Harvest to Table Podcast

Planting seeds directly in the garden can sometimes be risky.    When you start seeds indoors under optimal conditions you reduce risk.    Stephen gives you simple indoor seed starting tips.    Listen and then read this complete Seed Starting Guide. Also visit the Index and type in “Seed Starting” to find seed starting tips for 80 different vegetables and herbs.    You can keep growing with these books from Stephen Albert and Harvest to Table: Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, also Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide, and Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planner, and Tomato Grower’s Answer Book.    Highlights: 01:53 - Container Selection and Preparation 02:54 - Sowing Seeds and Providing Optimal Conditions 03:58 - Temperature and Light Requirements 04:53 - Watering Techniques 07:22 - Post-Transplant Care 08:23 - Timing and Ideal Plant Size   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Crop rotation is the practice of growing a different crop rather than the same crop in the same place season-after-season.    Crop rotation can renew your garden soil and give you crops the best soil and nutrients for a bountiful harvest.    Stephen gives you crop rotation basics. Rotate crops for the best garden.    Get more crop rotation Crop Rotation in the Small Vegetable Garden. Also, visit the Harvest to Table Index and type in the crop you want to grow and harvest.    You can keep growing with these books from Stephen Albert and Harvest to Table: Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, also Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide, and Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planner, and Tomato Grower’s Answer Book.    Highlights: (02:03)Ways to Implement Crop Rotation  (05:09)Specific Crops and Rotation Examples  (08:48)Crop Rotation in Small Gardens  (09:36)Interplanting and Soil Building  (10:33) "The Vegetable Garden Growers Guide" and "The Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planner."   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Which crops can you grow in the cool time of the year, and which grow best in the warm time of the year?    Which crops live in the garden for a long time, and which are short stayers in the garden?    Which crops are best for beginning gardeners?    Answers to these questions will help you plan your growing season. Stephen gives you simple tips to prepare for the growing season.    You’ll want to check out these guides: Vegetable Garden Growing Season and Cool-Season Vegetable Varieties and Know Your Warm-Season Vegetables. Also visit the Index and type in the crop you want to grow and harvest.    You can keep growing with these books from Stephen Albert and Harvest to Table: Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, also Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide, and Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planner, and Tomato Grower’s Answer Book.    Highlights: (01:56 )Warm and Cool Season Crops (04:08 ) Ideal Crops for Beginners (06:09 )Short and Long Staying Crops (09:54 ) Importance of knowing your crop timelines    Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Planning your growing season? Learn when to sow seeds indoors and when to transplant seedlings into the garden.    Use these tips to fill in your garden calendar and plan your spring and summer planting. Listen and then print out this guide: Vegetable Garden Calendar and Map.    Also visit the Index and type in the crop you want to grow and harvest; our crop guides will give you planting dates for the growing season.    You can keep growing with these books from Stephen Albert and Harvest to Table: Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, also Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide, and Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planner, and Tomato Grower’s Answer Book.    Highlights: 01:53 - The Average Date of Last Frost 04:03 - Suggested Crop Planting and Harvest Times 08:10 - Reference to Stephen Albert's Books   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

A garden calendar can make your garden year much easier. Record important dates early in the season – when you plant and when you expect to harvest; everything else will fall in place.    Stephen gives you simple tips to set up your garden calendar and planting map.    Listen and then print out this guide: Vegetable Garden Calendar and Map. Also visit the Index and type in the crop you want to grow and harvest; get planting, days to maturity, and harvest notes.    You can keep growing with these books from Stephen Albert and Harvest to Table: Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, also Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide, and Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Tomato Grower’s Answer Book.    Highlights: (01:54)  Tips for Keeping a Garden Calendar (03:44) Vegetable Garden Map (05:43)  Detailed Calendar Entries  (07:23)  Pest and Disease Control (10:17 )  Frost and Freeze Dates Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Did you plant broccoli, chard, lettuce, peas or other cool season crops in late summer? Your harvest will be ready soon.    