Cover art for podcast Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors

Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors

263 EpisodesProduced by Ellen Zachos and C.L. FornariWebsite

Science, Art & Dinner, it’s all in your own backyard. All about plants, gardens, foraging, and more.

episodes iconAll Episodes

Farewell

February 22nd, 2024

0:39

An important message from RadioPublic

Seed Planning, Catching Up, and See You In Seattle

January 26th, 2023

32:21

Ellen and C.L. talk about three interesting edibles from the True Leaf Market catalog, explain what they’re working on and catch up with some listener emails. They end by talking about seven seed starting tips offered …

Tasty meals, New Plant Discoveries and a Dormant Period

September 15th, 2022

25:51

We’re talking about garlic and crabapples, plants that are new to our hearts, and some interesting research on bulbs done at Cornell University. Plus …

Rusty Nails For Blue Hydrangeas, Queen Anne_s Lace, and Too Many Plants

September 8th, 2022

26:11

 

Learn about turning Hydrangea flowers blue, how to tell if you’re looking at Queen Anne’s lace or the poison hemlock, and not enough room for all these plants! Plus C.L. loves listening to the Audible version of …

Peppers, Dry Summers, and a Clover Lawn

September 1st, 2022

25:37

In this episode Ellen and C.L. discuss some favorite peppers, and answer common listener questions about drought-damaged plants and helping their gardens recover from a hot, dry summer. We share an exciting new plant …

Encore Snacks, Outdoor Office and Entertaining

August 25th, 2022

27:20

In this Encore presentation from 2017, Ellen and C.L. start the end-of-summer party off with suggestions for snacks and garden hors d’oeuvres. The second segment offers ways that you benefit from an outdoor office, and …

Encore of Yellow Leaves, Fall Vegetables and Bringing Houseplants Inside

August 18th, 2022

27:44

In this end-of-August episode, C.L. and Ellen discuss how to tell why the leaves on your plant are turning yellow. They explain that noticing which leaves are yellowing, and where they are, can help explain why this is …

Encore Mulch, Nitrogen and Smart Weeds

August 11th, 2022

21:28

Ellen and C.L. discuss whether the use of mulch robs the soil of nitrogen, and we take a dive into the Polygonaceae family…smart weeds and knotweeds. …

Encore of End of Summer Flavors, Taking Cuttings, Transplantation

August 4th, 2022

33:15

In this encore episode, Ellen explains what to make with under-ripe wild grapes and C.L. persuades listeners to combine some creamy brie cheese with those homegrown tomatoes. Next we explain that the end of the summer …

Pickles, Small Trees, and Dealing with Bare Spots

July 28th, 2022

27:39

What can you pickle this summer? Should you buy a tree that’s tiny? Ellen and C.L. discuss these topics, plus what to do with bare or just …

Mulch killing weeds, Citrus from Seeds, and a Robot Weeder

July 21st, 2022

25:45

Have you wondered how, or if, mulch kills weeds? Have you tried to grow a citrus plant from a seed? Ellen and C.L. discuss these topics, and answer …

Foliar Feeding, Forks in the Garden and Auto-Flowering Cannabis

July 14th, 2022

22:57

Have you seen the photo of plastic forks, tines up, in the garden? Wondering about spraying fertilizer on the leaves of plants to give them added …

Raspberries, Rock Walls, and Perennial Bloom

July 7th, 2022

26:16

Ellen and C.L. talk about the difference between raspberries and blackberries, give suggestions for plants that grow well in the tiny spaces in rock …

Edible Flower Petals, Tap Roots and Crop Rotation

June 30th, 2022

25:54

C.L. and Ellen have suggestions for edible flower petals, whether you want to use them for visual or taste appeal. Hear a discussion about taproots - what are they and what they mean for you – and hear if you need to be …

Mint, Harvesting Garlic, and Plant Supports

June 23rd, 2022

28:52

Ellen and C.L. discuss ways to use the mint you grow, the basics of harvesting garlic, and ways of supporting vegetables and newly planted trees. Plus we answer a listener’s question about spraying fertilizer directly …

Flea Beetles, a Book Review and Houseplants at Summer Camp

June 16th, 2022

27:00

Ellen and C.L. talk about a common insect that causes damage in many vegetable gardens: flea beetles. Next they address questions and issues that arise when houseplants have been put outside for the summer, review an …

Dead Trees, Early Flowering Perennials, and What NOW?

June 14th, 2022

25:15

C.L. and Ellen discuss what to do if your tree dies, and what actions to take when something has already happened and you need to respond or do your …

Dill, Planting in June and What Alliums Do

June 2nd, 2022

26:54

:38    What’s For Dinner: Dill.   
8:59    Eat/Drink/Grow:  “Is it too late to plant?” 
20:14   Insider Information:  What alliums do.
22:42   Love Letters and Questions: Donna re: miniature lemon cypress tree

In this …

Lettuce Wraps, Garden Diversity and Mediterranean Gardening

May 26th, 2022

25:10

In this end-of-May episode Ellen and C.L. discuss using lettuce to wrap tasty fillings, for a meal or snack. We explain what a botanist does, the importance of several types of diversity in our yards and gardens, and …

How to Fill Raised Beds, Hugelkulure and Garden Mentors

May 19th, 2022

25:18

The Plantrama team discusses the best way to fill a raised bed, why the practice called hugelkulture is getting so much buzz, a podcast …

Seed Info, Gardening in Clay and Potting Media

May 12th, 2022

29:54

Have you ever bought an envelope of seeds that had no instructions on it? Do you have clay soils where you garden? Ellen and C.L. start the program with these topics, then move onto invasive plants in the landscape, and …

Pasta, Catkins, and Roses oh my!

May 5th, 2022

27:26

It’s pasta for dinner, and everything coming up roses in this episode of Plantrama. Ellen shares her nettle pasta recipe, and C.L. talks about a quick way to use any garden greens with linguine. We discuss the highs and …

Spring Salads, Organic Fertilizers, and Clematis

April 28th, 2022

27:58

In this episode Ellen and C.L. celebrate spring salads, discuss organic fertilizers and discuss the many ways to grow vining Clematis.

:28    What’s for dinner:  Spring Salads 

6:24     Insider Information:  Organic …

Raised Beds, Labeling Plants and Check THIS Out!

April 21st, 2022

27:45

The Plantrama team gives those new to vegetable gardening some advice about raised beds...how deep, what to fill them with, and whether they need a weed barrier underneath. We talk about how to remember what you’ve …

Fertilizers, Cannabis, and Plant Roots

April 14th, 2022

23:35

Do you need a special fertilizer for Cannabis budding? Do you need special fertilizers for different types of plants? Do some fertilizers work better than others, and can you make your own out of food scraps? These …

Strawberries and Soil Temperatures

April 7th, 2022

26:01

The Plantrama team gets their fingers sticky with strawberry juices today as we talk about foraging for wild berries, and how to grow strawberries in your garden. Hear about the types of plants, protecting berries from …

Spring Greens, Plants for Arbors, and Forced Bulbs

March 31st, 2022

23:06

Spring Greens, Plants for Arbors, and Forced Bulbs

In the last episode for March Ellen and C.L. answer the last batch of questions collected at the …

Parsley, Outdoor Furniture, Insect Repellants and Plant Empowerment

March 24th, 2022

25:42

Ellen and C.L. address more questions from the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. We discuss the herb that gets no respect, Parsley, plus keeping outdoor furniture dry, escaping the insect invasion in your …

Garden Design, Strawberries in a Greenhouse, and Dog Business

March 17th, 2022

22:20

Hear about how to garden if you move frequently, creating consistent gardens in sun and shade, colors that work together, and growing strawberries in …

Hydrangeas, Peonies and Vegetable Garden Soil

March 10th, 2022

26:23

Questions from the 2022 Seattle flower show continue, with blue, mophead hydrangea blooming and pruning in our main segment. Ellen and C.L. also talk about pH for vegetable gardens and peonies that stop blooming.

 This …

Raspberries, White Flower Gardens, and Fungus Gnats

March 3rd, 2022

24:36

C.L. and Ellen answer questions that were submitted at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. They discuss pruning raspberries, great plants with white flowers, and how to get rid of fungus gnats.

 

1:31   

Breakfast Alternatives, and Growing Peppers

February 24th, 2022

27:26

If you’re bored with your usual breakfast, this episode is for you. We also explain photoperiodism, talk about starting pepper seeds and growing them in the garden, and answer a listener’s question about Lantana.

:30

Pollinating Citrus Indoors, Plant Professions, and Relief for the Covid Cranky

February 17th, 2022

28:28

Do you grow citrus indoors for at least part of the year? Learn to be the bee! We also suggest plants for the “COVID cranky” (and who isn’t?) plus becoming a local or niche garden expert.

