Advertise on podcast: The Dirt on Gardening

 This throwback episode of The Dirt on Gardening Podcast (Season 1, Episode 32) brings us together—Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist—for a fun, wide-ranging conversation that blends real-life gardening with deep dives into soil fungi, mycorrhizae, and garden biology.  We kick things off with weekend updates—building new metal raised beds, discovering surprise pineapples, and even saving eggshells in Talenti containers—before diving into the fascinating science of mycorrhizal fungi. We break down what mycorrhizae are, how they help plant roots access water and nutrients, and why adding inoculants can be inconsistent outdoors but more effective in controlled or indoor growing environments.  From there, we explore the wild side of fungi, including cordyceps (“zombie ant” fungi), mushroom foraging myths, and massive underground fungal networks. We also tackle practical gardening questions like whether mushrooms in your soil are good or bad, and how to think about building healthy, living soil systems.  This episode is packed with practical tips, including:   Filling multiple raised beds on a budget  Composting large mulch piles (including palm-based materials)  Using mushroom compost effectively  Air layering successes and failures (and why peaches can be tricky)  Growing pineapples from seed vs. pups  Choosing asparagus varieties for Zone 8B  Sourcing and using mushroom spawn  We wrap things up by inviting you to help shape the future of the show—send us your questions, ideas, and topics for our season finale and beyond.   Whether you're into soil health, fungi, composting, or beginner gardening, this episode mixes science, humor, and hands-on experience to help you grow smarter. Keywords (SEO): mycorrhizae explained, soil fungi gardening, mushroom myths garden, composting mulch pile, raised bed gardening tips, air layering fruit trees, pineapple propagation, mushroom compost benefits, living soil gardening, gardening podcast season 1    Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

In this lively episode, we kick things off welcoming our special guest, Chai Ming of Coastal Homestead. We trade weekend garden wins and woes—from satsuma scores and mystery Temu avocado reveals to white sapote experiments and recovering orchards—then dive into foodscaping: how to swap ornamentals for edibles, design small-space gardens, and choose durable, drought-tolerant plants for tricky strips like the curbside hellstrip. Chai Ming breaks down edible ground covers (creeping thymes, perennial peanut, sweet potato), comfrey for chop-and-drop, and why thoughtful design (and a square base!) matters when building greenhouses. We also unpack asparagus realities (it’s a long game), the safest ways to think about compost sources, and the nuanced, local-first approach to garden advice. Chai gives a behind-the-scenes look at designing and building The Home Depot’s “From Scratch” Maine project with Epic Gardening—where the team truly did the work: grading, beds, pergola, paths, and greenhouse in ten packed days. We tackle hot listener questions on pet urine/manure in gardens (where safety and proper processing matter), balancing AI garden guidance with trusted extension resources, and the power of community knowledge. We wrap with laughs, lessons, plus a teaser for Andre’s unforgettable “fly story.” Resources mentioned: The Home Depot’s From Scratch (YouTube), university/Cooperative Extension resources for local guidance, KNF (Korean Natural Farming) for safe inputs, and reputable compost suppliers over mixed city green-bin compost for edible beds.  Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

In this episode of The Dirt on Garden Podcast, we dive into plants in pop culture—from Little Shop of Horrors’ iconic Audrey II and Wizard of Oz’s soporific pop We swap personal gardening updates (false spring chills in Dallas, seed-starting in the Carolinas), recent plant finds and losses, and listener call-outs from YouTube and Instagram, weaving in references to anime roses, Dr. Seuss’s Truffula trees in The Lorax, Popeye’s spinach myth, and sentient trees from Lord of the Rings and Ender’s Game. We also field a quick fig question for cold climates, share first-plant origin stories, and celebrate how thoughtful greenery and biophilic design elevate stories on screen and in our own spaces. We invite you to keep the conversation going by dropping your favorite plant moments from movies, TV, books, anime, music, and games—and the must-watch films Andre somehow still hasn’t seen!  Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

