Embark on a magical adventure into the wonders of your backyard with ‘The Backyard Naturalists’ podcast. Whether you’re a curious nature lover or a seasoned enthusiast, our show is your ticket to discovering the enchanting world of your own outdoor space. Join us on a journey of discovery as we celebrate the beauty of your backyard and explore a wide range of fascinating topics. Learn how to transform your little piece of nature into a haven for local wildlife, and discover the joy of citize ...
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Backyard Tiny Home Podcasts
Bite-sized informative updates on gardening basics, solutions, myths, news and other subjects of interest to gardeners both new and experienced. From the popular Empress of Dirt website (empressofdirt.net), home of creative and frugal ideas for your backyard garden.
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Bite-sized informative updates on gardening basics, solutions, myths, news and other subjects of interest to gardeners both new and experienced. From the popular Empress of Dirt website (empressofdirt.net), home of creative and frugal ideas for your backyard garden.
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DIY Tiny Home Community expert Adam Garrett-Clark chews on juicy questions with guests on the objective of making Homelessness an historical concept. Interviews with Tiny House thought leaders and humans on the frontlines of the movement for Homes for All.
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Catching Up – Monarchs, Lanternflies, and Zombie Deer? Oh My!
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It’s time to catch up with The Backyard Naturalists, your weekly dose of everything wild and wonderful in the natural world! This week, Debbie and Laurie are taking a look back—and a hopeful step forward—as they revisit three important topics that continue to affect our backyards and beyond: the Spotted Lanternfly, Chronic Wasting Disease (aka “Zom…
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In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie take a fun and fascinating leap into the world of frogs and toads—those small but mighty voices you hear rising from ponds, ditches, and backyards as spring turns into summer. You’ll learn how to spot (and hear!) some of North Carolina’s most common amphibians, including the American Bu…
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🐍 Snakes, Safety, and a Python Named Norm
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This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we’re welcoming a cold-blooded guest — and we mean that in the best way possible. Reptile educator Jay Bell joins Debbie and Laurie in the studio, bringing along his unforgettable companion: Norm, a Burmese python who stretches over 6 feet long (and still growing!). Together, they unpack a fascinating (and oft…
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Peat has been a gardening staple for decades -- but at what cost? With growing concerns over climate and ecosystems, is it time we rethink our use of peat? NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Why Hummingbirds Are Avoiding Your FeedersBy Empress of Dirt
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Peat has been a gardening staple for decades -- but at what cost? With growing concerns over climate and ecosystems, is it time we rethink our use of peat? NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Why Hummingbirds Are Avoiding Your FeedersBy Empress of Dirt
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Saturday Mornings at the Market: A Visit to Matthews Farmers Market
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In this vibrant episode, hosts Debbie and Laurie take us on-location to one of North Carolina’s most cherished local gems: the Matthews Farmers Market. With the sun just rising and vendors setting up, they capture the buzz and beauty of the market firsthand — and share conversations with the passionate people who make it all happen. You’ll hear fro…
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you. Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram. Please visit and …
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This week, things get personal (and a little playful!) as Debbie, Laurie, and Chris go round-robin style in a fun backyard-themed Q&A game! 🎙️🌿 They dish on their dream features (hello, pond and bat house!), favorite parts of their yards (shade gardens, native plants, and more), and even the gardening goofs they’ve made along the way. 🙈 From invasi…
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🦋 Host Plants: Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Butterflies
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Want to welcome butterflies to your yard and help them thrive? This week on The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie dig into the magical role of host plants—the essential “nurseries” for butterflies and other pollinators. 🌿🦋🐛 While nectar plants might get all the glory, host plants are where the real action happens: eggs are laid, caterpillars …
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Build It and They Will Come: Certify Your Wildlife Habitat!
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20:27
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We’re going back to our roots—literally! In one of our most popular topics to date, The Backyard Naturalists are revisiting how YOU can turn your outdoor space into a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation’s newly streamlined program. 🐝🌼🐸 Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a small garden, or even a balcony, this epi…
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Overpotting: Should You Pot Up or Go Big?
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Is overpotting just an old gardening myth we're still clinging to? Is potting up no longer needed? Some research suggests bigger pots might be better -- but it's not that simple. NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Why Your Compost Pile Stinks and How to Fix ItBy Empress of Dirt
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Overpotting: Should You Pot Up or Go Big?