 

:34     Plant Noob:  …

Growing Perennials and Cannabis From Seed and Plant Communications

February 10th, 2022

28:52

Have you ever wondered if plants talk to each other? Do you want to have a big number of perennial plants cheaply? Would you like to know what it …

Cilantro, Plants for Your Sweet Tooth, and Weeds

February 3rd, 2022

28:06

In this episode Ellen and C.L. talk about cilantro and coriander...one in the same plant. We have agreeing opinions about Stevia, and explain the reason that it takes awhile for some new introductions to reach the …

Dried Mushrooms, Identifying Evergreens, and Repotting Houseplants

January 27th, 2022

24:48

This episode starts with ideas for cooking with dried mushrooms. We explain how to tell the difference between pine, fir and spruce trees, do a dive into Ericaceous plants, and end with a question about taking cuttings …

Plant Empowerment and Bromeliad Bloom

January 20th, 2022

28:21

The Plantrama team discuss a botanic term for plants that put leaves straight up out of the ground (no stems!), and answer a listener’s question about a Bromeliad that hasn’t made more blooms. Ellen and C.L. present a …

Eggshells, Moss and Terrariums

January 13th, 2022

28:12

The Plantrama team discusses the common belief that eggshells provide quick calcium for plants. Next we look at the myths, misunderstandings and misuse of moss, and end with a question about making a terrarium.

 

:30 

Chestnuts, Hellebores, and Growing Foxgloves

January 6th, 2022

25:48

 

Ellen and C.L. talk about eating chestnuts, the perennial plant that’s commonly called hellebores, and what it means when you are talking about pesticides. We end with a listener’s question about growing foxglove …

Grafting, Starting Pepper Plants, and Rice Alternatives

December 30th, 2021

26:19

We start out discussing what can be substituted for rice when you cook. Our main segment is about grafted plants, and we end with a discussion about vegetable seeds that you might want to start in the winter, and …

Heavy Amaryllis Flowers, Cuttings and Cyclamen

December 23rd, 2021

27:51

In this just-after-the-solstice episode, Ellen and C.L. discuss how to use juniper berries, supporting heavy amaryllis flowers, taking cuttings and …

Bare Root Plants, Dracaena and Pruning

December 16th, 2021

25:30

In this episode C.L. and Ellen explain what “bare root plants” are and why you might want them. Next, they talk about the genus Dracaena, which …

Mulching Perennials, Moth Orchids and Leaving The Leaves

December 9th, 2021

28:25

If you’re wondering if you need to protect your perennial plants with a winter mulch, this episode is for you. Ellen and C.L. go on to talk about the …

Plant and Garden Gifts, Ordering Seeds and Alternative Garden Audio

December 2nd, 2021

24:38

Ellen and C.L. give ideas for the best low-tech kitchen tools, gift suggestions for all on your list, and tips for why ordering your seeds now is a …

Yams vs Sweet potatoes, Root Nodules and Fungal Diseases

November 25th, 2021

25:10

From roots to leaves to flowers! C.L. and Ellen talk about the difference between yams and sweet potatoes, explain what a root nodule is, and discuss …

Low-Light Houseplants, Money Plant and Cleaning Indoor Foliage

November 18th, 2021

24:29

It’s all houseplants all the time in this episode of Plantrama. Ellen and C.L. give advice about cleaning the leaves of indoor plants, talk about the many Calatheas that grow well with less light, and answer a question …

Drying Herbs, Pruning Evergreens, and Bird Attack

November 11th, 2021

23:38

 The Plantrama team discusses the advice to hang herbs upside down for drying, and whether you should prune evergreens now. We end with a letter from …

Cranberries, Potting Soils, and a Too-Tall Houseplant

November 4th, 2021

27:46

Ellen and C.L. talk about cranberry recipes that go beyond the traditional “cranberry sauce.” They discuss potting “soils” and their composition, and give a listener advice about a Dracaena fragrans (aka corn plant) …

Apples, Augers, Old Wood and Tomatillos

October 28th, 2021

24:24

C.L. and Ellen give you some different ideas for using apples this season, discuss planting bulbs with an auger on a drill, explain the term “old …

Spring Flowering Bulbs, Amaryllis and Fertilizing Houseplants

October 21st, 2021

23:59

The Plantrama team discusses the importance of soil temperature when planting bulbs for spring bloom. In the main segment we talk about handling the …

Root Stimulator, and Houseplants, Houseplants, Houseplants

October 14th, 2021

24:20

Ellen and C.L. discuss what root stimulator products are and if they are necessary when you plant. They also address why houseplants might drop …

Fall Purees, Watering and Pesky Black Gnats

October 7th, 2021

25:21

In this episode we are making purées for use later in the winter, and considering when you might need to water in the fall. Ellen and C.L. discuss managing those pesky fungus gnats (tiny black flies) that can emerge …

Nuts, House Plants and Late Migrating Hummingbirds

September 30th, 2021

26:53

Hear about nuts for dinner, houseplants that will make you smile, and late-to-migrate hummingbirds. We also answer Kim’s question about perennial garden cleanup in the fall.

:30     What’s For Dinner  Nuts!

11:17   

Nuts, House Plants and Late-to-Migrate Hummingbirds

September 30th, 2021

26:53

Hear about nuts for dinner, houseplants that will make you smile, and late-to-migrate hummingbirds. We also answer Kim’s question about perennial garden cleanup in the fall.

:30     What’s For Dinner  Nuts!

11:17   

Root Crops, Plant Protection and Flies

September 23rd, 2021

26:28

Ellen and C.L. talk about root crops – potatoes, and sunchokes – and what “open pollinated” means. We discuss the pros and cons of protecting plants …

Saving Plants Through the Winter and Preserving the Harvest

September 16th, 2021

25:59

In this episode Ellen and C.L. talk about how to decide which tender or tropical plants to save indoors through the winter, how to preserve your garden or foraging harvest, and whether weeds choose to grow where they …

Compost, Witches Brooms and Pressed Flowers

September 9th, 2021

25:25

Is compost – homemade or purchased – a good substitute for fertilizer? What is that thick growth in a tree? Ellen and C.L. answer these questions and respond to a listener about uses for pressed flowers.

 

:26 True or …

Growing Perennials From Collected Seed and Early Fall Color

September 2nd, 2021

26:11

The Plantrama Partners-in-Plants start by discussing how to eat the parts of plants we often toss out or put into the compost. Next, we talk about growing new plants from the seeds that you might see right now in your …

Yellow Leaves, Fall Vegetables or Foraging, and Bringing Houseplants Inside

August 26th, 2021

27:15

In this end-of-August episode, C.L. and Ellen discuss how to tell why the leaves on your plant are turning yellow. They explain that noticing which leaves are yellowing, and where they are, can help explain why this is …

Pasta Salad, Pineapple Weed, Transplanting, and Systemic Insecticide

August 19th, 2021

27:11

The Plantrama team talks about ideas for pasta salad and reipes using pineapple weed. We get you thinking about transplanting in the fall, discuss how to manage plants that self-seed just a bit too enthusiastically, and …

Green Apples, Caffeine, and Corn

August 12th, 2021

24:14

The Plantrama duo discuss caffeine as an insecticide, and talk about corn, which is a grass and a great deal more. The episode ends with a discussion of picking green apples.

:36    True or False:      Caffeine is a …

Cakes, Limited Room and Dense Raised Bed Plantings

August 5th, 2021

22:36

In this 200th episode of Plantrama, Ellen and C.L. celebrate with cake! Hear about Ellen’s berry pudding cake and C.L.’s beet cake. Next we talk about where to plant if you’re running out of room (remember topsy-turvy …

Blueberries, Panicle Hydrangeas, and a Weed Wand

July 29th, 2021

30:37

In this episode Ellen and C.L. talk about the blueberry harvest, soil acidity or alkalinity, Hydrangea paniculata plants, spraying foliage with water …

Your Outdoor Office, Daylilies, and Mosquito Control

July 22nd, 2021

23:45

The Plantrama team talk about your outdoor office; making places on decks, patios, porches or even in the woods where you can work and create. We take a deep dive into Daylilies, and answer a listener’s question about …

Grilling, Fertilizing, Deer and Carnivorous Plants

July 15th, 2021

28:58

C.L. and Ellen celebrate the summer season by talking about grilling, fertilizing, and carnivorous plants. We also discuss dealing with deer and growing edible plants in windy, urban situations such as rooftops and …

Summer Cocktails, Pruning and Storm Damage

July 8th, 2021

23:53

We begin with summer cocktails in this best of Plantrama episode, then go on to talk about summer pruning, hail and dealing with storm damage. Ellen and C.L. are also united in their dislike of landscape fabric.

