Research-based gardening information for today’s challenges
Welcome to The Evergreen Thumb, your go-to gardening podcast brought to you by dedicated Washington State University Master Gardener volunteers. With a passion for nurturing green spaces and fostering environmental stewardship, we’re here to cultivate a community of like-minded gardeners across Washington State. Our podcast is your source for research-backed gardening insights, tips, and advice that will help you cultivate thriving gardens while making eco-conscious choices. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or just dipping your fingers into the soil for the first time, join us as we embark on a journey to enhance our natural surroundings and create a greener, more vibrant world, one episode at a time.
WSU Extension Master Gardeners are university-trained, volunteer community educators cultivating plants, people, and communities since 1973 and into the future.
The Evergreen Thumb is produced by WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers and sponsored by the Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State.
Your Host
Meet the host of The Evergreen Thumb, Erin Hoover. Erin has been a devoted WSU Extension Master Gardener since 2015. She initially trained in Skagit County and later relocated to Grays Harbor County in 2016. Growing up amidst the lush landscapes of Washington State, Erin developed a deep connection to nature from an early age. Her love for plants and the environment led her to pursue certifications as a WSU Extension Master Gardener and a Permaculture Designer and to share her knowledge with others.
Beyond her role as a Master Gardener, Erin is also an avid homesteader. She has transformed her own property into a thriving mini farm, where she embraces the principles of permaculture and self-sufficiency. From cultivating vibrant vegetable gardens and perennial fruit to raising livestock, Erin embodies the ideals of a modern homesteader, harmoniously blending traditional wisdom with innovative techniques.
Currently, Erin’s gardening interests focus on uses for native plants, feeding livestock from the land, and the pleasure and security of growing her own food. When not producing The Evergreen Thumb or working her homestead, Erin is out exploring Washington’s mountains, forests, and beaches.
Education
Some episodes may provide required continuing education for WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers and will address important sociologic and environmental issues by teaching research-based horticulture aligning with our Program Priorities.
Please check back for a list of approved episodes.