One Garden Basic we need to stress more on this podcast is this: to head off major plant problems, observe your garden, carefully. Retired college horticulture professor Debbie Flower talks about some mental exercises she taught her students to become better observational gardeners. Plus, we discuss growing avocado trees in marginal climates. And, tips for moving giant pumpkins that might be taking over your backyard.It’s all on episode 140 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go! Pictured:The Bacon avocadoLinks:New! The Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Smart Pots12” wooden garden marker stakesMore episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer FredGarden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the Buzzsprout home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred:The  Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comDaily Garden tips and snark on TwitterThe Farmer Fred Rant! BlogFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"Instagram: farmerfredhoffmanFarmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTubeAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.And thank you for listening.The Proffitt PodcastThe podcast that shows you tips & strategies to create content with confidence!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify