Advertise on podcast: The Dallas Garden School

In this episode, I’m giving you a peek behind the scenes. Listen in as I check-in with my enrolled students to discuss what I’m working on in my own garden right now and what they should focus on as we transition into fall. We’ll talk about: Which tired perennials can still be cut back How to encourage a possible fall rebloom from purple coneflower When it’s time to pull out old zinnias How to collect and scatter zinnia seeds for a fresh round of fall flowers What I’m doing to keep my Halloween pumpkins growing Why bush and semi-bush pumpkins perform better in my garden How much to water annuals, vegetables and newer plantings Why drip irrigation needs to run for hours, not minutes Why you should continue fertilizing, even while it’s hot The fall vegetables you need to start now before you miss the window Our gardens may not look their best right now, but cooler temperatures and fall rain are coming. A little attention now can make a big difference in how quickly your plants recover. Enrolled students This episode was originally recorded as a Timely Tips video for enrolled students. Log in to your Class Library to watch the video version and see the photos from my garden. Enrolled students can also leave questions and photos for me through Ask Callie. Log in to The Dallas Garden School Not enrolled? Learn more about enrollment and get access to live classes, the complete on-demand class library, seasonal guidance and personalized help from Callie. Resources mentioned Johnny’s Pumpkin Varieties and Comparison Charts Should You Cut Back Heat-Damaged Plants in September? Get the Free Fall Garden Plan   More from The Dallas Garden School Join the Email Newsletter Follow The Dallas Garden School on Instagram Visit The Dallas Garden School If this episode was helpful, please subscribe and leave a review. Reviews help more North Texas gardeners find the podcast.

Pruning shrubs is one of the most misunderstood tasks in the North Texas garden. Many homeowners reach for the hedge trimmers without realizing that the wrong pruning method or timing can eliminate blooms, damage plant structure, or weaken the shrub over time. In this episode, I walk through how to prune shrubs correctly in late winter and early spring, the most common mistakes I see in North Texas landscapes, and the simple principles that will keep your shrubs healthy, beautiful, and properly shaped.   In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to determine the right time to prune shrubs, especially flowering shrubs that bloom on old wood • The difference between shearing shrubs and selective pruning, and why most plants need a combination of both • The simple “Three D’s” rule for pruning • Why aggressive pruning practices weaken plants and reduce flowering   Resources mentioned in this episode: The 2026 North Texas Garden Planner Plan, track, and manage your garden with region-specific planting schedules and weekly task lists. https://thedallasgarden.com Dallas Garden School Enrollment Get access to all live classes, replays, and the full on-demand library of more than forty gardening classes. https://learn.thedallasgarden.com/enroll-in-the-dallas-garden-school Website https://thedallasgarden.com Instagram https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Reviews help more North Texas gardeners discover practical, research-based advice for growing beautiful and productive gardens.

Are squash vine borers wiping out your zucchini every summer? You’re not alone. These destructive pests can take down a healthy squash plant almost overnight. But here’s the good news: preventing squash vine borer damage is far easier than trying to fix it after the fact. In this episode, I walk you through the simple, practical strategies I use in my own North Texas garden. I haven’t lost a squash plant to vine borers in more than a decade, and it’s not because I’m out there performing plant surgery or drenching everything in products. It’s because I focus on prevention first. You’ll learn:  What squash vine borers are  The early warning signs most gardeners miss  Effective strategies for preventing squash vine borer damage  How to identify and treat damage  The ideal planting window in North Texas to stay ahead of the pest life cycle  Which squash varieties tend to hold up better If you’re tired of watching beautiful squash plants collapse in June, this episode will give you a clear, low-stress plan to keep them thriving and productive. Listen in and take control of squash season this year. 00:00 What Are Squash Vine Borers? 01:19 How the Damage Happens (and Why Plants Suddenly Wilt) 03:26 Prevention Over Treatment: A Smarter Gardening Mindset 04:09 Using Floating Insect Mesh Correctly 05:30 Why You Must Rotate Squash Every Year 07:17 Planting at the Right Time in North Texas 09:22 Choosing More Resistant Squash Varieties 10:39 Catching Damage Early: What to Look For 12:19 Simple, Practical Bt Application 14:13 Seed Starting and Planning Ahead 15:13 Supplies to Stock Up On Now 17:03 Optional Egg Scouting (and Why It’s Not My Main Strategy) 17:49 Final Reminders and Planner Resources   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Buy the 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://https://shop.thedallasgarden.com/products/2026-north-texas-garden-planner Learn more about enrollment: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com/enroll-in-the-dallas-garden-school Bacillus thurengiensis Floating insect mesh Johnny's Seeds   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

