Published by Erin Hoover, WSU Extension Master Gardener Program
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Since 1973, WSU Extension Master Gardeners have been developing programs to address the evolving needs of our communities. Each episode, we'll dig into the fascinating world of gardening, exploring a wide range of topics tailored to our unique climate and diverse flora. Whether you're an experienced gardener with a green thumb or a beginner eager to cultivate your own green oasis, we're here to inspire and educate. Join us as we invite expert horticulturists, seasoned Master Gardeners, and passionate plant enthusiasts to share their wisdom, practical tips, and hands-on experiences. We'll cover everything from plant selection and care, sustainable gardening practices, organic pest control, and landscaping design, to tackling common challenges specific to our region. Discover the secrets to thriving vegetable gardens, vibrant flower beds, bountiful fruit trees, and breathtaking native plant landscapes. We'll also explore the intersection of gardening and sustainability, discussing topics like permaculture, composting, and water-wise gardening to help you create an environmentally friendly garden that nurtures both you and the ecosystem. So, whether you're tuning in from the urban jungles of Seattle, the rolling hills of Spokane, or anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest, get ready to dig deep, cultivate your knowledge, and connect with a community of fellow gardening enthusiasts.
In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, Erin Hoover chats with Julie Banken, a Master Gardener with a background in entomology, about creating pollinator-friendly gardens by rethinking traditional fall cleanup practices. Julie shares her passion for gardening with insects in mind, explaining how leaving leaves, stems, and other natural debris provides essential winter habitat for a wide variety of pollinators and beneficial insects. She encourages gardeners to view their yards as crucial parts of the ecosystem, highlights the importance of native plants, and offers practical advice for supporting insect life cycles—like leaving leaf mulch and standing stems through winter and only tidying up the next year. By making simple intentional changes, gardeners can help sustain the pollinators and insects that depend on them, making a positive impact right in their home gardens.
Every gardener has decisions they would make again…and a few they probably wouldn't. In this episode, Erin Hoover reflects on the gardening choices that paid off, the ones that created more work than expected, and the unexpected surprises that have shaped her garden over the years. From self-seeding herbs that got out of control to volunteer flowers worth keeping, she shares practical lessons learned through trial, error, and observation. Along the way, Erin discusses why investing in quality seed potatoes and garlic has been worthwhile, how redesigning her vegetable garden improved watering efficiency, and why a simple moisture meter completely changed the way she waters her garden. If you're just starting out or even if you are a seasoned gardener, this is a reminder that every season teaches us something new.
Gardening changes as we do. Tasks that once felt easy may take more planning, different tools, or a new approach. In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, we talk about practical ways gardeners can adapt their spaces and routines to keep gardening comfortably and confidently over time. King County Extension Master Gardener Sally Bagshaw shares ideas for reducing physical strain, improving accessibility, and rethinking garden design to better fit changing needs. We discuss raised beds, pathways, ergonomic tools, lower-maintenance planting choices, and strategies that help gardeners stay connected to the activities we enjoy most.
In this episode, Lisa Taylor returns to share tips on saving water while gardening. Lisa focuses on how being intentional with water use improves soil health, efficient watering techniques, and drought-tolerant practices for thriving plants. She shares some of her favorite high-quality tools to make saving water easier. Listen to learn how to build resilient gardens that thrive with less water, perfect for hot summers and adapting to climate change.
In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb , we talk with Master Gardener Ed Adams about growing dahlias in Western Washington, including what it takes to manage a large collection of over 600 plants. Ed shares why dahlias thrive in Sequim's unique climate and walks through practical, research-based approaches to growing them successfully. The conversation covers getting started with tubers, seasonal care, supporting healthy growth, and managing common garden challenges using an integrated pest management approach. We also explore what changes when dahlias are grown at scale, along with tips for digging, dividing, and storing tubers for the next season. Whether you're growing a few plants or planning something larger, this episode offers grounded, field-tested insight into making dahlias work in a Pacific Northwest garden. There are a lot of resources mentioned in this episode. Find them on our website .
In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb , we talk with Dr. Joel Gardner from the WSU M.T. James Entomological Collection about native bees, including Dialictus sweat bees, and how new species are discovered. Joel explains how insect collections support research on pollinators and biodiversity in Washington, and why preserved specimens remain important for understanding ecological change over time. Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website . (link opens in new window)
Explore the development of a sensory garden designed to be accessible and therapeutic for neurodivergent individuals, veterans with PTSD, and others with sensory sensitivities. Learn about the design, purpose, and community impact of this innovative project. Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .
Slugs and snails are a constant frustration for gardeners in Western Washington, but trying to eliminate them completely isn't the goal, and it's not realistic. In this episode, we're joined by Skagit County Master Gardener Diana Wisen to talk about why these pests thrive in our region, what role they play in the ecosystem, and how to manage them effectively in a home garden. We dig into slug behavior, life cycles, and the key moments when they're most vulnerable. You'll come away with practical, research-based strategies that focus on control rather than eradication, helping you reduce damage while working with the natural systems in your garden. Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .
In this episode, Patrick Schults, WSU Extension forester, discusses the threat of emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that poses a significant risk to Washington's forests and urban trees. Learn about how it spreads, signs of infestation, and what communities can do to prepare and respond. Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .
In this solo episode, Erin shares her top 10 gardening tips for 2026. These are practical shifts that can make your garden easier to manage while helping plants handle stress such as inconsistent water, pests, and changing weather patterns. You'll hear a mix of mindset shifts, common habits to stop, and a few practices worth adding to your routine. Topics include soil health, watering strategies, biodiversity in the garden, integrated pest management, and making site-driven plant choices. Rather than overhauling everything, the goal is simple: choose one meaningful change this season and observe the results. Referenced episodes and additional resources are available in the show notes on our website .
