The Dirtbag

Host Glen Andresen and guest Jim Gilbert pruning peaches and nectarines now…and why that is prefered to pruning them when they are dormant. Plus, the Home Orchard Society's big spring event, the Fruit Propagation Fair is Sunday, March 18; we'll tell you what to expect.  ... Read more

Host Glen Andresen welcomes Jim Gilbert back to the fold to talk about his ongoing project to find or breed a variety of apricot that does well AND produces fruit reliably west of the Cascades. Plus, what's with this crazy February weather? Well, it's perfectly normal. A... Read more

Host Glen Andresen finally gets to talk to Franki Baccellieri about the Temperate Orchard Conservancy. Plus, a discussion of what to prune now and what to prune later. And some ideas on what to do with your cover crop come spring. As always, we'll answer your gardening ... Read more

Host Glen Andresen and guest Jim Gilbert discuss some non-gardening tasks, including soil tests and dormant sprays. We'll also talk to Franki Baccellieri about the Home Orchard Society's latest big project, the Temperate Orchard Conservancy. Plus, Jim will  give us a rep... Read more

Host Glen Andresen and guest Jim Gilbert discuss, what else, leaves! Listen in to learn a nifty nmenonic device to remember what nutrients plants need and what leaves have to offer. Plus, Jim will  give us a report on what's happening on the farm…and a tasty quince recip... Read more

Host Glen Andresen and guest Jim Gilbert discuss composting…and the merits of chipper/shredders for home gardeners. Plus, Jim has been on the road tasting new (and old, no doubt) varieties of jujubes and pineapple guava--he'll give us a report on that and what's happenin... Read more

Host Glen Andresen and guest Jim Gilbert return after a month off to talk about cover crops, harvesting and storing squash (and other veggies and fruits), planting in the fall…and the Home Orchard Society's upcoming All About Fruit Show (October 21 and 22). As always, w... Read more

  Gene Bradley fills in as host today for Glen Andresen, who is on break. Gene's guests will be Bob Hatton, program director of the Portland Fruit Tree Project, who will talk about their work in Portland, and Weston Miller, OSU Extension Service Horticulturalist, who wil... Read more

It's the dry season in western Oregon and host Glen Andresen and guest Jim Gilbert discuss ways to conserve soil moisture. We'll aslo pick up from last month and talk about summer pruning and grafting of fruit trees. Plus, a discussion about "why isn't my plant growing?"... Read more

Host Glen Andresen and guest Jim Gilbert discuss watering and mulching techniques, summer pruning and grafting of fruit trees, and planting (or at least the planning for) veggies for fall and winter harvest. And it is strawberry season!  As always, we'll answer your gar... Read more