The Epic Gardening Podcast Network: Everyday Wisdom for Gardeners
Bring science-based strategies home and watch your plants thrive season after season.
The Epic Gardening Podcast Network delivers practical advice, expert interviews, and evidence-based insights for gardeners of every skill level. Whether you’re nurturing a backyard vegetable patch or transforming an urban balcony, these podcasts bring you the freshest ideas in horticulture, soil science, and sustainable gardening. Hosts like Kevin Espiritu and Diego Footer, along with guest experts, cover topics ranging from pest management to homesteading—helping you cultivate healthier, more resilient gardens every day.
About The Epic Gardening Podcast Network
Featuring two main shows—The Beet Podcast and In Search of Soil—the network explores a rich variety of topics by bringing in industry-leading scientists, growers, and gardening enthusiasts. The aim is to make advanced horticultural knowledge accessible, actionable, and fun for listeners everywhere.
- The Beet Podcast: The evolution of the original Epic Gardening Podcast, airing five days a week with daily tips and deep dives for plant lovers. Episodes are typically brief and focused, making them ideal for daily learning.
- In Search of Soil: A series dedicated to soil science, composting, and sustainable garden practices—hosted by soil specialists and innovative growers.
Key Topics Explored in Recent Episodes
1. Best Practices to Keep Your Garden Healthy
Ensuring year-round health in your garden is a recurring theme on the podcast. Experts recommend a combination of preventative measures and routine maintenance.
- Soil health: Test your soil regularly. Amend with compost, organic matter, and mulch to maintain fertility and suppress weeds.
- Crop rotation: Rotate families of plants each season to disrupt pest and disease cycles.
- Watering techniques: Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver consistent moisture and prevent disease spread.
- Monitoring and observation: Spend time in your garden—look for unhealthy leaves, signs of stress, or insect activity to catch problems early.
2. The Basics of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a science-based, sustainable approach to gardening that the podcast frequently covers. IPM prioritizes natural solutions and minimizes chemical input.
- Identification: Learn to distinguish between beneficial and harmful insects.
- Cultural controls: Choose disease-resistant varieties, practice sanitation, and support biodiversity with companion planting.
- Physical barriers: Use row covers, netting, or hand-picking to manage pests.
- Biological controls: Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings by planting pollinator-friendly flowers.
- Targeted intervention: Only use organic or synthetic pesticides as a last resort, and always follow label instructions.
3. Blossom-End Rot is Not a Disease
Blossom-end rot, often seen in tomatoes, peppers, and squash, is a common concern tackled by the podcast. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not caused by pathogens or pests but is a physiological disorder linked to calcium imbalance and inconsistent watering.
- Symptoms: Sunken, dark patches on the blossom (bottom) end of fruit.
- Prevention:
- Water consistently—deep, infrequent irrigation helps.
- Ensure soil contains adequate calcium; test and amend as needed.
- Mulch around plants to regulate moisture and temperature.
- Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can put stress on roots.
4. Can You Give a Plant TOO MUCH Light?
The question of optimal light levels—especially for indoor and greenhouse gardeners—is explored in multiple episodes. While most edible crops require abundant sunlight, excessive light can sometimes be detrimental.
- Symptoms of Light Stress: Scorched leaves, bleached foliage, or stunted growth.
- Best Practices:
- Gradually acclimate young plants to direct sun using a process called hardening off.
- Use shade cloth or move container plants as needed.
- Understand the lighting requirements of your particular crops.
What others are reading
5. Dealing with Diseases in Your Vegetable Garden
Pest and disease management is a cornerstone of Epic Gardening’s advice. By taking a balanced, proactive approach, gardeners can minimize crop losses and reduce reliance on chemical treatments.
- Hygiene: Clean tools and remove plant debris between seasons to disrupt disease cycles.
- Resistant varieties: Choose plants bred for resistance to specific pathogens common in your region.
- Air circulation: Space plants appropriately and prune dense growth to improve airflow, reducing fungal disease risk.
- Regular scouting: Monitor frequently and address problems early.
Spotlight: From Harvest to Kitchen
Several podcast episodes shift the focus from the garden to the kitchen, with tips on how to manage, store, and use your homegrown vegetables and herbs.
