https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/rss en © 2026 University of Illinois Answering Questions from Gardeners Across Mid-America Mid-American Gardener Answering Questions from Gardeners Across Mid-America Mid-American Gardener is the podcast companion to Illinois Public Media’s television program of the same name. The podcast, hosted by Tinisha Shade-Spain and featuring experts from Illinois Extension and elsewhere, dives deeper into viewer/listener questions about flower gardening, vegetable gardening, fruit trees, shrubs and landscaping, pest control, tools and structures, coping with climate change, and much more. While the primary garden zones served are 5-6, this podcast offers useful and entertaining conversation that can be enjoyed by gardeners or the garden-curious in all zones. episodic Illinois Public Media will-web@illinois.edu willamfmtv@gmail.com willamfmtv@gmail.com no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/pruning-tips-with-ryan-pankau https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/pruning-tips-with-ryan-pankau Pruning Tips with Ryan Pankau Mid-American Gardener The calendar says Spring, but we’ve got a little more time before the big time spring growth begins, which makes this the perfect time to prune your trees and shrubs. Horticulture expert Ryan Pankau joins us to break down when to prune, how much to cut, and the simple techniques that lead to stronger, healthier trees and shrubs in your landscape. The calendar says Spring, but we’ve got a little more time before the big time spring growth begins, which makes this the perfect time to prune your trees and shrubs. Horticulture expert Ryan Pankau joins us to break down when to prune, how much to cut, and the simple techniques that lead to stronger, healthier trees and shrubs in your landscape. midamerican gardener tree pruning spring pruning flowering trees ryan pankau trees Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:41:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/pruning-smarter-starting-seeds-right https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/pruning-smarter-starting-seeds-right Pruning Smarter & Starting Seeds Right Mid-American Gardener Spring is around the corner, and that means two big garden questions: What can I prune right now? And is it time to start seeds? Host Tinisha Spain sits down with Vermilion County Master Gardener John Bodensteiner to break down winter pruning rules, spring-blooming shrub timing, tree tapping season, and the must-know tips for successful seed starting. Spring is around the corner, and that means two big garden questions: What can I prune right now? And is it time to start seeds? Host Tinisha Spain sits down with Vermilion County Master Gardener John Bodensteiner to break down winter pruning rules, spring-blooming shrub timing, tree tapping season, and the must-know tips for successful seed starting. midamerican gardener john bodensteiner seed starting late winter gardening pruning Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:35:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/peach-pruning-and-early-spring-planting-guide https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/peach-pruning-and-early-spring-planting-guide Peach Pruning and Early Spring Planting Guide Mid-American Gardener Peach trees may be the heartbreakers of the fruit world, but with the right pruning strategy and timing, you can give them their best shot. Chuck Voigt stops in this episode and covers how to shape young peach trees, protect blossoms from winter surprises, and decide when to prune. Plus, we dig into onions from seed, sets, or transplants, early spinach sowing, asparagus patch cleanup, and clematis care. Peach trees may be the heartbreakers of the fruit world, but with the right pruning strategy and timing, you can give them their best shot. Chuck Voigt stops in this episode and covers how to shape young peach trees, protect blossoms from winter surprises, and decide when to prune. Plus, we dig into onions from seed, sets, or transplants, early spinach sowing, asparagus patch cleanup, and clematis care. midamerican gardener peach leaf curl fruit trees illinois gardening onion sets starting seeds spinach planting asparagus care clematis pruning Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:53:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/Luffa-Lilac-and-when-to-start-your-spring-blooming-flowers https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/Luffa-Lilac-and-when-to-start-your-spring-blooming-flowers Luffa Gourds, Winter Pruning, & When to Start Your Spring Blooming Flowers Mid-American Gardener Large loofah harvest! Now what? Jennifer Nelson shows us her haul from last summer, and shares some possible ideas of what she’ll do with the unusual fruit. Then, Martie answers questions about pruning dormant trees and shrubs, and when to start cool season crops, as well as early spring flowers every gardener needs! Large loofah harvest! Now what? Jennifer Nelson shows us her haul from last summer, and shares some possible ideas of what she’ll do with the unusual fruit. Then, Martie answers questions about pruning dormant trees and shrubs, and when to start cool season crops, as well as early spring flowers every gardener needs! midamerican gardener jennifer nelson martie alagna luffa gourd seed starting annual flowers cool season crops pruning illinois gardening university of illinois