The Dallas Garden School

Essential Gardening Tools and Supplies for North Texas GardenersIn this episode of the Dallas Garden School podcast, I'm sharing my must-have gardening suppliesand walking through the critical tools and materials I keep in my garden bag. Throughout the episode, I'll offer practical advice and personal recommendations to help you choose effective tools and products for your gardening needs. 00:00 Introduction to the Dallas Garden School Podcast 00:20 What's in My Garden Bag? 01:29 Essential

Mastering Liquid Fertilizer Application for Your GardenIn this episode of the Dallas Garden School podcast, host and North Texas gardening expert Callie Works-Leary answers a question from a student about the proper application of liquid fertilizer. She explains the importance of following the instructions on fertilizer packaging, differentiates between granular and water-soluble fertilizers, and provides detailed steps on how to mix and apply fish emulsion liquid fertilizer. Callie also

In this episode of The Dallas Garden School Podcast, host and North Texas gardening expert Callie Works-Leary shares her personal list of the top 10 best-performing perennials for our unique climate.These aren’t just any perennials—these are the tried-and-true varieties that bring color, resilience, and pollinator support to North Texas gardens year after year. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your perennial beds or just getting started, this list is packed with expert insight and

Coco coir is everywhere these days—from seed-starting kits to trendy potting mixes. It's often hailed as a sustainable alternative to peat moss, but is it really as eco-friendly and effective as it sounds? In this episode, North Texas gardening expert and educator Callie Works-Leary breaks down what coco coir actually is, why it’s become so popular, and the major drawbacks you need to know before using it in your garden. From hidden sustainability concerns to nutrient imbalances and

Are mysterious holes appearing in your garden plants overnight? You're not alone—and chances are, caterpillars are the culprits. In this episode, we're diving into how to identify caterpillar damage, recognize the most common garden offenders, and take simple, effective action to protect your plants—without harming the rest of your garden ecosystem. Whether you're growing kale, tomatoes, or flowers, this episode gives you the tools you need to fight back the right way. What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, Callie answers a thoughtful question from a student named Paula, who’s puzzled by a common indoor seed-starting dilemma: why did most of her tomato and pepper seedlings thrive—except for two specific heirloom tomato varieties? Callie dives deep into: The difference between heirloom and hybrid seeds Why some varieties (or even specific strains) may underperform How small differences in light, water, or tray placement can affect seedling growth Why it's not your fault when a