In this lively episode of The Dirt on Gardening, I’m joined by Andre, Gray, and our special guest Rashad of Afya Farms for a deep dive into modern homesteading—what it really takes, how to start small, and why planning matters. We chat weekend adventures, community shout-outs, and Rashad’s path from houseplants to a thriving, animal-powered homestead in Atlanta. Rashad breaks down efficient meat sources (rabbits vs. chickens), predator pressures, low-maintenance crops, storing food for the off-season, and practical first steps for aspiring homesteaders—from container gardening and tomatoes for canning to soap-making and sourdough. We also tackle squash struggles (powdery mildew tips included), quail vs. chickens for small spaces, the realities of land size, and the importance of creating multiple income streams to sustain the lifestyle. Plus, a quick tour of favorite crops (asparagus wins for patience) and houseplants (hello, monstera!). Whether you’re dreaming of an acre and a half or a balcony full of containers, this conversation shows how homesteading is a spectrum: start where you are, pick one or two goals, and build from there. Follow Rashad at MoneyTreesATL on Instagram and Afia Farms across platforms, and get inspired to grow, store, and live a little more from scratch.  Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

In this lively episode of the Dirt on Gardening, we're joined by special guest Nate from Classy Rabbit to continue our deep-dive into plant nutrition—especially the often-overlooked micronutrients. We swap weekend updates (RIP to a towering mango, congrats on Gray’s upcoming Home Depot miniseries, and Derek’s studio reset), then dive into practical, myth-busting guidance on NPK vs. micros, fertilizer antagonism, diagnosing leaf symptoms (like purpleing from potassium/magnesium issues), and why soil biology and structure must come first. Nate explains why rabbit manure is a standout “cold” amendment, how to use and even grind it for faster availability, and the importance of complete, carbon-rich mixes that support microbial life. We tackle real-world questions on sulfur water, chloramine in tap water, coffee grounds, alocasia potting mix, baby shampoo vs. dish soap for pests, and more—while keeping it playful and straight to the poop.  Key takeaways: don’t overdo micros, but don’t ignore them; prioritize living soil over quick nutrient hits; watch for nutrient interactions; and use simple, proven practices (like balanced mixes, appropriate manures, and mild soapy sprays) to help plants thrive.  Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

In this episode of The Dirt on Gardening, we’re joined by Tiffany Davis, creator of Thryve Roots, for a lively deep-dive into soil health. We unpack the basics of NPK (nitrogen for leafy growth, phosphorus for roots/flowers, potassium for overall vigor), why nutrient mobility matters after heavy rains, and how soil amendments and microbes improve nutrient uptake and water retention without encouraging overwatering. We also touch on pollinator-friendly practices, terpene profiles, and practical propagation tips using moss and amendments. Beyond the science, we swap weekend stories—from unexpected wildlife on the golf course to campus talks at NC State—and answer rapid-fire community questions: fungus gnat control with BTI “tea,” propagating woody cuttings (including cherries), and dialing in seed-starting mixes with coco coir, peat, and perlite. By the end, you’ll have a clearer roadmap for balancing fertilizers with amendments and a teaser for part two on often-overlooked micronutrients. Thryve Roots (organic soil amendment): https://thryveroots.com/The Chocolate Botanist (Derek Haynes): https://thechocolatebotanist.com/Urban Gardening with Gray: https://urbangardeningwithgray.com/Epic Gardening: https://www.epicgardening.com/North Carolina State University (NC State): https://www.ncsu.edu/Order of the Long Leaf Pine (NC Governor’s Office overview): https://governor.nc.gov/submit-request/request-awardMosquito Bits (BTI) – official product page: https://summitchemical.com/products/mosquito-bits/RETAIN Organic Pruner Treatment: https://retainspray.com/Andre the Farmer – Sweet & Spicy Pepper Sauce: https://andrethefarmer.com/products/andre-the-farmer-sweet-spicy-pepper-sauce-not-so-hotBlossom Effect / Paige Tailyn (plant education): https://www.paigetailyn.com/   Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

In this episode of The Dirt on Gardening, join us for a lively, wide-ranging conversation on weird and wonderful plant facts—and real-world garden recovery after Florida’s rare deep freeze. We share firsthand observations of mangoes, bananas, lychees, and avocados taking a hard hit, what to expect from bananas rebounding next season, and why this year might be a lighter workload in my orchard. From there, we dive into myths and truths about GMOs (papaya history in Hawaii, “Roundup Ready” context, and separating tools from companies), the psychology and history of tobacco and smoking culture, and fun clarifications like why baby carrots are a marketing win, the portobello–button mushroom connection, and how cilantro and Brussels sprouts taste can be genetic. We also explore plant science nuggets—corn as grass/seed/fruit, nuts vs. legumes (peanuts, cashews, coconuts), space-grown potatoes, gravitropism vs. geotropism, and a quick primer on aeroponics. Listener Q&A covers fungus gnats in water-rooted garlic, timing sweet potato slips, zone-based mango tips, and growing jackfruit and hibiscus sabdariffa (sorrel). Plus, we shout out community stories, swaps, and upcoming guest Tiffany from Thrive Roots next. Resources and mentions: aeroponics basics; sorrel/roselle growing tips; mosquito bits/dunks for fungus gnats; timing sweet potato slips to about a month after last frost; container mango culture in 8B/9B; jackfruit from seed in warm zones; cilantro/Brussels sprouts taste genetics; papaya ringspot virus and GMO papayas; corn botany 101; portobello vs. button mushrooms.

We’re live with Andre the Farmer, Gray (Urban Gardening with Gray), and Derek (The Chocolate Botanist) talking winter-damaged gardens, small‑space wins, and a big announcement: Gray’s new YouTube series “Q&A with Gray” debuts on the Botanical Interests channel. We swap freeze‑recovery strategies for fruit trees (wait to prune until you’re safely past frost), what to do with flopped annuals, and seed‑starting tips for herbs like rosemary. We also field live questions on mangos after frost and which herbs are truly “easy” depending on your watering style and climate. Indoors and off‑grid, we dive into homestead projects you can do right now: shaking up homemade butter (heavy cream, optional salt/honey, then rinse and pack), simple alcohol‑based extractions/tinctures for teas and DIY, and our top “survival crops.” Gray picks potatoes, beans, and spinach for calories, nitrogen, and storage; Derek goes loofah (cleaning + barter), mint (teas), and a sweetener crop; Andre opts for sweet potatoes (plus edible greens), longevity spinach, and a long‑keeper like squash. We touch on ube/yams and Florida’s invasive winged yam/air potato, and close with community notes, including PlantCon Houston in April. Drop your questions in the comments for next week’s show!'Botanical Interests' (official site): https://www.botanicalinterests.com/'Botanical Interests' (YouTube channel): https://www.youtube.com/@botanicalinterests'Epic Gardening' (official site): https://www.epicgardening.com/'Epic Gardening' (YouTube channel): https://www.youtube.com/@epicgardening'Urban Gardening with Gray' (website): https://urbangardeningwithgray.com/'The Chocolate Botanist' (website): https://thechocolatebotanist.com/'StreamYard' (live streaming studio used on the show): https://streamyard.com/'Kerrygold USA' (butter mentioned): https://www.kerrygoldusa.com/'Everclear – DIY With Everclear' (brand site for high‑proof alcohol used in extractions): https://diywitheverclear.com/'UF/IFAS Assessment: Dioscorea alata (winged yam)' (Florida invasive species reference): https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/dioscorea-alata/'UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic & Invasive Plants: Dioscorea bulbifera (air potato)' (Florida invasive species reference): https://plant-directory.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/dioscorea-bulbifera/'PlantCon Houston 2026' (event mentioned): https://www.plantcon.org/houston-home'Fallout' (Prime Video series referenced): https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/entertainment/fallout-series-trailer'Jacques in the Garden' (creator mentioned; link hub): https://linktr.ee/Jacques1x  Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

