PODCAST

Teaming With Microbes

Jeff Lowenfels, Jonathan White

A podcast about organic gardening using the soil food web

leisure home & garden

All Episodes

00:23:17

Rhizophagy rundown

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/02/16

This week, Jeff and Jonathan explore the relationship between sounds and plants. Did you know that plants grow towards the sound of water?Next, Jeff disagrees with a recent article he read (article), where scientists are studying rhizobia bacteria that form nitrogen-fixing nodules to enhance plant fertilization. However, Jeff believes that they should focus on rhizophagy, which provides nitrogen to plants without the need for nodules.Later, the duo addresses some interesting listener questions in

00:40:09

Alaska birch syrup with Ted Hammers

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/02/09

This week, Jeff and Jonathan interview Ted Hammers, co-owner of Alaska Wild Harvest.They tap into the biology of Birch trees, discussing the process of making Alaska birch syrup, its different phases, and its various use cases.Later in the episode, they also discuss the benefits of birch water and chaga.Tune in to this episode of Teaming With Microbes for all that and more!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant a row for the

00:27:16

The surprising benefits of snow in gardening

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/02/02

As Anchorage, Alaska is experiencing a record snowfall, there is some good news: The snow is storing a significant amount of nitrogen, which is sometimes referred to as "poor man's fertilizer" (12 lbs of nitrogen per acre). That said, be sure to remove the snow from the greenhouse and shed to prevent them from collapsing.Jeff and Jonathan are also celebrating the almost 2 hour increase in daylight over the course of January. This means that now is a great time to prune winter geraniums, and prepare

00:23:27

The best manure for organic gardening

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/01/26

This week, Jeff and Jonathan rekindle last week’s discussion about microplastics in the environment. But this time, they dive into a new scientific article that states there is more microplastics in the air than in the soil.Next, the team explores microbial fuel cells. That is, batteries that run off bacteria!Finally, the guys talk about the best kinds of manure for organic gardening (including some that aren’t good)!All that and more in this episode of Teaming with

00:29:25

Is plastic pollution killing your soil?

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/01/19

The days are finally getting longer in Alaska, and Jeff and Jonathan are getting excited for gardening in 2024!This week, the guys start off by discussing the differences between ectomycorrhizal fungi (which are found more near the equator) and endomycorrhizal fungi (which thrive near the north and south pole areas).After the break, the guys delve into the problem of plastic pollution in food and soil and discuss some ways soil food web gardeners can mitigate plastics in their gardens (and

00:23:53

New Year’s gardening resolutions

Teaming With Microbes ·

2024/01/05

This week Jeff and Jonathan wrap up 2023 by encouraging folks to make sure and recycle their Christmas trees. Next, the team brings in 2024 by discussing some New Year’s gardening resolutions. These include:Stop using artificial nutrientsUse (and make) more compostGrow something from seedRoll seeds in mycorrhizal fungiTest your soilStop rototilling No bare soil Feed the microbesShare the food from your gardensRead the Teaming with Microbes series!All that and more in this week’s episode of Teaming

00:28:00

What the heck is biochar?

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/12/29

Biochar is a black carbon compound produced through pyrolysis, enhancing soil fertility and plant growth in gardening. This week Jeff and Jonathan discuss some scientific studies about biochar, how some Alaska Native tribes have historically incorporated it into their gardens, as well as some pros and cons to using it. Next, the team has some fun chatting about amanita muscaria folklore (that distinct red mushroom with white spots), and why it is considered the “Christmas Mushroom”.Finally, the duo

00:27:43

Superheroes in the soil

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/12/22

This week Jeff and Jonathan discuss more scientific studies. First, they consider how fungi and bacteria impact water freezing. These “ice nucleators” are what cause ice crystals to form into snow and hail.Next, the team discusses plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). These superheroes of the soil are nitrogen fixing bacteria that include phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZPK).Finally, the duo wraps up the episode with a chat about how global warming is

00:20:55

The power of mycorrhizal fungai

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/12/15

This week Jeff and Jonathan discuss a new scientific study that looks into how adding mycorrhizal fungai to certain types of farmland can increase the yield by more than 40 percent!Later, the team discusses how redwood trees reproduce, highlighting the fact that scientists have found buds that extend back 1,000 years.Finally, Jeff shares how a certain photo inspired his interest in the soil food web, and how it led to his first book, Teaming With Microbes.All that and more in this week’s episode of

