Garden Talk

Gardening — and other work related to plants — touches many lives. We talk with our guests about linking gardening with the community.

Many people are taking an interest in gardening this spring. We talk with an expert from the UW-Extension about some of the basics you need to know before you start. We also talk about weed identification.

Apples, rhubarb, asparagus and raspberries are just some of the many perennial plants we can add to our landscapes, providing both food and beauty. We look at how to select, plant and grow them with our experts from the UW-Extension.

Bees and other pollinators are starting to emerge and they’re looking for food. We talk about what plants will help feed them with our native plant expert from the UW-Madison Arboretum.

With more people staying home, our lawns will be getting more attention. Our turf expert is back to talk about basic care for your grass. We also look at how the coronavirus has affected turf research and lawn care.

It’s not quite time to plant but there is lots to do to get ready for the season. We talk about garden prep, pruning, planting and lawn alternatives.

More time at home has sparked a growing interest in gardening. We talk about a popular, easy method of growing plants with the inventor of straw bale gardening.

As humans we like to improve things. But, when it comes to plants, that’s not necessarily a good thing. We talk with our guest about genetic diversity in plants and why natives are essential.

Weeds and invasive species can take the enjoyment out of gardening. We talk with our guest about ways to deal with these intruders. We also discuss oak woodland restoration and native gardening.

As much as you want to start gardening again, don’t start too early. We talk with a UW-Extension expert about how to figure out when to plant your seeds, what medium to use and how to determine how much water and light is needed.

There are many things that can injure your trees and shrubs during the winter. We talk about how to prevent it and how to treat it.

Lilac, hydrangea and catmint are just a few plants that can stand the test of time. We talk about why they last so long, how to properly grow them, and other fun “oldie but goodie” plants that are still available today.

Plants and flowers are popular Valentine's Day gifts. We talk about how to choose the right ones and how to care for them. We also look at other gift ideas for gardeners.

Two new blights have arrived in Wisconsin. We turn to a plant expert to discuss what they look like, and what they can do to your garden. We also talk about winter damage, and what's going on at the upcoming Garden Expo.

Apple trees are a great addition to the garden. We talk about selecting varieties, pruning and non-chemical management. We also learn about what it takes to start a business growing and selling them.