When should these crops come out of the garden? Stephen gives you winter harvest tips. Get these tips before the first hard freeze.    Get harvest tips for all your crops at the Harvest Index at Harvesttotable.com.    You can keep growing with these books from Stephen Albert and Harvest to Table: Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, also Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide, and Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planner, and Tomato Grower’s Answer Book.    Highlights: (00:35)  Understanding the No-Grow Period (01:55)   Winter Harvest Crops  (03:08)  Specifics for Winter Harvest (05:59)  Protecting Winter Crops  (06:58)  Optimal Harvesting Times   (08:11)  Snow-Resistant Crops   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Early winter is the best time to prepare for planting your spring vegetable garden.Learn how you can prepare your planting beds for spring planting. Stephen gives you simple tips to prepare the soil for next season. Get garden prep and vegetable grow at Harvesttotable.com. Read the Vegetable Garden Soil Guide and Organic Fertilizers and Soil Amendments. Also visit the Index and type in the crop you want to grow and harvest.  You can keep growing with these books from Stephen Albert and Harvest to Table: Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, also Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide, and Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planner, and Tomato Grower’s Answer Book.    Highlights: (02:13)   Soil Testing in Early Winter (04:12)   Winter Mulching for Planting Beds (06:52 )  Overwintering Container Plants (09:36)   Composting Tips for Winter   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Learn how you can grow vegetables indoors this winter—including tomatoes. Stephen gives you simple tips to quickly grow tasty greens and other vegetables indoors.    Get more tips on winter vegetable gardening at How to Grow a Winter Vegetable Garden and How to Grow Herbs Indoors in Winter. Also visit the Index and type in the crop you want to grow and harvest.    You can keep growing with these books from Stephen Albert and Harvest to Table: Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, also Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planner, and Tomato Grower’s Answer Book.    Highlights:   (00:47)  Growing Garden Crest Indoors (03:00)  Pixie Tomatoes for Small Spaces (05:10)  Indoor Herb Garden (08:59) Navigating the No Growth Period Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Season End Winter Garden Prep. Join Stephen Albert as he shares valuable tips for preparing your garden for winter growing. Learn more about Cover Crop Basics at Harvest to Table.    From cleaning up your garden beds to planting for the winter, Stephen shares ten essential steps to ensure a successful winter garden. Whether in a milder winter region or planning for spring, this episode has you covered.   Find more expert advice in Stephen's book, "The Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planter," and “Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide”, available on Amazon.    Don't miss out on these valuable insights to keep your garden thriving year-round. Tune in, get inspired, and keep growing!   Highlights:   (00:52) End-of-Season Cleanup (01:44) Composting and Soil Preparation (02:44) Dealing with Soil-Dwelling Pests (03:33) Ten Tips for Winter Garden Preparation (05:11)   Protecting Your Plants (06:03)  Preparing for Spring   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Cover Crop Basics. Join Stephen Albert as he delves into the world of cover crops. Learn more about Cover Crop Basics at Harvest to Table, and don’t miss out on the Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass.   Explore the importance of cover crops, often interchangeably referred to as "COVID crops," "green manure," or "catch crops." Learn how they enrich soil, block weeds, and encourage beneficial insects and soil microbes.    Learn how they enrich soil, block weeds, and encourage beneficial insects and soil microbes. Find out when to plant them and which crops are best suited for your home garden. Stephen also shares essential tips on planting and managing cover crops.   Find more expert advice in Stephen's book, "The Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planter," and “Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide”, available on Amazon.   Don't miss this informative episode that can help you enhance your garden's health and productivity. Keep growing!   Highlights:   (00:10) Understanding Cover Crops (01:11) The Benefits of Cover Crops (03:05) Types of Cover Crops (04:51) Planting and Managing Cover Crops (07:44) The Importance of Cover Crops   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Autumn Soil Care. Join Stephen Albert as he delves into the crucial subject of autumn soil care, emphasizing its significance in preparing for the upcoming growing season. Learn more about Autumn Soil Coil at Harvest to Table   He offers valuable insights into clearing the garden, improving soil quality, and suggests planting cover crops. Stephen's expertise shines as he discusses the advantages of autumn soil preparation, soil testing, and adjusting soil pH. Plus, find more expert advice in Stephen's book, "The Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planter," and “Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide”, available on Amazon.   