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PODCAST

The Evergreen Thumb

Erin Hoover, WSU Extension Master Gardener Program

Since 1973, WSU Extension Master Gardeners have been developing programs to address the evolving needs of our communities. Each episode, we"ll dig into the fascinating world of gardening, exploring a wide range of topics tailored to our unique climate and diverse flora. Whether you"re an experienced gardener with a green thumb or a beginner eager to cultivate your own green oasis, we"re here to inspire and educate. Join us as we invite expert horticulturists, seasoned Master Gardeners, and

leisure home & garden

All Episodes

31:23

Rediscovering The Lost Apples Of The Pacific Northwest

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/11/25

Washington once grew hundreds of unique apple varieties—many of which disappeared from modern cultivation. In this episode, David Benscoter of the Washington Lost Apple Project shares how he tracks down these forgotten varieties, why so many vanished, and what it takes to preserve their genetics for the future. We explore how old orchards are located and identified, the stories behind rare rediscoveries, and how these heritage apples contribute to biodiversity and resilience in a changing climate

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28:19

Soil Structure Secrets: Grow Thriving, Vibrant Gardens

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/11/11

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, host Erin Hoover interviews Deirdre Griffin-LaHue, an expert in soil health, about the importance of soil structure in gardening. They discuss how soil structure—how mineral particles and organic matter form aggregates—affects water retention, air flow, and plant health. Deirdre explains the difference between soil texture and soil structure. Key tips include protecting soil with mulch or cover crops, adding organic matter to feed beneficial microbes, and

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27:37

Gardening for Clean Water: How Everyday Choices...

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/10/28

In part nine of our Program Priority Series, guest Laurel Moulton is back to go over clean water. In this episode, Laurel covers: What the clean water program priority is about How our everyday gardening practices impact water quality Gardening and landscape choices to protect clean water Clean water and Integrated Pest Management Key aspects of Integrated Pest Management How Integrated Pest Management practices help safeguard clean water Integrated Pest Management approaches for common

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34:45

How Climate Shifts Are Changing Our Pest Problems

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/10/14

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, guest Todd Murray joins host Erin Hoover to discuss how climate change is affecting garden pests. He explains that "pests" are defined by their interactions with humans and tend to thrive in disturbed environments, often reproducing rapidly. Climate change, especially shifting rainfall patterns and warmer temperatures, is stressing plants, making them more vulnerable to native and non-native pests such as beetles and aphids. Resources mentioned in this

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27:19

Soil Health Secrets: How to Build Resilient Garden Soil

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/09/30

Healthy soil is the foundation of every thriving garden. 🌱 In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, Erin explores the key principles of soil health and how gardeners can apply them to create resilient, productive soil at home. What you’ll discover in this episode: The core principles of soil health and why they matter for your garden How to keep soil covered, reduce disturbance, and maintain living roots Ways to encourage diverse soil life for stronger, healthier soil Resources mentioned in

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37:18

Soil Health Made Simple: A Practical Guide

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/09/16

Soil is a living and dynamic resource. It provides critical services essential for life, including food production, shelter, and water filtration. It supports plant growth, serves as a habitat for countless organisms and even supplies antibiotics. Humans depend on soil for waste management, water purification, and as a foundation for infrastructure. In part eight of our Program Priority Series, guest Tessa Halloran goes over soil health. In this episode, Tessa covers: What is the soil health

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20:20

The Washington Bee Atlas: Discovering the Secrets of...

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/09/02

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, guest Karen Wright from the Washington State Department of Agriculture tells us all about the Washington Bee Atlas and the importance of native bees. Karen explains the difference between honey bees and native bees. She talks about how Washington state has around 600 known native bee species, with many more still undescribed, and goes over how native bees are vital for pollinating about 80% of flowering plants, which is crucial for our ecosystems and

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44:44

The Fire-Ready Garden: How to Make Your Yard Safer

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/08/19

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more intense—especially in areas where homes and wildlands meet. But your garden can be part of the solution. In this episode, I talk with Al Murphy, a national wildfire management expert and WSU Master Gardener, about how home gardeners can take simple, effective steps to reduce wildfire risk around their homes. Learn what it means to have a fire-ready garden, what to plant (and avoid), and how to create defensible space without sacrificing beauty or

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33:58

How to Choose Fire-Resistant Plants for the Landscape

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/08/05

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, we’re joined by Jim Kropf, WSU Pierce County Extension Director, to explore how thoughtful plant choices can help protect your home and garden from wildfire. With fire seasons growing longer and hotter across Washington, understanding which plants are more fire-resistant—and how to maintain them—is essential for creating a safer, more resilient landscape. Jim shares the key characteristics that make plants less prone to ignition and offers tips on landscape

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34:16

Conserving Water In The Garden: What Every Gardener...