Best of 2025 Series Finale: Fall Vegetables & Advanced Seed Starting Tips Welcome back to the podcast! Today we're enjoying some bird-watching out my window and wrapping up the 'Best of 2025' series by diving into fall vegetables. I'll share highlights and lessons from my fall garden, along with tips for indoor seed starting—an essential technique even for beginners. We’ll also discuss the upcoming classes you don't want to miss and explore what’s growing in my garden. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what worked and what didn’t, and help make your gardening journey both enjoyable and productive!  00:00 Introduction and Bird Watching Joys 01:23 Best of 2025 Series Finale: Fall Vegetables 02:04 Upcoming Gardening Classes 06:09 Detailed Planting Records and Recommendations 08:52 Pumpkin Varieties and Growing Tips 13:17 Exploring Chinese Cabbage and Other Greens 15:19 Kale and Lettuce Varieties 22:54 Current Garden Status and Final Tips   RESOURCES MENTIONED: ENROLL IN SCHOOL HERE! 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Renee’s Garden Seeds Swallowtail Seeds   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ 2026 Class Schedule: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com/2026-class-schedule Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

Preparing for the 2026 Educational Season and Top Flower Picks for North Texas Gardens In this podcast episode, I share exciting updates about our upcoming 2026 educational season and the new enrollment model that grants students access to all classes with a single registration. I also discuss the recent addition of an on-demand class, 'Step-by-Step Building a Garden from Scratch.' The episode continues with a detailed review of my 'Best of 2025' series, focusing on the performance of various seeds and plants in North Texas. I cover a wide range of flowers, including Shirley Poppies, Sweet Peas, Cosmos, Rudbeckia, and Zinnias, providing insights and recommendations based on my extensive trials and tests. Additionally, I offer valuable seed starting tips and emphasize the importance of indoor seed starting for successful gardening in North Texas. Lastly, I remind listeners to enroll in the upcoming indoor seed starting class and grab the planner to stay organized throughout the gardening season. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:21 New Enrollment Model for 2026 00:52 Step-by-Step Garden Building 01:37 Best of 2025 Series Overview 03:00 Cut Flowers Review 03:41 Poppies: Easy Indoor Growing Tips 07:53 Sweet Peas: Challenges and Tips 10:43 Cosmos: A Garden Staple 13:35 Rudbeckia and Summer Bloomers 18:49 Amaranthus: Beautiful and Prolific 21:40 Zinnias: A Pleasant Surprise 24:03 Housekeeping and Final Thoughts RESOURCES MENTIONED: ENROLL IN SCHOOL HERE! 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Renee’s Garden Seeds Swallowtail Seeds MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ 2026 Class Schedule: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com/2026-class-schedule Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

Join me in this exciting episode of the Dallas Garden School podcast as I recap the highlights of my 2025 gardening season. Discover the warm-season vegetables that thrived in my North Texas garden this year, including standout varieties like the highly productive Sophy squash and the flavorful Paloma eggplant. Learn about the challenges and successes I faced, tips for soil health and garden maintenance, and get a sneak peek into the 2026 gardening classes. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for making the most of your garden this year. Happy gardening! 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:01 Warm Season Vegetables: Peppers and Eggplants 07:52 Hot Peppers and Sweet Peppers 15:13 Corn and Cucumbers 24:11 Squash and Seed Companies 30:48 Garden Maintenance and Cold-Hardy Annuals 35:52 Indoor Seed Starting and Upcoming Classes 38:53 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Renee’s Garden Seeds   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

Best of 2025: Vegetables, Part One In this episode, I continue my 'Best of 2025' series, sharing the results of my growing trials. I discuss what worked, what didn't, and what I'm changing for next year. Last week, I reviewed tomatoes, and today I move on to Part One of discussing vegetables. Additionally, I share tips for indoor seed starting and preparing your garden for winter. Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for updates on the 2026 learning themes and class schedules. 00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast 01:08 Seed Shopping and Preparation 04:33 2026 Learning Themes 08:09 Reviewing the Best Vegetables of 2025 23:32 Indoor Seed Starting Tips 24:52 Garden Bed Transitioning 26:17 Conclusion and Final Tips   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Renee’s Garden Seeds   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

