We’re cultivating a safe space to ask gardening questions!

We have been plotting for some thyme to add some dedicated Q&A episodes to the recording schedule. While we love seeding quick questions into the end of a show, and while many of our most popular episodes have sprouted from a particularly juicy inquiry, there are plenty of other questions that merit ten minutes of discussion rather than sixty or two. In this inaugural Q&A special, we tackle a bushel of cedar and shrub questions and spend some time in the vegetable garden as well:

• Do you need to mitigate any environmental impacts when removing cedars near your home?
• Are the rumours true? Is using cardboard mulch in your veggie garden unsafe?
• Why do some people call Rose of Sharon a “dirty” tree?
• When an old cedar hedge develops gaps, how can they be filled?
• Can you shorten an established cedar hedge that’s giving too much shade?
• What’s the best soil-to-compost ratio to help a struggling vegetable garden?

If you have questions of your own or if you want to weigh in on these topics (we love learning new things through respectful discussion!), email us or reach out over social media.

Bluesky: @plantsalwayswin.com 

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YouTube: @plantsalwayswinpodcast

Website: www.plantsalwayswin.com 

Remember that you can get Q&A priority and other perks by supporting us on Patreon. 

Credits

Website Design and Illustration by Sophia Alladin

Intro and Outro Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/when-my-ukulele-plays

License code: GWOIMMBAS15FG6PH

Citations

Understanding PFAS

Our current understanding of the human health and environmental risks of PFAS | US EPA. (2024, November 26). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas

Figure out if your cardboard mulch has (significant amounts of) PFAS

Olson, T., & Olson, T. (2024, May 23). Is cardboard mulch toxic? – Mother Earth News. Mother Earth News – the Original Guide to Living Wisely. https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/gardening-techniques/is-cardboard-mulch-toxic-zm0z24jjzols/

Debunking the anti-cardboard crusade

Hoag, M. (2024, April 2). Addressing the 2024 cardboard Sheet-Mulching myth madness. Transformative Adventures. https://transformativeadventures.org/2024/04/01/debunking-the-2024-cardboard-sheet-mulching-myth-madness/ 

Timestamps

00:11 Introduction

00:53 What's Growing On? Erin's False Spring

04:36 What's Growing On? Sean's Pupdate and Seedling Roulette

17:10 Water Break

17:26 Removing Cedars Near a House: Environmental Impacts?

12:35 Is Cardboard Mulch Really Unsafe?

24:48 What Gives Rose of Sharon a "Dirty Tree" Reputation?

31:18 How Can You Fill in Gaps in a Sparse, Old Cedar Hedge?

37:10 Can You Shorten an Established Cedar Hedge?

48:55 What's the Best Soil-to-Compost Ratio for Veggie Gardens?

57:37 Invitation to Conversation

58:39 Conclusion and Contact Us