Today we find out how plants work. And how you can have a successful garden with even less work by helping those underground workers. Washington State University Horticulture Professor Linda Chalker Scott, author of the book, "How Plants Work", talks about the amazing intersection of plants, plant roots, your soil and your mulch … once again proving, your working too hard and spending too much money on something that nature perfected a long time ago. She tackles a few more garden myths, too, something she's famous for in her two earlier books, "The Informed Gardener" and "The Informed Gardener Blooms Again."This episode is brought to you by Smart Pots. Visit smartpots.com/fredfor a money-saving offer on the original, award-winning fabric planter, USA-made. Listen to learn how to win a free, Smart Pots 6-foot long bed! (By the way, if the podcast service you listen to doesn't have a ratings/comment section, you can send your ratings/comment here to enter this contest.)Flowers contribute a lot to the fruit and vegetable garden. they can attract pollinators, hummingbirds, beneficial insects as well as adding beauty. One plant in particular is a pollinator magnet: the Peruvian lily, also know as alstroemeria. It’s also one of the longest lasting indoor cut flowers, too. As long as you don’t cut it. We will explain.How’s that avocado tree doing in your yard? Unless you live in the milder parts of California and Florida, it’s probably not doing very well. We have tips for increasing your chances of actually getting an avocado tree to produce. Maybe. Well, probably not. But what the heck, you gotta try, right?It’s all part of Episode 22 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Cozy up on the mulch and give us a listen. We will do it all in under 30 minutes.More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629.Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available just about anywhere podcasts are handed out. Please subscribe and leave a comment or rating at Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local.All About Farmer Fred:Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comDaily Garden tips and snark on TwitterThe Farmer Fred Rant! BlogFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"Instagram: farmerfredhoffmanThe Proffitt PodcastThe podcast that shows you tips & strategies to create content with confidence!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify