Best North Dakota State University Extension Podcasts (2025)

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07/17/25 Weather Whiplash: Soybeans Face a Tough Start in Ramsey County 5:00

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9h ago5:00

5:00

The growing conditions can be dramatically different, depending on the location. Jason Hanson, Owner of Rock & Roll Agronomy, has the story from the Ramsey county area.By North Dakota State University Extension

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07/10/25 White Mold Watch: Timing, Treatment & Tactics 3:50

5d ago3:50

3:50

Rain can mean a great deal to any crop but the timing of the rain, can be critical for the spread of white mold. Wade Webster, NDSU Extension Plant Pathologist has the facts.By North Dakota State University Extension

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Learn how to can your own garden fresh produce (republish) 46:55

6d ago46:55

46:55

(The Growing Together crew is taking some time off to enjoy the summer, so in the meantime, please enjoy this republished episode from August 2024.) If you’re excited by the idea of canning but feel unsure about where to start, this episode is made for you. In this episode, Don and John sit down with Rita Ussatis, Family and Community Wellness Exte…

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How vines and climbing plants add dimension to your garden 50:00

12d ago50:00

50:00

If you're the kind of gardener who runs out of room in your gardening, climbing and vining plants are an intriguing prospect. In this episode, Don and John talk about growing up, not out, with vining and climbing plants.

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07/03/25 Scouting Smarts: Stay Ahead of Soybean Insects 4:46

12d ago4:46

4:46

The recent rain and cooler weather helped to slow down some insects but they are regrouping according to Jan Knodel, NDSU Extension Entomologist.By North Dakota State University Extension

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Protect your yard and garden from severe summer storms 53:42

18d ago53:42

53:42

Severe weather shook our region last weekend, with tornadoes, high winds and hail wreaking havoc on lives and property alike. In this episode, Don and John talk about steps you can take to protect your yard and garden from severe storm damage. Plus, they go over your "Independence Day for gardeners" checklist.…

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06/26/25 The Weed Battle Changes with Soybean Stages 4:28

19d ago4:28

4:28

Weed control in soybeans may be even more challenging this year. This according to Joe Ikley, NDSU Extension Weeds Specialist.By North Dakota State University Extension

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Holm-grown gardens: Mary Holm of the PBS show Prairie Yard & Garden talks about her growing garden 58:29

26d ago58:29

58:29

In this episode, Don and John learn something new from seasoned gardener Mary Holm as well as her favorite annuals and perennials and a beneficial reason to plant parsley.

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06/19/25 Planting into Green: A New Look at Soybean Soil Health 4:48

27d ago4:48

4:48

Planting soybeans into green cover crops and a north central update from Chandler Gruener, NDSU Extension Soil Health Specialist.By North Dakota State University Extension

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Dealing with powdery mildew and other fungal diseases 53:32

1M ago53:32

53:32

You aren't the only one looking to get the most out of your plants and shrubs. Fungi, bacteria and pests are after them, too. In this episode, Don and John go over some common fungal diseases, like powdery mildew, and other blights that can strike your garden early in the season, along with strategies to keep them at bay.…

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06/12/25 Early Reflections on This Season’s Soybeans 4:15

1M ago4:15

4:15

This season’s rain, wind and varied temperatures are creating challenging conditions for farmers. Ana Carcedo, NDSU Extension Agronomist, has the latest.By North Dakota State University Extension

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Add color and texture to your yard with shrubs 55:10

1M ago55:10

55:10

If you want to level up your landscaping game, you might want to give a good thought to how you use shrubs in your yard. In this episode, Don and John discuss shrubs, the backbone of your landscaping. You'll learn how to choose varieties that work with your available space and give your yard some class.…

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06/05/25 Scouting Soybeans: IDC and Aphids 4:58

1M ago4:58

4:58

Soybean farmers have some major challenges with IDC and soybean aphids. Here to guide us is Anitha Chirumamilla, NDSU Extension Cropping Systems Specialist.By North Dakota State University Extension

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How to get a healthy lawn growing this spring 51:28

2M ago51:28

51:28

It's the backdrop for your heated cornhole games and memory-making family barbeques, so it's nice to have a healthy, green lawn. In this episode, Don and John talk about seeding, fertilizing and other important steps to improving your lawn and making it the envy of your neighbors.

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05/29/25 Managing Acidic Soils for Soybean Success 4:39

2M ago4:39

4:39

How does acidic soil affect soybeans? What are management options? Here to guide us is Victor Gomes, NDSU Extension Cropping Systems SpecialistBy North Dakota State University Extension

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Plan your garden to make the best use of your available sun 53:57

2M ago53:57

53:57

We all have big dreams when it comes to what we want to grow, but the hard truth is that we have to work with the space we have, and every space comes with different amounts of available sunshine. In this episode, Don and John go over some strategies for planning your garden to make the best use of your sun, with some considerations for container g…

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05/22/25 Seeding Smarts: Soybeans in the Semi-Arid West 4:40

2M ago4:40

4:40

John Rickertsen, NDSU Hettinger Research Agronomist, has a crop update and some results from a 5-year study.By North Dakota State University Extension