1:51  

Roasted Vegetables, Mothballs, Bacteria and Clay Soil

July 1st, 2021

20:05

In this “best of Plantrama” episode Ellen and C.L. encourage you to roast your veggies and foraged foods, whether you’re serving them immediately or freezing them for the future. We badmouth the use of mothballs in the …

Roasted Vegetables, Mothballs and Clay Soil

June 30th, 2021

20:05

In this “best of Plantrama” episode Ellen and C.L. encourage you to roast your veggies and foraged foods, whether you’re serving them immediately or freezing them for the future. We badmouth the use of mothballs in the …

Plant-ID Apps, Bee Balm, and Japanese Beetles

June 24th, 2021

27:29

The Plantrama team presents farmed and foraged edibles for the end of June, and discusses how to tell if your plant-ID app has given you a correct identification. We celebrate The Year of the Monarda, and why beebalm …

Weed Seeds, Artichokes, and Citrus Trees

June 17th, 2021

24:05

C.L. and Ellen discuss how weed seeds have an amazing ability to rest dormant in the soil for years. We peel back the layers of Artichokes, review a book about growing a mini fruit garden, and discuss keeping citrus …

Marking Your Territory, Elderberries, and Hydrangea Color

June 10th, 2021

25:25

Ellen and C.L. discuss whether human urine helps with critter control in the garden and they talk about a favorite shrub, Sambucus, aka elderberry. …

A Summer Cocktail Hour, Nitrogen-fixing Plants, and Pinching Annuals

June 3rd, 2021

24:04

In this episode of Plantrama Ellen and C.L. answer a listener’s question about growing male Cannabis plants. They explain why it’s good to pinch many newly planted annuals, what nitrogen-fixing plants are, and celebrate …

BBQ, Soil Bacteria, and Annuals for the Kitchen Garden, Cutting Garden and Containers

May 27th, 2021

26:53

In this episode Ellen and C.L. discuss plants to grow or forage for with the barbeque in mind. They explain that not all microorganisms are good for all plants, give suggestions for great annuals, and talk about cutworm …

Your Outdoor Office, Dwarf Conifers, Hand Watering and Hydrangeas

May 20th, 2021

27:39

Do you need shade for your outdoor office? Want a low-maintenance, colorful landscape? Do you hand-water your vegetable plants or want to make your …

Planting in Square Holes, Plants for Small Arbors, and Long-Lived Perennials

May 13th, 2021

25:27

C.L. and Ellen discuss the internet-based rumor that you should dig a square hole when planting trees, and give suggestions for plants to grow on …

Asparagus, Topiary, and The Deadly Nightshade

May 6th, 2021

26:43

The Plantrama team discusses growing and foraging for asparagus, reviews a lovely book about public gardens you ought to see, and answers a listener’s question about the weed called nightshade. They also disagree about …

Earthworms, Passion Flowers and Carnivorous Plant Day

April 29th, 2021

24:15

C.L. and Ellen tackle the myth that earthworms can grow once cut in half. They extol a favorite vine, the Passiflora, celebrate World Carnivorous …

Cress, Spring Flowers, and Old Carpet as Mulch

April 22nd, 2021

27:24

Spring plants are first and foremost in this episode as we talk about cress, foraged and farmed, the Year of the Hyacinth, and two spring flowers, …

Edible Flowers, Zucchini Problems, and White Specks in Potting Soil

April 15th, 2021

24:48

In this episode we talk about the white perlite in potting mixes, spend the main segment talking about edible flowers, and answer a question about why a listener’s zucchini plants aren’t producing well. 

:30 Plant Noob:

Fertilizing, Rhododendrons, and Plants That Lead to Divorce

April 8th, 2021

27:17

Ellen and C.L. talk about whether fertilizing is always a good thing, and they take a deep dive into the genus Rhododendron, which includes what we commonly call azaleas. Then they answer Candace’s question about …

Earthy Flavors, Soil Temperatures and Houseplant Growth

April 1st, 2021

23:19

Today we discuss garden-grown and foraged food with earthy flavors, and do a deep dive into the importance of soil temperatures for planting, soil activity, seed germination and growth rates. We end with a discussion …

Spring Pestos, Photosynthesis, Mulch and Fennel Seeds

March 25th, 2021

27:23

If you think that pesto has to be made of basil, think again! Ellen and C.L. talk about spring pestos, how quickly plants start to photosynthesize, …

Diagnosing Houseplant Problems, Plant Terms and a Focus on Fertilizer

March 18th, 2021

22:11

In this episode we define some terms that plant geeks toss around, and give you a recipe for figuring out what’s wrong with your houseplants. If you’ve ever wondered why fertilizer is called “plant food” or how lichen …

Are Sunflowers Poisonous, Green Flowers, and Aggressive Plants

March 11th, 2021

24:30

C.L. and Ellen rave about green flowers, explain the difference between aggressive and invasive plants, and discuss the common belief that sunflowers poison other plants. Plus we answer Meredith’s question about why cut …

Spring Tonics, Planting Seeds Too Early, and Direct Sowing

March 4th, 2021

24:07

Did you know that a spring tonic doesn’t have to be a drink? Hear Ellen and C.L. talk about tonics, what to do if you’ve started your seeds too early, the definition of direct sowing and vegetables for hot climates.

:30 

Frozen Greens, Cannas, and Peroxide in the Garden

February 25th, 2021

21:38

In this episode you’ll hear about ways to prepare the chard, kale or other greens you froze last summer. Learn why water beads up on some leaves, all about Cannas, and if hydrogen peroxide is a good thing to use on …

Standards, Yarrow, Voles and a Book Review

February 18th, 2021

24:09

Ellen and C.L. explain what a “standard form” plant is and why you might want to plant the perennial yarrow in your landscape. Hear a rave review of Jessica Walliser’s new book about science-based companion planting, …

Sterilizing Soil, Growing Peppers and Water for Houseplants

February 11th, 2021

24:44

If you’re wondering about sterilizing soil for seed starting, growing peppers in your vegetable garden, or the best water for your houseplants, this …

Fennel, Epiphytes and Pelleted Seed

February 4th, 2021

22:57

:30    What’s For Dinner: Fennel
7:04    Eat/Drink/Grow: Epiphytes – what they are, some common houseplants that are epiphytic, and what this means for how we care for those plants.
15:03   Insider Information: What are …

Herbs, Plant Pinching and African Violets

January 28th, 2021

23:49

In this episode of Plantrama we talk about essential herbs to grow or forage for, pinching plants to make them bushy, African violets and a Zoom …

Male and Female Plants, and Plants That Clean Soil

January 21st, 2021

26:35

Ellen and C.L. discuss plants that male or female, how some plants are used to remove harmful substances from the soil, and why it might be good to …

Rainbow Tomatoes, Jade Plants, and Lichen

January 14th, 2021

21:39

The Plantrama team discusses the clearly fake rainbow tomatoes, growing the wonderfully real jade plants indoors, and Ellen’s new craft cocktail …

Quiche, Worm Poop, and Prickly Pear Cactus

January 7th, 2021

25:39

Hear ideas for making quiche or frittatas, learn about earthworm castings and why it’s good for plants, and discover a cactus that grows in most of North America.

:36   What’s For Dinner: Quiche or Frittata

5:55   

Celebratory Cocktails, Small Greenhouses, and Sticks on Fire

December 31st, 2020

23:19

In this New Year’s Eve podcast, Ellen and C.L. raise a glass to toast a better year ahead. Hear about small in-home greenhouse/terrariums, learn about “pencil cactus,” and listen to our answer for Quinn, who wants to …

Hoyas, Garden Styles, and Stems that Photosynthesize

December 24th, 2020

22:40

Hear about an easy and elegant houseplant as Ellen and C.L. talk about Hoyas. Learn about determining your garden style, and discover how plants without leaves might still be photosynthizing.

:30     Insider Information

Anthuriums, GMO Seeds, and Good Winter Reads

December 17th, 2020

24:08

Looking for an amazing houseplant that flowers all year? Worried that the seeds you buy might be GMO’s? Could you use a good book to read this …

Healthy Soil, The Christmas Rose, and Spider Plants

December 10th, 2020

20:34

Ellen and C.L. explain that yes, it is possible to have too much compost in the soil. We discuss the lovely Helleborus niger, aka the Christmas rose, and answer a question about spider plants.

:28   True or False: …

Cookies, Growing Ferns Indoors, and Clearing Vegetable Gardens

December 3rd, 2020

21:42

Hear about some savory/sweet cookies, learn about ferns that make attractive houseplants, discover the meeting of the term “entire margins,” and find …

Spice Rubs, String-of-Pearls Plant and Starting COVID Gardens

November 26th, 2020

22:34

Discover spice rubs, a hot “Curio” houseplant, and hear what to do with the bulbs and other plants you haven’t yet placed into the ground.

:30  

Bulbs Growing In Fall and a Plant-Filled Zoom Room

November 19th, 2020

22:46

In this episode we consider how drought and snow effect plants, creating a plant-filled Zoom Room, and spring bulbs that come up before spring.

 :30

Houseplant Fertilizers, Avocados and Cranberry Plants

November 12th, 2020

23:41

Hear Ellen and C.L. discuss fertilizers for houseplants, the amazing avocado, and cranberries, wild and cultivated.

:30 True or False:  You have to …

Juniper Berries, Begonias and Orchid Pots

November 5th, 2020

24:04

Learn about eating juniper berries, bodacious begonias, pots for orchids and keeping cats away from plants.

