Best Soil Food Web Podcasts (2025)

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156 : Talking Plant Potting Myths with Robert Pavlis 1:17:29

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9d ago1:17:29

1:17:29

In this episode I talk to Rpbert Pavlis about plant potting myths. Robert Pavlis is an author, teacher, master gardener and dedicated myth-buster. PPM calculator mentioned in the show: https://www.gardenmyths.com/fertilize... If you enjoyed this content, please like, share and/or subscribe to my YouTube channel. You can also check out my free audio…

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155 : A 2025 Gardening Forecast with Richard Zurawski 35:07

4M ago35:07

35:07

In this episode I get some predictions and insights about the 2025 gardening season from Richard Zurawski. Richard Zurawski is a meteorologist, documentary film producer, TV host, writer, university lecturer, public speaker and media expert and personality. He is the author of the "Book of Maritime Weather" and "The Maritime Book of Climate Change'…

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154 : Talking Food Prices with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois 48:50

5M ago48:50

48:50

In this episode I talk to Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, lead author of Canada's Food Price Report about the report's most recent findings. Link to the report: https://www.dal.ca/sites/agri-food/re... Link to Sylvain's Podcast: https://www.dal.ca/sites/agri-food/th... If you enjoyed this content, please like, share and/or subscribe to my YouTube channel. …

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153 : Talking Nutrient Density with Robert Pavlis 1:10:44

6M ago1:10:44

1:10:44

Are organic vegetables more nutrient dense than conventionally grown vegetables? What about home-grown vs supermarket veg? And what exactly is nutrient density anyway? Thankfully we have author, teacher, master gardener and dedicated myth-buster, Robert Pavlis as a guest to help sort this all out. If you enjoyed this content, please like, share and…

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152 : Things to do in December 27:57

8M ago27:57

27:57

The ground is starting the freeze and its almost time to take a break from gardening - but there are still things to do, and in this podcast I talk about them! If you enjoyed this content, please like, share and/or subscribe to my YouTube channel. You can also check out my free audio podcast (https://maritimegardening.com ) where I discuss how to g…

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How plants survive winter 17:56

8M ago17:56

17:56

This week, Jeff and Jonathan discuss caring for amaryllis flowers, focusing on the importance of feeding them phosphorus-rich nutrients like bone meal. Jeff then shares fascinating new research explaining how shrubs and trees survive winter through cellular adaptation. Finally, they explore the significance of World Soil Day. All this and more on t…

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The science of thermogenesis 19:41

8M ago19:41

19:41

This week, Jeff and Jonathan kick off their weekly conversation by exploring "forcing the bulb"—a technique that tricks bulbs into blooming early by mimicking the natural temperature cycles of fall, winter, and spring. They explore various strategies, ideal temperatures, and timing for this process. After the break, they examine fascinating plants …

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151 : Talking Lady Beetles with Ken Johnson 48:55

8M ago48:55

48:55

In this episode I talk to Ken Johnson from the University of Illinois Extension about Asian Lady Beetles, and Lady Beetles in general. Ken Johnson is the Horticulture Educator with University of Illinois Extension. His educational efforts focus on fruit and vegetable production, pest management, and beneficial insects. Through his programming effor…

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Winter lawns 27:43

8M ago27:43

27:43

Jeff revisits his disdain for poinsettias while introducing some great winter alternatives: holiday cacti. He breaks down various cacti for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, highlighting how shortening days and cool nights trigger their growth. Jonathan adds that amaryllis are also superb holiday plants. After the break, the team discusses ways …

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Tis the season (for gardening) 25:38

9M ago25:38

25:38

Jeff is back from his tour of Iceland, Scotland, and England—just in time for snow in Alaska! Speaking of snow, the guys discuss how it isn't necessarily bad for gardens. Known as "poor man's fertilizer," snow acts as an insulator, adds nitrogen to the soil, and releases nutrients slowly as it melts. This slow release is more beneficial than rain d…

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The neophyte gardener 30:36

9M ago30:36

30:36

This week, Jeff is traveling the world, spreading the message of the soil food web. Meanwhile, Jonathan chats with Evan (the show producer) about his gardening goals, including growing garlic. After the break, Evan interviews Jonathan about his gardening roots and his friendship with Jeff, exploring their long-standing commitment to soil food web g…

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Fall gardening tips 24:06

9M ago24:06

24:06

This week, Jeff and Jonathan are discussing fall lawn care. Should you rake your leaves or mulch them? This year, Jeff isn't doing anything as he'll be traveling. He'll make sure to report back next summer on how things worked out. After the break, the guys explore various indoor gardening methods for the winter months. You can grow a variety of pl…

