Join Hilary as she dive's back into the 2017 episode on growing potatoes! Discover everything from sourcing seed potatoes, planting techniques, and caring for your crops, to harvesting and troubleshooting. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or trying your hand at potatoes for the first time, this episode is packed with insights, including the best potato varieties and the mysterious relationship between brassicas and potatoes. Tune in to elevate your gardening game this potato planting season!The show notes!
--------
34:16
Stink Bugs in the home garden with Professor Raupp
Episode 124 of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast features a conversation with Professor Emeritus Michael Raupp from the University of Maryland. The discussion centers around stink bugs, identified as a major pest in gardens. Professor Raupp explains the characteristics, life cycle, and origins of stink bugs, noting their spread from Asia to most of the United States and parts of Canada. The interview also covers the damage stink bugs cause to various crops, their feeding habits, and potential control methods including trap crops, mechanical control, and organic pesticides. Raupp emphasizes the importance of understanding the pest’s life cycle for effective management and encourages fostering biodiversity in gardens to support natural predators. The episode concludes with advice on identifying stink bugs and useful resources for gardeners.Professor Raupp's blog: Bug of the WeekSeattle Urban Farm Co. show notes: seattleurbanfarmco.com
--------
34:08
(Re-release) Peas with Calvin Lamborn
In this episode of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, guest expert Rod Lamborn discusses the legacy of his father, Dr. Calvin Lamborn, the father of the sugar snap pea. Rod shares anecdotes about his father's pioneering work in pea breeding, specifically the creation and development process of the sugar snap pea. The conversation also covers the challenges faced in maintaining the purity of the sugar snap pea seed stock, the degradation over time, and efforts to restore it with the collaboration of Johnny's Selected Seed. Additionally, they discuss the differences between the original sugar snap and the super sugar snap varieties and the future of pea varieties including new developments and innovations at Magic Seeds.
--------
32:58
String Trellising with Colin McCrate
In episode 123 of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, host Hilary Dahl and her husband and business partner, Colin McCrate discuss the practice of string trellising in gardening. Colin, an experienced gardener, explains the benefits and methods of vertical and horizontal string trellising, including the use of hemp and jute twine. They describe how this technique supports various crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and peas, enhancing ease of pruning, harvesting, and plant health. Practical tips and recommendations are provided for managing crops and optimizing garden space using string trellising.SECRET SALE: this February ONLY, we'll be offering EB podcast listener $45 off each Freyr trellis purchased. Use code EBTRELLIS25 at checkout. Discount also applies to Freyr trellis bundles. Limit one code use per customer, but can be used on multiple trellises or bundles in one order.
--------
28:59
Growing Tea (Camellia sinensis) with Gavin McFarlane
In episode 122 of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast, Hilary discusses the cultivation of Camellia sinensis, the tea plant with Gavin McFarlane of Minto Tea Company . They delve into its specific needs such as soil type, irrigation, and ideal growing conditions. Gavin shares the history of Minto Tea Company, details his experience, and explains the process of developing tea varieties and growing tea. The episode outlines the distinctions between tea types—green, black, and white—based on processing methods. Practical advice on pruning, propagation, and harvesting the plant is provided, along with the cultural conditions necessary for its optimal growth. Further, he explains in detail the processes of making green, white, and black tea, highlighting the importance of oxidation and drying.
For those interested in learning more about tea cultivation and processing, check out Minto Tea Company
Canada - english