 

:30 What’s For Dinner:  Juniper berries

6:49 Eat/Drink/Grow: Growing Begonias

17:50 Insider Information:  Do …

Parsley, Garden Destinations and Evergreens On Balconies

October 29th, 2020

24:33

In this episode Ellen and C.L. discuss the herb that gets no respect, parsley. We also talk about planning garden trips for the spring, what evergreens will grow in containers on a balcony, and providing supports for …

Propagating Succulents, Insect Lifecycles, and Collecting Rainwater

October 22nd, 2020

23:16

C.L. and Ellen explain that succulents are easy to propagate, and talk about why we should care about the life cycle of insects. The episode ends …

Pumpkin Spice Plantrama

October 15th, 2020

24:50

For better or worse, in this episode Ellen and C.L. are delving into Pumpkin Spice. We start talking about allspice, and then do a deep dive into the …

Fertilizing, Fall Cocktails, and Houseplants

October 8th, 2020

28:46

We’re celebrating fall with autumnal beverages, talking about applying fertilizer in the fall, and discussing cleaning up houseplants when you bring them back indoors.

 

:31   True or False: Winter is a good time to …

Vegetable Garden Wrap-up, Dandelions and Chestnuts

October 1st, 2020

27:11

It’s time to take stock of the vegetable garden and consider what thrived and which crops were a bust. Ellen and C.L. discuss why Ellen loves to forage for chestnuts, and how she cooks them, plus we answer a question …

Perennial Plants and Perennial Gardens in Fall

September 24th, 2020

23:23

Hear what plant people mean when they talk about “the canopy,” learn about a must-have book if you grow perennials, and find out what you can do in perennial gardens in the fall. Plus a look at what’s growing in C.L.’s …

Cherry Tomatoes, Silverberry and Saving Seed

September 17th, 2020

25:45

In this episode we talk about foraged silverberries, cherry tomatoes, saving seeds, and whether fall is the best time for planting. Ellen and C.L. end with a question from Jenna about possible uses for carrot tops.

:27 

Mint, Outdoor Pots in Winter, and Transplanting in Fall

September 10th, 2020

24:01

Ellen and C.L. give you ideas for using all of that mint that has exploded in your gardens over the summer. We explain how to keep container plants through the winter without pot or plant death, and answer a listener’s …

Preserving Herbs, Pruning Large Shrubs and Cannabis Not Budding

September 3rd, 2020

23:52

Learn the truth about calcium and the black blossom end rot on your tomatoes, hear about preserving the herbs you’ve grown, discover a better way to prone large shrubs, and find out why a Cannabis plant isn’t budding.

Eggplant, Frost Protection, Drying White Hydrangeas

August 27th, 2020

29:20

C.L. and Ellen and talk about ways to prepare eggplant, protecting your fall crops from frost, taking cuttings of shrubs and tender plants, and drying white hydrangea flowers.

:47  What’s for dinner:  Eggplant  
11:08 

Sedges and, Grasses, and Mildew, Oh MY!

August 20th, 2020

27:57

In this episode Ellen and C.L. give you a way to identify grasses, sedges and rushes, we discuss the mildew that you might be seeing on various plants, and answer a listener’s question about where to find unusual plants.

Vegetables Crossing, Planting After Tree Removal and Tomato Leaves

August 13th, 2020

22:21

Wondering if your zucchini can cross with the neighbor’s pumpkins? Want to know about planting where a tree used to grow? Ellen and C.L. talk about those topics plus finding inexpensive plants for shade and curling …

Flower Power Cocktails, Vines, and Planting For Fall Vegetables

August 6th, 2020

24:33

Hear about two cocktails that use edible flowers, learn about the ways vines support themselves or climb structures, and discover how to tell which flowers are male or female on your summer squash. Plus we answer a …

Your Outdoor Office, a Deep Dive into Daylilies and Mosquitos

July 30th, 2020

22:34

Ellen and C.L. give ideas for making your outdoor office (or Zoom Room) greener. We talk about the maintenance of daylilies, and answer a listener’s …

Zucchini Mania, Plants That Change Spontaneously, and Top Foraging Plants

July 23rd, 2020

23:59

Hear how to use all the summer squash from your garden, learn about the new foraging calendar from Amber Lotus Publishing, and listen to Ellen give her top plants for foraging in the Midwest and Northeast. In our main …

Bolting vegetables, Houseplants Outdoors, and Tree Transplantations

July 16th, 2020

25:31

Wondering why your salad, broccoli or radishes are flowering? Thinking that the houseplants you put out for the summer aren’t looking fantastic? …

Mulch and Nitrogen, Smartweeds, and Aliens in Junipers

July 9th, 2020

20:59

Ellen and C.L. discuss whether the use of mulch robs the soil of nitrogen, and we take a dive into the Polygonaceae family…smart weeds and knotweeds. …

Omelets, Peonies, Oak Galls and Soap in the Garden

July 2nd, 2020

27:48

This episode will inspire you to make an omelet using vegetables you’ve grown or foraged for. Ellen and C.L. take a deep dive into peonies and all the questions people have about them not flowering, when to move them, …

Weed Control, Brambles, and Pinching Cannabis

June 25th, 2020

25:12

If you’re wondering about growing blackberries or raspberries, want to know how to use a hoe for weed control or how to pinch your cannabis plants …

Pruning to Reduce Size, Pine needles and Milkweed

June 18th, 2020

24:01

Ellen and C.L. talk about the possibility of pruning to reduce a plant’s size, plus information about milkweed.  We discuss pine needles in compost and how to keep a hanging basket looking great.

With thanks to our …

Eggshells, Roses and Growing Tall Verbena

June 18th, 2020

27:43

This episode addresses if eggshells are beneficial in a veggie garden, along with roses: fertilizing, deadheading, insects and diseases. Plus a question about the tall verbena.

 :30  True or False:    Eggshells are good …

Early June Edibles, Vegetable Garden Problems, and Repotting Houseplants

June 4th, 2020

25:19

If you’re wondering if you can still plant vegetables, or you’re seeing your new plants being eaten, this episode is for you. Learn what to do about …

Apricots, Cucamelons, Weed Management and Angels Trumpets

May 28th, 2020

22:51

Hear about eating unripe apricots and growing the tiny, tasty cucamelons. Learn how to plant for better weed management, discover the exotic, fragrant Brugmansia plant and learn what thinning seedlings is all about.

:33

Fertilizing, Flowering Vines, and Elderberries

May 21st, 2020

22:58

Ellen and C.L. talk about how often plants need fertilizer, and several flowering vines  you should know and grow. They review a product that treats …

Dividing Perennials, Herb Gardens and Pruning Lilacs

May 14th, 2020

23:14

Learn when to cut back lavender, how to grow herbs in pots, and why your perennials may need dividing. Discover where to plant herbs. Hear about pruning lilacs and wisteria, brought to you by Dramm Rainwands.

:28   

Dandelion Flowers, Foodscaping, and A Plant That Won_t Flower

May 7th, 2020

24:23

:32  What’s For Dinner  Dandelion Flowers

4:51   Eat/Drink/Grow:  The Edible Landscape – Vegetable Gardens and Perennial Edibles aka “Foodscaping”

21:35    Love Letters and Questions: I have a plant that won’t flower.

Galvanized Containers, Cocktail Ingredient Plants and Other QA

April 30th, 2020

24:44

Learn about planting in galvanized containers, if hyacinth beans are edible, and underplanting trees with shrubs. Hear Ellen and C.L.’s picks for their three top garden ingredients for cocktails, what plants like coffee …

Cocktails With Flower Power

April 23rd, 2020

17:28

This episode was recorded live at our appearance at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. This week, the second part of our talk on Flower Power and the Cocktail Hour. In this episode we give examples of …

Flower Power and the Cocktail Hour, Places and Plants

April 16th, 2020

23:07

This episode was recorded live at our appearance at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. This week, the first part of our talk on Flower Power and the Cocktail Hour. We discuss great plants and how to …

Box Store Plants, Bamboo and Saving a Money Tree

April 9th, 2020

25:09

In this episode Ellen and C.L. tackle a myth about box stores selling plants that have been raised with neonicotinoids, we discuss the amazing bamboo, and answer a question about saving a houseplant.

:34 True or False

Lettuce Wraps, Coriander and Replacing Ugly Junipers

April 2nd, 2020

24:57

Be inspired to make lettuce wraps for dinner, hear about growing coriander, and learn about plant pheromones. Plus hear how Ellen and C.L. advise Don about his ugly junipers.

:32  What’s For Dinner: “Lettuce Wraps”
4:30 

Chopped Salad, Leaf Spot Fungus, and Attracting Hummingbirds

March 26th, 2020

26:40

This podcast will inspire you to create more chopped salads, explain leaf spot fungus, and provide a list of plants that will attract hummingbirds. …

Make Plant-able Pot, Low Maintenance Perennials and A Cannabis Book Review

March 19th, 2020

25:13

:32 Plant Noob: How to make your own plant-able pots for starting seeds in.

5:57 Eat/Drink/Grow: Perennials that don’t spread very much.

