Pumpkins are one of the oldest cultivated plants, with a rich history dating back to around 7,000 B.C. in Mesoamerica. This hour of Let's Garden explores the fascinating world of pumpkins, from their classification as a member of the Cucurbita genus to their versatility in cooking and decoration.

Join Scott and his guest Mark Wessel, chief horticulturist at Gardens Alive, as they delve into the world of pumpkins. They discuss the different species, including the pepo types, which include zucchini and crookneck squash, and the maxima species, which are considered the finest winter squash. They also talk about the importance of pollination, the role of bees in pumpkin production, and the impact of diseases like powdery mildew.

The conversation also touches on the world of pumpkin breeding, with Mark sharing his expertise on the different types of pumpkins, including heirloom and processing varieties. They discuss the challenges of growing pumpkins, including the need for high fertility and the importance of selecting the right variety for your climate.

If you're interested in learning more about the fascinating world of pumpkins, be sure to tune in to this hour of Let's Garden. Barry Rupp from Rupp Seeds joins the conversation, sharing his insights on the latest trends in pumpkin breeding and the importance of selecting the right variety for your garden.

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This week on Let's Garden is a treat for plant enthusiasts, as Scott is joined by Mark Wessel, Chief Horticulturist at Gardens Alive, to discuss their favorite plants of the season. From asters to holly, the conversation is a treasure trove of gardening tips and tricks. Mark shares his expertise on a variety of plants, including the calico aster, which is a favorite among bees, and the deciduous holly, which produces stunning clusters of shiny red berries. The two also dive into the world of perennials, discussing the benefits of plants like bulb fennel and the challenges of growing monkshood.

As the conversation unfolds, Mark and Scott discuss the importance of choosing the right plants for the right place, and the need to be mindful of the needs of each plant. They also touch on the topic of foraging, with Mark sharing his experiences of foraging for wild foods like mushrooms and nuts. The episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their gardening skills and learn more about the fascinating world of plants.

One of the highlights of the hour is Mark's discussion of his favorite plants, including the aster tartaricus, which produces a beautiful ground cover of green strap-like foliage and stunning lavender flowers. He also shares his enthusiasm for the deciduous holly, which is a native shrub that produces bright red berries in the fall. The conversation is engaging, informative, and full of practical advice for gardeners of all levels.

If you're looking for a gardening podcast that's full of expert advice and fascinating conversations, this episode of Let's Garden is a must-listen. Join Scott and Mark as they explore the world of plants and share their knowledge and experiences. 

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This week on Let's Garden, Scott is joined by Sarah Geiger-Behm, a landscape designer with Wimberg Landscaping, and Brian Heinz, director of horticulture at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. Despite Scott's lingering cold, the trio dives into a fascinating discussion about the world's largest pumpkins, which can weigh over 3,000 pounds. They explore the genetics and care involved in growing these massive gourds, including the importance of selecting the right seed lineages, preparing the soil, and hand-pollinating the flowers.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of managing flying insects around indoor plants during the fall season. Scott shares his tips for bringing tropical plants inside, including removing the top couple of inches of soil, rinsing the plants with soapy water, and using beneficial nematodes to target fungus gnats. The hosts also discuss the importance of monitoring for pests and using sticky traps to catch any unwanted visitors.

In addition to these topics, the episode covers the latest plant releases and trends. The hosts discuss the new Haskap honeysuckle, which produces edible blue fruit, and the Boreal Bliss blueberry, which is extremely hardy and has notably higher sugar content. They also talk about the potential of sunflowers as a source of meat alternatives and highlight some of the top-rated plants from the Variety Day event.

The episode wraps up with a discussion about the fall color at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, where Brian shares his insights on the beautiful dogwoods, maples, and hazelnut shrubs that are starting to change color. The hosts also chat about the upcoming bulb planting season and the importance of choosing the right trees for the job. 

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This hour of Let's Garden is a must-listen for any plant enthusiast. Join Scott and his co-hosts, Sarah Geiger-Behm and Brian Heinz as they dive into their favorite plants of the season. From stunning annuals to beautiful trees, this episode is packed with expert advice and gorgeous visuals.

Scott and his team share their top picks for annuals, including the gorgeous strawflower, Sunbrero Yellow, and the vibrant coleus, Cajun Spice. They also discuss the importance of growing from seed and share their experiences with the process. With a mix of personal anecdotes and expert insights, this episode is a treasure trove of gardening knowledge.

The conversation also touches on the topic of native plants and the importance of incorporating them into your garden. Scott and his co-hosts discuss the benefits of using native plants and how they can help support local pollinators. They also share their favorite native plants, including the stunning American smoke tree and the beautiful white ash.

