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Kevin Espiritu
The Beet started as the Epic Gardening Podcast, but has grown into a one-stop shop for plant lovers. Five days a week, we explore topics ranging from beginner gardening tips to in-depth discussions with industry and science experts. Here, we’ll open up new gardening horizons, inspire you to greater heights, share new and exciting discoveries in agriculture, and fill your mind with freshly-harvested information you can apply to your own gardening journey!
Dealing With Fungus Gnats
One of the most frustrating pests in many indoor gardens is the dreaded fungus gnat and its young, the fungus gnat larvae. These little buggers can absolutely destroy your plants if you’re not vigilant — and they can do it quickly. The primary way that fungus gnats affect your plants is through their larvae. They lay eggs in your growing medium. Once they hatch, the larvae will attach to the roots of your plants and drain them of nutrients. Although the larvae are the main negative actors, adult fungus gnats can carry disease, especially fungal diseases. These can be deadly on their own, but that’s not all. They also lay hundreds of eggs fast, which will devour plant roots! It’s absolutely essential that you stop these pests before they can take hold, whether indoors or out. The last thing you need is for your plants to succumb to a horrible fate. I’ll help you to overcome your fungus gnat woes, though. Let’s go into detail about fungus gnats and their larvae, and learn how to demolish them before they can take over! Learn More: Fungus Gnat Larvae: How To Kill Them Off Quickly Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
06:4610/05/2018
The Many Uses of Comfrey
Comfrey is a super-plant for your garden. You can use it in a million different ways, and in today's episode I'll go over four different ways. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
06:0309/05/2018
Soil Testing: Which To Do And When To Do It
Most people know what their plants need to thrive. But how will you know if your garden has everything it really needs? Test the soil, of course! And yet there’s so many test types available. How should you choose? I’ll help you sort through the different types of soil test kits that are on the market today and find the best soil test kit for your needs. Better yet, I’ll explain all about testing your soil and how to do it. Learn More: Best Soil Test Kit For 2018: Which To Get And What To Know Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
05:5908/05/2018
Important Beneficial Insects
In our last episode with McKay Joice, we're looking at some other beneficial insects besides bees. There's an entire network of insects that are helpful in the garden...it's not ALL about bees ;) Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
05:1007/05/2018
How to Save the Bees
We hear all about saving the bees...but how serious of an issue is really? And how do we do our part as home gardeners? Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
09:4806/05/2018
Attracting Bees To Your Garden
We're learning a lot about bees this week...but what about how to get them IN our garden in the first place? That's what today's show is ALL about. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
07:3905/05/2018
All About Honey!
Ah, honey. The magical, delicious elixir that we know and love. Let's learn all about it in today's show :) Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
06:5004/05/2018
How Does a Beehive Work?
We don't know everything about bees, but we do have a pretty good idea of how a beehive operates...and it's fascinating. Learn all about it in today's show. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
07:4303/05/2018
Pollen, Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly...
Today we learn all about the different types of products bees produce...and what we can use them for in the garden and kitchen! Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
06:1302/05/2018
It's BEE WEEK On The Podcast!
Today kicks off what I am calling Bee Week on the podcast. I invited my friend McKay Joice onto the show to talk bees. She's a solo beekeeper and a font of knowledge about these majestic creatures. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
14:3501/05/2018
Experiments in Martha's Garden
In the FINAL episode with Ryan McCallister, Martha Stewart's personal gardener, we riff on some experiments he's running in the garden right now as well as touch on the straw bale gardening method. Learn More: Ryan McCallister on Instagram Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
10:4630/04/2018
Tilling vs. No Till
In the 6th of 7 episodes with Ryan McCallister, Martha Stewart's personal gardener, we get into why he rototills the garden and his perspective on the no-till method. Learn More: Ryan McCallister on Instagram Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
05:5429/04/2018
Spring and Winter Garden Prep
In the 5th of 7 episodes with Ryan McCallister, Martha Stewart's personal gardener, we get into how he approaches the monumental task of preparing her garden for Spring, as well as tips for Winter winding down in the garden. Learn More: Ryan McCallister on Instagram Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
04:4228/04/2018
Crop Rotation in Martha's Garden
In the 4th of 7 episodes with Ryan McCallister, Martha Stewart's personal gardener, we talk about his approach to rotating crops in the veggie garden. Learn More: Ryan McCallister on Instagram Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
08:0727/04/2018
Keeping Track Of Your Garden
In the 3rd of 7 episodes with Ryan McCallister, Martha Stewart's personal gardener, we talk about just how the heck he keeps track of everything going on in the garden! Learn More: Ryan McCallister on Instagram Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
04:2926/04/2018
Martha Stewart's Garden in Spring
In the 2nd of 7 episodes with Ryan McCallister, Martha Stewart's personal gardener, we get into what's happening in the garden this Spring! Learn More: Ryan McCallister on Instagram Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
06:5725/04/2018
Martha Stewart's Personal Gardener
Today kicks off another 7-part series on the podcast, this time with Ryan McCallister, who holds the vaulted position of Martha Stewart's personal gardener. In this episode we get into his background in gardener and how the heck he got that job! Learn More: Ryan McCallister on Instagram Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
08:1024/04/2018
Bougainvillea Care Tips
Ah, bougainvillea. The plant I HATED as a kid. Well, I've seen the error of my ways and now have two large bougainvilleas on my property. Learn how to care for them in today's show. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
04:0223/04/2018
7 Ways to Supecharge Your Soil
When you're prepping a bed, it's important to know that there are a wealth of options for recharging the soil. Whether you're setting up a new bed or trying to amend after a bountiful harvest, here are 7 organic ways to get your soil filled with nutrition! Learn More: 21+ Organic Fertilizers and How To Use Them In Your Garden Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
05:5522/04/2018
Indoor Lighting Considerations
Growing indoor can be a challenge, mostly because you have to create your own sunlight by using indoor grow lights. Today I answer a question from Karen about a few things you should think about when considering growing indoors under lights. Learn More: All of my indoor grow light content on the site Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
05:0321/04/2018
How Peanuts Grow...
Did you know how peanuts grow? I didn't until a few years ago. It BLEW MY MIND. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
02:4820/04/2018
Succession Planting Tips
Succession planting can be confusing, but it's a way to squeeze a ton more produce out of the garden. In this episode, I attempt to explain the basics :) Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
07:0319/04/2018
Weekly Garden Update
One episode a week, I'll update you on my learnings in the garden as well as any major happenings. Hopefully you can learn from my mistakes as you grow this season! Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
09:1718/04/2018
Destroying Mealybugs FOREVER
Only a tenth to a quarter of an inch long, tiny mealybugs don’t look particularly dangerous. However, these voracious plant-suckers can literally suck the life out of your plants if you’re not careful. Today, I plan on helping you to stop the mealybug manifestation on your plants forever. Once you’ve read the information below, you should know everything you need to get rid of these little pests and keep them out! Learn More: Mealybugs: Making Pseudococcidae Pests Go Away For Good Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
09:0517/04/2018
The Cucumber Episode
Once the warmth of summer comes on, cucumbers are a favorite addition to summer salads and sandwiches. Growing cucumbers at home is surprisingly easy, and you’ll find that the ones you grow are far superior to anything you can buy at the store. Whether used to make pickles, eaten fresh from the garden, or used for their juice, cucumber is a great source of vitamins and micronutrients. They’re packed with water and fiber, two things essential to our health. And they’re low-calorie, making them a favorite food of the diet-conscious. Let’s not forget that the plants themselves are a bright green and will enliven your garden space with a mat of dense, fat leaves. Hiding within those vines or bushes can be an abundance of delicious food if you just follow this guide! Learn More: Growing Cucumbers: The Ultimate Guide To Cucumis Sativus Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
17:2916/04/2018
The Willy Wonka Pepper
Its real name is the Chinese 5 Color Pepper, but I call it the Willy Wonka pepper because it looks like it'd be right at home in his Chocolate Factory! This is one of the wildest-colored peppers you'll ever grow. Learn More: Buy Chinese 5 Color Pepper Seeds Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
03:3315/04/2018
I Planted an Actual Tomato In The Ground...