Best of 2025: Tomatoes or Lack Thereof This episode is the first in my Best of 2025 series and delves into a detailed analysis of my tomato trials for 2025, highlighting what worked, what didn't, and why. I share insights on disease resistance, specifically focusing on early blight, and the performance of different tomato varieties from various seed sources. I’ll also touch on my plans for 2026, new varieties to be tested, and tips for making educated choices for next season's garden. Plus, learn why I am having to say goodbye to a seed company that I’ve bought from for years. 00:00 Welcome and Winter Garden Update 00:33 Preparing for Winter: Clearing Summer Vegetables 03:05 Introducing the Best of 2025 Series 04:34 Tomato Trials: Successes and Failures 10:34 Micro and Container Tomatoes 12:33 Tomato Varieties: Hits and Misses 17:02 Seed Companies and New Trials 21:46 Black and Yellow Tomatoes: Fall Performance 23:06 Yellow Pear Tomato Review 24:32 Porter Tomato: Heat Tolerance vs. Flavor 26:42 Tomato Fest: A Mixed Experience 29:49 Fall Tomato Season Results 31:59 Planning for Next Year's Tomato Crop 33:39 New Tomato Varieties for 2026 39:24 Cozy Holiday Season and Final Thoughts   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Tomatofest.com   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

Beginner Tips for Transitioning from Containers to a Full Garden In this episode of the Dallas Garden School podcast, host Callie Works-Leary answers a listener's question about transitioning from growing plants in containers to creating a full-fledged garden in the yard without spending a fortune. Callie discusses essential factors to consider, such as selecting the ideal garden location based on sun exposure and proximity to water sources. She outlines the pros and cons of raised beds versus in-ground beds, recommending starting with two 4x8 raised beds if space allows. Additionally, she provides advice on soil amendment, irrigation methods, and dispels common misconceptions like the necessity of landscape fabric in raised beds. Tune in for practical tips to kickstart your gardening journey and maximize plant health and productivity.   00:00 Introduction and Listener Question 01:24 Choosing the Right Garden Location 04:16 In-Ground vs. Raised Bed Gardening 07:29 Building and Filling Raised Beds 12:18 Preparing In-Ground Beds 16:52 Irrigation Tips and Techniques 21:15 Final Tips and Announcements   To calculate how much compost you need for a three-inch layer, measure the length and width of the bed in feet and multiply them to determine square footage. Convert three inches to feet by dividing by twelve (0.25 feet). Multiply the square footage by 0.25 to get the required volume in cubic feet. If you’re buying by the bag, divide that number by two and that’s how many bags of compost you need. For bulk orders, divide that number by twenty-seven to convert cubic feet to cubic yards, which is the standard unit for bulk compost orders.   Buy the planner here: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com/products/2026-north-texas-garden-planner

In this episode, I introduce a new format that includes answering listener questions in addition to the usual lecture-style content. First, I discuss important gardening tasks for the week, such as transplanting brassicas, lettuce, and cool-season flowers like snapdragons and pansies. I also emphasize the need for consistent watering despite cooler temperatures. Next, I address Angela's question about growing cut flowers in partial shade, providing detailed recommendations on suitable perennials and annuals, including oak leaf hydrangeas and dianthus. Don’t forget to check out our 2026 garden planner, now available for purchase. 00:00 Introduction and New Format Announcement 00:52 Weekly Gardening Tips: Transplanting and Winter Annuals 03:13 Angela's Question: Growing Cut Flowers in Partial Shade 05:13 Understanding Light Levels for Plants 07:02 Perennials for Part Shade Cut Flower Gardens 10:00 Annuals for Part Shade Cut Flower Gardens 12:14 Encouragement and Final Thoughts 12:49 Conclusion and Announcements   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

In this episode, I introduce a new interactive podcast format that focuses on answering listener questions. Today, we're addressing a question from Morgan about pruning her overgrown Texas Rock Rose and Salvia greggii. I explain the science behind pruning, including the role of the hormone auxin, and offer detailed advice on when and how to cut back these plants to promote healthier, fuller growth. I also discuss seasonal gardening tips, the importance of timing in pruning, and provide additional advice on plant maintenance and management. Listeners are encouraged to submit their gardening questions for future episodes.   00:00 Introduction and New Podcast Format 02:05 Listener Questions: Overgrown Plants 03:26 The Science of Pruning 05:58 Pruning Techniques for Woody Perennials 08:22 Seasonal Pruning Guidelines 10:05 Winter Care for Perennials 12:45 Planting and Dividing Perennials 14:01 Housekeeping and Announcements 15:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Resources Mentioned Leave me a question, and be featured on the podcast! Subscribe to emails The 2026 North Texas Garden Planner Bigger, brighter, spiral-bound, and packed with new tools: sample layouts, color-coded months, a twelve-month succession plan, and more.    The Dallas Garden School Website and Blog  Instagram  Online Classes  Shop  Amazon Store   If you like the episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on your podcast platform of choice! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of record keeping in gardening success. I share my personal experiences and tips on how detailed records have significantly enhanced my gardening skills over the years. I cover the types of information to track, such as planting dates, varieties, sources, and productivity, and explain how these details help in planning and improving garden performance.   00:00 Introduction to Record Keeping in Gardening 00:54 Why Keeping Records is Crucial 01:28 How to Keep Planting Records 02:53 Essential Information to Record 04:08 Tracking Planting Dates and Maturity 06:43 Germination and Harvest Tracking 08:30 Advanced Record Keeping Techniques 10:13 Inspection Reports and Performance Evaluation 13:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 15:06 Outro and Additional Resources     RESOURCES   Get the planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com   The Dallas Garden School: https://thedallasgarden.com Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com

