gardening talk—from spring growth explosions to summer slowdowns, and how factors like day length, soil temperature, and watering habits directly impact plant performance. Malakai breaks down how he’s building a thriving tropical food forest in West Africa, sharing actionable strategies for creating resilient systems anywhere in the world. Learn how to design and manage microclimates using windbreaks, canopy layers, and shade, plus when to mulch, compost, and fertilize for crops like moringa, cassava, bananas, and fruit trees.  This episode also covers:  How to grow in extreme heat and manage summer stressWatering strategies (including why early mornings matter)Using chop-and-drop methods for soil fertilityMicroclimate design for small and large gardensTransitioning from backyard gardening to edible landscapesWe also answer audience questions on: Soursop pollination and fruiting tipsGrowing moringa in colder climatesPawpaw success for Zone 6B growersWhy cilantro tastes “soapy” to some peopleCan Malaysian dwarf coconuts grow in Central Florida?Plus, we highlight valuable resources and growers to follow, including Malakai (@plantwithmalakai), cooperative extension offices for local guidance, and insights from experienced backyard growers.   Whether you're growing in Florida, Texas, New York, or across the globe, this episode delivers practical gardening strategies, tropical growing knowledge, and soil-building techniques to help you adapt, grow more food, and build resilient systems. From food forests to family, this conversation reminds us that gardening connects communities across climates—and sometimes, the best advice is simple: wake up early, water deeply, and keep planting. Keywords (SEO): tropical gardening, food forest design, microclimate gardening, moringa growing tips, soursop pollination, heat tolerant gardening, edible landscaping, composting and mulching, backyard fruit trees, sustainable gardening podcast  Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

    1h 2m

  6. Apr 28

    Off-Grid Living in Hawaii: Rainwater Harvesting, Solar Power, Food Forests & Homesteading Reality

    What does it really take to live off-grid in Hawaii? In this episode of The Dirt on Gardening, we’re joined by special guest Jah (Mr. OffGrider), who shares his real-world experience building a self-sufficient lifestyle on the Big Island. Since 2019, Jah has been developing raw land into a functional off-grid homestead—starting with tents and machetes, and eventually building a shipping container home powered by solar energy and rainwater harvesting systems. He breaks down the challenges of managing moisture, preventing mold, and adapting to Hawaii’s unique climate conditions. We dive deep into food production and sustainable gardening, including growing sweet potatoes, collard greens, corn, and establishing a tropical food forest with bananas, coconuts, starfruit, and red Brazilian pineapples. Jah also shares insights on drought conditions, pest control, and the reality of supplementing food with long market trips. This episode also covers:  Off-grid homesteading basics and land development  Rainwater collection and solar power systems  Tropical permaculture and food forest design  Grafting vs. air layering for fruit trees  Tree recovery after freezes and climate stress  Tools and techniques for small-scale farming  Social media and homesteading content creation  PlantCon Houston highlights and community building Whether you're interested in off-grid living, permaculture, sustainable gardening, or starting your own homestead, this episode delivers practical advice and honest insight. Jah reminds us that homesteading isn’t about perfection—it’s about starting small, learning as you go, and growing something meaningful. Keywords (for SEO): off-grid living Hawaii, homesteading Hawaii, rainwater harvesting system, solar off-grid home, tropical food forest, permaculture gardening, growing sweet potatoes, air layering vs grafting, sustainable living podcast, self-sufficiency tips   Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

    1h 1m

  7. Apr 21

    Mycorrhizae Explained: Soil Fungi, Mushroom Myths, Composting & Garden Biology Basics

    This throwback episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast (Season 1, Episode 32) brings us together—Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist—for a fun, wide-ranging conversation that blends real-life gardening with deep dives into soil fungi, mycorrhizae, and garden biology.  We kick things off with weekend updates—building new metal raised beds, discovering surprise pineapples, and even saving eggshells in Talenti containers—before diving into the fascinating science of mycorrhizal fungi. We break down what mycorrhizae are, how they help plant roots access water and nutrients, and why adding inoculants can be inconsistent outdoors but more effective in controlled or indoor growing environments.  From there, we explore the wild side of fungi, including cordyceps (“zombie ant” fungi), mushroom foraging myths, and massive underground fungal networks. We also tackle practical gardening questions like whether mushrooms in your soil are good or bad, and how to think about building healthy, living soil systems.  This episode is packed with practical tips, including:   Filling multiple raised beds on a budget  Composting large mulch piles (including palm-based materials)  Using mushroom compost effectively  Air layering successes and failures (and why peaches can be tricky)  Growing pineapples from seed vs. pups  Choosing asparagus varieties for Zone 8B  Sourcing and using mushroom spawn  We wrap things up by inviting you to help shape the future of the show—send us your questions, ideas, and topics for our season finale and beyond.   Whether you're into soil health, fungi, composting, or beginner gardening, this episode mixes science, humor, and hands-on experience to help you grow smarter. Keywords (SEO): mycorrhizae explained, soil fungi gardening, mushroom myths garden, composting mulch pile, raised bed gardening tips, air layering fruit trees, pineapple propagation, mushroom compost benefits, living soil gardening, gardening podcast season 1    Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

    1 hr

  8. Apr 14

    Foodscaping, Greenhouses, and the Truth About Asparagus: With Coastal Homestead’s Chai Ming

    In this lively episode, we kick things off welcoming our special guest, Chai Ming of Coastal Homestead. We trade weekend garden wins and woes—from satsuma scores and mystery Temu avocado reveals to white sapote experiments and recovering orchards—then dive into foodscaping: how to swap ornamentals for edibles, design small-space gardens, and choose durable, drought-tolerant plants for tricky strips like the curbside hellstrip. Chai Ming breaks down edible ground covers (creeping thymes, perennial peanut, sweet potato), comfrey for chop-and-drop, and why thoughtful design (and a square base!) matters when building greenhouses. We also unpack asparagus realities (it’s a long game), the safest ways to think about compost sources, and the nuanced, local-first approach to garden advice. Chai gives a behind-the-scenes look at designing and building The Home Depot’s “From Scratch” Maine project with Epic Gardening—where the team truly did the work: grading, beds, pergola, paths, and greenhouse in ten packed days. We tackle hot listener questions on pet urine/manure in gardens (where safety and proper processing matter), balancing AI garden guidance with trusted extension resources, and the power of community knowledge. We wrap with laughs, lessons, plus a teaser for Andre’s unforgettable “fly story.” Resources mentioned: The Home Depot’s From Scratch (YouTube), university/Cooperative Extension resources for local guidance, KNF (Korean Natural Farming) for safe inputs, and reputable compost suppliers over mixed city green-bin compost for edible beds.  Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

    1h 3m
See All (16)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Dirt on Gardening Podcast brings real talk and science to gardeners of every level. Hosted by Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist, this near-weekly podcast (Tuesdays at 7 PM EST) blends casual conversation with expert insight on horticulture, botany, and practical gardening. Whether you're growing in a small urban space, tending land in the countryside, or nurturing houseplants indoors, you’ll get actionable how-to advice, plant science made approachable, and honest discussions rooted in experience. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, these three friends dig into sustainable gardening, urban farming, plant care, and the science behind how plants grow. If you love gardening tips, plant education, and authentic conversations about horticulture, then you'll dig The Dirt on Gardening!

Information

  • Creator
    Andre Baptiste, Graylen Brown, Derek Haynes
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Dirt on Gardening

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