Tune in for essential tips to enhance your garden's fertility and ensure a thriving harvest next year.   Highlights:   (00:10) Clearing Garden Debri (00:58) Preparing for New Gardens (01:53) Benefits of Autumn Soil Work (03:41) Soil Testing and pH Adjustment (05:28) Green Manure Cover Crops   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Late Autumn Planting. Join Stephen Albert as he discusses the art of planting crops in late autumn. Learn more about Late Autumn Planting at Harvest to Table   Discover a variety of cold-tolerant crops, from corn salad to kale, and learn how to extend your growing season with season-extending devices. Stephen shares valuable insights on sowing and harvesting these crops, offering tips for success in the cooler months. Plus, find more expert advice in Stephen's book, "The Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planter," available on Amazon.   This episode is a must-listen if you're eager to maximize your garden's productivity during the late autumn and winter. Don't miss out on Stephen's expert advice; prepare to keep growing all year!   Highlights:   (00:10) Season Extenders and Crop Selection (01:02) Lettuce and Spinach for Winter Harvest (02:05) Kale and Mustard Under Protective Cover (02:55) Multiplier Onions, Asparagus, and Cover Crops (04:51) Resource Recommendation and Closing Thought   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Second Spring Planting in Autumn. Join Stephen Albert and learn how to maximize your garden's yield by planting cool-weather vegetables in late summer and autumn. Learn more about Second Spring Planting in Autumn at Harvest to Table - Second Spring Planting in Autumn.   From choosing the right crops to frost protection strategies, Stephen shares valuable insights for extending your harvest season. Don't miss the tips on achieving a thriving winter garden. Plus, find more expert advice in Stephen's book, "The Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planter," available on Amazon.   Tune in and get ready to keep your garden growing all year round!   Highlights:   (01:11) Ideal Crops for Autumn Planting (03:40) Cold-Hardy vs. Frost-Sensitive Crops (07:06) Temperature-Dependent Growth (08:29) Preparing for Winter Gardening   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Storing Vegetables Join Stephen Albert as he shares valuable insights on storing your vegetable crops. Learn more about Storing Vegetables at Harvest to Table - Storing Vegetables.   Discover essential tips for keeping your vegetables garden-fresh, whether you have a backyard garden or buy from a local market. Learn about four effective methods for preserving vegetables and get a glimpse into Stephen's comprehensive book, "The Vegetable Garden Grower's Guide."    Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, this episode provides essential knowledge for extending the life of your harvest. Tune in, and let's keep those veggies fresh!   Highlights:   (01:05) Proper Vegetable Harvesting (02:13) Four Ways to Store Vegetables (03:13) Cool and Dry Storage (04:18) Cold and Moist Storage (05:21) Freezing Vegetables (06:25) Canning (07:30) Drying Vegetables   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Tomato Ripening Tips. Join Stephen Albert as he shares valuable insights on how to speed up the ripening of tomatoes at the end of the season, especially when frost is looming. Learn more about Tomato Ripening Tips at Harvest to Table - The Basics of Harvesting Tomatoes.   This article will be helpful — Tomato Grower’s Answer Book.  Discover practical tips to ensure you enjoy fully ripe tomatoes before the cold weather sets in. Whether it's picking at the first sign of color, reducing water and fertilizer, or using reflective materials, Stephen provides a comprehensive guide to maximize your tomato harvest.    Don't let those green tomatoes go to waste—learn how to ripen them effectively and savor the taste of homegrown tomatoes.   Highlights:   (01:21) Identifying Ripeness Beyond Red (02:10) Daily Harvesting for Optimal Size (03:01) Maintaining Plant Health (03:52) Pruning and Leaf Management (05:53) Water and Fertilizer Strategy (07:52) Reflective Materials for Faster Ripening   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Tomato Harvest Basics. Join Stephen Albert as he delves into the art of harvesting tomatoes. Learn more about Tomato Harvest Basics at Harvest to Table - The Basics of Harvesting Tomatoes.   This article will be helpful — Tomato Grower’s Answer Book. Discover how to determine when your tomatoes are perfectly ripe, the impact of temperature on ripening, and more. Stay tuned to the end for exciting insights on accelerating tomato ripening as the season winds down. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen for anyone with a passion for homegrown tomatoes.   