Ditch the pumpkin patch, and grow your own! Learn how to grow pitch-perfect pumpkins in your own North Texas backyard with these simple and easy-to-implement tips and tricks.   I cover how to pick the right varieties, how to prep your garden beds for success, how to care for your plants like a pro, and when to harvest.   00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview   00:28 Personal Memories and Pumpkin Varieties   02:03 Tips for Growing Pumpkins in North Texas   02:30 Selecting the Right Pumpkin Seeds   07:03 Understanding Pumpkin Growth Habits   09:30 Preparing Your Garden for Pumpkins   10:32 Common Pumpkin Problems and Solutions   14:45 Watering and Harvesting Pumpkins   16:36 Curing and Storing Pumpkins   17:55 Conclusion and Final Tips       RESOURCES   Subscribe to emails Free One-Page Fall Planting Plan Download your printable plan for what to plant and when, perfect for posting in your gardening space.  The 2026 North Texas Garden Planner Bigger, brighter, spiral-bound, and packed with new tools: sample layouts, color-coded months, a twelve-month succession plan, and more. Plus, early buyers get a free gift with purchase!  The Dallas Garden School  Website and Blog  Instagram  Online Classes  Shop  Amazon Store   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW   If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!

Are your pumpkin and squash plants mysteriously wilting and dying just when they're getting established? If you've ever lost plants to squash vine borers, this episode is your complete guide to prevention and early intervention! Squash vine borers are one of the most frustrating pests for home gardeners, but with the right preventative strategies, you can protect your plants without expensive treatments or fussy techniques.  In today's episode, I share my proven system that has kept my garden squash vine borer-free for over 10 years, including:    Why prevention (not treatment) is the key to successful pest management  The critical importance of crop rotation - even in small garden spaces  How floating insect mesh can be your secret weapon against borers  The right way to use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as both prevention and treatment  Why accepting imperfection in your garden leads to greater success  My accidental experiment that proved these methods really work  Simple daily garden checks that can save your plants  What "fussy" techniques to skip (and what actually works!) 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Mindset Shift in Pest Control 02:02 Prevention Strategies for Squash Vine Borers 03:01 Effective Use of Insect Mesh 03:40 Accidental Experiment and Results 04:38 Preventative Measures Recap 06:05 Treatment for Squash Vine Borers 09:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 11:22 Conclusion and Farewell    PRODUCTS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: Check out my detailed Instagram post with step-by-step squash vine borer prevention guide: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOPq-GokzNr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Floating insect Mesh: Lightweight cover that lets in light and water without trapping heat Support Hoops: Available from Johnny's Seeds for supporting insect mesh Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Organic treatment specifically for caterpillars and worms in larval stages   MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Website: https://thedallasgarden.com   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW  If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more gardeners who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in! Now get out there and share the love of gardening with someone else - whether it's sharing your homegrown produce or encouraging them to start their own garden journey. See you next week!

Hey, Texas Gardeners! Today, we're diving into how to start and improve your cut flower garden. I'll be explaining why a cut flower garden is different from a traditional flower garden and how to lay it out with intention. We'll also cover selecting the right plant varieties for our seasons here in Texas, like snapdragons, cosmos, and zinnias, and I'll share tips on indoor seed starting and advanced techniques like succession planting to extend your harvest. Plus, I'll give you a heads-up on our upcoming class enrollments and the exciting launch of our 2026 planner with special early bird gifts. By the end of this episode, you'll have actionable steps to get started on growing beautiful cut flowers. Let's get growing! Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:56 The Importance of Thinking Like a Farmer 01:23 Exciting Planner Launch Announcement 02:10 Getting Started with Growing Cut Flowers 03:05 Designing Your Cut Flower Garden 06:16 Selecting the Right Flowers for Each Season 11:39 Indoor Seed Starting: A Gardener's Superpower 15:04 Advanced Techniques: Succession Planting 17:13 Recap and Action Steps 21:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Resources Mentioned Subscribe to emails Blossom Brilliance Class Free One-Page Fall Planting Plan Download your printable plan for what to plant and when, perfect for posting in your gardening space.  The 2026 North Texas Garden Planner Bigger, brighter, spiral-bound, and packed with new tools: sample layouts, color-coded months, a twelve-month succession plan, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the launch and your chance at a free gift with purchase!  The Dallas Garden School  Website and Blog  Instagram  Online Classes  Shop  Amazon Store