- Harvesting: Pick crops at their peak of ripeness for best flavor and nutrition.
- Storing: Use canning, freezing, or fermenting to extend your harvest. Store roots and tubers in cool, dark locations.
- Cooking: Upskill your kitchen fundamentals—learn basics like blanching, sautéing, and pickling.
- Creative use: Experiment with recipes, share with neighbors, or donate extra produce to food banks.
Listener-Favorite Podcast Segments
The diversity and accessibility of the podcasts have attracted a devoted listenership. Highlights include:
- Beginner tips: Quick, actionable advice that’s perfect for novices—like starting seeds or troubleshooting indoor plants.
- Deep dives: In-depth explorations with soil scientists, pest specialists, and professional growers focusing on advanced topics such as composting techniques, permaculture, and foodscaping.
- Seasonal guides: Monthly checklists and planting calendars tailored to various climates, ensuring your garden is thriving year-round.
- Community stories: Inspiring interviews with home gardeners, urban farmers, and horticulture influencers from around the world.
More Than Just Gardening: Permaculture, Homesteading, and Beyond
The network goes beyond standard gardening advice, exploring interconnected disciplines that can make your outdoor (or indoor) spaces more productive and resilient.
- Permaculture: Practical approaches to sustainable design, companion planting, water conservation, and habitat creation.
- Foodscaping: Integrating edible plants into ornamental landscapes.
- Homesteading skills: Composting, seed saving, tool maintenance, and small-space livestock care.
- Native plant gardening: Using local species to support pollinators, reduce irrigation, and nurture biodiversity.
Meet the Hosts and Contributors
The Epic Gardening Podcast Network is powered by a passionate team led by Kevin Espiritu, founder of Epic Gardening, and Diego Footer, who dives deep into the science of soil and sustainable growing.
| Host | Expertise | Show(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Espiritu | Urban gardening, DIY, beginner education | The Beet Podcast |
| Diego Footer | Soil science, sustainable agriculture, permaculture | In Search of Soil |
| Guest Experts | Soil scientists, horticulturists, landscape designers | Both shows |
Getting the Most from the Epic Gardening Podcasts
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe via their favorite podcast app and explore the entire archive for targeted advice and inspiration. Recent episodes are available on the Epic Gardening website, and additional resources such as blog posts, YouTube videos, and community forums complement each podcast topic.
- Epic Gardening Blog: Deep-dive articles and seasonal tips.
- YouTube Channel: Step-by-step gardening tutorials.
- Social Media: Join gardening conversations on Instagram, Facebook, and Discord.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How often are new episodes released?
A: The Beet Podcast airs five days each week, while In Search of Soil features weekly deep dives with guest experts.
Q: What skill level are these podcasts best suited for?
A: Episodes cover both beginner tips and in-depth, advanced discussions—making them suitable for any gardener, from brand-new hobbyists to seasoned pros.
Q: Are topics limited to edible gardening?
A: No. While there’s a strong emphasis on growing food, the shows also address soil science, landscape design, permaculture, pollinator gardens, native plants, composting, and more.
Q: How can I submit a question or suggest a topic?
A: Most episodes include a call for listener feedback. You can submit questions via the Epic Gardening website or interact with hosts through their active social media communities.
Q: Can I access older episodes?
A: Yes. Both podcasts maintain a robust archive available on the Epic Gardening website and all major podcast platforms.
Start Listening and Grow With the Community
The Epic Gardening Podcast Network isn’t just about gardening—it’s about connecting gardeners everywhere through reliable, practical, and inspiring content. Tune in, participate, and see how science-based wisdom can transform your approach to growing food, flowers, and everything in between.
For more resources, join the Epic Gardening discussion groups online, check out recommended reading and tools, and dive into past episodes for a full spectrum of gardening knowledge. Happy growing!
References
- https://www.susansinthegarden.com/2023/04/epic-gardening-podcast-episodes/
- https://www.epicgardening.com/podcast/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eTiKnNtyA4
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-beet-a-podcast-for-plant-lovers/id1221085548
- https://www.thegrowguidepodcast.com/past-episodes/2022/spring-finale-with-epic-gardening-founder-kevin-espiritu-sharing-his-easy-diy-projects-to-transform-your-garden
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