Teaming With Microbes

This week, Jeff and Jonathan kick off their weekly conversation by exploring "forcing the bulb"—a technique that tricks bulbs into blooming early by mimicking the natural temperature cycles of fall, winter, and spring. They explore various strategies, ideal temperatures, and timing for this process.After the break, they examine fascinating plants like the corpse flower, which uses thermogenesis to boost its pollination chances.Finally, the team discusses effective and safe ways to use ice melt in colder climates.All this and more on this episode of "Teaming with Microbes."**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at [email protected] a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!Thanks to our sponsors:Big Foot MicrobesNumber 2 Organics made in partnership with Malibu CompostDown To Earth All Natural Fertilizers The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.  Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News  for hosting the show!

Jeff revisits his disdain for poinsettias while introducing some great winter alternatives: holiday cacti. He breaks down various cacti for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, highlighting how shortening days and cool nights trigger their growth. Jonathan adds that amaryllis are also superb holiday plants.After the break, the team discusses ways to care for a lawn in winter, particularly in places that don't get much snow but experience prolonged deep frosts.Finally, they address a listener question about the benefits of growing regionally adapted seeds.All this and more on this episode of "Teaming with Microbes."**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at [email protected] a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!Thanks to our sponsors:Big Foot MicrobesNumber 2 Organics made in partnership with Malibu CompostDown To Earth All Natural Fertilizers The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.  Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

Jeff is back from his tour of Iceland, Scotland, and England—just in time for snow in Alaska! Speaking of snow, the guys discuss how it isn't necessarily bad for gardens. Known as "poor man's fertilizer," snow acts as an insulator, adds nitrogen to the soil, and releases nutrients slowly as it melts. This slow release is more beneficial than rain due to reduced runoff.After the break, the guys discuss some popular holiday plants, including the ever-famous poinsettia.Finally, the team answers a listener question about protecting shrubs from heavy snowfall.All this and more on this episode of "Teaming with Microbes."**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at [email protected] a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!Thanks to our sponsors:Big Foot MicrobesNumber 2 Organics made in partnership with Malibu CompostDown To Earth All Natural Fertilizers The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.  Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

This week, Jeff is traveling the world, spreading the message of the soil food web. Meanwhile, Jonathan chats with Evan (the show producer) about his gardening goals, including growing garlic.After the break, Evan interviews Jonathan about his gardening roots and his friendship with Jeff, exploring their long-standing commitment to soil food web gardening.Finally, they address listener questions about compost.All this and more on this episode of "Teaming with Microbes."**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at [email protected] a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!Thanks to our sponsors:Big Foot MicrobesNumber 2 Organics made in partnership with Malibu CompostDown To Earth All Natural Fertilizers The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.  Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!