16:21 Product Review: Book: Growing Weed in the Garden by Johanna Silver

22:15

Too Much Manure, Salt in Soils, and A Plant Threesome

March 12th, 2020

20:37

In this episode C.L. and Ellen discuss research into growing plants in salty soils, aerating lawns with spiky shoes, and a plant that’s a three some. We end explaining why it’s possible to have too much manure in your …

Spring Tonic Salads, Lemon Balm Herb, and Coconut Coir

March 5th, 2020

21:35

Get inspired to make a spring salad containing flower petals, hear about how a native plant in one area might be invasive elsewhere, and learn about a lemon-scented herb. The episode ends with a question about coconut …

Plantrama Reviews, Discovering New Plants, and Succulents for Boxes

February 27th, 2020

24:47

This episode of Plantrama gives you a heads up about two great plants, talks about what happens when people find a new plant and want to either patent it or otherwise bring it to market. We end with advise for Helen …

Cannas, Easy Perennials From Seed, and Wild Wintergreen

February 20th, 2020

24:41

Discover why you should grow Cannas, hear about easy perennials to grow from seed (more plants!), and learn about the wild wintergreen plant…teaberry …

Windowboxes, Easy Vegetables from Seed, and Bad Garden Advice

February 13th, 2020

24:57

Ellen and C.L. provide the 1-2-3 steps to planting window boxes, discuss some really bad plant advice seen online, talk about easy vegetables to grow from seed, and answer a question about winter protection.

:35

Fritters, Easy Annuals From Seed and a Career Building Vacation

February 6th, 2020

26:59

In this episode you’ll learn how to make fritters (vegan and not), discover annuals that are easy to grow from seed, and hear about two opportunities to connect with your Plantrama hosts, live in 2020.

:28 What’s For …

Lasagna Without Pasta, Seed Starting Terms, and Flapjack Plant

January 30th, 2020

23:32

You can make a lasagna without pasta! We offer several ideas. Plus we explore seed starting terms such as thinning, damping off and seed leaves, and …

Bitters, Terrariums, and Heat For Seed Germination

January 23rd, 2020

28:01

This episode starts with talk about bitters, what they are, why you want them in a cocktail, and how to make your own. We go on to talk about the basics for making a terrarium and end with a question from a listener …

Roses, Mealy Bug, and Sensitive Plants

January 16th, 2020

20:13

We begin this episode with the types of roses that are available for gardens, and which are the easiest to grow. Next we discuss the cottony bug that plagues many houseplants, the mealy bug. And we end with a question …

Monstera Plants and Growing Your Own Wedding

January 9th, 2020

22:21

Do you want to know what it takes to successfully grow a Monstera? Ellen and C.L. explain the first three things you need to know about this stylish …

Nachos, Clivia, Dormancy, and Frosty Fern

January 2nd, 2020

20:55

         In this episode of Plantrama we talk about vegan Nachos, growing a Clivia plant, why some plants go dormant, and how to keep a frosty fern alive.

:31 What’s For Dinner:   Nachos!  C.L.'s Vegan nachos can be …

Heavy Amaryllis Flowers, Seed Catalogs and Houseplant Vacation Care

December 26th, 2019

23:34

In this episode we talk about using Sumac as a spice, how to keep those huge and how to prevent those heavy Amaryllis flowers from falling over and breaking off. In the main segment we discuss seed catalogs and end with …

Taming Overgrown or Too Large Gardens and Garden Design Tips

December 19th, 2019

25:19

We begin this episode with the importance of planting something new “at ground level.” Next Ellen and C.L. discuss what to do if your gardens have grown too large or unmanageable. We give garden design tips and end with …

semary, Native Switch Grass, and Moldy Cannabis

December 12th, 2019

21:28

This episode gives you some hints about growing and cooking with rosemary. Ellen and C.L. discuss what makes a plant deserve the label of “invasive” and we talk about Panicum virgatum, aka switch or panic grass. And …

Twice Baked Potatoes, Norfolk Pines, and the Plantrama Gift List

December 5th, 2019

25:07

Learn about an easy, vegetable comfort dish and the Norfolk Island Pine houseplant. Discover great holiday gifts and find out what is meant by “genus …

A Houseplant Debate, Plants Underwater, and Hardy Palm Trees

November 28th, 2019

26:48

Have you wondered why some plants can live underwater but your houseplants die if you give them too much water? Hear why this is, which houseplants Ellen and C.L. recommend, and learn about “Secret Suppers” in this …

Late-To-Migrate Hummingbirds, Yellow Leaves, and Comparing Apples to Oranges

November 21st, 2019

23:20

Are you wondering if the plant with yellow leaves will recover and turn green again? Have you ever wondered if we can indeed compare apples to oranges? And what plants are good for a slope in part sun? Ellen and C.L. …

Edging Flower Beds, The Right Sized Pot, and A New Plant On the Block

November 14th, 2019

23:07

Do you like that nice, crisp line that edging a lawn provides in your landscape? Are you hungry for a delicious stuffing to prepare this Thanksgiving? Ellen and C.L. have thoughts and suggestions. They are also anxious …

Flower Fluctuations, Fall Pansies, and Are You Tired of Kale Yet

November 7th, 2019

20:44

Should you really plant pansies in the fall? Why didn’t my plant bloom well this year when last year it was beautiful? Are you tired of kale yet? …

Straw Bale Gardens, Overwintering a Bay Tree and An Acorn Myth

October 31st, 2019

25:48

In this autumnal episode Ellen Zachos and C.L. Fornari talk about the pros and cons of straw bale gardens…fantastic or a fad? We talk about burdock (one person’s weed is another’s dinner) and keeping that potted bay …

Ornamental Fun With Fall Grasses, Leaving the Leaves, and Wild Grapes

October 24th, 2019

23:58

C.L. and Ellen explain how you can make your ornamental grasses look amusing and fun for the fall into the winter holidays. We discuss the benefits …

Late Planting or Transplanting, Outdoor Furniture in Winter, and Indoor Green Walls

October 17th, 2019

25:45

Have you wondered what people mean when they talk about a plant’s dripline, or if you can still put plants in the ground in October? Do you want to know if you can leave your outdoor furniture in the elements over the …

Compost, Drying Plants Upside Down, and Fried Sage Leaves

October 10th, 2019

29:17

In this episode Ellen and C.L. talk about a great way to prepare fresh sage leaves for a garnish, whether hanging herbs and other plants upside down to dry is important, the basics of compost, and how long carrots can …

Plantrama Trailer

October 8th, 2019

0:32

Here's a taste of what the Plantrama Podcast is all about.

Fall Cocktails, Winter Protection and Growing Fig Trees

September 26th, 2019

31:20

We start off this podcast with a toast to fall as Ellen presents an autumnal cocktail…a frozen persimmon margarita! We discuss protecting plants for …

Repotting Orchids, Coffee Plants, and Saving Seeds

September 19th, 2019

25:21

Do you need to repot an orchid? Want to grow a cup-a-Joe in your living room? Maybe you’re interested in saving seeds from plants you’ve grown in …

Overwintering Plants in Pots, Firepit Plantings, and Eating Dahlias

September 12th, 2019

23:53

1:06 What’s for dinner: Dahlias!

4:44 True or False:   You need a different fertilizer for each type of plant.

9:40 Eat/Drink/Grow: Hot & …

Flower Garlands, Fall Fix-ups, and Quince

September 5th, 2019

25:37

In this episode the Plantrama team talks about creating colorful flower garlands for a celebration, fall fix-ups for containers, gardens and curb …

Green Tomatoes, Saving Tropical plants and Raccoons Eating Corn

September 5th, 2019

27:45

Ellen and C.L. discuss what to do with green tomatoes, saving tropical plants over the winter, and how plants get their names. We end by answering Kirk’s question about raccoons eating the sweet corn he grew this year.

 

Fall Foraging, Critters and Borage

August 29th, 2019

23:14

Join Ellen and C.L. as they talk about silverberries (Elaeagnus umbellata), an easily grown herb with edible flowers (Borage), and what to do when …

Summer Squash, Winter Squash and Eating Squash Flowers

August 22nd, 2019

25:34

In this episode Ellen and C.L. squash a lot of information into about 25 minutes. We talk about how to prepare summer squash flowers, ways to judge if a winter squash is ripe, and coping with squash vine borers and …

Transplanting, End of Summer Plant Sales, and Cinnamon Fungicide

August 15th, 2019

25:45

Can you move plants now, in the summer? Is it smart to buy end of summer sale plants? Would you like the Earthkind Mosquito repellant? Could cinnamon …

Stuffed Vegetables, Watering Lawns and Planting in Cracks

August 8th, 2019

26:31

Stuffing vegetables gets this episode off to a tasty start. Ellen and C.L. also consider the watering of lawns, how to grow plants in cracks of pavers, and what might cause a peony not to flower well.

:45  What’s for …

Painted Rocks, Powdery Mildew and Cannabis Flowering

August 1st, 2019

23:26

Ellen and C.L. start this episode out by discussing painted rocks. Are you painting them this summer? Are your kids painting on rocks? Do you love finding a rock with a message on it when you go to the beach or woods, …

Summer Cocktails, Summer Pruning and Summer Storm Damage

July 25th, 2019

22:34

After C.L. and Ellen discuss hailstorms, summer pruning and landscape fabric you’ll be ready to just relax with a summer cocktail and consider foraging. Ellen gives a recipe for a “Bear Bait” cocktail that contains …

Easy Weed Control, Whitefly and Harvesting Root Crops

July 18th, 2019

20:33

Ellen and C.L. talk about the insect pest known as whitefly, and discuss several ways of controlling summer weeds. We end by answering Robie’s …

Roasting Summer Harvests, Mothballs and Bacteria

July 11th, 2019

19:57

We start this episode with information about roasting vegetables, and C.L. claims that roasted garden green beans taste as good as French fries. We then go on to trash the idea that mothballs can be used to repel …

Fireworks, Pesto and Harvesting Garlic

July 4th, 2019

20:28

Ellen and C.L. ignite the plant equivalent of fireworks in today’s episode. We revisit how pesto doesn’t have to be made only from basil, talk about harvesting garlic, and answer Vincent’s question about wildflower …

Coffee Grounds, Plant Emergencies, and Sweet or Savory Cooking

June 27th, 2019

24:23

Ellen and C.L. discuss garden or foraged ingredients that can swing both ways (sweet or savory), we discuss how to respond to a plant crisis, and examine the practice of putting coffee grounds in the garden.

:31 sweet …

Container Maintenance, Diagnosing Plant Problems and Product Picks

June 20th, 2019

28:19

In this episode Ellen and C.L. talk about keeping your containers flowering and looking great all summer. You’ll learn about diagnosing plant problems, favorite product picks and sand in the compost. 

:31 annual …

Radishes, Duct Tape, and Marauding Mint

June 13th, 2019

23:17

C.L. and Ellen debate whether duct tape can be used to fix broken branches, discuss radishes, help a listener deal with a garden thug that’s …

Foraged Ornaments, Edible Perennials and Tick Diseases

June 6th, 2019

25:31

Ellen and C.L talk about how to make ornaments for your garden from rocks or sticks you can find locally. We discuss what plants you can include in your perennial garden that are also edible and give tips for avoiding …

Peat Moss, Beautiful Containers and Organic Labeling

May 30th, 2019

29:30

Listening to this podcast will help you choose some great plants for mixed containers. You’ll find out why peat moss doesn’t make good mulch and why …

May Foraging, Annual Sunflowers and What Plants Do At Night

May 23rd, 2019

25:06

In this episode you’ll hear what you can forage for in May, learn about what plants do in the nighttime, and discover the joy of planting annual sunflowers. Ellen and C.L. also explain how some plants deliver beauty …

May Cocktails, Liming Lawns and Gorgeous Salads

May 16th, 2019

22:39

In this episode Ellen and C.L. toast the month of May with spring cocktails, explain how to figure what amount of mulch you need, and talk about …

Planting Shrubs Trees, Tums for Tomatoes, and Eating Dandelion Flowers

May 9th, 2019

24:26

Learn how you can eat dandelion flowers, the best method for planting shrubs and trees and why perennials may need to be split and divided periodically. Plus the Plantrama team talks about planting tomatoes with Tums… a …

Dealing With Deer, Pebble Trays For Houseplants, and Live Show Questions

May 2nd, 2019

19:49

This episode of Plantrama was recorded live at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. Ellen and I talked about outwitting rabbits and deer, plus we argue about the benefit of pebble trays filled with water for …

Dock, Dill, May baskets, Stems, and Squash Bugs

April 25th, 2019

26:23

In this Plantrama episode Dock and Dill are on the spring menu, we vow to make May baskets this year, and look at stems from the point of view of science, art, and dinner. We end with Todd’s question about squash bugs …

Signature Weeds, Raised Beds, and Black Walnut Myths

April 18th, 2019

23:13

C.L. and Ellen discuss what the weeds are telling you about your soil, the pros and cons of raised bed vegetable gardens, and the widespread myth about black walnut trees poisoning other plants.

:32  Did You Know:

Mustard Greens, Pansies and Brown Leaves After Winter

April 11th, 2019

26:40

In this episode Ellen and C.L. talk about growing and foraging for mustard greens, explain what is meant by the term “hardening off,” and discuss a favorite spring flower. We wonder why pansies are said to “have faces” …

Deer or Rabbit Resistant Plants and More From Seattle

April 4th, 2019

21:54

At the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle, Ellen and C.L. talked about foraging for garlic mustard and C.L.’s favorite summer squash. We give recommendations for plants that Bambi and Thumper don’t like, and …

Eating Japanese Knotweed, Some Must-Plant Vegetables, and Mandevilla Vine

March 28th, 2019

23:37

In this Plantrama episode we talk about eating the invasive Japanese knotweed, three of C.L.’s must-plant vegetable varieties, growing Mandevilla vine and poison green potatoes.

:32 What’s For Dinner: Foraged Japanese …

Soil Testing, Planning Your Tomato Garden, Fiendish Weed Seeds

March 21st, 2019

28:37

We start out talking about why you might eat stinging nettles, or just avoid these painful plants. Learn about varieties for your tomato garden and …

Fiddlehead Ferns and Comparing Cannabis and Tomatoes

March 14th, 2019

21:51

Discover which ferns to harvest for spring “fiddleheads,” why you shouldn’t start seeds in pots of garden soil, comparing and contrasting starting …

New Beds, Hops, and The Neighbors Dogs

March 7th, 2019

23:50

This episode covers how and when to make new gardens without tilling, witch hazel shrubs, growing hops vines, and dealing with the neighbors’ dogs.

:30 True or False? Do you have to turn up the soil when you’re creating …

Sorrel, Seeds, and Sawdust in the Garden

February 28th, 2019

24:27

Find out if you need to soak seeds before planting them, how to grow better root crops, and if it’s OK to put sawdust in the garden. We also talk …

Foraged Lemons, A Bees Point of View, and Pruning Roses

February 21st, 2019

23:32

In this episode you’ll hear about how bees need both pollen and nectar, why you might be able to find Meyer Lemons without growing them, when roses …

Leaf Edges, Containers for Seedlings and Hazardous Potting Mix

February 14th, 2019

22:21

Learn about the best containers for starting seeds (and it’s not ice cream cones or eggshells), why leaf edges are important, and how to make “juice mousse.” Plus a discussion about how good potting mix can go bad.

:31 …

Repotting, Double Digging, and Spicy Peppers

February 7th, 2019

25:31

Double digging of soil, repotting plants in larger pots, and growing hot peppers, are on today’s episode. Discover starting peppers from seed and preserving them after harvest, plus learn if the “hot lips plant” is for …

ilted Plants, Tree Bark, and Planting on Steep Slopes

January 31st, 2019

21:44

C.L. and Ellen discuss wilted plants and how to tell why they are drooping, we recommend two newsletters to sign up for, and discuss the bark on trees…what it does and why it’s different on each type of tree. Ellen …

Oyster Mushrooms, Aphids, and Pass-Along Houseplants

January 24th, 2019

22:03

In Episode 67 Ellen and C.L. talk about oyster mushrooms, those creepy aphids, and houseplants that you can easily share with the world. We end by answering Patty’s question about GMO verses hybrid plants.

 

:30 What’s …

Shagbark Hickory, Starting Flowers From Seed, and Organic Fertilizers

January 17th, 2019

24:01

This program explains why you might want to plant a hickory tree, and which flowers can be started indoors this spring. C.L. and Ellen also discuss …

Fragrant Plants Indoors, Eating Spruce Tips, and Plantrama Seattle

January 10th, 2019

18:29

In this episode Ellen and C.L. talk about eating the tips off of spruce trees, what people mean when they say they are “forcing plants,” and which houseplants can bring fragrance into your home this winter.

 

:32 What’s …

Rainbow Roses, Dish Garden Care, and Jerusalem Artichokes

January 3rd, 2019

20:07

In Episode 64 C.L. and Ellen discuss the “rainbow rose scam,” how to handle the plants in a dish garden, growing and eating Jerusalem artichokes, and smaller sunflowers for the garden.