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Some tips on fertilizing your yard and garden 55:21

2M ago55:21

55:21

Fertilizing is an important part of a successful garden, and the spring is the most important time to fertilize, so it's important to get it right. In this episode, Don and John go over fertilizing the yard and garden, with special considerations for vegetables and containers, all to help your plants reach their full potential this season.…

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05/15/25 Major Weeds Could be Worse this Year 4:45

2M ago4:45

4:45

Weed control in soybeans may be even more challenging this year. This according to Jeff Stachler, NDSU Extension Cropping Systems Specialist.By North Dakota State University Extension

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How to plant just about anything in your garden 49:27

2M ago49:27

49:27

The time has finally come for our part of the world: planting season in your yard and garden. In this episode, Don and John go over some basics on soil preparation and tips for putting annuals, vegetables, shrubs and more in the ground. Plus, they answer a question about mulch from the listener mailbag and Don has a "dirty" joke.…

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05/08/25 Understanding Food-Grade Soybean Premiums and Crop Insurance 4:35

2M ago4:35

4:35

Food grade soybeans have a much different market and specialized crop insurance. Here to walk us through is Scott Sinner, Vice President of the Supply Chain for SB&B.By North Dakota State University Extension

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What to consider before your first trip to the garden center this season 54:18

2M ago54:18

54:18

If you're enthusiastic to hit the garden centers for the first time this season, great! But it helps to have a plan first. In this episode, Don and John go over some considerations to keep in mind before you get swept up in the thrill of a new growing season. They also answer a few questions from the mailbag.…

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05/01/25 Salty Trouble! Understanding Salinity and Sodicity Challenges 3:37

3M ago3:37

3:37

How does soil sodicity/salinity affect our crops? Is it more or less challenging with Soybeans? Here to guide us is Naeem Kalwar, NDSU Extension Soil Health Specialist.By North Dakota State University Extension

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Unique conditions lead to winter burn on some area evergreens 34:24

3M ago34:24

34:24

Unique conditions can lead to winter burn on some area evergreens. In this episode, Don and John discuss what winter burn is, how it can happen and steps to prevent it.

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04/24/25 Turning the Tap: How Much Water Do Soybeans Really Need? 3:26

3M ago3:26

3:26

According to Laxmi Prasad (lax-shme pra-sod) NDSU Extension water engineer, a little water at the right time can go a long way.By North Dakota State University Extension

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It's time to get your yard and garden set for spring planting 52:31

3M ago52:31

52:31

The snow is gone and the days are getting longer and warmer, and while we're not quite ready to plant, the time has come to get everything set for the growing season. In this episode, Don and John talk about the tasks you should be doing right now to get your yard and garden ready for spring planting. They also discuss Easter lillies and a ... man/…

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04/17/25 Soybean Insights for Riding the Market Rollercoaster 4:45

3M ago4:45

4:45

With all of the uncertainty in the market, when do you sell your soybeans and at what price? Frayne Olson, NDSU Extension Crops Economist, adds some perspective.By North Dakota State University Extension

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04/10/25 Digging Deep: The Secrets Behind Soil Health 4:13

3M ago4:13

4:13

Farming can require some “big picture” thinking, especially when it comes to soil health. Carlos Pires, NDSU Extension Soil Health Specialist, has some healthy information.By North Dakota State University Extension

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New garden tools to try this season 51:01

3M ago51:01

51:01

Maybe your trusty garden tools are getting a little rusty, or maybe you're just itching for some new gear this season. Either way, this show's for you. In this episode, Don and John highlight some new garden tools currently on the market as we count down the days before outdoor work can begin in earnest.…

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Amend your soil for optimal early-season performance 56:37

3M ago56:37

56:37

Before you know it, it'll be time to get outside and start getting your hands dirty in the garden. Before you plant, though, you probably want to get that dirt into shape. In this episode, Don and John talk about amending your soil so your garden can start the season with gusto.

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04/03/25 So Much to Consider: Getting Ready for Planting 5:00

3M ago5:00

5:00

It’s a bit early to get into those soybean fields but is it too early to be thinking about it? According to Ana Carcedo, NDSU Extension Agronomist, now is a great time to think spring.By North Dakota State University Extension

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How do the plants in local gardening centers survive our region's winters? 47:33

4M ago47:33

47:33

How can gardeners be sure that the plants, shrubs and trees they buy in local gardening centers will survive our region's winters? In this episode, Don and John talk with Charles Elhard, plant protection officer with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture about nursery laws and inspections.