This episode is a long time in the making. I had a rotting tomato in my kitchen and just planted it in the ground to see what would happen. It's been a few months and...guess what? It worked! Find out exactly how well it went in today's show. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
03:4714/04/2018
5 Easy and Nutrient Dense Plants to Grow
A few of my friends are getting into gardening and wanted to know the 5 most healthy plants that are ALSO the easiest to grow. Here is what I came up with! Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
07:0613/04/2018
Conditioning a Straw Bale Garden
We've talked about Straw Bale Gardening, but now I have a fresh bale in my front yard and it's time to put my money where my mouth is! But first...I have to "condition" the bale so it's ready to grow in. Here's how to do it. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
05:2912/04/2018
How Gardening Can Help You Age Gracefully
As you become older, you may feel inclined to give up your beloved gardening past time as physical activity becomes more difficult. Elderly gardening may seem to be too much effort. But don’t give up! With the help of some very helpful tools and tips, you can continue to garden well into your golden years. While gardening can stock your kitchen with delicious vegetables and fruits, in the case of senior citizens the additional benefits of gardening become even more important. Learn More: Elderly Gardening: Grow Gracefully Into Your Golden Years Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
08:2111/04/2018
Unique Technique for Container Leeks
We've covered leeks before...but never like this! How do you grow them in containers and leave enough space for roots to grow, but also get white, straight, blanched leek stems? Find out in today's show. Learn More: Leeks: Everything You Need To Know To Grow And Harvest Them Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
05:0710/04/2018
Fruits to Grow in Containers
Growing in a small space? Fear not! You can still grow fruits at home. Here are some you should consider. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
05:1309/04/2018
How to Use Pine Needles
Got a stash of old pine needles and wondering what to do? Never fear, I'm here to riff on some ideas for using them in the garden. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
02:5008/04/2018
The Many Types of Bees
Ever wondered if there's more than the humble honey bee? The answer is a resounding YES. Here are a few common types of bees you'll find in the garden. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
03:2707/04/2018
Pruning Eggplants
To prune, or not to prune? That is the question when it comes to eggplants. Here's the 411 on when, why, and how to prune those nightshades! Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
02:5306/04/2018
Fence Planter Ideas
I've got a few open fences that I'm ready to garden on, so I figured I'd share some ideas with you! Check these out for some vertical gardening inspiration. Learn More: Fence Planters: Fantastic & Free Plans To Get More Growing Space Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
06:1905/04/2018
Growing Apple Trees in Small Spaces
Listener Tony wrote in and suggested I take a look at columnar apple trees...so I did! And now I'm bringing my findings to you. Keep Growing, Kevin Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
04:0004/04/2018
Epic Gardening Headquarters
Join me as I riff on the plans for the Epic Gardening book as well as how I'm approaching the garden this year. Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
03:3803/04/2018
Rats In The Garden
Learn More: Rat Proof Garden: How To Get Rid Of Rodents In Garden Spaces Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
05:3102/04/2018
Fertilizing Tomatoes: What to Know
Learn More: Tomato Fertilizer: How To Feed Your Plants For Ultimate Harvests Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
06:1501/04/2018
Cat Safe Houseplants
Learn More: Houseplants on Epic Gardening Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
06:2731/03/2018
NFT System Questions Answered
Learn More: The Nutrient Film Technique Explained Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
06:3530/03/2018
Chipmunks in the Garden?!
Having issues with chipmunks? Try these tips to get rid of these pesky buggers! Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
03:5829/03/2018
The Story of Garden Maker Naturals
It didn't feel right to have Bill from Garden Maker on and not talk about the origin of the company. I always admire founders and entrepreneurs in the gardening space, being one myself! If you're interested in how a company starts and how problems are solved, you'll love this episode. Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Use the code 'partnershipping' for 50% off of your shipping costs! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
11:1328/03/2018
Soil Microbes and More
We've talked about soil microbes before on the podcast, but never in this level of depth. Bill's back and stronger than ever with some serious knowledge on the soil food web. Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Use the code 'partnershipping' for 50% off of your shipping costs! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
19:2027/03/2018
Breaking Down The Epic Soil Starter Mix
As I'm sure you know, I created a custom organic fertilizer mix designed to supercharge a new raised bed...but what exactly is in it. And more importantly, why are those ingredients in it? Bill's back and here to explain some of the finer details of the mix. Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Use the code 'partnershipping' for 50% off of your shipping costs! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
09:5526/03/2018
Make Your Own Organic Fertilizer?
How would you think about constructing your own fertilizer? Bill from Garden Maker drops his expert knowledge. I hope you enjoy this episode :) Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Use the code 'partnershipping' for 50% off of your shipping costs! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
09:5325/03/2018
Alfalfa Meal: A Secret Weapon?
Today we have a very special guest on the show - Bill from Garden Maker! As you know, Garden Maker sponsors the Epic Gardening podcast and I'm very grateful for that. I thought I'd have Bill on to drop some knowledge about some commonly-found organic fertilizer ingredients. Today is all about alfalfa meal! Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Use the code 'partnershipping' for 50% off of your shipping costs! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
06:2624/03/2018
The Magic of Corn Gluten
Today we have a very special guest on the show - Bill from Garden Maker! As you know, Garden Maker sponsors the Epic Gardening podcast and I'm very grateful for that. I thought I'd have Bill on to drop some knowledge about some commonly-found organic fertilizer ingredients. Today is all about corn gluten. Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Use the code 'partnershipping' for 50% off of your shipping costs! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
04:5123/03/2018
Houseplants From Seed?
In the final houseplant episode with Jane, we'll learn how to grow houseplants from seed...yes, seed. It's a foreign concept to most gardeners, even though we grow from seed all of the time in our veggie gardens. Learn More: Jane's Website On The Ledge Podcast Keep Growing, Kevin Podcast Sponsor: Garden Maker Naturals Natural and organic fertilizers with complete ingredient transparency, custom-mixed for your garden's unique needs. You can get my Epic Soil Starter custom-mixed fertilizer over at Garden Maker. I designed it with one of their founders to take a raised bed from basic soil to super-charged in a single season! Follow Epic Gardening Everywhere: YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter
07:5822/03/2018