:28 True or False? You Can Grow …

Wintergreen, Bromeliads and GMO Seeds

December 27th, 2018

21:44

On this winter episode Ellen and C.L. consider a North American native plant that has been a favorite flavoring for gum, tea and toothpaste. We …

Nematodes, Avocados and Berms

December 20th, 2018

21:35

In this December episode Ellen and C.L. talk about nematodes (harmful and beneficial), and the amazing sex life of the avocado flower. C.L. gives her …

Juniper Berries, Banana Plants and Perennials From Seed

December 13th, 2018

24:54

In this episode Ellen and C.L. talk about the misinformation about edible juniper berries that you find online. We talk about growing banana plants, and why you might want to start perennials from seed. Lauren asks …

Lucky Bamboo, Bracts and Pruning Evergreens

December 6th, 2018

20:06

Ellen and C.L. talk about lucky bamboo; what type of plant it is and how to care them. We explain what bracts are and why some plants have very showy ones, talk about making more plants by air layering, and answer Sal’s …

Getting a Peace Lily to Bloom, Human Hair in the Garden, and Biennials

November 29th, 2018

23:10

Hear Ellen and C.L. talk about the practice of putting human hair in the garden will keep critters away. Next we explain how to get a peace lily to flower again, and the difference been a plant that’s an epiphyte and …

Grow Lights, Holiday Boxwood Trees, and Our Thanksgiving Table

November 22nd, 2018

23:41

Acorn baklava and creamed chard start off this episode. Hear how holiday boxwood trees are made, and learn about providing your indoor plants with …

A Hot Houseplant, Worm Castings and Shepard’s Purse

November 15th, 2018

24:09

In this episode of Plantrama Ellen and C.L. talk about a very common (and edible) weed known as shepherd’s purse. They discuss how to successfully …

Tropical Hibiscus, Plant Gifts, and Cooking Dandelion Greens

November 8th, 2018

21:30

On Plantrama today Ellen talks about cooking dandelion greens and then she and C.L. differ about bringing someone a plant as a gift. They agree about growing and how to over-winter tropical hibiscus, and explain how to …

Blue Hydrangeas, Cattails and Birdseed Shells

November 1st, 2018

23:28

In this episode we talk about the common belief that the shells of sunflower seeds “poison plants.” We also discuss why some people can grow blue mop head hydrangeas but others have a hard time getting them to flower. …

Walnuts, Banana Peels and Storing Seeds You Didn’t Plant

October 25th, 2018

22:14

Ellen and C.L. begin by talking about walnuts, foraged and cultivated. Discover if banana peels are good for your roses and if you need to spray your …

Plant Sex, Seeds for Birds and a Leaf-Stack Review

October 18th, 2018

21:59

Ellen and C.L. discuss why you might not want to do a “fall cleanup” of your perennials. Next, we discuss S-E-X among the photosynthesizing crowd. Male and female plants, what that means for your landscape, and what …

Carrots, Repotting Houseplants, and Halloween Pumpkin Seeds

October 11th, 2018

23:16

 Today we’re talking about carrots, wild and domestic. We explain that before a plant has fruit it comes into flower, and discuss the how, why, how often and when of repotting houseplants. This episode finishes with …

Staking Trees, Pinching Plants and Harvest Parties

October 4th, 2018

21:35

In this episode Ellen and C.L. discuss staking trees and pinching plants. They give ideas for holding a harvest party, tell about the first plant …

Leeks, Fall Mums, and Why Plants in Pots Stay Smaller

September 27th, 2018

17:01

In Episode 50 Ellen and C.L. talk about growing leeks, the fall classic Chrysanthemum, and how Robbie found lumpy tubers in the windowbox. Plus we discuss why plants that are in pots won’t grow as large as the same …

Weird Plant Growth, Growing Garlic, and Orchid Rebloom

September 20th, 2018

18:23

In episode 49 Ellen and C.L. discuss how to get an orchid to rebloom, how to plant garlic this fall, and why you occasionally see a stem go crazy and grow in a flat, contorted manner. All this and a review of the Dramm …

Apples, Amaryllis, and The Truth About Acorns

September 13th, 2018

16:27

In this episode we’re talking about apple recipes and getting your amaryllis to bloom again this year. We discuss whether a large crop of acorns …

Planting Bulbs, Ten-Minute Improvements, and The Leaf-Stack Challenge

September 6th, 2018

17:03

 

:55 Just For Fun:  It’s the leaf stack challenge! Or we should say, #leafstackchallenge

4:00 Eat/Drink/Grow:  Quick fixes to your landscape. …

End of Summer Flavors, Taking Cuttings, and Fall Transplantation

August 30th, 2018

32:47

In this episode Ellen explains what to make with under-ripe wild grapes and C.L. persuades listeners to combine some creamy brie cheese with those homegrown tomatoes. Next we explain that the end of the summer is the …

Savory Tarts, Lawn Substitutes and Hedges

August 16th, 2018

35:14

:30 What’s For Dinner: Savory Tarts Pick your favorite vegetables or herbs, add some eggs and cheese, and make savory tarts for appetizers, lunch or dinner.

 5:04 Plant noob: Lawn Substitutes. Tired of mowing? Is there …

Blueberries, Hydrangeas, and a Magic Wand For Weeds

August 3rd, 2018

30:30

:40 What’s for dinner: Blueberries

6:54 Insider Information: Soil pH. In other words, how acid or alkaline your ground is, and why you should care.

Fertilizing, Carnivorous Plants, and Dealing With Deer

July 19th, 2018

28:50

:30 What’s for dinner: Throw it on the Barbie! Grilling, farmed and foraged.

5:52 Plant noob: How often do I have to fertilize annuals, perennials and containers?

12:58 Eat/Drink/Grow:     “Feed Me!” Carnivorous plants… …

The Golden Gnome Awards 2018

July 5th, 2018

26:38

1:20 What’s For Dinner: Best Edibles

Ellen and I award a Golden Gnome to edible plants with surprising flavors.
3:56 Insider Information: Best desk …

Continual Harvest, Houseplants to Summer Camp, and Rosa Rugosa

June 21st, 2018

30:52

In late June it’s time to talk about repeat sowings of salad greens, foraging for lamb’s quarters, sending houseplants to summer camp, and all about Rosa rugosa. Ellen and C.L. end the episode with advice about how to …

Drying the Harvest, Perennial Garden Maintenance and Understudy Plants

June 7th, 2018

31:58

:35 What’s For Dinner? How you can preserve the plants you forage for or grow by dehydrating.

6:07 Insider Information: Herbs: The Delightful Dozen – …

Asparagus, Marigolds for Insect Control, and Mixed Containers

May 24th, 2018

30:21

:33 What’s For Dinner? Asparagus! What types to buy and how to grow this spring treat.

 7:42 True or False? Marigolds We’ve all heard about it: …

Questions From NWFGS Seattle

May 10th, 2018

30:12

:40  What’s for dinner: Questions about wild-crafted cocktails and raised bed vegetables. 

4:40  Plant noob: Can you have too much compost?

7:31  Eat/Drink/Grow:   We answer questions about deer, smart pots, dahlias, …

Edible Flowers, April Showers, and Skunk Cabbage

April 26th, 2018

30:08

:32 What’s For Dinner? Edible Flowers   Whether you plant them or pick them in the wild, there are many spring flowers that will make your dinner table tastier and more attractive.

6:58 Insider Information: Skunk Cabbage

036 Plantrama Live In Seattle NWFGS

April 12th, 2018

40:01

Including the typical segments you’ll hear in every episode of the Plantrama podcast

:15 Introduction by Janet Endsley, NWFGS Program Director

2:14 Ellen and C.L. introduce each other. (One of us is a cat person, and …

035 Rhubarb, Curb Appeal and The Invasion of the Garden Gnomes

March 29th, 2018

29:20

:40 What’s for dinner: Rhubarb & Knotweed   Fresh stems and shoots are on the menu today – from cultivated rhubarb to the wild Japanese knotweed (

034 - Edible Landscaping, Houseplants From Supermarket Pits, and Primroses

March 15th, 2018

31:03

:35 What’s For Dinner: Edible Landscaping

We discuss some of the plants that do double duty in the landscape: these are attractive and edible! The plants mentioned are: Roses, crabapple trees, plum trees, blueberries (

033 - Cymbidiums, Shamrocks, Spring Edibles, Cold Frames

March 1st, 2018

30:20

30 What’s for dinner: Mustards, Cresses, and Peas Spring greens and Peas

What to forage for in early spring, and should you really plant peas on …

032 - Jellies, Lemon Cypress, and Scale

February 15th, 2018

31:40

:33    What’s For Dinner: Jams

Ellen is a big jam maker. Here how she saves fruit for cooking up jams later. She advises that people new to jams and jellies get the Ball Blue Book or So Easy To Preserve

8:11   The …

031 - Micro-greens, Pruning and Birds in the Landscape

February 1st, 2018

30:09

:35 – 6:10 What’s For Dinner: Microgreens – you can grow these tasty, nutritious greens yourself, indoors, even in the winter time.      

6:12 – 12:00 Insider Information: Spider mites – at this time of year you might …

030 - Seeds, Snake Plant and Plantrama in Seattle

January 18th, 2018

29:25

0:34 What’s for dinner: Advance planning? Ordering veggie seeds for growing this spring and winter foraging.