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03/27/25 How a Crush Plant Powers Agriculture 4:40

4M ago4:40

4:40

There are two crush plants in North Dakota, Bill McBee, Commercial Manager with North Dakota Soybean Processors is here to talk about the plant near Casselton. Bill McBee, Commercial Manager with North Dakota Soybean Processors.By North Dakota State University Extension

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The basics of making cuttings from your houseplants 41:52

4M ago41:52

41:52

It's still a bit too early to get out into the lawn or garden, but with our increasing sunlight it's a perfect time to start cuttings of your houseplants. But how do you go about it? In this episode, Don and John talk about the process of taking cuttings (or "slips") from your houseplants, including the best candidates for cuttings and good practic…

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03/20/25 Seed Treatment Essentials for Soybean Production 4:34

4M ago4:34

4:34

It is important to protect soybeans from various pathogens, even at the seed level. Wade Webster, NDSU Extension Plant Pathologist, has some vital information.By North Dakota State University Extension

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Deep-fake plants? How AI-generated photos are used to sell varieties that don't exist 36:45

4M ago36:45

36:45

It's a sad truth nowadays, but it seems like anything you see online is too good to be true, and that's true for gardeners, too. In this episode, Don and John talk about the disturbing new phenomenon of using images generated by artificial intelligence to sell plant varieties that don't exist. But if you've been duped by one of these, don't fear: t…

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03/13/25 Are biofuels driving the demand for North Dakota soybeans? 4:48

4M ago4:48

4:48

Demand is one of the driving factors that gives value to the soybean market. We’ll learn more from Dave Ripplinger, Extension Bioproducts and Bioenergy Economist.By North Dakota State University Extension

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Early spring tasks to get you out into your yard and garden 40:53

4M ago40:53

40:53

If you're a regular listener to this podcast, then we know you're chomping at the bit to get out into the yard and start work on your garden. In this episode, Don and John go over some of the gardening tasks you could be doing right now as we get our first sings of spring.

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03/06/25 From Iron to Drought: Breeding Soybeans for Success 4:55

4M ago4:55

4:55

Where do soybean varieties and seed come from? Here in North Dakota we have Carrie Miranda, NDSU Soybean Breeder.By North Dakota State University Extension

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How this Fargo company grows and sells fresh greens all year round 33:47

5M ago33:47

33:47

Our cold Northern Plains winters don't seem like they're friendly toward year-round growing of fresh greens, but they're actually a positive for the team at Great Plains Greens. In this episode, Don and (guest host) Kris talk with Dylan Kallman, founder of Great Plains Greens. Kallman and his team use a converted shipping container to grow fresh pr…

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02/27/25 Ground Rules: Managing Soil Fertility for Soybean Success 4:54

5M ago4:54

4:54

Keeping an eye on fertility inputs and steps to fight Iron deficiency chlorosis are covered with Brady Goettl, NDSU Soil Science Specialist.By North Dakota State University Extension

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A bouquet of gardening tips to celebrate our 100th episode 43:42

5M ago43:42

43:42

This is our 100th episode of Growing Together! That's 100 episodes of gardening tips from Don, John, and plenty of guests who share our love of gardening. In this episode, Don and John present 50 quick-fire gardening tips to commemorate this milestone and get you all caught up for the next 100 episodes.…

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02/20/25 Quality Counts: What Last Season’s Weather Meant for Soybeans 5:00

5M ago5:00

5:00

Annual soybean survey helps sell US soybeans to other countries. The organizer behind the survey, Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota, Extension Soybean Agronomist.By North Dakota State University Extension

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Jazz up your gardening vocabulary with these terms 59:06

5M ago59:06

59:06

Like all good pursuits, gardening is filled with a rich variety of terms and word usage, but it might not always make sense, especially to newer gardeners. For instance, what is "deadheading," and what does it do? In this episode, Don and (guest host) Kris go over some of the head-scratching terms that gardeners might come across. What does it mean…

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02/13/25 Navigating Dicamba Restrictions in Soybeans 5:00

5M ago5:00

5:00

Weed control in soybeans may be even more challenging this year. Joe Ikley, NDSU Extension Weeds Specialist, has the latest.By North Dakota State University Extension

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Find a wealth of knowledge in 'The Prairie Garden' 35:00

5M ago35:00

35:00

The growing season is still a ways off, so now is the time to plan and learn new gardening techniques—maybe saving a buck or two in the process. In this episode, Don and John go over the 2025 issue of "The Prairie Garden," a periodical put together with help from Don himself. This year's edition is all about gardening on a budget. Plus, they open u…

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02/06/25 Series Intro with Miki Miheguli 4:59

5M ago4:59

4:59

Miki Miheguli, Director of Agronomy and Research with the North Dakota Soybean Council has a look at last season.By North Dakota State University Extension

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What to think about before giving the gift of a houseplant 41:24

6M ago41:24

41:24

Cut flowers in a lovely bouquet make a great Valentine's Day gift, but what if you'd like to give someone a houseplant instead? In this episode, Don and John are joined again by Audrey Gilbraith of Fargo's Baker Garden and Gift. Audrey has some helpful tips for giving the gift of a houseplant, like thinking about the space and skill level of your g…

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New plants to try in your garden this year 1:00:02

6M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

Each winter, every gardener has a decision to make when planning for the growing season: stick with the varieties that worked last year or take a chance on something new. In this episode, Don and John go over some new plants and vareties that you should consider if you're looking to shake things up a bit.…

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Is your garden your happy place? It's shaping up to be a trend in 2025 47:44

6M ago47:44

47:44

Many of us get out into our gardens as a way to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy life, like it's our own little retreat. In fact, it's shaping up to be a key trend in the coming year. In this episode, Don and John look at this and a few more trends that 2025 might have in store, like finding a way to bring music into the garden and focusing m…