A major cold snap is pushing freezing temperatures deep into warm climates—bringing serious frost and freeze risk for gardens, fruit trees, and container plants. In this episode of the Dirt on Gardening Podcast, Andre the Farmer, Urban Gardening with Gray, and The Chocolate Botanist (Derek) share practical cold weather gardening tips to help you protect plants from frost damage, hard freezes, and sustained cold. You’ll learn why tropical and subtropical plants (like mango trees and banana plants) are more vulnerable than cold-hardy trees, what freezing does to plant cells, and the best DIY methods for freeze protection—including plant covers, breathable blankets and sheets, propping covers to avoid leaf contact, moving pots near the house for a windbreak, grouping containers for warmth, and using mulch to insulate roots. The crew also discusses simple heat-boosting options like incandescent Christmas lights, gentle heaters, and DIY heat sinks (dark buckets of water) to raise temperatures just enough to save buds, blooms, and fruit. Plus: a reality check on whether gardening can replace your grocery bill, what “intentional gardening” really means, and a debate on planting by moon phases—tradition vs. measurable results. If you’re searching for how to cover plants for frost, how to protect tropical plants in winter, or freeze prep for container gardens, this episode is your cold-snap survival guide.  Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening

We’re back! In our Season 2 premiere, the three of us shake off some live-stream rust, catch up on travel, family news, and what’s sprouting in our lives and gardens. Then we dive into practical, no‑stress seed starting: start something you love, use your planting calendar, mind your media, keep lights close, and don’t fear a little failure. We talk germination triggers, damping off, fans for sturdier seedlings, when to pull domes and heat mats, how much daily light to give (often 14–16 hours), and making that tricky handoff from tray to garden. We also share what we’re growing this year—Andre’s finally tackling rice and kiwano; Derek’s dreaming gourds and uncommon mints; Gray’s running back Korean melons and firing up Gaillardia ‘Goblin’—plus a nifty sphagnum‑moss propagation box. We swap tips for protecting seedlings in cold snaps (thermal mass, wind shelter, grouping) and even wander into food hot‑takes (raisins? chocolate + fruit?) and the lore of perpetual stew. It’s a lively, learning‑packed kickoff to the season.'Andre the Farmer (site & shop)': https://andrethefarmer.com/'The Chocolate Botanist (Derek Haynes)': https://thechocolatebotanist.com/'Urban Gardening with Gray': https://urbangardeningwithgray.com/'PlantCon (official site)': https://www.plantcon.org/'PlantMania Expo (Raleigh, NC)': https://plantmaniaexpo.com/'Botanical Interests (seeds)': https://www.botanicalinterests.com/'Find Your Local Cooperative Extension': https://extension.org/find-cooperative-extension-in-your-state/'Epic Gardening (articles, videos, products)': https://www.epicgardening.com/'Kiwano (horned) melon — Cucumis metuliferus': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cucumis_metuliferus'Noni (Morinda citrifolia)': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morinda_citrifolia'Sonia’s Essential Mosquito Spray ("Sonia’s Bug Spray")': https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/'Retain — Organic Pruning Tool Cleaner (Walmart listing)': https://www.walmart.com/ip/14855670600'Thryve Roots (OMRI‑listed root & soil booster)': https://thryveroots.com/  Support Our Sponsors: Retain Spray: retainspray.com Sonia’s Bug Spray: https://sonias-essentials.myshopify.com/ Thryve Roots: ThryveRoots.com Andre The Farmer’s Pepper Sauce: andrethefarmer.com #Gardening #UrbanFarming #podcast #TheChocolateBotanist #BlackPlantCreators #GrowYourOwn #Horticulture #PlantCare #andrethefarmer #FarmToBalcony #BudgetGardening #GardenTips #GardenLife #PlantParent #UrbanGardening