6:37 Plant noob: Why you should know …

029 - Amaryllis, Breathing Room, and the Art, Science and Dinner of Orchids

January 4th, 2018

31:26

0:37 – 4:33 What’s for dinner: Foraged Pesto and Winter Squash Soup

4:37 – 10:56 Insider Information:   “Breathing Room”

11:03 – 25:15 Eat/Drink/Grow:    The Art, Science and Dinner of Orchids

25:25 – 30:33 Did You Know:

028 - Paperwhite Narcissus, Cyclamen and The Franklinia Tree

December 21st, 2017

27:49

0:30 – 5:37 What’s for Dinner: Calamondin Citrus

 

5:43 – 11:51 Did You Know: Paperwhite Narcissus

 

12:02 - 20:08 Eat/Drink/Grow: Cyclamen

 

20:14 – 24:53 Insider Information: The Franklinia Story

 

24:56 – 27:28 Love …

027 - Winter Cocktails, Poinsettias, Preventing Mouse Damage and A Solstice Celebration

December 7th, 2017

30:27

What’s For Dinner :40 Winter cocktails are on the menu in this episode. Ellen gives a recipe for a foraged Carob Horchata and C.L. talks about using the rosemary plant your brought indoors to create a Rosemary Gin Gin. …

026 - Winter (or Thanksgiving) Meals, Christmas Cactus and Holiday Gifts

November 23rd, 2017

32:04

 00: What’s For Dinner - we discuss what is on a forager’s Thanksgiving table, and what is on a vegetable gardener’s spread. Find links to the recipes here:

8:59: The Plant Noob - Today’s topic is common cooking sage, …

025 - Crabapples, Winter Protection and Fungus Gnats

November 9th, 2017

30:17

 :50 Did You Know...about the pros and cons of Winter Protection? Think you should wrap your evergreen shrubs in burlap for the winter? Ellen …

024 - Foraged Walnuts, Winter Protective Mulch, and Secrets From the Pumpkin Patch

October 26th, 2017

29:51

Have you ever wondered if you could eat black walnuts? Or maybe you're undecided about using a winter protective mulch on your perennial garden...do …

023 - Insider Information on Garden Tourism, New Plants and Garden Products, and What on Earth is GWA? - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

October 12th, 2017

33:33

We're pleased to take you into the world of garden communicators and garden tourism in this episode. Fresh out of the GWA annual meeting and trade show, Ellen and C.L. share what they've learned about new plants and …

022 - Winter Squash, Fall Cleanup and Saving Summer Annuals - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

September 28th, 2017

35:33

In this episode we talk about how to tell if winter squash is ripe and how to preserve it. We discuss saving annuals from year to year, and give the pros and cons of fall yard cleanups. Ellen and C.L. also invite you to …

021 - Barbecued Greens, Firepits, Preserving the Harvest Our Secret Six Tools - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

September 14th, 2017

37:10

I'm hoping that you'll try the barbecued chard recipe we talk about in this episode - even non-vegetable eaters and kids often love this dish! We also give you several ways to preserve the bounty from your garden. …

020 - Pesto, Stinkhorn Fungus Watering Containers - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

August 31st, 2017

33:56

Ellen and C.L. give you ideas for making the most delicious, fresh pesto on earth...and then move on from great taste to horrible smells! Yes, after talking about garden-grown pesto we discuss stinkhorn fungi...a creepy …

019 - Garden Hors D’oeuvres, Natural Office Surroundings, and Outdoor Entertaining - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

August 17th, 2017

27:20

In late-August it's time to relax and celebrate the end of the summer season. Ellen and C.L. start this party off with suggestions for snacks and garden hors d’oeuvres. The second segment offers ways that you benefit …

018 - Growing Garnishes, Deadheading and Irrigation - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

August 3rd, 2017

35:17

In this episode C.L. and Ellen celebrate plants in summer. They begin by suggesting ways you can add color, flavor and fragrance to your beverages …

017 - Tomato Troubles, Attracting or Repelling Insects, and Getting Started with Foraging - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

July 20th, 2017

28:12

Is there a way to repel insects from your outdoor office? Ellen has a short answer for this question...and we discuss the down-and-dirty truth. We also sing the praises of sending houseplants to summer camp and help you …

016 - Zucchini, Plant ID and Tips for Growing Berries - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

July 6th, 2017

35:58

What's for dinner? In this episode Ellen and C.L. begin by discussing summer squash, aka zucchini. We mention the use of organic fungicides for …

015 - Your Outdoor Office, Peaches, and Arugula VS Garlic Mustard - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

June 23rd, 2017

29:47

Ellen and C.L. both love arugula, and C.L. talks about how easy it is to grow from seed. But Ellen prefers to forage for her greens, so in this …

014 - Herbs on the Deck, Hardiness Zones and Tips for the Planting Season - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

June 5th, 2017

43:48

Ellen and C.L. start celebrating the planting season by talking about herbs in containers. Next they answer the question, "What the heck are hardiness zones?" In the main part of the podcast the topic is planting. Does …

013 - Pronouncing Plant Names and Growing Herbs Indoors - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

May 4th, 2017

29:11

In this episode we disagree about how to pronounce "Plantrama" which leads to a discussion about the pronunciation of plant names. We also talk about …

012 - Nicotiana, Spreading Problems, and Giveaway Bouquets - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

May 4th, 2017

35:06

In this episode we talk about two lovely self-seeding annuals, being worried that a plant problem will spread, and growing random acts of kindness.

011 - Seeds, Weeds and What’s For Dinner - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

May 4th, 2017

29:28

In this episode C.L. gives a tip for growing strong seedlings under lights, we talk about dealing with weeds in the yard (spoiler alert: Ellen wants you to eat them!) and we share some of our favorite "What's for …

010 - Fragrant Plants, Drainage and All About Heirlooms - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

May 4th, 2017

27:44

In this episode we talk about two of our favorite plants for fragrance, rant a bit about the practice of putting rocks and shards in the bottom of pots, and discuss the pros and cons of heirloom plants.

009 - Edibles, Aphids and Plants for Privacy - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

May 4th, 2017

32:50

What's for dinner? In the fall, the answer might be mushrooms and eggplant. We begin by talking about growing and cooking eggplants and foraging for mushrooms. Next we talk about aphids on plants and then move on to …

008 - Saving Succulents, Moss and What’s For Dinner? - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

May 1st, 2017

34:40

Did you grow succulents in your window boxes or strawberry jar this year because they are drought tolerant and just look so cool? If so, you might be …

007 - Bulbs, Evergreens and Overwintering Pots - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

April 30th, 2017

38:46

Fall is the time for planting bulbs, but how deep should you plant them? And how can you prevent the squirrels (aka, those bastards!) from digging …

006 - Dish Gardens, Seed Viability and Insects - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

April 30th, 2017

33:16

The combination of plants commonly sold as dish gardens or gift baskets usually need the plants to be separated and repotted after a month or so. …

005 - Leaves, Epsom Salt and Dandelions - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

April 28th, 2017

29:19

Sometimes the preconceptions that we come to the landscape with don't do us any favors. For instance, did you know that the leaves that come down from the trees in the fall are GOLD for your garden? Have you considered …

004 - Dinner, Diversity Dahlias - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

April 28th, 2017

35:23

Like you, Ellen and C.L. love good food. So part of today's program is about what's for dinner. We also look at why diversity in a landscape is important, and put a special focus on one of the most treasured flowers for …

003 - Wow Factor Plants, Rain Gauges and Acorns - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

April 28th, 2017

34:01

Looking for a plant that will impress everyone who comes to your yard or garden? Do you wonder why your plants have dried up even though it seemed like last week was so rainy? Perhaps you've heard that many acorns …

002 - Lemon Verbena, Fertilizer How to Drink Your Plants - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

April 28th, 2017

34:01

Take a deep breath because today we're talking about one of our favorite herbs, lemon verbena. We'll also discuss fertilizers and making beverages from your garden.

001 - Troughs, Making it Bloom and Fire Pit Plantings - Plantrama - plants, landscapes, bringing nature indoors

April 28th, 2017

34:01

In this episode we talk about planting in livestock troughs, how the hours of daylight are important for bringing plants into bloom, and what plants to use around your firepit. Plus story time and an answered email.

Loading ...

Listen to Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors

RadioPublic

A free podcast app for iPhone and Android

  • User-created playlists and collections
  • Download episodes while on WiFi to listen without using mobile data
  • Stream podcast episodes without waiting for a download
  • Queue episodes to create a personal continuous playlist
RadioPublic on iOS and Android
Or by RSS
RSS feed
https://plantrama.libsyn.com/radiopublic

Connect with listeners

Podcasters use the RadioPublic listener relationship platform to build lasting connections with fans

Yes, let's begin connecting
Browser window

Find new listeners

  • A dedicated website for your podcast
  • Web embed players designed to convert visitors to listeners in the RadioPublic apps for iPhone and Android
Clicking mouse cursor

Understand your audience

  • Capture listener activity with affinity scores
  • Measure your promotional campaigns and integrate with Google and Facebook analytics
Graph of increasing value

Engage your fanbase

  • Deliver timely Calls To Action, including email acquistion for your mailing list
  • Share exactly the right moment in an episode via text, email, and social media
Icon of cellphone with money

Make money

  • Tip and transfer funds directly to podcastsers
  • Earn money for qualified plays in the RadioPublic apps with Paid Listens