13:30
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Is overpotting just an old gardening myth we're still clinging to? Is potting up no longer needed? Some research suggests bigger pots might be better -- but it's not that simple. NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Why Your Compost Pile Stinks and How to Fix ItBy Empress of Dirt
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Recycle Right: A Conversation with Mecklenburg County Solid Waste
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29:04
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What really happens to your recyclables after they leave the curb? This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we sit down with Jeff Smithberger, Director of Mecklenburg County’s Solid Waste Management Program, for an eye-opening look into the world of local recycling. Serving over 1.1 million residents across Charlotte and surrounding communities, Meck…
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Noticing Nature: From Gardener to Naturalist
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You may already be a wildlife gardener, but might you be interested in taking the next step in developing your curiosity about garden wildlife and becoming a naturalist? Inspired by Menno Schilthuizen's new book, The Urban Naturalist. NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Tips for Creating a Wildlife Pond and Garden…
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Noticing Nature: From Gardener to Naturalist
13:51
13:51
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You may already be a wildlife gardener, but might you be interested in taking the next step in developing your curiosity about garden wildlife and becoming a naturalist? Inspired by Menno Schilthuizen's new book, The Urban Naturalist. NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Tips for Creating a Wildlife Pond and Garden…
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This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we're honoring Earth Day 2025 with a powerful and inspiring episode centered around this year’s global theme: “Our Power, Our Planet.” 🌍💚 Join us as we explore how small, everyday choices can make a big impact. From rethinking your grocery list to planting native species and reducing plastic use, this episode …
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Eco-Friendly Fixes for Springtime Yard Woes
31:10
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Spring has sprung, and so have weeds, pests, and garden invaders! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie dig into eco-friendly solutions for common yard and garden challenges. From natural weed control methods like solarization and manual removal to chemical-free pest management with neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and e…
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Native Plants vs. Cultivars—What’s the Buzz?
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This week on The Backyard Naturalists, the award-winning podcast about anything and everything connected with nature, hosts Debbie and Laurie welcome Dr. Carrie DeJaco—botanist, native plant advocate, and all-around plant powerhouse! Heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas, The Backyard Naturalists is proudly hosted by c…
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Battling Aquatic Invaders – How You Can Help
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31:06
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. Aquatic invasive species are more than just a nuisance—they pose serious threats to ecosystems, economies, and even public safety! In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, our award-winning hosts welcome Khristopher Stahr and Jenna Paugels from th…
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Saving the Monarchs – What You Can Do to Help
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Monarch butterflies are in serious trouble, and this week’s episode of The Backyard Naturalists dives into why. Our award-winning hosts, certified Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors, break down the alarming 96% decline in western monarch populations and what’s causing it—from habitat loss to pesticide use and climate change. But it’s not a…
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Spring Cleaning for a Wildlife-Friendly Yard
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Spring is here, and it’s time to give your backyard a refresh—nature-friendly style! In this award-winning episode of The Backyard Naturalists, our expert hosts, certified Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors, share essential tips for making your outdoor space a haven for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. From scrubbing bird feeders an…
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Do Gravel Layers in Pots Improve Drainage?
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15:09
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It's been a hotly debated issue for years: does it improve drainage in your containers if you first add a layer of gravel or some other course material to the bottom? Some new research puts it to the test. NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 10 Surprisingly Simple Garden Tips You Might Be OverlookingBy Empress of Dirt
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Do Gravel Layers in Pots Improve Drainage?
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15:09
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It's been a hotly debated issue for years: does it improve drainage in your containers if you first add a layer of gravel or some other course material to the bottom? Some new research puts it to the test. NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 10 Surprisingly Simple Garden Tips You Might Be OverlookingBy Empress of Dirt
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After the Storm: Hurricane Helene’s Impact on NC’s Waters
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In this episode of the award winning Backyard Naturalists podcast, we dive into the lasting effects of Hurricane Helene on western North Carolina’s aquatic ecosystems. Our special guest, Corey Oakley from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, shares firsthand insights into the devastation caused by historic flooding and landslides in th…
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Nature Fact or Fiction? Test Your Wild Knowledge!
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Get ready for a wild ride through the world of nature myths! In this fun and engaging episode of The Backyard Naturalists, an award-winning podcast loved in over 115 countries, hosts Debbie and Laurie put their knowledge to the test with a true/false quiz led by Chris. From the surprising way squirrels help reforest the planet to whether earthworms…
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From Alpacas to Agritourism: The Magic of Apple Hill Farm
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28:56
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Get ready for a heartwarming and inspiring episode of The Backyard Naturalists! This week, our award-winning podcast welcomes Lee Rankin, owner of Apple Hill Farm in North Carolina, to share her incredible journey from alpaca admirer to agritourism entrepreneur. Located near Boone, Apple Hill Farm is home to a variety of animals, including llamas, …
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Healing Wildlife: The Mission of NC Wildlife Rehab with Ruby Davis
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Step into the wild with this award-winning episode of The Backyard Naturalists! This week, hosts Debbie and Laurie welcome Ruby Davis, a wildlife biologist and environmental scientist, to discuss the inspiring work of NC Wildlife Rehab. After going dormant for five years, this nonprofit is back in action thanks to Ruby and veterinarian Dr. Laura La…
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Growing a Greener Future: How Trees Charlotte is Shaping the Urban Canopy
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30:24
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Charlotte is on a mission to stay green, and this week on The Backyard Naturalists, we’re digging into how Trees Charlotte is making it happen! As an award-winning podcast hosted by certified nature lovers—including Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors—we’re thrilled to welcome Heather Brent, an urban forest educator, to talk all things tree…
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The Dirty Truth About Toilet Paper: Sustainability, Forests, and Your Choices
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Flush out the facts on toilet paper sustainability in this eye-opening episode of The Backyard Naturalists! As an award-winning podcast hosted by certified nature enthusiasts—including Master Naturalists and Wildlife Ambassadors—we're diving into the environmental impact of one of life's everyday essentials. Join us as we break down the latest find…
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Birds, Binoculars, and Big Data: Get Ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count!
