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Teaming With Microbes

Jeff Lowenfels, Jonathan White
58 episodes   Last Updated: May 17, 24
A podcast about organic gardening using the soil food web

Episodes

Jonathan needs assistance in regenerating a part of his lawn that was damaged last year. To aid him, the team brings in Anthony Nied, owner and operator of Flawn Seed Kits. This company focuses on creating lawns and meadows that require less maintenance. They discuss transitioning to a different type of lawn (not quite a meadow) that is low-growing, suitable for play, and has some color.For more information about Anthony's work, visit Flawn Seed Kits.Catch all this and more in this week's episode of Teaming with Microbes!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant 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!
May 10, 2024
Tomato Myths
This week, the team celebrates the upcoming gardening season in Alaska. However, this also means an increase in misinformation online, particularly about tomatoes! Jeff and Jonathan sift through the most misleading myths to set the record straight.After the break, the team continues the discussion from last week about hardening off plants, providing examples of the correct way to do it. By the way, now is a great time to start planning this for Alaskan gardens and plants.Finally, they address a listener's question about compost.Don't miss all this and more in this week's episode of Teaming with Microbes!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant 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, the guys start the episode with a listener's question: When should you start working in the garden? In Southcentral Alaska, Jeff notes that gardening begins when birch leaves are the size of a squirrel's ear. That said, It's crucial to exercise patience because your lawn and garden need sufficient time to dry out after winter's heavy snowfall.Later, they discuss the advantages of ramial wood and the necessity of allowing your soil to warm up consistently for your intended germination.Lastly, the team explores the idea of hardening off your plants. They emphasize its importance in ensuring plants acclimate properly to sunlight and wind.Catch all this and more in this week's episode of Teaming with Microbes!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant 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!
Apr 26, 2024
All about voles
This week, Jeff and Jonathan received numerous questions about voles and the damage they cause. Did you know that voles take refuge between the snow and ground during winter? They even create intricate tunnels equipped with kitchens, sleeping areas, and more. However, they can cause significant damage to your lawn, although they usually leave the roots intact.Jeff highlights two harmful types of voles: those that can withstand water, and those that inhabit the tops of trees.Later, the conversation shifts to seeds. Springtime in Alaska is an excellent time to start planting your seeds, especially indoors. However, there are specific types of seeds, such as peas and certain beans, that can be planted outdoors right now.Lastly, the team addresses several listener questions, including one about using coffee grounds in the garden.Don't miss all this and more in this episode of Teaming With Microbes!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant 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, Jonathan is collecting birch water from his property, an early form of spring gardening as Jeff mentions.Later, they discuss how to prepare greenhouse soil to ensure it can support healthy plants. Jeff suggests adding things like fertilizer, compost, and warm water to the soil.Finally, they address listener questions about Korean Natural Farming (KNF) and the use of coffee in gardening.Catch all this and more in this episode of Teaming With Microbes!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant 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 and Jonathan continue their discussion about the flood of false information and click bait related to gardening and plant care. In contrast, they also explore some home remedies that can enhance your plants' health.After the break, they dig into a listener's question that combines their knowledge of coffee and the soil food web!To conclude, they have a conversation about methods to reduce plastic use in gardening and in everyday life.Don't miss all this and more on this week's episode of Teaming with Microbes!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant 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 and Jonathan discuss the inundation of gardening misinformation on the internet, particularly the widespread myth that soil should be sterilized.On the other hand, the best way to improve soil is by adding compost. Seeds naturally have everything they need to grow and protect themselves, which we can see in nature.Following the break, they explore some wood frog science, examining a recent scientific article suggesting wood frogs are developing salt tolerance.Finally, they tackle a set of listener questions, with topics spanning from compost to grasshoppers!Catch all this and more on this week's episode of Teaming with Microbes!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant 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 and Jonathan are enjoying the Alaskan spring sunshine. This means it's time to place those seedlings and plants on window sills - remember to rotate the pots!In the spirit of spring, it's an ideal time to purchase and plant seeds. They share tips on maximizing your seeds' potential, which begins with reading the instructions on the packet. Additionally, if you're buying from a rack, ensure you're purchasing this year's seeds.After the break, they provide advice on what to plant at this time, focusing on tomatoes.As usual, they conclude with a question from a listener.Catch all this and more on this week's episode of Teaming with Microbes!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant 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, the guys continue their discussion on preparing for the summer gardening season.In places like Alaska, bear activity can be quite prevalent, even in cities such as Anchorage! Jeff and Jonathan share some of their personal encounters with bears. The takeaway from these stories is the importance of cleaning out last season's bird feeders, as they can attract bears.After the break, they delve into the process of identifying the best types of soil, either online or at local gardening stores.Lastly, they respond to a listener's question about the application of leftover coffee grounds.Tune in for all this and more in this episode of Teaming With Microbes!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant 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 and Jonathan continue their discussion on springtime preparation for the gardening season.One excellent way to prepare is by starting your own hanging basket. Now is the perfect time to buy 4-inch starter plants suitable for hanging baskets, such as Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Tuberous Begonias, and Lobelias.After the break, they explore methods to force-bloom certain plants, shrubs, and trees, enhancing your home's aesthetics (and aroma) during spring. These include Lilacs, Yellow Forsythia, and Cherry and Apple trees.Finally, they answer a listener's question about the use of leftover coffee grounds.Discover all this and more on Teaming With Microbes!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant 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!