00:36:59

Coffee in the garden

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/12/08

This week Jeff and Jonathan discuss the use of coffee grounds in the garden, as well as gardening in general. Apart from being one of the best drinks on the planet, coffee (or coffee grounds) can work wonders in your compost or mulch.Later on, the team debunks some common myths about coffee in the garden, such as its acidity or its alleged ability to kill slugs.All that and more in this week’s episode of Teaming With Microbes!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know

00:36:00

The power of ramial wood chips in the garden

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/12/01

This week Jeff and Jonathan break down the garden science behind ramial chipped wood. They discuss its French roots, how it’s made, as well as the benefits it provides for soil, insects and animals.Later, the team discusses the complex underground web of life created by voles, as well as how to keep them out of your garden!As always, Jeff and Jonathan wrap up the episode by answering some great listener questions.**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at

00:24:17

How sound affects plants

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/11/24

This week is all about science!The team delves into some new studies that show plants can benefit from being exposed to sound. For example, did you know that plants will grow toward the sound of water?Later, Jeff dives into some recent work by MIT engineers who have created protective coatings that will protect bacteria from damage (which can potentially reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in the future).As always, Jeff and Jonathan wrap up the episode by answering some great listener

00:29:31

Gardening on the moon

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/11/17

This week Jeff and Jonathan continue their conversations about taking care of gardens and yards during the winter months. For example, it’s good to protect your perennials by covering them with snow.Then, for all you science lovers out there, Jeff talks about the fascinating possibilities of growing plants and food on Earth’s Moon (and even Mars)!As always, Jeff and Jonathan wrap up the episode by answering some great listener questions.**********************************************Have a question

00:35:43

The best indoor growing systems

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/11/10

As southcentral Alaska endures its first snow storm of the season, the guys talk about a variety of indoor lighting systems to help your plants thrive during the winter months. Also, did you know that snow has a little bit of nitrogen in it (poor man’s fertilizer)!?Other topics include indoor hydroponic gardening systems, as well as what to look for when purchasing LED lights.As always, Jeff and Jonathan wrap up the episode by answering some listener

00:30:38

Indoor plant myths

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/11/03

Jeff and Jonathan dispel some common myths about caring for indoor plants during the winter season. They also talk about some solutions including testing soil, using a microbiometer and repotting plants.Plus, Jonathan tells a Halloween story that involves…Miracle Grow?**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!Thanks to our sponsors:Big

00:33:57

Lights, mites, and spiders?

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/10/27

As fall transitions into winter, Jeff and Jonathan discuss plants that don't require much light (short day plants), including Chrysanthemums, Poinsettias, and various cacti. Additionally, the duo discusses various indoor lighting systems.Later, the guys talk about insects that might move indoors for the winter, and why you might want to keep some of them around!As always, the episode wraps up with some listener questions.**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at

00:31:41

First frost

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/10/20

This week Jeff and Jonathan put their gardens to bed before winter, as the first big frost is upon us! Other topics include how to protect your perennial garden areas during fall and spring, the right kind of snow shovel to use, as well as a curious garden riddle!Finally, some special guests drop by to ask inquisitive garden questions.**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming

00:39:32

Rootin' around

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/10/13

The guys discuss various aspects of roots and their relationship with different soil layers. Speaking of soil layers, did you know that during the winter months, microbial activity doesn't stop - it just slows down!Other topics include recycling mulched leaves in your lawn or meadow, preparing raspberries and strawberries for winter, and taking care not to bring pests into your garage or greenhouse!Finally, the team answers some listener questions.**********************************************Have

00:34:49

Soil food web seasons

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/10/06

There are seasons to the soil food web. It operates differently in the fall and winter than it does in the spring and summer. And, it should be operating in your house plants as well. Stay tuned till the end for some listener questions and more gardening advice from the masters.**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!Thanks to our

00:38:02

Prep the garden for winter

Teaming With Microbes ·

2023/09/29

This week Jeff and Jonathan discuss more ways to prep the garden for winter. Make sure and turn the outdoor water faucets off (so they don’t freeze)! Other topics include prepping the shed, transplanting perennials, and acting on soil test results. As always, the guys wrap up the episode by answering listener questions. **********************************************Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.comPlant a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With

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Teaming With Microbes

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