Ahh, yes….Springtime….when the prevailing question among some backyard tomato growers is: should I prune off the first tomato flowers I see in order to get more tomatoes later on? The answer is either "no!",  "mmm...it depends", or, "perhaps". Master Gardener Gail Pothour will tell us why that answer is, "it depends". I still say no!Also, we talk with garden book author Robert Kourik, his latest is Sustainable Food Gardens: Myths and Solutions.  He has a lot of great common sense advice for maximizing your backyard food production.We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in just a bit over 30 minutes (but under 40 minutes). Let’s go!Live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the new home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net or BuzzsproutPictured: Tomato Flower: Should It Stay or Should It Go?Links:Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter , “Beyond the Basics” https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/Fair Oaks Horticulture CenterThe Truth About Compost Tea from VA Cooperative ExtensionCompost Tea Interview in the Garden Basics "Beyond the Basics" NewsletterFF Rant: Plants to Attract Beneficial InsectsChipper/ShreddersGot 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. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter: Beyond the Basics  https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter https://twitter.com/farmerfredThe Proffitt PodcastThe podcast that shows you tips & strategies to create content with confidence!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Holistic Life NavigationThis podcast explores how to heal stress & trauma holistically. I am your host, Luis...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify