Episode Details

Before we delve into the soil, fertilizer in hand, a quick review of what was on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast this past week;

Tuesday, May 28, Ep. 338: Zucchini Sex! Which cherries are best for cooking?

Questions tackled on this episode include answering questions about squash that is slow to produce healthy looking fruit (it’s due to the lousy sex life of male and female squash flowers this time of year: “it’s too hot!”, “it’s too cold!” “I’m hungry!” “I’m too full!” (See? Plants are just like us. Except they don’t get headaches.) And, some kind words about growing tart/sour cherry trees. They’re great in pies!

Takeaways from Ep. 338

• Squash, melons, and cucumbers have male and female flowers on the same plant, and successful pollination requires synchronized flowering.

• Pollinators like bees play a crucial role in transferring pollen between male and female flowers.

• When fertilizing plants, it's important to consider the temperature and nutrient concentration, especially with synthetic fertilizers.

• Organic fertilizers tend to have lower nutrient concentrations and are less likely to cause burning or osmotic problems.

• Cherry trees, particularly tart cherries, require good drainage to prevent root rot.

Friday, May 31 - Ep. 339 How to Water Clay Soil (and more tips for gardening in clay!)

In this episode of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, the focus is on how to water clay soil and other tips for gardening in clay. Debbie Flower, America’s Favorite Retired College Horticultural Professor, shares valuable insights on the topic. The episode covers the characteristics of clay soil, the importance of organic matter, watering techniques, mulching, and the use of cover crops. The conversation also delves into the impact of soil structure on crop production and the benefits of no-till and cover cropping practices.

Takeaways From Ep. 339

• Understanding the characteristics of clay soil and the importance of organic matter in improving its quality.

• Learning effective watering techniques for clay soil, including surge irrigation and the use of moisture meters.

• Recognizing the benefits of mulching and the use of cover crops to enhance soil structure and promote healthy plant growth.

When Should You Fertilize Your Plants?

From the garden e-mail bag, Danny has been thinking about fertilizing, probably a little bit harder than most of us gardeners: “I am wondering if at a particular temperature, plants can’t feed themselves. Do they just need water if it’s too hot? What time of day is best for feeding the plants: during the day, or at night? Or do they need the sun to eat?”

Those were good questions, which we took up on the Garden Basics podcast. You can hear that segment in today’s newsletter podcast post.

According to retired college horticulture professor Debbie Flower, Danny is on to a very important aspect of correct fertilization techniques in the garden: plants can’t absorb fertilizer, if it’s too hot.

“Research shows that above 86 degrees Fahrenheit, plants don't use fertilizer, don't absorb nutrients,” explains Flower. “They're just pumping water through their system to keep themselves cool, much like a human would sweat in a very hot situation. He asks if they need sun to eat. Plants do need sun to make food. Plants are autotrophs, meaning they feed themselves. ‘Auto’ means self. And they use nutrients which are gathered primarily through the roots and some from the air through the stoma on the leaves to make their own food. And that food would only happen when the plant can collect the energy from the sun or other light source.”

Flower