What should you do when an unexpected heavy frost or freeze damages your plants? (4:25)How can mulch save you water? (8:32)Are those extra ingredients in fertilizers and potting soils worth the expense? (17:10)What’s a good soil recipe for starting seeds? (20:31)Why is soil pH important? (25:11)What’s a good soil mix for growing blueberries? (28:21)How can you get seeds to germinate more quickly? (29:30) How can you tell if those old seeds are any good? (31:36)What is an inexpensive way to protect young plants in the garden in early spring? (34:00)Are eucalyptus wood chips ok to use in the garden? (36:55)How do you mulch around irises? (41:45)Are cedar wood chips ok to use in the garden? (38:28, 43:20)Why do you need a fan blowing on young indoor seedlings? (45:41) How do you control soil grubs? (47:44)Wow, that a lot of questions. And America’s Favorite Retired College Horticulture Professor, Debbie Flower, and I, provide the answers (or opinions) at this, a live mid-February recording at the Elk Grove (CA) Garden Club. A splendid time was had by all.  It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, Live (sort of) brought to you by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at BuzzsproutPictured: A Freezing Brugmansia That Wishes It Was in USDA Zone 10Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/chipdrop.com (free wood chips)Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott Garden Myths booksThe Garden Professors on Facebook All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics Farmer Fred website The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram: farmerfredhoffman Twitter: @farmerfredFarmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.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. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter