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Fred Hoffman

Tips for beginning and experienced gardeners. New episodes arrive every Friday. Fred Hoffman has been a U.C. Certified Master Gardener since 1982 and writes a weekly garden column for the Lodi News-Sentinel in Lodi, CA. A four-decade fixture in Sacramento radio, he hosted three radio shows for Northern California gardeners and farmers: The KFBK Garden Show, Get Growing with Farmer Fred, and the KSTE Farm Hour. Episode Website: https://gardenbasics.net

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

The healthiest food you can eat is the food you grow yourself! In this episode, we speak with Dr. Laura Varich from FreshPhysician.com about the vital role of nutrition in supporting immunity, especially during the winter months. We explore the balance of immunity rather than just boosting it. And we discuss the correlation between diet and chronic diseases. Dr. Varich highlights the benefits of a plant-centered diet and compares germ theory with terrain theory. We also emphasize the immune-boosting properties of specific foods like turmeric and the health advantages of gardening. Lastly, we share resources from her website for actionable insights on living a healthier lifestyle.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Immunity Boosting (and Inflammation-Reducing) Homegrown Onions and Garlic

Links:
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Website: FreshPhysician.com (Dr. Laura Varich)

Turmeric Growing info (U. of VT)

All About Yacon (UCANR)

How to Grow Yacon

The Dietary Inflammatory Index

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
 http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

370 Grow Your Own Immunity Boosting Foods

In today’s episode, we explore America’s top 10 homegrown vegetables. We are guided by Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour. From tomatoes—America’s favorite, with 86% of gardeners growing them—to cucumbers, sweet peppers, hot peppers, squash, beans, lettuce, peas and more, we cover essential tips for garden success in your backyard.

In Part 1: Tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, beans, and carrots. 
In Part 2 (after the commercial break): summer squash, onions, hot peppers, lettuce, and peas. 

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Cucumbers on a Trellis

Links:
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Rapid City (SD) Journal Newspaper: 10 most popular vegetables grown in American gardens

National Gardening Association: Top 5 Homegrown Vegetables

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

371 America's Top 10 Vegetables to Grow (and Enjoy!)

In this episode, we reflect on the ups and downs of Northern California’s 2024 tomato gardening season, with Don Shor of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, California. We share insights on the successful varieties, such as Rugby, Chef’s Choice, and Jet Star. But we also point out the ones that struggled, and failed, during 2024’s record breaking July heat waves here (I’m looking at you, heirlooms!). We explore the effects of weather on tomato growth, including coping with extreme heat, and a comparison of heirloom versus hybrid tomato varieties, with planting tips.

Anyone in the world growing tomatoes will glean valuable information from this chat, despite the truism, ALL GARDENING IS LOCAL.

It’s all in today’s episode number 372, "2024 Tomato Winners (and losers!)". 
We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and accurate transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: A Good Tomato Harvest

Links:
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Redwood Barn Nursery, Davis CA
 
For more information about the TOMATO VARIETIES mentioned in this podcast, visit the “ Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter ” of Dec. 27, 2024

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

372 Tomato Winners (and Losers) of 2024

We're kicking off the 2025 season with the garden interviews that were the Top 3 topics that drew the most interest from you, the listeners, in 2024. 

Debbie Flower and I have the tips to start your first garden, along with advice for anyone who wants a successful. 

Blueberry experts, including Master Gardeners and professional blueberry growers, delve into the knowledge you need for growing the best blueberries ever. 

And, we talk with noted doctor and gardener, The Fresh Physician, Doctor Laura Varich, about the heart healthy garden.

It’s all in today’s Episode 373, the "Greatest Garden Hits of 2024".

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout

Pictured: Blueberries

Links:
 Smart Pots 
 Dave Wilson Nursery 

Farmer Fred Rant Blog: Tips for the Beginning Vegetable Gardener
 Solarize your soil to control weeds, diseases
 Reciprocating Hoe (aka Hula Hoe, Scuffle hoe)
 Dripworks (drip irrigation supplies and tutorials)
 AmpleHarvest.org for your excess backyard produce
 
 Farmer Fred Rant Blog Page: Grow Blueberries in Containers
 Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
 Dave Wilson Nursery Video: Container Blueberries for Small Spaces

 Heart Healthy Foods Newsletter from Fresh Physician
 My Fitness Pal
 Black Seed (Black Cumin, Nigella Sativa)
 Ground Flaxseed
 Devil's Ear Lettuce
 Tokyo Bekana Chinese Cabbage
 Book: "The One Minute Workout" by Martin Gibala

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
 http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe. 

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

373 Greatest Garden Hits of 2024

Tips for starting pepper seeds. How to care for pepper seedlings. With Debbie Flower. 
Protecting your yard and home from wildfire. With Kevin Marini, University of California Defensible Space advisor.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and accurate, human-reviewed transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout.

Pictured: Pepper Seed Packets

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

More Pepper Seed Germination TIps

The Dance of Defensible Space, by Kevin Marini

UCANR Fire Network: Creating a Defensible Space

U. Nevada-Reno: Mulch and Flammability

CalFire Demonstration Fire Video

IBHS Research Center Ember Storm Test Video

FireSafe Marin

CA Native Plant Society list of fire-resistant plants

MORE WILDFIRE PROTECTION TiPS :
Utah State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Vail, Colo., Ashland, Oregon, Minnesota/Wisconsin, Fort Worth, TX

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 
Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social
Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe
• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 
• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net
• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

374 Success with Pepper Seeds and Seedlings. Fire-Wise Landscaping.

We delve into cool season gardening with Master Gardener Gail Pothour and retired college horticultural professor Debbie Flower. We explore best practices for growing peas, focusing on varieties like sugar snap and snow peas, while discussing germination tips, planting times related to frost dates, and inventive trellising methods using materials such as bicycle wheels.

