December 8th 2024.
As the cold winter sets in, many gardeners find themselves in a necessary state of quiet and rest. After a busy spring, summer, and fall spent tending to their outdoor spaces, December provides a welcome opportunity to slow down and dream about the upcoming gardening season. Amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday celebrations, it's the perfect time to gather inspiration and information for the months ahead.
For me, one of the best ways to do this is by listening to garden podcasts. It's a simple and relaxing activity that can be done while cleaning seed trays or caring for houseplants. The world of podcasts is constantly evolving, with many now offering accompanying videos on social media platforms. They can be just as valuable as a trusty trowel for many gardeners.
However, it's important to remember that not all podcasts are created equal. Just like with any online gardening advice, there can be a mix of reliable, science-based information and more opinionated, untested "advice." Regional garden podcasts often focus on specific plants and soil conditions, tailored to their particular locations. On the other hand, nationally recognized gardening personalities often provide a broader range of tips, including ones relevant to the Western U.S.
It's worth noting that podcast hosts are often sponsored by companies that sell gardening products and services. So, don't be surprised if you come across a few brief commercial breaks during your listening sessions. One tip is to download the podcast onto your phone and listen with portable headphones or hands-free earbuds for a more convenient experience.
The topics covered by garden podcasts are endless. Some hosts even take gardening questions and invite expert guests to weigh in on specific topics. Others focus on seasonal themes, ranging from rock gardening to birding. And for those looking for more variety, there are even podcasts that discuss related topics like home and garden design.
In 2024, some of the most popular garden podcasts included "The Joe Gardener Show" with Joe Lamp'l, "Let's Argue About Plants" from Fine Gardening Magazine with editors Danielle Sherry and Carol Collins, "A Way to Garden" with Margaret Roach, "Garden Basics" with Farmer Fred, and "The Beet: The Podcast for Plant Lovers" with Kevin Espiritu. Personally, I enjoy listening to British podcasts, despite the differences in growing conditions and plant choices. It's surprising how often we face similar plant ailments and garden pests in our region of the country. Plus, their charming accents and use of pet names like "veg" for vegetables only add to the experience. Two of my favorites, which are also highly rated by many garden podcast lists, are BBC Radio Ulster's "Gardener's Corner" with David Maxwell and BBC Radio 4's "Gardener's Question Time" with Peter Gibbs.
As the holiday season approaches, I want to wish everyone a merry and bright time and a fantastic New Gardening Year. Thank you for "tuning in" to my garden articles over the years. I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming year. And don't forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, for all the latest entertainment news delivered straight to your inbox.
Happy gardening, everyone!
Sincerely,
Betty Cahill
Speaker and writer on gardening in the Rocky Mountain Region
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