If you're looking for expert advice on how to create a beautiful and sustainable garden, this hour is a must-listen. 

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This week on Let's Garden, the conversation is all about embracing the imperfect and finding joy in the little things. Scott and his co-host Sarah Geiger-Behm dive into the world of gardening, sharing their favorite plants and discussing the importance of patience and hard work in the garden.

As they chat about their favorite plants, Scott and Sarah reveal their go-to picks for low-maintenance and beautiful additions to any garden. From lambs ear to Black Eyed Susan Vine, these plants are sure to inspire gardeners of all levels. But it's not just about the plants - the conversation also touches on the value of hard labor and customer service jobs in shaping a person's perspective and work ethic.

Scott and Sarah also discuss the importance of taking care of your garden, from deadheading to closing water features before the first frost. They share their own experiences and tips for making the most of the gardening season. With a mix of humor and expertise, this hour is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their gardening skills and find joy in the process.

Join Scott and Sarah as they explore the world of gardening and share their favorite plants, tips, and stories. 

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This hour is a must-listen for anyone who's ever struggled with the age-old debate: battery-powered vs gasoline-powered equipment. Join Scott as he chats with Jim Herbert, the third-generation owner of Bud Herbert Motors, about the evolution of power equipment and the benefits of going green.

Jim shares his expertise on the pros and cons of battery-powered equipment, from its impressive advancements in technology to its limitations for commercial users. He also discusses the importance of maintenance, highlighting the need to keep blades sharp and the potential issues with ethanol gasoline. Plus, he recommends using high-quality two-cycle gas to prevent carburetor problems.

The conversation also touches on the importance of soil testing and the potential pitfalls of using too much organic matter in your garden. John Butcher, a tree care specialist, joins the conversation to share his insights on the benefits of trees, from energy efficiency to aesthetic appeal. He emphasizes the importance of annual inspections to ensure the health and safety of your trees.

If you're curious about the latest developments in power equipment, soil science, and tree care, tune in to this hour of Let's Garden!

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This hour of Let's Garden is a must-listen for anyone who's ever struggled to get their garden to thrive. From soil testing to choosing the right plants, our guest expert shares valuable insights on how to overcome common gardening challenges. You'll learn about a program that's been helping gardeners across the country for decades, and how you can get involved.

This hour is all about gardening, but it's not just about the plants - it's about the people who make a difference in their communities. Our guest expert talks about a program that trains volunteers to share their knowledge and skills with others, and how it's making a real impact. You'll hear about the importance of research-based information and how it can help you make informed decisions in your garden.

One of the key takeaways from this hour is the value of soil testing and how it can help you identify potential problems in your garden. Our guest expert also shares tips on choosing the right plants for your climate and soil type, and how to overcome common challenges like pests and diseases. You'll also learn about a unique program that's helping gardeners across the country share their knowledge and skills with others.

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This hour of Let's Garden is a fun and informative conversation with John Butcher from Madison Tree Care and Landscape. They dive into the world of horticulture, discussing everything from the importance of knowing your customers to the best time to plant trees. Along the way, they touch on a variety of topics, including the benefits of visiting botanical gardens, the challenges of working with hickory trees, and the beauty of the buckeye nut.

Scott and John chat about their favorite plants, with Scott sharing his passion for pecan trees and John discussing the importance of knowing your customers. They also talk about the value of visiting botanical gardens, both locally and on vacation, and how these visits can be a great way to learn about plants and relax. The conversation is engaging and informative, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in horticulture.

One of the highlights of the episode is the discussion about the different types of frosts that can affect plants, including the nipping frost that can damage tomatoes and the killing frost that can wipe out entire gardens. Scott and John also talk about the importance of preparing for winter, including bringing in houseplants and protecting hoses from freezing temperatures.

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This hour of Let's Garden is a fun and informative conversation between the hosts and their guests, covering a range of topics from lawn care to tree health. The hosts dive into the world of turf grass, discussing the importance of mowing high and often to promote healthy growth. They also explore the fascinating world of insects, specifically the bagworms that can infest trees like pawpaws.

The conversation takes a turn when the hosts discuss the ambrosia beetles that are affecting pawpaw trees in the area. These tiny beetles can cause significant damage to the trees, and the hosts offer advice on how to identify and address the issue. They also touch on the importance of proper tree placement and care, including providing adequate drainage and mulch.

Throughout the hour, the hosts engage in a lighthearted and humorous banter, making the conversation feel approachable and entertaining. They also welcome a few special guests, including Gary Sullivan, who shares his expertise on gutter protection and plumbing.

If you're interested in learning more about lawn care, tree health, and the latest gardening tips, tune in to this hour of Let's Garden

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