359 Tree Surrounds, Cardboard Mulch Pros-Cons. Winter Tomatoes

They’re known as tree rings, or tree surrounds. Basically, it’s a demilitarized zone for your trees, where the trunk and roots are safe from weed whackers and lawn mowers as well as competing plants (especially lawns). It might be a short term solution for a newly planted tree. But leave it in place longer than that, and problems can ensue. Debbie Flower, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, tells us about those issues.

Is using cardboard for mulch in a garden a good idea? We tackle that question today, as well.

And finally, we revisit the subject that many gardeners with a fairly new greenhouse might be thinking about right now. How to grow tomatoes during the winter. We get into the best varieties for growing in a greenhouse, and the problems that might pop up. (Originally aired in Episode 56). And be forewarned: the flavor might turn out to be just a couple of notches above supermarket quality. But at least it’ll be freshly picked, and packed with more nutrition.

We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Audio, transcripts, and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.

Pictured: A protective tree ring

Links: Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate Now! Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link)

Other links mentioned in today’s podcast: Sheet Mulching Winter Greenhouse Tomato Growing Tips

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