This week Jeff and Jonathan emphasize the importance of exercising patience and caring for the soil food web as plants continue to grow. They delve into the issue of bark beetles invading trees, providing insights on how to address these challenges. Additionally, the episode explores the role of water and the application of the "Teaming With Microbes" rule with mulches. The team also touches on lawns, highlighting their ability to handle driveway gravel that eventually transforms into essential soil components. Finally, they address concerns related to moss, maggots, and offer suggestions for controlling slugs, providing practical advice for maintaining a healthy and thriving garden.**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at [email protected] a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!Thanks to our sponsors:Big Foot MicrobesNumber 2 Organics made in partnership with Malibu CompostDown To Earth All Natural Fertilizers The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.  Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

In this episode, Jeff and Jonathan explore a new vision for lawns, shifting away from the traditional weed-free grass obsession. They share practical tips for easier lawn maintenance, including regular watering, leaving clippings on the lawn, and applying compost to specific areas.Next, they delve into the art and science of composting. You'll learn about the benefits of a compost calculator and how to achieve the optimal 30:1 ratio in your pile. Later, Jeff and Jonathan impart essential knowledge on kickstarting your organic vegetable garden, including planting potatoes and initiating lettuce and peas. Additionally, they discuss the 'pinching' technique to stimulate plant branching and explain why it's crucial for encouraging abundant plant growth.Finally, they answer listener questions!**********************************************Have a question? Let us know at [email protected] a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!Thanks to our sponsors:Number 2 Organics made in partnership with Malibu CompostBig Foot MicrobesDown To Earth All Natural Fertilizers The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.  Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

In this episode, Jeff and Jonathan discuss spring organic gardening. They share tips on what to look out for during your spring inspection, from signs of emerging life to possible remnants of winter damage.  Next, they dive deep into the art and science of composting, including the right way to turn your compost pile.  Additionally, they discuss the critical process of 'hardening off' - a technique to acclimatize your plants, gradually introducing them to the outdoor conditions to minimize stress and maximize their resilience.  Finally, they take a closer look at the fascinating world of plant chemistry, explaining how the surge of phytohormones in spring assists plant development, providing resistance to environmental stress and promoting healthy, robust growth. Have a question? Let us know at [email protected] a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!Thanks to our sponsors:Big Foot MicrobesNumber 2 Organics made in partnership with Malibu CompostDown To Earth All Natural Fertilizers The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.  Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

This week Jeff and Jonathan take a deep dive into the season's start to gardening in Alaska. They cover a range of topics from warming soils and hardening off starts, to the science of willow water and straw water, and the importance of appropriate soil temperatures for seed planting. The episode also highlights the natural phenomena guiding our gardening timeline, and the significant role of composting.Have a question? Let us know at [email protected] a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!Thanks to our sponsors:Number 2 Organics made in partnership with Malibu CompostBig Foot MicrobesDown To Earth All Natural Fertilizers The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.  Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!

This week, Jeff and Jonathan delve into the world of plant nutrition, focusing on the essential elements Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. We'll explore their functions, the consequences of their absence, and how gardeners can ensure their soil has an adequate supply for the benefit of microbial life. We'll also discuss the potential issues with using chemical fertilizers instead of organic alternatives. Finally, we answer questions from our listeners!  Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrob[email protected] a row for the hungry/Read Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Nutrients and Teaming With Fungi!Thanks to our sponsors:Big Foot MicrobesNumber 2 Organics made in partnership with Malibu CompostDown To Earth All Natural Fertilizers The Teaming with Microbes Podcast is edited and produced with original music by Pod Peak.  Special thanks to the Anchorage Daily News for hosting the show!