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16:39
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, an award-winning podcast heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas. Hosted by Debbie and Laurie, passionate nature advocates with credentials like Master Naturalist and Wildlife Ambassador, this multi-award winning show dives into everything connected with the natural world! In this epi…
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Forest Bathing: Nature’s Prescription for Mind, Body, and Soul
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28:57
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In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a certified nature and forest therapy guide, author, and naturalist, to explore the art and science of forest bathing. Originating in Japan as "shinrin-yoku," forest bathing is the practice of immersing oneself in nature to reap significant physical and …
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In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie welcome Dr. Carrie DeJaco, an ecological consultant and native plant expert, to explore the fascinating—and sometimes surprising—role of honeybees in pollination. Dr. DeJaco shares that honeybees, while vital for commercial agriculture, are not native to the Americas and are class…
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you. Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram. Please visit and …
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In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Laurie and Debbie welcome Sarah Schweitzer from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to discuss endangered species in the state and the critical efforts to protect them. Sarah outlines the different levels of species classification, from common species like waterfowl and deer to those listed …
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. In this festive episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Chris, Laurie, and Debbie share heartwarming memories and favorite traditions of the holiday season. From Christmas and Thanksgiving to New Year’s celebrations, the hosts discuss their cherish…
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Eco-Friendly Holidays: Food, Decorations, and Gifts
24:58
24:58
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie explore ways to celebrate the holiday season while making environmentally-friendly choices. From sustainable food options to eco-conscious decorations and thoughtful gift-giving, thi…
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Are the weeds in our garden trying to tell us something about our soil? Is it reliable? And should we be taking action based on what they're saying? NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Control Weeds Without HerbicidesBy Empress of Dirt
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Are the weeds in our garden trying to tell us something about our soil? Is it reliable? And should we be taking action based on what they're saying? NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Control Weeds Without HerbicidesBy Empress of Dirt
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Saving Species: Insights into the Endangered Species Process with Sara Schweitzer
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28:01
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie welcome Sara Schweitzer from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to discuss the intricate process of identifying and protecting endangered species. Sara shares insights into how federal a…
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Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees: Which is Better for the Planet?
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11:06
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. In this festive episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast, hosts Laurie and Debbie explore the lively debate between real and artificial Christmas trees. With environmental impact, sustainability, and holiday traditions on the table, they discuss th…
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Amazing Animal Adaptations with Stan Tekiela
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie are joined by renowned nature photographer, author, and wildlife expert Stan Tekiela to explore the incredible world of animal adaptations. From polar bears' heat-absorbing fur and bats’ e…
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Turning Your Backyard into a Food Forest with Dr. Jason Crean
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast, we dive into the world of food forests with Dr. Jason Crean, a biologist and animal nutrition expert. After moving to Florida, Dr. Crean transformed his suburban yard into a thriving “food oasis” to…
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It's been a controversial suggestion for orchids for many years. It also gets recommended for houseplants in general. But is watering plants with ice cubes a good idea? NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Propagate Orchids at HomeBy Empress of Dirt
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It's been a controversial suggestion for orchids for many years. It also gets recommended for houseplants in general. But is watering plants with ice cubes a good idea? NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Propagate Orchids at HomeBy Empress of Dirt
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Life on the Last Frontier - Laurie's Alaskan Homestead Childhood
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. In this captivating follow-up episode, Laurie takes listeners back to her childhood years growing up on a remote homestead in Alaska. From age 6 to 18, she experienced life off the grid, where survival skills, hard work, and a deep respect for nature …
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Plant ID Made Easy: Exploring the Best Apps for Nature Lovers
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Laurie and Debbie dig into the world of plant identification apps! They review several popular options, including Picture This, Plant Snap, Leaf Snap, Flora Incognita, Plant Net, iNaturalist, and Garden Ans…
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, we dive into the joys of fall gardening! With cooler temperatures and colorful leaves setting the stage, now is the perfect time to plant native perennials that will thrive through the season and beyond. Le…
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Leave the Leaves: A Simple Way to Support Wildlife with David Mizejewski
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38:42
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Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, we welcome David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation to discuss the "Leave the Leaves" campaign for October. David shares the surprising ecological benefits of keeping fallen leaves on your pro…
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Are High Brix Levels the Key to Pest-Free Plants?
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Is it true that pests won't attack healthy plants? Can you really determine the health of your plant through one simple measurement? And where did these ideas come from? NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: DIY Bee House Using Scrap LumberBy Empress of Dirt
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Are High Brix Levels the Key to Pest-Free Plants?
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Is it true that pests won't attack healthy plants? Can you really determine the health of your plant through one simple measurement? And where did these ideas come from? NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: DIY Bee House Using Scrap LumberBy Empress of Dirt
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