In The Grow: Recent Episodes

Rachel Boyd

Hi, I'm Rachel Boyd, amateur gardener and all-around plant enthusiast. For those of us who can't spend freely but still wish to cultivate our yard, patch of grass, or sunny window... Come join me, and let's get In The Grow.

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Hi, Plant People! It’s another week of In the Grow Plant School. This week is all about Plant Reproduction. What are ferns? What are gymnosperms? What are angiosperms? Why do they do the things they do and how do we get more plants?

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We’re back and ready to go to school! Plant school! This week we’re starting with Plant Life Cycles & Life Spans. Join Plant Prof Vikram, and Plant Know-Nothing, Rachel to learn more. 

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Hello Plant People! This week on In the Grow, we continue our dive into Permaculture with part 2 of Pondering Permaculture.  This is our last episode of the season, but we'll be back with new content in September! Until then, happy growing.

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Hello Plant People! This week on In the Grow, Vikram explains to me, and you, what Permaculture is... We examine what works and what maybe doesn't. 

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Hello Plant People! This week we're feeling GOURD-geous because we're sharing the recording from our recent In the Grow live event focusing on gourds. 

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Hello Plant People!  May the force be with you! Because this week on In the Grow, we’re launching into Astrobotany. How do plants grow in zero gravity? Or without Earth’s natural microbiome?  Find out with me, Rachel Boyd, and plant expert Vikram Baliga as we get in the grow.

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Hello Plant People! This week on In the Grow, we're answering Katy's questions. She wrote to us and we're responding! We'll be talking about roses, desert willow, and lavender. :)

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Hello Plant People! This week on In the Grow, we're digging into the founding of Earth Day and the changes this celebration has inspired.

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Hello Plant People! This week on In the Grow, we’ve got a spot of tea for you. We take a brief dive into the history of tea and the different types of tea. 

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Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! How about bees, butterflies, bats, and more! Hello Plant People, this week we're talking about pollinators. 

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Hello Plant People! This week on In the Grow, we're myth-busting. We weed out which garden myths hold truth and which are pure bologna.

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Hello Plant People! This week we're joined by Karl McDonald of Meraki Meadows to talk all about saffron, and how his family is growing it right here in West Texas!

Learn more about Meraki Meadows by visiting their website https://txsaffron.com/

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Hello Plant People! This week on In the Grow, we're celebrating St. Patrick's day with Plants of Ireland. We talk about the history of ancient Irish forests, shamrocks versus clovers, and more. 

Music - "A Barrel Of Knives - Young Waters-Tone Rowe's - Leg Of The Duck" by Roger Landes

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Hello Plant People! This week on In the Grow, we pick up where we left off last week in our conversation with Nick Nowicki of Good Earth Recycling.

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Hello Plant People! This week we sit down with Nick Nowicki of Good Earth Recycling. In part one of our chat we talk about the process of recycling materials and how through business we can make a global impact.

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Hello Plant People! This week we discuss starting seeds indoors, including advice on how and why you should consider it. 

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Hello Plant People! This week we’re bringing you basic house plant care with an overview of lighting, soil, and watering. 

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Hello Plant People! This week we're celebrating Valentine's Day. We're talking about flower arrangements and how chocolate is made.

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Hello Plant People! We’re back for a new season of in the grow starting with an episode on Christmas leftovers! What? No, not food, we’re talking about plants you may have been gifted this holiday season. We’ve got tips on care and more. Join me, Rachel Boyd, and plant expert Vikram Baliga to get In the Grow. 

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Hello Plant People! This week on In the Grow, we're finishing up the season with a fun episode exploring the in-game flora of Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim and their real-world counterparts. We mentioned possibly doing a second part, but life happens, so we will wrap the season here and return in February to help get your gardens growing. Happy winter to you all!

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This week on In the Grow, we're sharing the second part of our In the Grow Live recording from October. We've got some great questions from the audience to finish out the event.

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Hello Plant People! In case you missed it, this week we’re sharing the first part of our In the Grow Live recording from October. We talk about more spooky plants and take some great questions from the audience. 

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Hello Plant People, this week we address common house plant pests. Listen in to learn more about mealy bugs, thrips, spider mites, and more.

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Hello Plant People, this week we present the second episode of our two-part series on Horrifying Horticulture! Listen in to hear even more Halloween plant facts and folklore.

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Hello Plant People, this week we present the first of a two-part series on Horrifying Horticulture! We're talking about spooky plants just in time for Halloween. Listen in if you want to find out which plants Vikram dubbed evil cantaloupe and weird asparagus!

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Hello Plant People, this week we're offering you another episode of Botanical Basics: Biology edition. We focus on photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration and how this knowledge can help your garden thrive. 

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Hello Plant People, this week we’re bringing you Botanical Basics. We focus on plant taxonomy and how that information can help gardeners of all skill levels. Join me, Rachel Boyd, and plant expert Vikram Baliga to get in the grow!

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Hello Plant People, this week on In the Grow It's another round of Tree Talk. We focus on the planning and planting of a new tree. Join me, Rachel Boyd, and plant expert Vikram Baliga to Get In the Grow!

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Hello Plant People, do you love wildflowers, tulips, daffodils? Well, we do! And this week on In the Grow we're falling into spring. We're letting you know what you should be planting this fall to have bountiful blooms come springtime.

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Hello Plant People! Have you seen curling, yellowing leaves? A blackened stalk? A mystery, perhaps... Ever wondered why your plant is looking sickly? Can't figure out what ails your botanicals? Well, this week on In the Grow, we're talking about common plant maladies. Join me, Rachel Boyd, and plant expert Vikram Baliga to learn more.

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Hello Plant People, do you find yourself thinking the grass is greener on the other side? Well, it doesn't have to be! This week on In the Grow we're covering lawn care. Not your bag? Not to worry, we're also covering lawn alternatives. Join me, Rachel Boyd, and plant expert Vikram Baliga to get in the grow.

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Hello Plant People! It's dark... it's mysterious... it's nutrient rich!... it's delicious? This week on In the Grow, it's all about compost! Puttin the hay back in the decay. Join Vikram and me as we turn it all over. 

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Hello Plant People, this week on In the Grow, it’s Tree Talk! Vikram and I cover pruning, deep-root injectors, disease indicators, and more! We’ll try not to leaf anything out. ;)

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Hello Plant People, this week on In the Grow, we talk fall planting prep: starting seeds, fertilizing your soil, selecting the right plants, and more! Join Vikram and me as we get in the grow. :)

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Hello Plant People, Growers, and listeners of all kinds! We're back, and this week on In the Grow, we talk about drought-tolerant plants and what exactly qualifies a plant as drought-tolerant. I promise it’s more than cacti! 

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Hello Plant People, in this episode of In the Grow, Vikram and I discuss annoying weeds and how to combat them. We complain about the heat. We also remind you how to water your trees and why it's important. This is our last episode before we take a short summer break, but we'll be back with more in late August or early September. Stay tuned for our plans for an October seed swap event and more! Happy growing season to all. 

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Greetings Plant People! In this episode, Vikram and I answer a listener's question and talk about the current state of our gardens and what else we're planning to grow. It's randomness and there's talk of soggy squirrels, catalytic converters, and Top Gun. We still have some kernels of gardening wisdom in there, so don't worry. Next time, we'll be back with more to help you get in the grow! Join us for randomness and squirrels. :)

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Hello dear listeners, in this episode of In the Grow, we're talking about okra! It's an excitingly hearty plant that I hope you enjoy learning about as much as I did. We discuss spacing, watering, and more for growing okra. We encourage you to plant some this year, as it is a hot, very dry season and okra can surely handle it. Take that, tomatoes! Just kidding. As always, happy planting. :)

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Hello Plant People! We're bringing you a little mini-episode in which Vikram and I answer two listener questions. Enjoy and feel free to send us any questions or comments to inthegrowpod@gmail.com :)

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Hello Plant People! This week Vikram and I have a longer episode for you, in which we focus on how to grow solanaceous crops. That means we're talking about the nightshade family: potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, & peppers. It's a long one, but a fun one, so stick with us through the end when Vikram finds out how very mad sweet pickles make me. Random? Yes, but if you want to hear more of our shenanigans, listen in!

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Greetings PlantPeople, for this episode, Vikram and I talk about how to get started growing and continue to care for legumes. Join us and learn how easy it is to leguuuuume! Let's go! 

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Hello PlantPeople! For this episode of In the Grow, Vikram and I talk about how to nourish your soil prior to planting, how to maintain it, and if needed, how to baby it back to health. Please join us as we dish the dirt on dirt...I mean soil. :)

Apologies for the few email chimes that interrupted the recording. We will have that worked out prior to our next episode.

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Can you imagine a world filled with beer, bread, and cheese? A world where Santa Claus brings you mind-altering reindeer pee? Well, you're in it! Fungus is among us. Join Vikram and me as we go on a fantastic and random journey through fungi facts and lore.

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Helloooo Plant People! Join Vikram and me for this episode of In the Grow, in which we discuss ways you can source seeds for your garden for free or for a low cost. We talk about the Lubbock Master Gardener Association and their partnership with Lubbock Public Libraries which resulted in the Sow & Grow Seed Library. You can now get seeds at several library locations: Mahon, Groves, Patterson, and Godeke. Listen in to learn more. 

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Hello Plant People! This week we present to you the second episode of our two-part series on native Texas plants and their First Nations folklore and more. We hope you enjoyed this tangential adventure with us, but we'll be back in two weeks with a show more focused on growing specifically. If you want to share your questions, comments, or stories with Vikram and me, please write to us at inthegrowpod@gmail.com! We hope to hear from you. :)

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Hello Plant People, join Vikram and me as we discuss plants native to Texas and First Nations' legends and practical uses of those plants. We are definitely not experts in this area but thought this would be a great topic to explore. If you have more information about this topic please write to us at inthegrowpod@gmail.com

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Hey there Plant People! Join Vikram and me as we talk fun facts about common holiday plants like Christmas Cactus, Poinsettia, Mistletoe, and Holly! Grab your Elf and Santa hats, pop 'em on your heads and listen in! 

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Hey there Plant People and Growers! If you were thinking you missed your window for winter planting, don't worry! We haven't planted our winter crops yet either, and we'll tell you why that's okay. On this episode of In the Grow, Vikram and I talk about crops you can plant to survive this winter season as well as small builds, like cold frames, that can help extend your growing season by protecting your crops through inclement cold weather. Dig in and enjoy!

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In this episode of In the Grow,Vikram and I discuss various ways that you can preserve your crops, extending what you have over a longer period. We aren't experts, but we have a couple of ideas that are absolute gems. Listen in to learn more! 

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For this episode of In the Grow, Vikram and I sit down and have a discussion with Dr. Deborah Landau about insects and various creepy crawlers that we often see in our yards and gardens. Listen in to learn more about ants, aphids, spiders, and more!

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Hello Plant folks, it's pumpkin season! Vikram and I get a little off our gourds, but you'll have fun and learn some interesting facts about gourds. Join us for the episode of In the Grow in which we talk about what is a gourd? Spoilers Squash and pumpkins are gourds. Listen in to learn more!

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Hello Plant folks! It's the start of the fall semester and for those of us associated with schools or universities your brain might be a little... "mushy" to quote Plant Jeeves. But, it is fall and that means time for planting! Join Vikram and me for this episode, in which we get off on a few tangents but mainly give ideas on plants that are good for fall and tips on how to grow them. 

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Hello Plant People! Join me and Dr. Vikram Baliga for this episode of In the Growin which we sit down and talk with Dr. Deborah Landau, Maryland-based ecologist for the Nature Conservancy. We talk about how you can make a big impact on your immediate environment through what you grow and what you leave in your garden. Listen in to learn more!

To learn more about the Nature Conservancy visit http://nature.org

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This episode of In the Grow is muy caliente!Dr. Vikram Baliga and I sit down to talk all about peppers. Join us to learn about these rage-berries. 

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Greetings Plant-People! In this episode of In the Grow, Dr. Vikram Baliga and I provide advice and suggestion on watering, mulching, shading, and more to help your garden survive the brutal summers of West Texas. Listen in to learn more! :)

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Hello PlantPeople! In this episode of In the Grow, Dr. Vikram Baliga and I talk about some pruning and maintenance you might consider doing during this growing season. We also get up to some hi-jinks, so be sure to tune in to hear more! :)

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In this episode of In the Grow, Dr. Vikram Baliga and I talk about planting warm and cool weather plants as a way to extend your growing season. Join us to learn more about getting the most grow out of your year.

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Hellooo Plant-People, on this episode of In the Grow,Dr. Vikram Baliga and I discuss dedicating certain plants to seed and saving said seeds for future years of gardening! Join us and get in the grow. :)

Lubbock Public Library and Master Gardening Association Seed Library, Sow & Grow Information

The Sow & Grow Seed Library and Exchange is a joint project of Lubbock Public Library and the Lubbock Master Gardener Association located in the Mahon, Groves and Patterson Libraries.

You do not need a library card to access the seed library and exchange. There are a few rules for both donating and taking seeds. Envelopes for seeds you wish to donate are available at the seed library and exchange as well as instructions and information about the Lubbock Master Gardener Association.

