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 Natural Farming (KNF) and the use of coffee in gardening. Catch all this and more in this episode of Teaming With Microbes! ********************************************** Have a question? Let us know at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com Plant a row for the hungr ..read more

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 conclude, they have a conversation about methods to reduce plastic use in gardening and in everyday life. Don't miss all this and more on this week's episode of Teaming with Microbes! ********************************************** Have a question? L ..read more

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 break, they explore some wood frog science, examining a recent scientific article suggesting wood frogs are developing salt tolerance. Finally, they tackle a set of listener questions, with topics spanning from compost to grasshoppers! Catch all this a ..read more

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 packet. Additionally, if you're buying from a rack, ensure you're purchasing this year's seeds. After the break, they provide advice on what to plant at this time, focusing on tomatoes. As usual, they conclude with a question from a listener. Catch ..read more

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, as they can attract bears. After the break, they delve into the process of identifying the best types of soil, either online or at local gardening stores. Lastly, they respond to a listener's question about the application of leftover coffee grounds ..read more

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 explore methods to force-bloom certain plants, shrubs, and trees, enhancing your home's aesthetics (and aroma) during spring. These include Lilacs, Yellow Forsythia, and Cherry and Apple trees. Finally, they answer a listener's question about the use of ..read more

This week, Jeff and Jonathan are celebrating the longer spring days in Alaska. However, the warming sun has them thinking about the impacts of global warming. They kick off this week's episode by discussing recent scientific studies, which warn that global warming could threaten the survival of dung beetles. Next, they explore various natural indicators that signal when it's safe to plant outdoors (and indoors). In Alaska, the size of birch tree leaves serves as a reliable clue! Jeff also emphasizes that now is an ideal time to complete springtime tasks, such as cleaning up after your dog, sho ..read more

In this week's episode of Teaming with Microbes, Jeff and Jonathan examine the influx of gardening clickbait articles in our online and print media. They dissect the reasons behind this trend and share their insights on navigating through the clutter. Moving away from the digital sphere, they dive into the scientific realm of bioluminescence, investigating why and how some plants can emit a mesmerizing glow. Lastly, as we shift into the longer, warmer spring days, the team shares essential tips and reminders to maintain your plants' health and growth during this season. Hint: Don’t forget to r ..read more

We're talking more about microbes this week! Have you ever wondered why certain foods and drinks taste the way they do? The answer is microbes! This week, Jeff and Jonathan examine new studies that explore how microbes influence the taste of tea. Later, they discuss the vital role of microbial diversity in cheese production. Lastly, they delve into a recent study in Alaska where scientists have observed a change in the diet of some arctic animals, particularly smaller ones like voles. Don't miss all this and more in this week's episode of Teaming with Microbes ..read more

This week, Jeff and Jonathan explore the relationship between sounds and plants. Did you know that plants grow towards the sound of water? Next, Jeff disagrees with a recent article he read (article), where scientists are studying rhizobia bacteria that form nitrogen-fixing nodules to enhance plant fertilization. However, Jeff believes that they should focus on rhizophagy, which provides nitrogen to plants without the need for nodules. Later, the duo addresses some interesting listener questions in detail. Listen to this episode of Teaming With Microbes for all of this and more ..read more