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Fred Hoffman

Tips for beginning and experienced gardeners. New episodes arrive every Friday. Fred Hoffman has been a U.C. Certified Master Gardener since 1982 and writes a weekly garden column for the Lodi News-Sentinel in Lodi, CA. A four-decade fixture in Sacramento radio, he hosted three radio shows for Northern California gardeners and farmers: The KFBK Garden Show, Get Growing with Farmer Fred, and the KSTE Farm Hour. Episode Website: https://gardenbasics.net

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

(FredNote: AI had a hand in creating this written summary. I took out the stilted parts and made it sound better to the eye…if that makes sense.)

In this final episode, I provide an update on the transition from the Garden Basics podcast to the new Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter and podcast. With the conclusion of the 412 episodes of Garden Basics, we've shifted our format to better serve your gardening curiosity and needs through a more expansive platform. The new format allows for integration of multimedia resources via our newsletter, found at gardenbasics.substack.com, further enhancing your gardening experience.

The motivation behind this change is clear: by employing a newsletter alongside our podcast, I can deliver more comprehensive content. Listeners will now have access to links and resources that dive deeper into the topics we discuss, as well as the benefit of a transcript for those who wish to explore our discussions in writing (the eye and the brain are faster than the ear, so to speak.) In essence, the newsletter acts as a complementary tool to the podcast, providing an enriched educational format that appeals to both auditory and visual learners.

Even as we embrace this new direction, the original podcast remains accessible on platforms such as our home page GardenBasics.net as well as Apple Podcasts under the new title, Beyond the Garden Basics. Importantly, the podcast will be free of advertising, further reflecting our commitment to providing value to you, the listener (and I don’t have to hassle with flaky advertisers). This initiative is firmly supported by our community of listeners, with paid subscribers gaining exclusive access to the full range of podcasts and newsletters we've curated—over 240 pieces of content available to enrich your gardening knowledge.

This paid version allows us to maintain high-quality, engaging content without the distractions of commercial advertisements. I encourage you to consider becoming a paid subscriber, as the reasonable subscription rates are designed to broaden access to beneficial gardening insights while supporting the continued operation of the newsletter. But, hey, free subscribers are welcome, too. After all, it’s just gardening, which is our happy place.

I also reiterate the availability of all previously aired Garden Basics episodes, which will remain hosted at gardenbasics.net. I highly recommend downloading any of the old episodes that interest you before they potentially disappear, ensuring that you have access to that valuable content as we move forward with our new format and location.

Join me in exploring the Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter and podcast, where not only will you find continued conversations about gardening, but also additional resources that will leave you feeling more informed in your gardening endeavors. Be sure to subscribe at gardenbasics.substack.com and stay connected with our evolving community of smiling people with constant dirt under their fingernails.

 Thank you for your continued support, as we embark on this new adventure together.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

412-B Goodbye, Garden Basics Podcast.

Debbie Flower, America's Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, drops by to discuss essential strategies for protecting potted and in-ground plants when a frost or freeze is expected. Topics include relocation, mulching, watering, and the use of frost cloths. We explore alternatives to frost cloths, tackle plant hygiene prior to indoor living, and managing indoor challenges like pests and humidity. 

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

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Cover Photo: Agribon 70 frost cloth covering a Meyer Lemon Tree

Links:

Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids!

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and podcast.

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

Links:

Frost Cloths

Anti-Transpirants

plant stand rollers

indoor plant lights

greenhouse heaters

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening and subscribing to the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

412 Plant Frost Protection Tips

Today, we delve into the Garden Basics archive for three segments about the importance of building your soil in the fall. We talk with America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, and Sacramento’s Organic Advocate, Steve Zien. We explore the vital role of nitrogen in gardening. We address a listener's concern about low nitrogen levels in soil, discussing the challenges of measurement as well as alternative testing methods. We emphasize the significance of organic amendments, such as compost and cover cropping, particularly with crops like fava beans, to enhance nitrogen levels and overall soil health. Our conversation also covers the detrimental effects of high-salt synthetic fertilizers. And, we talk about sustainable gardening practices that promote nutrient cycling and plant growth.

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

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Cover Photo: Cover Crops, including fava beans, clover, oats

Links:

Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids!

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and podcast.

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

Links:

Crop Rotation Chart

Book: “Grow Now” by Emily Murphy

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube

 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening and subscribing to the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

411 Soil Building Tips

We share essential fall gardening tips for both the garden and the orchard. Also, Debbie Flower offers a primer on correct watering techniques. 

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

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Cover Photo: Water Breaker Nozzle (Photo: Dramm)

Links:

Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids!

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and podcast.

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

Links:

Leaf Vac/Shredder

Smart Pot Compost Sak

Australian Finger Lime

Avocados for USDA Zone 9

peat pots/peat pellets

Vermiculite for seed starting

Dramm Watering Video: Watering 101

Dramm breaker nozzles for fine spray watering

Hunter MP Rotator sprinklers

Outdoor sprinkler water measuring devices

Farmer Fred Rant: How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?

Olla Watering Pots

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 

 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening and subscribing to the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

410 Fall Gardening Tips. How to Water.

Farmer Fred interviews garden writer Jen McGuinness, author of "Bird-Friendly Gardening," who highlights the urgent need for creating habitats for declining bird populations in North America. Jen shares her personal journey of transforming her Connecticut lawn into a wildlife habitat, overcoming skepticism from neighbors, while promoting eco-friendly gardening practices. The discussion covers bird photography, the significance of incorporating water and native plants in gardens, and strategies for preventing bird-window collisions. Jen offers practical advice on optimal plant choices and maintenance. She also addresses challenges like invasive species and provides resources from her book to help gardeners of all levels create welcoming environments for birds.

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

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Cover Photo: Black Hooded Oriole (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Links:

Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids!

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

Book - Bird-Friendly Gardening

Jen McGuinness, FrauZinnie.com

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

409 Bird-Friendly Gardening

Today, we talk with Joseph Lofthouse about landrace gardening, which emphasizes the cultivation of locally adapted crops. Lofthouse shares his methods of developing diverse seed varieties, seed-saving techniques, and efficient watering practices in his high desert mountain climate of northeast Utah. He discusses successful experiments with corn, beans, melons, and other crops while highlighting the importance of genetic diversity for resilience and food security. His techniques just might be worth a try no matter where you live!

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

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Photo: various styles of promiscuously pollinating popcorn

Links:

Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids!

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

More information about landrace gardening and Joseph Lofthouse

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

408 Landrace Gardening

Gardeners who want to save water with wise irrigating techniques might consider an unusual approach: plant crops that don't require much water in the first place. Today, Marlene Simon, the Plant Lady, of the Flower Power Garden Hour podcast and I talk about low water use vegetables, as well as how to condition your soil to use less water more effectively.

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

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: the low water use Tepary bean variety, Colonia Morelos

Links:

Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids!

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

Flower Power Garden Hour podcast with Marlene Simon, the Plant Lady

UCANR: Your Food Garden in a Drought

Drought Resistant Crops and Varieties

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

407 Low Water Vegetables

In this episode, we talk with Don Shor from Redwood Barn Nursery about summer gardening - specifically tomatoes - in the context of this year's mild weather. We share successes with tomato varieties like Dr. Wyche’s Yellow and Chef's Choice Orange, while addressing challenges like blossom end rot and effective watering techniques. Don offers insights on various tomato cultivars, including promising hybrid-heirloom crosses, including the one pictured - the Genuwine - a cross between the Costaluto Genovese and the Brandywine. We also discuss the growing trend of peppers as perennials, along with best practices for cultivating them and other crops like cucumbers and rhubarb in hot climates. The conversation blends practical gardening tips with personal experiences for all levels of gardeners.

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

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: The Genuwine tomato, a new hybrid formed by two heirloom crosses - Costaluto Genovese and Brandywine. (Photo: Don Shor)

Links:

Help Support This Podcast with a monthly donation!

Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids!

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

Redwood Barn Nursery, Davis, CA

All About Farmer Fred:
GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Mid-Summer Tomato Report

Q&A: How to Grow Fava Beans as a cover crop or an edible.

Controlling Roof Rats in the Garden (good luck!)

Farmer Fred's Ride for the Kids!

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

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: Melon Damage from Rats?

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

405 Q&A: Who's Eating My Melons? Growing Fava Beans.

One of the best places to get your garden questions answered is at the annual gathering of local Master Gardeners, gardening professionals, and horticultural consultants at Harvest Day, held the first Saturday of August each year at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center in Sacramento County, California. And last Saturday was no exception. A question I posed to several dozen of the pros there was this: “What is the one garden tip you would like people to know?” Here’s their answers. 

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

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: Part of the crowd of gardeners at the vegetable garden information tables, at Harvest Day 2025.

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

Shop online at the Smart Pot store! For a limited time, use coupon code FRED at checkout to receive 10% off your Smart Pot order. Click here to start shopping!

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

Sacramento Cactus and Succulent Society

Sierra Foothills Rose Society

El Dorado Nursery and Gardens

Sacramento Digs Gardening newsletter

Miridae Mobile Nursery

Sacramento Perennial Plant Club

Soil Moisture Probes

Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito Vector District

Ed Able Fruit Solutions (Youtube)

Emerald City Interior Landscape Services

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

404 Harvest Day Garden Tips

Master Gardener Gail Pothour shares tips on growing summer and winter squash. We cover variety selection, planting, pest management, harvesting, and storage of squash to boost your yield.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. 

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: Male and Female Squash Flowers

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (by becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

All America Selections Squash varieties mentioned in today’s podcast:

Gold Rush

Bossa Nova

Sunburst yellow scalloped squash

Green Lightning squash

Early Prolific Straightneck Squash

Tivoli Spaghetti Squash

Waltham butternut squash

Black Futsu butternut squash

Sweet Jade Kabocha squash

OTHER PLANTS MENTIONED:

Green Zebra zucchini

Honey Boat Squash

Ortolana di Faenza zucchini

Galeux d’ Eysines pumpkin

Rouge Vif d’ Etampes pumpkin

Jarrahdale pumpkin

Marina Di Chioggia pumpkin

African Blue Basil

Wild Magic Basil

All About Farmer Fred:

 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

388 Squash Growing Basics

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