This is a list of Evergreen Thumb episodes. New episodes are released every other Tuesday.
The WSU Master Gardener Program addresses important sociologic and environmental issues by teaching research-based horticulture information. We want people to have important skills and abilities that help mitigate challenges and understand that everyone has a role in creating and sustaining healthy and resilient communities.
Newest Episodes
The Fundamentals You Need To Tackle Noxious Weeds In Washington
Curious about noxious weeds? Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board education specialist Anne Schuster joins us to discuss how to find information about noxious weeds and why we need to keep them in check.
Garden Truths: How to Identify Credible Gardening Advice
Evergreen Thumb Host and Master Gardener Erin Hoover discusses the importance of finding credible gardening information sources and how to find them.
Unwelcome Guests: What You Need to Know About Japanese Beetles in Washington State
Cassie Cichorz joins us from WSDA to chat Japanese Beetles and what gardeners can do slow the spread of these invasive pests.
2024 Advanced Education Conference Preview: Gardening in a Changing Climate
AEC Co-Chairs Cathi Lamoreaux and Debbie Benbow give us a preview of the 2024 WSU Extension Master Gardener Advanced Education Conference
Defensible Space: Practical Steps to Wild Fire Resilience
Mike Karvia, a retired Assistant Fire Chief of 30 years at The Pacific County Fire District No. 1 and Master Gardener of 10 years joins us to discuss how to create defensible space to help homeowners be more resilient against the threat of fire.
How to Prune to Prevent Crimes Against Nature with PlantAmnesty
Keith Dekker, a Clallam County Master Gardener and PlantAmnesty volunteer, joins us to discuss how to prune your plants to prevent crimes against nature.
Digging Deeper: Exploring the Link Between Geology and Soil Composition
Mark Amara, a retired soil scientist and current WSU Extension Grant-Adams Master Gardener joins us to talk about geology and soil composition.
From Vine To Table: What You Need to Know About Growing Great Grapes in Your Backyard with Gwen Hoheisel
Gwen Hoheisel, a WSU Perennial Fruit Crop and Sustainable Pest Management Extension Specialist joins us to talk about how to be successful when growing grapes in home gardens and beyond.
Cultivating Tomorrow: A Special Episode for Cougs Give 2024
Join us for a special episode of The Evergreen Thumb podcast featuring guests Jennifer Marquis and Chalayne Foster as we share our support for the Master Gardener Endowed Chair Campaign for Cougs Give 2024.
Spring Vegetable Secrets: Tips for Planning a Bountiful Garden
Bob Cain shares tips on how to use planning to set up a bountiful Spring vegetable garden.
Pests, Predators, and Prevention: Integrated Pest Management for Vegetable Gardens
Laurel Moulton joins us to talk about using pests, predators, and prevention as integrated pest management strategies to help your vegetable garden thrive.
Protecting Our Pollinators – How to Support Our Solitary Bees – Episode 016
Pollination Program Educator Thyra McKelvie joins us to explain how solitary bees fit in our ecosystem and the importance of protecting our pollinators.
Unveiling the Secrets of Successful Rain Gardens – Episode 015
Valorie Savisky joins us to chat about what successful rain gardens are and how to build them in the PNW.
Unearthing the Secrets of Soil Carbon Sequestration with Doug Collins – Episode 014
Doug Collins joins us to talk about soil carbon sequestration and how gardeners can contribute to a greener future.
Dry to Dazzling: Beautiful Xeriscape Gardens with Elaine Jamerson
Elaine Jamerson, a Kittitas County WSU Extension Master Gardener, joins us to talk about the Xeriscape garden they installed last year.
Digging Into the Basics of Soil Biology – Episode 12
Soil is Alive! Join us today as we discuss the basics of soil biology. Plus, I review the January garden calendar.
Designing With Nature – An Introduction to Permaculture
Have you ever heard of permaculture?
In this episode, I offer an introduction to Permaculture, a sustainable and holistic approach to gardening.
Managing Winter Issues in Trees with Tim Kohlhauff – Episode 010
Tim Kohlhauff, certified arborist, joins me to talk about winter issues in trees and shrubs.
Pollinators In Winter with David James – Episode 009
Ever wonder what happens to pollinators in winter? Want to make sure they come back? Entomologist David James discusses overwintering garden pollinators.
Greening Your Space: Caring For House Plants with Ann Amato – Episode 008
Ann Amato shares her expert insights on house plants, providing practical tips on care and the benefits they bring to our indoor spaces.
Beneath the Blooms: Creepy Garden Critters with Todd Murray – Episode 007
Ever wonder if all the “creepy” garden critters like snakes, spiders, and beetles are garden allies or enemies? Find out in my conversation with entomologist Todd Murray.
Bringing the Outdoors In: Indoor Gardening Essentials – Episode 006
In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, Jonica Burkett explains indoor gardening essentials. She discusses the hows and whys of growing indoors, briefly touching on methods like aquaponics and hydroponics, as well as the key concerns of managing soil, water, and pests.
Surviving Winter’s Wrath: Preparing Your Garden for Winter Weather – Episode 005
In this episode, Bonnie Orr, a Chelan/Douglas County WSU Extension Master Gardener, discusses various strategies for preparing gardens for winter weather. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your local environment, including factors like sunlight exposure, climate patterns (such as El Niño or La Niña), and the unique features of your yard, such as slopes, trees, and shade.
Cultivating Second Chances: Benton-Franklin MGs Empower Incarcerated Youth
In this episode, I have a conversation with Alice Allison, a WSU Extension Master Gardener in Benton-Franklin Counties, about their work with the local juvenile justice center.
The Benton-Franklin County WSU Extension Master Gardener Program won the David Gibby Search for Excellence Award in the youth category at the 2023 International Master Gardener Conference in Overland Park, Kansas for this project.