Archived Shows
November 2003

11/01/03
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Mike McGrath just planted some very special Spring bulbs - a sampling of varieties that are being included in the garden of remembrance that will commemorate the victims of September 11 in New York's Battery Park. Mike will name the specific varieties, and tell you why these bulbs were selected; it wasn't for their beautiful looks alone. He'll also dish out some general bulb-planting advice.

11/08/03
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Are you terrified by termites? Don't worry, Mike McGrath will explain how to tackle termites without toxins! Bill Quarles of the Bio-Integral Resource Center in Berkeley, California joins us to share some of the latest research. New studies show that you can control these creatures without poisoning your property! Later on the show, Mike will discuss the beauties we call "summer blooming bulbs", like dahlias and gladiolas. They have to come inside for the winter and we'll tell you how to safely store them so they'll flower again next season.

11/15/03
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In nature, landscapes have a great system of feeding themselves, and fighting off pests. Nobody spread chemical fertilizers on the Great Plains, and America's magnificent forests grew tall without pesticides. Mike McGrath will tell you how you can replicate this system in your garden - with your own, home-made compost! During this episode of You Bet Your Garden, we'll get to the first part of the "Compost College of Knowledge." Mike will explain how Composting works, and how you can get a compost pile started.

11/22/03
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Would you like to make your own plant-feeding, soil-improving, disease-preventing compost, but aren't quite sure how? Mike McGrath will continue his "College of Composting Knowledge." This week, he'll discuss what to include in the compost pile, and how to choose a composter that will work best for you and your neighborhood.

11/29/03
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Have you ever suspected there might be bad stuff in your soil? Do you need to know if a new home is surrounded by troubled ground? Mike McGrath will explain how to have your earth tested for contaminants at a bargain price - and where to go for regular soil tests as well. This is a great time to learn your garden's pH and find out about any missing nutrients. Ordering a soil test also makes a great holiday gift for gardeners.