123 Droopy Cucumbers. Dahlias. Butterfly Bush.

Summer heat can cause many plants’ leaves to droop on a hot afternoon. Does this pose a particular problem for cucumbers? Will that stress effect the cucumber flavor? Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, has the answers to your cucumber questions. UC Davis Arboretum Superintendent Emeritus Warren Roberts tells us all about how to grow dahlias. And if you want a great plant to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, it’s hard to beat the butterfly bush. And the newest varieties are much more well mannered and easier to care for. We will tell you about the "Pugster Blue" Butterfly Bush.

It’s all on episode 123 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery.

And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go!

Pictured: Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush, the 2021 Flowering Shrub of the Year

Links: Smart Pots Dave Wilson Nursery UC Davis Arboretum Pugster Blue Butterfly Bush/Proven Winners Cucumber Care UC Ag & Natural Resources Video: Farmer Fred on Cool Season Vegetable Gardening Harvest Day Zoom link registration for Farmer Fred Q&A, Sat. Aug. 7

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