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/07/22

What does a truly waterwise garden look like in Washington, and why does it matter more than ever? In this episode, we’re joined by Spokane County Master Gardener Mason Neil to explore how home gardeners can make practical, research-based choices that reduce outdoor water use while creating beautiful, resilient landscapes. From choosing drought-tolerant plants to using more efficient irrigation, Mason shares tips and insights rooted in local experience and the WSU Master Gardener program’s Water

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36:47

Simple Irrigation Strategies for a Thriving Home Garden

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/07/08

💧 Are you overwatering your garden? You’re not alone! In our newest episode of The Evergreen Thumb, WSU horticulturist Austin Little shares easy, efficient watering strategies to help your garden thrive—without wasting water. 🌿 Learn about: • How to water less but grow more • Mulch and soil tips to retain moisture Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

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24:47

Pollinators: Why We Need Them and How to Help

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/06/24

Pollinators play a critical role in food production, plant biodiversity, and ecosystem health—but many of these essential species are facing serious threats. In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, we sit down with a WSU Master Gardener and Certified Pollinator Steward to explore why pollinators matter, what’s putting them at risk, and how you can take simple, effective steps to support them in your own garden. From native plant choices to pollinator-safe practices, this conversation is packed with

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27:55

Inside the WSU Extension Green School with Jennifer...

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/06/10

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, we’re joined by Jennifer Marquis, Statewide Program Leader for the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program, to talk about the exciting launch of the Washington State University Extension Green School. Designed to deepen gardeners’ knowledge and environmental stewardship, the Green School offers flexible, research-based education through two tracks: the Washington Gardener Certificate and the WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer certification. Jennifer walks

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28:56

Sneak Peak: WSU Master Gardener Advanced Education...

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/05/27

Get a first look at what’s in store for the 2025 WSU Master Gardener Advanced Education Conference! Host Erin chats with the AEC Committee Chair and the Educational Outreach Program Lead about this year’s theme, keynote speakers, exciting workshops, and how gardeners of all backgrounds can get involved. Whether you're a certified Master Gardener or a passionate plant lover, this episode highlights why AEC is a must-attend event for continuing garden education and community connection. Registration

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21:25

Local Food, Big Impact: How Your Garden Can Make a...

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/05/13

In this episode, we explore the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program’s Local Food priority—and how growing food close to home can lead to healthier individuals, stronger communities, and a more resilient environment. I break down how local food connects to sustainable gardening, food access, and community empowerment. Whether you're growing in a backyard, a balcony, or a community garden, discover practical steps you can take to make a meaningful difference through what you grow. Listen now to

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32:34

How to Manage Your Backyard Forest: Best Practices...

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/04/29

Want to keep your forested property healthy and thriving? In this episode, we chat with Sarah Stewart from WSU Forestry about backyard forest stewardship—covering best practices for managing small woodlands, improving tree health, enhancing wildlife habitat, and building resilience to climate change. Whether you have a few trees or several acres, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you care for your woodland sustainably. We also explore the Women Owning Woodlands (WOW) program and

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21:45

Better Together: How Plant Diversity Supports Garden...

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/04/15

A healthy garden is more than just beautiful—it’s biodiverse! In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, we explore how increasing plant diversity in home gardens, community spaces, and public landscapes can create more resilient ecosystems, healthier soil, and stronger pollinator populations. Join us as we discuss: Why biodiversity is essential for sustainable gardening How native plants and layered plantings support wildlife and soil health Practical ways to enhance biodiversity—even in small

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31:48

Wildlife Pests vs. Gardeners: How to Find the Balance...

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/04/01

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb Oregon State University Extension’s Wildlife Specialist, Dr. Dana Sanchez, joins host Erin Hoover to discuss strategies for managing wildlife pests (a.k.a. vertebrate pests), in your garden and surrounding areas. For resources, links, a transcript, and more be sure to visit our website at https://evergreenthumb.mastergardenerfoundation.org/episode044/

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23:16

Nearby Nature: How Plants Benefit Mind and Body

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/03/18

From stress reduction to faster healing times after surgery, being in nearby nature has measurable effects on our well being. Master Gardeners work to foster the connection between people and the natural world to help our communities be able to access nature no matter where they live. In part two of our Program Priority Series we sit down with Master Gardener Cathi Lamoreux to discuss Nearby Nature. For resources, links, a transcript, and more be sure to visit our website at

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21:04

Web Builders and Pest Busters: Why Gardeners Need...

The Evergreen Thumb ·

2025/03/04

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of spiders and their crucial role in garden ecosystems. Learn about common spider species in the Pacific Northwest, including orb-weavers, wolf spiders, and jumping spiders, and how they help gardeners by naturally controlling pest populations. Expert insights help unravel the mysteries of spider behavior, their impact on pollinators, and ways to create spider-friendly habitats in your garden. By the end, you'll gain a new appreciation for these

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63 results

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