Garden Basics with Farmer Fred cover art

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

By: Fred Hoffman
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About this listen

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

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Episodes
  • 397 Garden Lessons Learned (the hard way)
    Jun 20 2025

    Master gardeners share lessons from their mistakes, covering topics like thinning fruit, plant spacing, and pest management, highlighting gardening as a continuous learning experience filled with humor and growth.

    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: crowded fruit on a donut peach tree

    Links:

    “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “Gardening and Gratitude”. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

    Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

    “Sacramento Digs Gardening” 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.

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • 396 Cucumber Success Tips
    Jun 13 2025

    Today, we dive into the world of cucumbers, the second most popular crop among backyard gardeners. Debbie Flower shares her expertise on cucumber varieties, growing techniques, and addressing common issues like bitterness. We discuss the importance of starting with fresh seeds, maintaining warm soil, and ensuring consistent moisture for optimal growth. Debbie also explains how to identify and manage male and female flowers, trellising for space optimization, as well as pest and disease management. (Originally aired in May, 2023)

    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: Cucumbers Growing on a Trellis

    Links:

    “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “Should You Prune Off Tomato Flowers?” By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

    Cucumber growing info from Sonoma County Master Gardeners

    Cucumber Pests

    Cucumber seeds

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • 395 "Survival Garden" Basics
    Jun 6 2025

    We explore the concept of a survival garden, focusing on growing nutritious crops that enhance healthy living. We redefine "survival garden" as a means to reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods while improving dietary intake. Our discussion includes practical tips for cultivating calorie-rich vegetable staples like corn, beans, and potatoes, evaluating their yields and family preferences.

    The episode covers specific planting techniques for various vegetables, along with our personal gardening experiences, highlighting the adaptability needed for successful growth and storage of crops. Ultimately, we aim to inspire you to embrace gardening as a sustainable practice that enriches nutrition and well-being.

    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: Heirloom Popcorn - Pennsylvania Butter Flavored

    Links:

    “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter This week’s edition: “Growing Microgreens” By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping support the newsletter and this podcast. Thank You!

    “Growing A Survival Garden” - Modern Farmer, October 2024

    Mushroom Growing Kits

    Microgreen Seed Sources - Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Harris Seeds

    Bean Seeds - Yellow Indian Woman (Buckeye Bean), Bingo

    Beet Seeds - Choggia, Golden

    Growing Sweet Corn Information (Iowa State)

    Sweet Corn Production in California (UCANR)

    All About Farmer Fred:
    GardenBasics.net

    “Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

    Farmer Fred website:
    http://farmerfred.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?

    • 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.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins

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