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Published by Marlene Simon
Musings with people in the world of gardening, botany, horticulture and nature. Marlene takes her years of gardening experience, success and failures and turns it into an unpretentious, humorous listen. From organic vegetable gardening, houseplants, bee keeping, flowers, and everything in between -- this podcast covers it.
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September is a transition month. Your summer veggies are in high production mode but the list of winter veggies to plant is extensive. Along with planting winter vegetables, Bruce and I discuss other tasks to be done in September. Plus, we answer some of your questions. Is there a way to stop unwanted fruit from forming?!! Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Cats and plants don't always go together. As a cat lover, you may have had houseplants succumb to kitty behavior or experienced sticking your hand in cat poop in your veggie garden. Bruce and I talk to vet pathologist (also my BFF) Julie Schwartz all about gardening with cats. Which plants are toxic, are there diseases that you can get from cat poo and why they love catnip so much. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Want to grow your own bouquets? Bruce and I give our lists of top 10 flowers that are easy and last in bouquets. Plus, Bruce tells us which flower is toxic to other cut flowers. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Believe it or not, it is time to start thinking about your fall vegetable garden. Bruce and I discuss this as well as answer your questions. When should you prune your cherry trees? It's not when you would expect. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
A perfectly ripe strawberry right off the plant tastes worlds away from an underripe store bought one. But often people get frustrated growing them for various reasons. Bruce and I hit upon all aspects of growing strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries from which varieties to choose, soil, pest problems and more. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Bruce and I each give our top ten plants that we feel are a must to attract pollinators to your garden. So many to choose from that we only overlapped on one plant! Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Its June -- and yes you can still plant tomatoes and many other vegetables. Bruce and I discuss what can be planted and what garden chores you should tackle this month. Plus, we answer your questions. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
In part 2, Bruce and I discuss some larger pests that can cause issues in your garden including leaf footed bugs, rats, gophers, and cats! Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Aphids, snails, thrips oh my! Bruce and I cover some of the most problematic pests you may encounter in your garden. In part one, we cover sucking and chewing insects, what to do about them and why most pesticides aren't even needed. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
It's May…if you have been waiting to plant peppers and eggplants, the time is here. Join Bruce and I as we go over what else to plant and tackle in the garden. Plus we answer your questions about fenestrations, bird of paradise and more. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Love growing tomatoes and peppers but want to try something different? Bruce and I give our lists of top 10 unusual vegetables to grow. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Healthy soil is the key to a healthy, productive beautiful garden but it can be a bit confusing with all the info out there. We discuss how to determine what kind of soil you have, how and what to amend with and more useful tips. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
It's officially tomato planting time! But what else can you plant? And what, in our opinion, should you hold off a bit longer planting. We go over your April garden tasks to do as well as answer your questions. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Bruce and I each break down our top 10 tips and tricks for growing a successful vegetable garden — no peeking, no comparing notes beforehand. Just two opinionated gardeners with a lot to say about what actually works. Who has a no-marigold policy on their list? Why heirlooms-only may lead to disappointment, and much more. Spoiler: we don't always agree (aka Bruce is wrong). There's plenty of lively back-and-forth, a few "I can't believe you said that" moments, and yes — we each snuck in a bonus tip at the end because ten just wasn't enough. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
To smell and see a Titan Arum in bloom is pretty spectacular, but what really fascinates me is the evolution and incredible diversity within the entire Amorphophallus genus. In this episode, I'm joined by Amorphophallus expert and plant explorer Derek Carwood, who shares his deep knowledge and stories from the field. We dive into the strange beauty, unique adaptations, and surprising variety of these remarkable plants -- perfect for anyone who loves the truly unusual side of the plant world. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Not sure if it's time to plant tomatoes or if you can squeeze in another round of broccoli? Bruce and I will break down what garden tasks could and should be done in March. Plus we answer your questions. What exactly are those bumps on trees?! Hmmmm. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Looking to add a fragrant touch to your bedroom window or entry way? Bruce and Marlene each give their top 10 favorite fragrant plants. Will yours be on the list? And we also reveal our most obnoxious smelling plants. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
There are many benefits for starting plants from seeds. But what are the best techniques for success. Bruce and Marlene go into detail on the basics and discuss more advanced seed starting requirements. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Believe it or not, spring is around the corner. It has been very dry in NorCal so far – sometimes we get Spring rain, so still TBD. LOTS of prep to do for the upcoming season. It is time to plant: Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Collards, swiss chard Kale Leeks Loose leaf lettuce Peas Potatoes….late in the month Chores include: Sow tomatoes inside Start flowers (sunflowers, strawflower, zinnias, etc) Direct sow sweet peas Plant bare-root (roses, fruit trees, asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, berries) Spray fruit trees Fertilize Compost Clean up, cut back Prune roses, fruit trees Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
Kill every houseplant you try to grow? Not anymore. Bruce and I share our top 10 easiest houseplants that are guaranteed to thrive in your home… even if you are convinced you have a brown thumb. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook
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Observed September 20, 2026.
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