Highlights:   (00:10) Mastering Tomato Harvesting Technique (01:06) Varieties Beyond Red: Pink, Yellow, and More (02:05) Counting Days to Tomato Maturity (03:56) Temperature's Impact on Tomato Ripening (05:03) The Intricate Journey of Tomato Ripening (11:40) Recommended Inorganic Mulches   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Join us as we share a comprehensive guide to successful herb cultivation. The episode covers the simplicity of growing herbs from families like parsley, mint, and daisy. It delves into essential aspects such as soil preparation, proper watering techniques, and understanding the lifecycles of annual, biennial, and perennial herbs.    You don’t wanna miss this episode as we reveal the remarkable partnership between herbs and vegetables, where herbs act as natural pest repellents. Whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener, the episode offers valuable insights into indoor herb cultivation, selecting containers, and optimizing soil conditions.    Tune in to gain confidence in nurturing thriving herb gardens that enhance your culinary experiences.   You can keep growing with these books from Stephen Albert and Harvest to Table: Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, also Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide, and Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planner. Highlights: (02:12) Mastering Soil Preparation: Deep digging, proper seed contact, and the benefits of grouped planting. (04:30) Understanding Herb Types: Exploring the different growth patterns of annuals, biennials, and perennials. (06:15) Smart Watering Techniques: Adapting watering strategies for different herb categories. (08:40) Herbs as Pest Protectors: Utilizing herbs' natural repellent properties to enhance companion planting with vegetables. (09:00) Sunlight and Herb Location: Optimal sun exposure for herbs, with recommendations for hot climates. (09:45) Moisture Needs: Grouping herbs based on moisture preferences for efficient watering. (10:15) Indoor Herb Growing: Exploring the possibilities and benefits of growing herbs indoors. (10:45) Container Selection: Choosing appropriate containers and emphasizing drainage importance. (11:00) Soil Considerations: Using quality potting soil or planter mix for optimal herb growth. Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Watering in Summer. Join Stephen as he discusses the importance of watering vegetables and plants and how water is essential for plant growth as it carries nutrients and minerals. He covers it in depth in his book Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide.   You can also keep growing with these books from Stephen Albert and Harvest to Table: Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide and Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planner. Tune in now, and learn more about specific watering recommendations for various vegetables at different stages of growth!     Highlights: (00:28) The Importance of Water for Vegetables and Plants (02:38) How Water Interacts with Plants (03:41) Summer Watering for Young Plants (07:16) Critical Watering Times for Different Vegetables  (08:38) Watering Tips and Techniques     Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Mulch for the Vegetable Garden. Join Stephen Albert as he discusses the importance of mulch in vegetable gardening. Learn more about Mulch for the Vegetable Garden at Harvest to Table - How to Grow a Fall Vegetable Garden.   If you want to learn more about using mulch in the vegetable garden, I have a couple of posts about Mulching at Harvest to Table (Mulch). You can keep growing with these books from Stephen Albert and Harvest to Table: Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide, and Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planner. Tune in now!   Highlights: (00:13) Mulch and Its Type (02:42) Benefits of Mulch (05:56) Mulching in Different Seasons (07:37) Applying Mulch (08:39) Recommended Organic Mulches (11:40) Recommended Inorganic Mulches   Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast

Fall Vegetable Garden. Join Stephen Albert as he shares the possibilities to grow vegetables for harvest in the fall. Learn more about Fall Vegetable Garden at Harvest to Table - How to Grow a Fall Vegetable Garden.   This book will be helpful —Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner: A Seasonal Month-by-Month Gardener's Guide. You can keep growing with these books from Stephen Albert and Harvest to Table: Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide, and Vegetable Garden Almanac and Planner. Tune in now and learn more detailed information on planting a fall vegetable garden!     Highlights: (00:07) Planting the Fall Vegetable Garden (02:58) Calculating the number of days to maturity for each crop (04:30) Extending the Growing Season (05: 59) Crop Selection for Fall and Winter Harvest (10:14) Tips for Planting the Fall Vegetable Garden      Links: Website: Harvest to Table iTunes: Harvest to Table Podcast Spotify: Harvest to Table Podcast Google Podcast: Harvest to Table Podcast Amazon Music: Harvest to Table Podcast