Shifting to tulips, we address a listener question about improperly stored sprouted bulbs. Debbie shares her expertise on proper bulb storage, planting depth, and vital conditions to avoid mold, alongside the effects of vernalization (cold storage of bulbs) and etiolation (long, weak stems). The episode provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced gardeners, equipping listeners with essential strategies to cultivate peas and ensure vibrant tulips come spring.

Pictured: All America Selections Winner, the Snak Hero pea.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Also available on YouTube.

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
Snak Hero Pea
Oregon II Sugar Pod Peas
Sugar Magnolia Peas
Magnolia Blossom Peas
Mushroom brush
Species Tulip information
Zone information for tulip growing

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

375 Cool Season Pea Planting. Tulip Tips.

Episode 376 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast offers more sustainable gardening tips for all gardeners. We cover managing hackberry aphids using less toxic methods with Debbie Flower; growing tips and benefits of the herb, self-heal with Master Gardener and herb specialist Ruth Ostroff; and advice from Organic Consultant Steve Zien, using fallen leaves for winter soil nourishment.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout..Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: The Herb, Heal-All (Prunella Vulgaris) (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
 More Information about the Herb, Heal-All (Prunella)

Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects (Episode 41 of this podcast)

Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects, part 1 (Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter)

Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects, part 2 (Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter)

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
 http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

376 Heal-All Herb Growing. Hackberry Aphids. Leaf Mulching Winter Garden Beds.

Want bountiful tomatoes and beautiful roses in 2025? Today, we cover essential tips for starting tomato seeds and winter rose pruning. Debbie Flower shares insights on timing for planting tomato seeds and the benefits of starting them indoors. We discuss nurturing seedlings and the advantages of hybrid varieties for beginners. Master Rosarian Charlotte Owendyk explains winter pruning techniques for healthier rose growth this spring. 

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout. Now on YouTube (audio).

Pictured: Tomato Seedlings

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
 Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

All America Selections Tomato Winners

Concrete Reinforcement Wire Sheets (6” mesh)

Soil Thermometers

Ep. 374 Pepper Seed Germination Tips

American Rose Society

The Best Roses for America (and rose pruning)(Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter of Jan. 21, 2022)

How to Prune a Climbing Rose

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

377 Tomato Seed Planting Tips. Rose Pruning Success.

We tackle the management of four-legged garden fruit tree pests with Debbie Flower. 

We discuss listener concerns about squirrels, raccoons, and rats, exploring protective measures and the importance of exclusion methods. Our conversation also covers strategies for deterring deer and effective, humane rat control tactics. We share practical tips for ongoing maintenance and highlight the relationship between gardening and wildlife, encouraging listeners to check the Beyond the Garden Basics newsletter for additional resources.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout..Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: A Tree-Munched Green Persimmon

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter
 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

Backyard Orchard Culture Basics (maintaining short fruit trees)

Wire Mesh Fruit Bag Protection

Hardware Cloth

Barn Owl Boxes

Rat Traps

Rat Poison Restrictions in California

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
 http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

378 Battling Four-Legged Fruit Tree Pests

We talk with Diane Blazek, the executive director of All-America Selections (AAS), exploring the newly announced 2025 winners of top-performing garden plant varieties. 

Each year, AAS winners undergo rigorous trials, evaluated by expert judges, to ensure they will thrive in diverse U.S. and Canadian climates. Diane highlights standout varieties like the high-yielding tomato variety, “Tonatico”, the sweet and crunchy “Pick-N-Pop” pepper, and the visually striking “Murasaki Fioretto” cauliflower. We also cover herbs and flowers, including the resistant “Piedmont” basil and the vibrant Zinnia, “Zydeco Fire”. This episode is rich with advice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking the latest quality varieties for their gardens.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout..Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: AAS 2025 National Award Winner, Celosia "Flamma Pink"

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

 Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

All-America Selections 2025 Garden Plant Winners

Scoville Scale for Peppers

All About Farmer Fred:
 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
 http://farmerfred.com

The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog 
http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com

Facebook: "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" 

Instagram: farmerfredhoffman 
 https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/

Blue Sky: @farmerfred.bsky.social

Farmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube 
 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics

• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. 

• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

379 AAS Award-Winning Garden Plants for 2025

Master Gardener Gail Pothour shares tips on growing summer and winter squash. We cover variety selection, planting, pest management, harvesting, and storage of squash to boost your yield.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. 

 Now on YouTube (audio) 

Pictured: Male and Female Squash Flowers

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter (by becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!)

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

All America Selections Squash varieties mentioned in today’s podcast:

Gold Rush

Bossa Nova

Sunburst yellow scalloped squash

Green Lightning squash

Early Prolific Straightneck Squash

Tivoli Spaghetti Squash

Waltham butternut squash

Black Futsu butternut squash

Sweet Jade Kabocha squash

OTHER PLANTS MENTIONED:

Green Zebra zucchini

Honey Boat Squash

Ortolana di Faenza zucchini

Galeux d’ Eysines pumpkin

Rouge Vif d’ Etampes pumpkin

Jarrahdale pumpkin

Marina Di Chioggia pumpkin

African Blue Basil

Wild Magic Basil

All About Farmer Fred:

 GardenBasics.net

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Farmer Fred website: 
http://farmerfred.com

 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.

Got a garden question? 

• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com 

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.

388 Squash Growing Basics

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