Greetings from What is California? HQ, where I won’t lie: I was caught off-guard a few weeks ago as record high temperatures hit Sacramento (and the rest of California, for that matter). I might have neglected to water a few of the younger plants in my garden. And a few of those tender newbies might have bit the dust when spring sprung with a vengeance. Of course, the weeds are doing just fine. Isn’t that how it always goes?
Anyway, you can’t let a little setback like… [checks notes] apocalyptic climate fluctuations get you down. The garden show must go on!
That’s one reason why I’m so pleased to welcome Fred Hoffman to the podcast this week. Known as “Farmer Fred” to adoring listeners up and down the state, the Sacramento-based broadcaster has been dishing out home gardening tips for 40 years on radio, TV, and now his podcast and Substack newsletter “Garden Basics with Farmer Fred.”
Fred’s gardening advice and wisdom may originate in Sacramento, but they are California treasures. And you don’t need a green thumb to appreciate his counsel: As a Lifetime Member of the prestigious UCCE Master Gardeners program, Fred demystifies plants and makes it easy to learn, to love and to grow gardens in this state.
This week, Fred tells us how he got started—both on his California journey, and then in his garden. And then—since it’s that time of year—he’s going to tell us how we can get started as well.
This episode was recorded in person at Open Garden Day at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center in beautiful Fair Oaks, California. It was a blast to hang out with Fred and check out the garden. I hope you enjoy the show (and don’t forget to water)!
Episode Notes
Fred Hoffman hosts the podcast and newsletter “Garden Basics with Farmer Fred” and is a Lifetime Master Gardener with the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners program in Sacramento County.
Notes and references from this episode:
FarmerFred.com - Farmer Fred home page
@farmerfred - Farmer Fred on Twitter
Get Growing with Farmer Fred - Farmer Fred on Facebook
“Garden Basics with Farmer Fred” podcast - Apple Podcasts
“Garden Basics with Farmer Fred” newsletter - Substack
UCCE Master Gardeners of Sacramento County
Harvest Day 2022 - UCCE Master Gardeners of Sacramento County
=====
Produced, hosted and edited by Stu VanAirsdale
Theme music: Sounds Supreme
Twitter: @WhatCalifornia
Substack newsletter: whatiscalifornia.substack.com
Support What is California? on Patreon: patreon.com/whatiscalifornia
Email: hello@whatiscalifornia.com
Please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And if you liked What is California?, please rate and review What is California? on Apple Podcasts! It helps new listeners find the show.