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Science and poinsettias 19:28

10M ago19:28

19:28

This week, Jeff is teaming with science, sharing some exciting new studies about the effect of white noise on fungi. After the break, the guys discuss recent research on endosymbiosis—the biological relationship where one organism (the endosymbiont) lives inside another (the host). Jeff believes this science is the future of agriculture. Finally, t…

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150 : Talking Rain with Richard Zurawski 54:35

10M ago54:35

54:35

In this episode I talk to meteorologist, documentary film producer, TV host, writer, author, university lecturer, public speaker and media personality Richard Zurawski about Rain and explore the following questions: How does rain form? What kinds of places have more rain than others - and why? What is in rain besides water? How much nitrogen is in …

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Understanding how frost affects your garden 29:59

10M ago29:59

29:59

In this episode, Jeff and Jonathan talk about frost and how it affects gardening. They explain the difference between "hard frost" and "soft frost" (or "light frost"), and how these different types of frost impact plants. They also compare dew and frost, pointing out that dew can actually be good for gardens and lawns at certain times of the year. …

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All about garlic 42:02

10M ago42:02

42:02

This week, Jeff and Jonathan are talking about mosquitoes, focusing on their surprising scarcity in Alaska. They explore the declining mosquito population in the region, attributing it to warming temperatures. The conversation then shifts to dragonflies, a common predator of mosquitoes and other small insects. It also happens to be one of Alaska’s …

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Cluster flies in the garden 39:06

10M ago39:06

39:06

Jeff recounts his favorite gardening column of all time, where he wrote about the intricate relationship between cluster flies and the soil food web. After the break, the guys debunk some common myths about planting bulbs in the fall. Additionally, they give some good planting tips. Finally, they answer a trio of listener questions, ranging from gr…

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Springtails and the soil food web 29:24

10M ago29:24

29:24

Last week the guys talked about applying organics to the garden to nurture the soil food web. This week, they talk about another contributor to healthy soil: Springtails! Springtails are very small insects that break down organics by ingesting bacteria and fungi. They can also jump about 2 feet. This means when they jump around, they carry bacteria…

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Soil testing for healthier gardens 33:48

11M ago33:48

33:48

As the weather transitions from summer to fall, it's time to consider how this change affects your garden. Jeff encourages listeners to apply organic matter to their gardens now to prepare for next year's crops. He also suggests that this is an ideal time to get your soil tested. However, he emphasizes the importance of using a reputable soil teste…

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149 : Talking Soil Food Web Myths with Robert Pavlis 1:02:29

11M ago1:02:29

1:02:29

In this episode I talk to Robert Pavlis about the Soil Food Web, and some myths that have been promoted by some of its proponents. Robert Pavlis has 50 years of gardening experience and an M.Sc in chemistry and biochemistry. He is an award winning author of 11 gardening books and has written articles for many popular magazines. He also teaches nume…

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Building healthy soil structure 25:58

11M ago25:58

25:58

This week, Jeff and Jonathan are discussing healthy soil structure—particularly the role of worms. As the true engineers of the soil food web, worms bring organic matter from the surface down into the soil. This action creates burrows that hold air, water, and organic matter, forming the building blocks for a thriving organic soil structure. After …

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Embrace the fungus 26:54

11M ago26:54

26:54

As rain pelts Southcentral Alaska, mushrooms (and wood frogs) are popping up everywhere. Jeff and Jonathan point out that mushrooms in lawns or meadows are usually a positive sign, indicating thriving soil microbiology. In fact, fungal activity in your lawn is beneficial, as mushrooms are great decomposers in the food chain. After the break, the gu…

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Gardening in the rain 23:01

11M ago23:01

23:01

Record rainfall has hit Southcentral Alaska. However, as the guys discuss this week, gardens can still thrive despite the wet conditions. The team acknowledges that Alaskans are experts at gardening in wet soil. Jonathan points out that raised beds are excellent for rainy gardening, while Jeff mentions that containers are also effective. However, t…

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All about hydrangeas 21:14

12M ago21:14

21:14

This week, the guys discuss the fascinating world of hydrangeas. Jeff mentions that these vibrant flowers are the top-selling plant in garden centers across the U.S. because they are both gorgeous and easy to maintain. He notes that their popularity is due to their colorful appearance as well as their resilience and adaptability. Jonathan adds that…

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Into the meadowverse 23:52

12M ago23:52

23:52

This week, Jeff and Jonathan talk about all things lawns! But first, Jeff shares his thoughts on the benefits of going digital, including his weekly column at ADN. Next, they dive into lawn care. Jeff advocates for getting creative with mowing, especially with different designs. For example, you can switch things up every mow with new patterns like…