In this conversation, Colleen Adams-Schuppe, the executive director of the Yakima Area Arboretum, shares her journey and the history of the arboretum, highlighting its unique origin story as a community-driven initiative. She discusses the challenges and successes of curating a living landscape in a desert climate, the significance of various garden spaces, and the role of educational programs in fostering community engagement. Colleen emphasizes the importance of volunteers and community partners in maintaining the arboretum and outlines future aspirations for its growth and development. Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .
Most gardeners recognize honey bees, but in Washington, there are over 600 species of native bees doing much of the pollination work in our landscapes. In this conversation, Anne Bulger, a WSU Master Gardener, discusses the significance of native bees in gardening and pollination. She shares her journey into the world of native bees, emphasizing their efficiency as pollinators compared to honey bees. The discussion covers common misconceptions about native bees, the importance of supporting them in gardens, and the diversity of bee species, particularly mining bees. Anne also highlights the role of native bees in maintaining healthy ecosystems and offers practical advice for gardeners to create bee-friendly habitats. Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .
Good vegetable gardens aren't built by following rules; they're built by paying attention. In this episode, we step back from prescriptive advice and focus on how experienced gardeners actually make decisions. Instead of chasing planting dates or perfect systems, we talk through how to read your landscape, choose crops that make sense for your goals and conditions, and time planting based on what plants respond to, not what the calendar says. You'll learn how to think about frost dates, growing degree days, and USDA zones without confusion, and why observation is one of the most valuable tools a gardener can develop. This episode is about building judgment and confidence over time. If you're planning a new garden or maybe you're trying to understand why past advice hasn't quite worked, this episode will help you approach vegetable gardening with clearer expectations, better questions, and a stronger connection to your specific place. Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .
What does it take to steward a public garden in the middle of a growing city? This episode explores how Bellevue Botanical Garden blends design, ecology, and community partnerships to create a resilient urban landscape. James Gagliardi, the director of Bellevue Botanical Garden, shares insights into the garden's history, community involvement, and its role as a vital green space in an urban environment. He discusses the importance of accessibility, educational opportunities for home gardeners, and the collaborative efforts in maintaining and curating the garden. The conversation also highlights future growth plans and how visitors can engage with and support the garden. We'd love your feedback! 🌱 Your input helps The Evergreen Thumb improve and bring you more of the gardening content you care about. Please take a few minutes to complete our listener survey and share your thoughts. Take the survey here: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QIbU5wb07yEGTs Thank you for helping us grow! Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .
Are you looking to boost your vegetable garden's productivity while keeping soil healthy and pests under control? In this episode, Erin dives into practical crop rotation strategies, including Eliot Coleman's proven rotation and the leaf–root–flower–fruit method. Learn how to sequence crops, use cover crops, and plan rotations that maximize yields and protect your garden soil. We'd love your feedback! 🌱 Your input helps The Evergreen Thumb improve and bring you more of the gardening content you care about. Please take a few minutes to complete our listener survey and share your thoughts. Take the survey here: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QIbU5wb07yEGTs Thank you for helping us grow! Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .
We're taking a break from the podcast this week for the holidays. We'll be back on January 6 with a new episode on vegetable crop rotation. Happy New Year!
Creating Plant Guilds with Native Plants in Washington State Discover how to design thriving, low-maintenance landscapes by mimicking nature's own plant communities! In this solo episode, we explore the concept of plant guilds—groups of plants that work together to create mutually beneficial ecosystems—using Washington's incredible diversity of native species. Learn the essential layers of a successful guild, from canopy trees down to groundcovers, and how each plant plays a specific role in supporting the whole community. We feature detailed deep dives into two guilds: Western Washington Rainforest Edge Guild - Multi-layered woodland for moist, shaded sites with plants like Western Red Cedar, Vine Maple, Red-flowering Currant, and Sword Fern Eastern Washington Shrub-Steppe Guild - Incredibly drought-tolerant plants for hot, dry sites featuring Ponderosa Pine, Big Sagebrush, Rabbitbrush, and Arrowleaf Balsamroot Plus overviews of four additional guilds covering Garry Oak savanna, Palouse prairie, mountain meadows, and riparian corridors. Get practical tips on implementation, maintenance, and common mistakes to avoid when creating your own native plant guilds. Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .
Washington once grew hundreds of unique apple varieties—many of which disappeared from modern cultivation. In this episode, David Benscoter of the Washington Lost Apple Project shares how he tracks down these forgotten varieties, why so many vanished, and what it takes to preserve their genetics for the future. We explore how old orchards are located and identified, the stories behind rare rediscoveries, and how these heritage apples contribute to biodiversity and resilience in a changing climate. David also offers insight into how home gardeners can support conservation efforts and even grow heritage fruit trees themselves. Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .
In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, host Erin Hoover interviews Deirdre Griffin-LaHue, an expert in soil health, about the importance of soil structure in gardening. They discuss how soil structure—how mineral particles and organic matter form aggregates—affects water retention, air flow, and plant health. Deirdre explains the difference between soil texture and soil structure. Key tips include protecting soil with mulch or cover crops, adding organic matter to feed beneficial microbes, and avoiding compaction by not working the soil when it's too wet or dry. Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .
In part nine of our Program Priority Series, guest Laurel Moulton is back to go over clean water. In this episode, Laurel covers: What the clean water program priority is about How our everyday gardening practices impact water quality Gardening and landscape choices to protect clean water Clean water and Integrated Pest Management Key aspects of Integrated Pest Management How Integrated Pest Management practices help safeguard clean water Integrated Pest Management approaches for common pests and plant problems Common pest management misconceptions Resources for Integrated Pest Management and water-friendly gardening How to support clean water in your community Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.