Seed libraries are a place to protect, guard, and save local seeds. Saving local seeds acclimated to our area is important. Seed libraries are a place to promote diversity in plants and gardens as well as to preserve history in plant form. 

https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/library/about-us/specialty-collections

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Hello Plant Growers! Join Dr. Vikram Baliga (aka Plant Jeeves and host extraordinaire of Planthropology) and me as we talk about the advantages of catching rain in your very own DIY rain barrel. Listen in to learn more!

https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/storage/images/IE3DX3IFvaZjr65JaEvsrw9LycubZncHRJhpGTXF.pdf

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In this episode of In the Grow, I am joined once again by plant expert/plant Jeeves, Dr. Vikram Baliga (Planthropology, TTU Horticultural Labs and Greenhouses, Professor, and quality human being) as we talk about companion planting! Companion planting can be a number of things: symbiotic plant relationships, spatial utilization, or visual aesthetics. Listen in to learn more! Special thanks to the Oneida tribe and various Native American tribes who have continued to pass down this tradition of companion planting through the generations.  

The legend of the Three Sisters:

https://www.oneidaindiannation.com/the-legend-of-the-three-sisters/

More on the Three Sisters!

https://www.pbs.org/native-america/blogs/native-voices/meet-the-three-sisters-who-sustain-native-america/#:~:text=The%20Three%20Sisters%20are%20represented,for%20sunlight%20from%20the%20earth.

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Stuck inside? Tired of this snowmageddon? Maybe try distracting your mind by paying attention to your house plants! Join me, Rachel Boyd, and Dr. Vikram Baliga (TTU Horticulture Lab Coordinator and Planthropology host) as we talk about an array of issues and tactics that apply to indoor plant care. Stay warm and please be safe! Take all necessary precautions and do not underestimate this winter weather we are experiencing. Sending love and plant-enthusiasm to you all!

Leaf Guide:

  • Leaf burn, scorched tips, brown or black tips - can point to a number of issues including watering issues, nutrient deficiency, cold damage, sun damage. Consider your current steps for managing your plant and address from there (i.e. do I water this plant every day vs do I water this plant every 3 weeks?)
  • Yellowing - nitrogen deficiency, temperature, or not enough light
  • Interveinal Chlorosis - This is when the veins in your leaves remain green but the fleshy part of the leaf yellows... this most likely means you have an iron deficiency or some other micro-nutrient deficiency such as zinc or manganese.
  • Drooping - watering issues... this can mean over-watering as well, not just underwatering. YOU CAN WATERLOG your plant, so be attentive to your watering habits and let your plants breathe.
  • Pruning - Do not be afraid to prune your indoor plants! They don't have normal environmental factors that would help them naturally prune and shed in the wild. If you see dead leaves or dying material on your plant, remove it immediately! It will not only look better, but your plant will be happier. :)
  • Check your roots - Are they poking out of the bottom trying to escape? Are they wrapped around themselves circuitously? These are signs that your plant needs more room and is ready to be repotted! Many box stores habitually under-pot plants, so if you've recently bought a plant, check its roots and make sure it has enough space to grow and flourish.

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Join me, Rachel Boyd and resident plant expert, Dr. Vikram Baliga (Planthropology) as we have a conversation about that wonderful, rich thing we call compost!  

Compost Tips mentioned:

  • Nitrogen to Carbon Ratio (3:4 Green and brown organic materials)
  • Diversify your compost contents
  • CHOP! CHOP! Chop things into small pieces (increased surface area means better decomposition!)
  • Keep it TURNT! Turn your compost regularly
  • Use compost sparingly or dilute it - IT IS STRONG STUFF!

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Materials Gathered

Rolls cut....       

......and labeled.

Fill with dirt...

Spray and Sun.

Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKbw0X6HV34/

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In this episode of In the GrowI start with a quick how-to on how to start your indoor seeds for your spring/summer garden, then I'll check-in with ITG's resident plant expert, Dr. Vikram Baliga, to answer my seedy questions. Dr. Baliga is not only a fully qualified Plant-Jeeves, he also teaches at Texas Tech University and runs their Horticultural Lab and Greenhouse. Check out his podcast, Planthropology, where ever you get your podcasts!

Or Visit:

https://www.planthropologypod.com/

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Hey, I'm Rachel Boyd, amateur gardener and all-around plant enthusiast. In the Grow blossomed from my own joys and misadventures in gardening on a budget. For those of us who can't spend freely, but still wish to cultivate your yard, patch of grass, or sunny window; Come join me and let's get in the grow!