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Harvest season 35:50

12M ago35:50

35:50

This week, the guys share plenty of tips on getting the most out of your garden, especially on how to harvest your plants and vegetables efficiently. In Alaska, things grow quickly, particularly cole crops like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Jeff emphasizes picking vegetables before they flower, while Jonathan suggests using a juicer to m…

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Golfer’s Elbow - Medial Epicondylitis - Tendinitis - Tendinopathy 53:22

1y ago53:22

53:22

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of golfer's elbow with, Dr. Bryan Brozy, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Dr. Keoni Teta, ND. Whether you're a golfer, an athlete, or someone who suffers from elbow pain, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to help you understand, prevent, and manage golfer's elbow effectively.…

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Edible in Alaska 33:53

1y ago33:53

33:53

The guys are talking about all the rain happening in Southcentral Alaska recently, and Jonathan asks: Is too much rain bad for your garden? It turns out this is a nuanced question. For example, if your outdoor soil food web garden is healthy, rain shouldn't be too big of a deal. Just remember that too much water for indoor plants can be a bad thing…

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148 : Talking Raised-Bed Building Materials with Robert Pavlis 1:08:47

1y ago1:08:47

1:08:47

In this episode I talk to Robert Pavlis about the pros and cons of various material used for building garden boxes. Robert Pavlis has 50 years of gardening experience and an M.Sc in chemistry and biochemistry. He is an award winning author of 11 gardening books and has written articles for many popular magazines. He also teaches numerous gardening …

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Cottonwood conundrum 26:24

1y ago26:24

26:24

This week, Jeff and Jonathan are dealing with the vast amounts of cottonwood seeds flying around Southcentral Alaska. Jonathan highlights how the seeds trigger allergies, while Jeff shares some science facts. For example, did you know a cottonwood tree can produce 1 to 2 million seeds per year? Additionally, parts of the cottonwood are edible, and …

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Secrets to thriving lilacs 23:28

1y ago23:28

23:28

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 cha…

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All about chickweed 23:27

1y ago23:27

23:27

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 inc…

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The hidden power of dandelions 28:57

1y ago28:57

28:57

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 …

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Strategies for planting beans and peas 26:30

1y ago26:30

26:30

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 …

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Mastering the introduction of native plants to your garden 30:59

1y ago30:59

30:59

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, g…

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147: Talking Climate with Richard Zurawski 1:01:45

1y ago1:01:45

1:01:45

In this episode I talk to meteorologist, documentary film producer, TV host, writer, author, university lecturer, public speaker and media personality Richard Zurawski about climate change - how it has affected agriculture over the last few decades, what to expect in the coming decades, and how this all relates to home gardening. If you enjoyed thi…

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Tips for early season lawn care 36:41

1y ago36:41

36:41

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 si…

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Jeff’s gardening hacks 32:57

1y ago32:57

32:57

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 labeli…

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Flawn seed kits with Anthony Nied 46:46

1y ago46:46

46:46

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…

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Tomato Myths 36:58

1y ago36:58

36:58

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, providi…

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146 : Talking Garden Snakes with Pete Freckelton 57:45

1y ago57:45

57:45

In this episode I talk about regional garden snakes with serpent educator Pete Freckelton. Based in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, “For Pete’s Snakes” offers educational snake events for birthdays, schools, and more! If you enjoyed this content, please like, share and/or subscribe to my YouTube channel. You can also check out my free audio podc…

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Finding you soil’s sweet spot 29:58

1y ago29:58

29:58

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 sno…

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All about voles 33:50

1y ago33:50

33:50

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 r…

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Preparing your soil for healthy plants 30:48

1+ y ago30:48

30:48

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 Natur…

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Is plastic-free gardening achievable? 29:58

1+ y ago29:58

29:58

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…

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145 : Talking Organic with Stefan Sobkowiak 1:28:04

1+ y ago1:28:04

1:28:04

In this episode I talk to farmer, teacher, biologist, teacher, landscape designer and star of the “Permaculture Orchard” documentary, Stefan Sobkowiak about organic gardening. Stefan’s Website Stefan’s Youtube Page If you enjoyed this content, please like, share and/or subscribe to my YouTube channel. You can also check out my free audio podcast Ma…

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Should you sterilize your soil? 37:10

1+ y ago37:10

37:10

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 br…

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Starting your seeds 29:42

1+ y ago29:42

29:42

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…

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Bears in the garden 23:14

1+ y ago23:14

23:14

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,…

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All about hanging baskets 23:00

1+ y ago23:00

23:00

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 expl…