PODCAST

Teaming With Microbes

Jeff Lowenfels, Jonathan White

A podcast about organic gardening using the soil food web

leisure home & garden

All Episodes

00:23:28

Secrets to thriving lilacs

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/07/05

This week, the guys are talking all about lilacs. In Alaska, there is a short window when lilacs are in full bloom (about 6 weeks), so it’s important to care for them properly to keep them healthy year after year. Fun fact: Jeff’s grandfather hybridized a lilac!After the break, Jeff shares the battery-powered tools he uses for gardening:Small chainsawBlowerWeed eaterJeff is disappointed with his modern weed eater because it’s difficult to maintain, while Jonathan is pleasantly surprised with his

00:23:27

All about chickweed

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/06/28

Jonathan reveals his fondness for chickweed, while Jeff expresses his dislike for this rapidly growing weed. However, they both agree on chickweed's resilient nature and its ability to spread.Digging a bit deeper, Jeff introduces the plant's alternative names, such as mouse ears, starflower and satin weed. Some fascinating aspects of chickweed include its ability to grow with minimal light and its indication of healthy soil.After the break, they continue discussing chickweed, emphasizing that each

00:28:57

The hidden power of dandelions

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/06/21

Jonathan is bummed out that the dandelions are turning white. However, Jeff reminds him that each flower has about 300 seeds (making it a powerful spreader). This kicks off a discussion about the hidden powers of dandelions. For example, did you know that you can make teas, wine and even tempura with them? Also, the dandelion taproot can burrow 15 feet into the ground!After the break, Jonathan gives an update on his new ‘meadow’ and is surprised to see an abundance of clover. All that and more

00:26:30

Strategies for planting beans and peas

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/06/14

In this week's episode, Jeff and Jonathan dive into strategies for planting and caring for different types of beans and peas.Jeff begins by discussing the history of sweet peas, emphasizing their delightful fragrance, vibrant colors, and easy cultivation.Next, they compare sweet and snap peas, with Jeff emphasizing the importance of pinching and picking the flowers.After the break, Jonathan recounts his experience of using a wildflower seed kit in hopes of creating a lush meadow in his yard.All that

00:30:59

Mastering the introduction of native plants to your...

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/06/07

This week, Jeff and Jonathan celebrate the bountiful dandelions flourishing in Southcentral Alaska, prompting an important question: where do they originate?They discuss how attitudes towards dandelions have evolved over the years and explore strategies to prevent their overgrowth.Next, they share tips on introducing native plants to your yard, garden, or meadow, including optimal planting locations and conditions for their growth. For those in northern climates, Jeff recommends the book,

00:36:41

Tips for early season lawn care

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/05/31

This week, Jeff and Jonathan dive into essential tips for early season lawn care. Fresh off a weekend of 26 hours of yard work, Jonathan shares his experience aerating his entire lawn and testing the soil. Jeff emphasizes the importance of giving your lawn a trim, even if you're planning to let it grow into a meadow.Did you know lawn mowers are significant polluters? Jeff suggests mowing one time less each month to benefit the environment and encourages listeners to get creative with their mowing

00:32:57

Jeff’s gardening hacks

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/05/24

This week, the team eagerly digs into early season gardening. To start, Jeff discusses hardening off your plants in his Anchorage Daily News column.Jeff also offers a wealth of gardening advice, sharing his favorite hacks. These include ways to keep your fingernails clean when gardening, ensuring your hose can reach every garden corner, and labeling everything.Following a short break, the team addresses dandelion management.Lastly, they respond to a variety of listener questions. Topics range from

00:46:46

Flawn seed kits with Anthony Nied

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/05/17

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

00:36:58

Tomato Myths

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/05/10

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

00:29:58

Finding you soil’s sweet spot

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/05/03

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

00:33:50

All about voles

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/04/26

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

00:30:48

Preparing your soil for healthy plants

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/04/19

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

00:29:58

Is plastic-free gardening achievable?

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/04/12

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

00:37:10

Should you sterilize your soil?

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/04/05

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

00:29:42

Starting your seeds

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/03/29

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

00:23:14

Bears in the garden

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/03/22

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

00:23:00

All about hanging baskets

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/03/15

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

00:29:07

Spring garden chores

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/03/08

This week, Jeff and Jonathan are celebrating the longer spring days in Alaska. However, the warming sun has them thinking about the impacts of global warming.They kick off this week's episode by discussing recent scientific studies, which warn that global warming could threaten the survival of dung beetles.Next, they explore various natural indicators that signal when it's safe to plant outdoors (and indoors). In Alaska, the size of birch tree leaves serves as a reliable clue! Jeff also emphasizes

00:26:05

Plants that glow?

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/03/01

In this week's episode of Teaming with Microbes, Jeff and Jonathan examine the influx of gardening clickbait articles in our online and print media. They dissect the reasons behind this trend and share their insights on navigating through the clutter.Moving away from the digital sphere, they dive into the scientific realm of bioluminescence, investigating why and how some plants can emit a mesmerizing glow.Lastly, as we shift into the longer, warmer spring days, the team shares essential tips and

00:21:24

How microbes affect the taste of food

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/02/23

We're talking more about microbes this week! Have you ever wondered why certain foods and drinks taste the way they do? The answer is microbes!This week, Jeff and Jonathan examine new studies that explore how microbes influence the taste of tea. Later, they discuss the vital role of microbial diversity in cheese production.Lastly, they delve into a recent study in Alaska where scientists have observed a change in the diet of some arctic animals, particularly smaller ones like voles.Don't miss all

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