January 2025 Episodes
This month, we deal with a little cabin fever as the temperatures get colder and we dream of Spring. That doesn't stop us from discussing some things we can be doing now to get ready for the planting season. And we get a little history lesson about the Univerversity of Illinois Extension's Master Gardener Program.
Do you have questions for our experts? Want to just show off your garden or show us some of what you grew this year? Drop us a line at yourgarden@gmail.com with any questions or comments, or hit us up on Facebook or Instagram. And be sure to tune in each week at 7pm on WILL-TV to catch the latest episodes. And, catch up on past episodes on the PBS App or on our YouTube page!
Click on the dates below to watch episodes from this month!
Shane Cultra and Ella Maxwell
On this weeks episode, Shane Cultra and Ella Maxwell stop by the studio to break in the new desk! Shane discusses ornamentals and landscaping, while Ella focuses on perennials and winter flowers like hellebores and tulips. They emphasize planting bulbs in late fall for spring blooms and using discounted bulbs. Ella demonstrates creating holiday decorations with evergreens and using anti-desiccant sprays. Shane introduces a gadget for watering live Christmas trees and shares his new blueberry honey. They advise against moving roses in winter and suggest waiting until spring. Finally, Shane brings by his latest honey creation for the team to try.
Jennifer Nelson, Chuck Voigt, and Martie Alagna
In this episode of Mid American Gardener, we're joined in the studio by Jennifer Nelson, Chuck Voigt, and Martie Alagna. We'll explains the differences between Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti, and emphasize the importance of day length and cool nights for flowering. Chuck shares his experience with bulb planters, highlighting their efficiency for large-scale planting. Martie provides tips for Amaryllis care, including the need for a smaller pot for better air circulation and the importance of a dormant phase for reblooming. We'll also discuss the care of a Prince of Orange philodendron and address a viewer's question about using Neem oil on herbs to control fungus gnats.
Chuck Voigt, Shane Cultura, and Jennifer Nelson
In this episode, panelists Chuck Voigt, Shane Cultra, and Jennifer Nelson discuss various gardening topics. Chuck shares his experience with asparagus crowns, noting that most store-bought crowns are two years old and require careful care. Shane demonstrates terrarium gardening with succulents, emphasizing low maintenance. Jennifer advises on starting artichokes and leeks, highlighting the importance of planning and timing. They also discuss how to possibly save a sentimental corn plant using air layering.
Ella Maxwell, John Bodensteiner, and Kay Carnes
Ella Maxwell, John Bodensteiner, and Kay Carnes discuss winter sowing techniques. They also discussed microgreens, using small containers with drainage and seed starting soil.
Martie Alagna and Candace Anderson
Tinisha and Martie discuss seed starting techniques, emphasizing the importance of garden hygiene and sanitizing pots and trays with hot, soapy bleach water. And Candace Anderson from Illinois Extension stops by and highlights the 50th anniversary of the Master Gardener program
