Episode 136: Listen here!

It’s rain season here in the Prairies! Maggie and Dave chat about how the unusually wet Spring in Manitoba has delayed the garden by a few weeks, but not to worry — you’re not behind! Take your time getting your plants in the ground.

Also note, this episode is the second last episode of the Spring 2022 season. Be sure to catch up on all our past episodes before we head on our Summer break.

Maggie’s Fav Thing: A look back on some of her past “fav things,” including….

Mexican Torch Tithonia
Golden Yarrow
Manitoba Cannabis Growing License

Dave’s Fav Thing: Introductions to new, innovative basil varieties

Listener Question of The Week: “Hello grow guiders!!! Firstly, thanks for the wonderful podcast. I’m not caught up yet, still somewhere in 2019 (ahh the Before Times). I have a question about straw bale gardening. I have 4 bales, which were already aged for about a year. They were sprouting mushrooms when I got them. I’ve been soaking and applying fertilizer for 2 weeks now (fertilizer has been blood meal and an organic fertilizer). I also applied some compost to the top. I haven’t noticed the bales increasing in temperature at all. I haven’t actually used a thermometer on them, but whenever I water or fertilize I check with my hands and they are not even warm. Do you think they are conditioning properly?” — Jenna Lazarenko

Join our community Facebook Group to submit a question and connect with fellow listeners

This week’s guest:

Kristen Raney, creator of the blog & YouTube channel, Shifting Roots

About Kristen Raney:

Kristen is a Saskatchewan-based garden blogger and content creator. On her blog and YouTube, Shifting Roots Kristen helps new gardeners learn to grow their own vegetables and flowers to beautify their yards. Kristen has several e-books, courses and guides covering these topics all accessible on shiftingroots.com.

This episode covers:

Moving from an urban garden to her new country property
Kristen’s story as a garden blogger, creating Shifting Roots
Kristen’s journey to creating content surrounding cut flower gardening
The first steps Kristen suggests taking if you want to level up your cut flower gardens
How much to grow of fillers vs. hero flowers vs. greenery
How much time Kristen suggests you set aside each week to maintain a cut flower farm
How much you need to invest to start a cut flower farm
How many bouquets should you plan to make each week
Different bouquet combo ideas
Various ways to make a profit off cut flowers
Tips for harvesting flowers and keeping them fresh
Perennial plants and shrubs that make great cut flowers

This episode is sponsored by:

Pineridge Hollow is offering all Grow Guide listeners 20% off your first purchase when you sign up for their emails today! Subscribe to the email list for your 20% off discount code.