• Some garden tasks you can do in early spring...and some you shouldn't be doing
    Apr 17 2026

    We've had a couple stretches of warm weather in the upper Midwest, and if you're like us, you're probably itching to get out into the yard and garden.

    In this episode, Don and John talk about some early spring tasks you can do to set yourself up for planting, like getting out to the garden centers to take advantage of sales. They also discuss a few things you probably shouldn't do this early.

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    43 mins
  • Soil testing, marigolds from seed, and more topics from the listener mailbag
    Apr 9 2026

    Time for a thorough spring cleaning of the Growing Together mailbag.

    In this episode, Don and John answer listener questions about amaryllis bulbs, soil testing, starting marigolds from seed, and plenty more timely topics. If you have your own questions, email them to Don Kinzler at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

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    42 mins
  • Late-season snows and the beauty of Easter plants
    Apr 3 2026

    Another Easter is upon us, which means the lush array of Easter plants and the threat (and benefit) of wet, heavy late-season snow.

    In this episode, Don and John discuss the Easter season through beloved plants like lillies and Easter cactus. Plus, they chat about the effects of early spring storms on your garden.

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    37 mins
  • Don't get pranked in the garden this April Fools Day
    Mar 27 2026

    It's that time of year, between the Spring of Deception and Third Winter, when you just simply can't trust nature.

    In this episode, Don and John look use the upcoming April Fool's Day as inspiration for a look at all the tomfoolery happening in and around your garden, like old wive's tales, plants that deceive, and pranks you can play on your favorite gardener.

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    45 mins
  • Get a head start on preventing weeds in the vegetable garden
    Mar 20 2026

    It's officially spring, which means gardening season is just around the corner.

    In this episode, Don and John discuss how to get ahead of weeds before the growing season begins, from early planning to smart prevention strategies.

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    44 mins
  • Celebrating the plants of the Emerald Isle ☘️
    Mar 13 2026

    If you're a gardener, chances are that green is one of your favorite colors, and what's greener than St. Patrick's Day?

    In this episode, Don and John celebrate the greenest of holidays with a wee bit o' love for the flowers and plants that make Ireland beautiful.

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    31 mins
  • Get ready, get set...get pruning!
    Mar 6 2026

    Pruning has many benefits, like better yields and attractive shaping...but if you're not sure how best to approach it, you might fear doing serious damage to your beloved plants.

    In this episode, Don and John talk about the best way to approach pruning so you do no harm while reaping the significant benefits.

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    47 mins
  • Grow your best onions this season
    Feb 27 2026

    Did you know the average American eats 20 pounds of onions a year?

    In this episode, Don and John give you the lowdown on a true culinary staple that would be a welcome addition to any vegetable garden, from the best varieties for our region to the planting and harvesting techniques that set you up for mouthwatering success.

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    44 mins