Growing on the High Plains: Recent Episodes
Skip Mancini
Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains. Contact Skip Mancini about the program.
On today's episode, tune in for a sweet story in the round. Sometimes the best treats are worth chasing, but remember that "you can't always get what you want."
It's been hot, High Plains. I don't know about you, but I already have my mind on the Fall—and t's about that time to start planning for planting some trees around your place.
Today, we're getting a little fruity as I share an annual tradition that takes over my kitchen for a while — but it's all for a good, furry cause.
Folks, it's been HOT. That's why today's edition of Growing on the High Plains will talk about plants that can handle the heat.
On today's edition of the program, winter is coming. (Well, not really, but don't tell the snowballs!)
If there's one thing for sure on the High Plains, it's been TOO HOT to think too much about planting ANOTHER garden when it's a challenge to keep up with care for the one that's in the ground. But now is the time to begin planning if you're hoping for an autumnal plot.
Today's edition of Growing on the High Plains will praise the mighty "love apple," also known as the "wolf peach"—though you and I know them as plump, juicy tomatoes.
Is it a cantaloupe? Is it a honeydew? Is it a muskmelon? Well, yes and no...but it's definitely a Jenny LInd melon!
Today, we continue our discussion of milkweed—a crucial plant for monarch butterflies and other pollinators, but also a resource for humans throughout history.
Today's Growing on the High Plains kicks off a two-part exploration of the glorious milkweed plant. Crucial for some species, it's a great addition to any outdoor space — and it's easy to care for, too.
Today's installment of Growing on the High Plains unfurls some knowledge about a common, leafy plant you would certainly recognize: the hosta.
Today's episode celebrates an enchanting floral bush that always evokes a relaxing day playing on the porch of one's grandmother's house.
If jelly is your jam, you won't want to miss this week's edition of Growing on the High Plains!
Do you have a problem resisting when it comes to plants in need of rescue? Yeah, me too.
Travel with me to Pratt, KS today as I take a springtime stroll through a parking lot plant sale, scoring a scent-heavy potted pal that takes me back to my time among the flower children.
Walking among a tree full of flowers, as petals rain down. Now THAT'S how you soak up Spring on the High Plains!
Today's installment of Growing on the High Plains unfurls an intriguing history of an iconic spring flower: the iris.
Today on Growing on the High Plains, we're getting totally tubular—well, TUBER'lar—as we dig down on the meaty potato plant.
Today's Growing on the High Plains sends up praises for an easy-to-grow annual (that's also very easy on the eyes!).
Today's Growing on the High Plains will continue our two-part series on potted plants. We'll take a look at creating new gardens in both new and old spaces.
Tune in to hear my experience of choosing what to plant in a pot, as I hope it will help you decide your own plan for Spring!
Time to turn over a new leaf as we chop into the second half of our two-part series on lettuce.
Whether it's "leaf" or "head," there's a lot to consider when it comes to planting lettuce on the High Plains.
Gardeners tend to get obsessed with what they want to plant. Today, I'll tell the story about my own quest for the McFarland Juniper.
It's not vain to want to surround yourself with the sacred, white narcissus blooms, trumpeting up from a pool of water.
A continuation of our birds-eye view of the Eastern Red Cedar, today we'll talk about how these hearty arbors survive and thrive in our harsh landscape.
It's a tree you see everywhere on the High Plains, but did you know it has a secret? The Eastern Red Cedar isn't a cedar at all.
Today we'll continue our two-part series that offers tips on for how to summon the "flying flowers" to your garden. Because the more butterflies you have flitting around, the more lively the garden experience.
What's not to love about butterflies? As pretty as a flower and quite beneficial to growing garden plants, these welcome buddies deserve a little consideration.
Gardeners, remember that you can always defeat the dumps that winter weather brings by forcing bulbs. It's easy, and it ushers a breath of spring in the dead of winter.
The holidays always take me back to a time with family, so today we'll wander back to the memories I have of visits with my dad, planting and growing in our very own garden.
The traditional foliage trimming for the season might not be too common in our region, but there are holly varieties that can succeed on the High Plains!
This week on Growing on the High Plains, tune in for part two of our deep dig on the splendid amaryllis.
There's a fun way to keep a promise of spring in your home throughout the chillier months of Winter. Consider potting an amaryllis bulb in your window, and bask in the bright, bountiful blooms that unfurl.
For Thanksgiving, this week's episode shares some sweet news about our holiday table, with a focus on conserves, jams, jellies, preserves, and marmalades.
Today's episode might be a saving grace for any of you High Plains gardeners longing for a pop of Spring color on your chilly windowsill. If you try, you can force a hyacinth bulb in the winter months — offering a lovely reminder that Spring is always right around the corner.
Believe it or not, this week's installment of Growing on the High Plains continues to keep an eye to next year's vegetable bed with a crack at the mighty garlic plant.
It's always good to think ahead. And for me, November is bittersweet. While I have to say farewell to this year's plot, I also get to revel in my plans for next year's garden!
Today, we honor halloween by sharing some little-known facts about our friends, the bats.
The weather is cooling, so why not take the gardening indoors? Today's installment covers the basics of starting your own plot of microgreens from the comfort of your own home!
“Yesterday and tomorrow cross and mix on the skyline. The two are lost in a purple haze. One forgets, one waits.” ― Carl Sandburg / "Purple haze all in my brain. Lately, things, they don't seem the same." —Jimi Hendrix
Today's installment of Growing on the High Plains comes from a story I encountered in the Sunday paper. It features an ethnobotanist from the sunflower state and his study of the coneflower (also known as echinacea).
Today's episode takes aim at the pop of color one might see on the usually-muted High Plains landscape: the Rose of Sharon.
You can't win them all, and I certainly didn't claim any victories this year when it comes to my summer garden. Oh well, I'll try, try again for a Fall crop!