extension Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:22:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/cool-plants-winter-gardening-and-valentine-flower-care https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/cool-plants-winter-gardening-and-valentine-flower-care Cool plants, Winter Gardening, and Valentine Flower Care Mid-American Gardener From climbing onions to Valentine’s Day bouquets, this episode covers winter gardening strategies, snow care for plants, overwintering success stories, and how to start seeds outdoors in milk jugs for spring blooms. Host Tinisha Spain is joined by Ella Maxwell and Karen Ruckle to discuss caring for fresh cut flowers, protecting plants from heavy snow, tracking wildlife in winter landscapes, overwintering geraniums, and forcing spring flowering branches indoors. The conversation also walks through winter sowing techniques using recycled containers, with tips on drainage, ventilation, and seed thinning for strong spring growth. From climbing onions to Valentine’s Day bouquets, this episode covers winter gardening strategies, snow care for plants, overwintering success stories, and how to start seeds outdoors in milk jugs for spring blooms. Host Tinisha Spain is joined by Ella Maxwell and Karen Ruckle to discuss caring for fresh cut flowers, protecting plants from heavy snow, tracking wildlife in winter landscapes, overwintering geraniums, and forcing spring flowering branches indoors. The conversation also walks through winter sowing techniques using recycled containers, with tips on drainage, ventilation, and seed thinning for strong spring growth. midamerican gardener winter gardening climbing onion valentine's day flowers bouquet arrangements cut flower care snow damage evergreen protection overwintering geraniums winter sowing seed starting forcing branches spring blooms Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:04:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/winter-seed-starting-and-smart-seed-storage https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/winter-seed-starting-and-smart-seed-storage Winter Seed Starting and Smart Seed Storage Mid-American Gardener This week on MidAmerican Gardener, Tinisha Spain is joined by Kay Carnes and Chuck Voigt to talk winter seed storage, indoor growing setups, cool-season crops, and how to choose the right seeds for your growing zone. Learn how to properly store seeds for long-term viability, which seeds do not last as long, and how refrigeration can protect your investment. Kay demonstrates her indoor grow light setup and explains how heat mats give warm-season crops the boost they need. Chuck shares his popular winter sowing guide, including what to plant in January for early spring harvests. The episode also explores the challenges of growing herbs like rosemary and lavender, selecting seeds appropriate for Zone 6, and why frost-free days and days to harvest matter when planning your garden. This week on MidAmerican Gardener, Tinisha Spain is joined by Kay Carnes and Chuck Voigt to talk winter seed storage, indoor growing setups, cool-season crops, and how to choose the right seeds for your growing zone. Learn how to properly store seeds for long-term viability, which seeds do not last as long, and how refrigeration can protect your investment. Kay demonstrates her indoor grow light setup and explains how heat mats give warm-season crops the boost they need. Chuck shares his popular winter sowing guide, including what to plant in January for early spring harvests. The episode also explores the challenges of growing herbs like rosemary and lavender, selecting seeds appropriate for Zone 6, and why frost-free days and days to harvest matter when planning your garden. midamerican gardener winter garden preparation winter gardening seed storage seed starting grow lights heat mats winter sowing cool season crops onions leeks celery parsley rosemary lavender zone 6 gardening seed savers exchange heirloom seeds vegetable gardening chuck's planting guide Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:28:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/garden-inspired-winter-hobbies-to-keep-you-busy-and-mid-winter-houseplant-care-tips https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/garden-inspired-winter-hobbies-to-keep-you-busy-and-mid-winter-houseplant-care-tips Garden-inspired winter hobbies to keep you busy and mid-winter houseplant care tips Mid-American Gardener The days are getting longer, and we’re making our way back to spring, but until then, let’s all stay cozy inside and keep on growing. The days are getting longer, and we’re making our way back to spring, but until then, let’s all stay cozy inside and keep on growing. Thu, 22 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/different-cacti-explained-and-a-tour-of-prairie-fruits-farms https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/different-cacti-explained-and-a-tour-of-prairie-fruits-farms Different cacti explained and a tour of Prairie Fruits Farms Mid-American Gardener We explain the differences between holiday cacti, and tour of the Prairie Fruits Farm goat dairy and creamery. We explain the differences between holiday cacti, and tour of the Prairie Fruits Farm goat dairy and creamery. Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:40:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/a-visit-to-prairie-fruits-farms-for-our-december-shows https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/a-visit-to-prairie-fruits-farms-for-our-december-shows A Visit to Prairie Fruits Farms for our December Shows Mid-American Gardener This week, Karen, Ella, and Jim come along to Prairie Fruits Farms in Urbana to wrap up the year in style! This week, Karen, Ella, and Jim come along to Prairie Fruits Farms in Urbana to wrap up the year in style! Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:25:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/october-2025-wrap-up https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/october-2025-wrap-up October 2025 Wrap-Up Mid-American Gardener We had back into the studio this month to show you some helpful ways to get ready for the winter! We had back into the studio this month to show you some helpful ways to get ready for the winter! Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:04:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/early-fall-at-the-delight-flower-farm https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/early-fall-at-the-delight-flower-farm Early Fall at The Delight Flower Farm Mid-American Gardener We take a trip back to Delight to learn about dahlia care, and how to properly dig up those tender bulbs to avoid any damage for winter storage. We also get crafty with Marigolds! We take a trip back to Delight to learn about dahlia care, and how to properly dig up those tender bulbs to avoid any damage for winter storage. We also get crafty with Marigolds! Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:10:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/gthe-danville-public-librarys-native-plant-garden https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/gthe-danville-public-librarys-native-plant-garden The Danville Public Library’s Native Plant Garden Mid-American Gardener We take a tour of the Danville Public Library's joint collaboration between the Vermillion County Master Gardeners and East Central Illinois Master Naturalists.  We take a tour of the Danville Public Library's joint collaboration between the Vermillion County Master Gardeners and East Central Illinois Master Naturalists.  Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:52:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/all-about-mealy-bugs...a-low-maintenance-perennial-garden https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/all-about-mealy-bugs...a-low-maintenance-perennial-garden All About Mealy Bugs…and a low-maintenance Perennial Garden. Mid-American Gardener In this episode, we discuss transitioning a grass lawn to clover. mealy bugs, and some tips for a low-maintenance perennial garden. In this episode, we discuss transitioning a grass lawn to clover. mealy bugs, and some tips for a low-maintenance perennial garden. Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:53:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/the-amazing-and-creepy-habits-and-lifecycle-of-common-garden-insects https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/the-amazing-and-creepy-habits-and-lifecycle-of-common-garden-insects The Amazing (and Creepy) Habits and Lifecycle of Common Garden Insects Mid-American Gardener  In this episode, host Tinisha Spain sits down in the studio with horticulturist Chuck Voigt and entomologist Phil Nixon for a deep dive into the insects that are munching on your late summer plants.  In this episode, host Tinisha Spain sits down in the studio with horticulturist Chuck Voigt and entomologist Phil Nixon for a deep dive into the insects that are munching on your late summer plants. Fri, 29 Aug 2025 11:13:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/basil-grasses-tomatoes-houseplant-care https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/basil-grasses-tomatoes-houseplant-care Basil, Grasses, Tomatoes & Houseplant Care Mid-American Gardener This week we dive into a wide-ranging conversation covering herbs, vegetables, ornamentals, and houseplants. This week we dive into a wide-ranging conversation covering herbs, vegetables, ornamentals, and houseplants. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:12:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/late-summer-garden-bed-editing-and-hobby-pond-care-at-lake-of-the-woods https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/late-summer-garden-bed-editing-and-hobby-pond-care-at-lake-of-the-woods Late summer garden bed editing and hobby pond care at Lake of the Woods Mid-American Gardener In this special on-location episode of Mid-American Gardener, host Tinisha Spain takes viewers to Lake of the Woods in Mahomet, Illinois, for a deep dive into late summer garden care In this special on-location episode of Mid-American Gardener, host Tinisha Spain takes viewers to Lake of the Woods in Mahomet, Illinois, for a deep dive into late summer garden care Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:43:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/lazy-gardening-big-purple-tomatoes-harvesting-nasturtium-seeds https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/lazy-gardening-big-purple-tomatoes-harvesting-nasturtium-seeds Lazy Gardening, Big purple Tomatoes & Harvesting Nasturtium Seeds Mid-American Gardener This week, Jen Nelson and Kay Carnes drop by to explore the beauty of low-maintenance gardening and the resilience of both plants and gardeners alike. This week, Jen Nelson and Kay Carnes drop by to explore the beauty of low-maintenance gardening and the resilience of both plants and gardeners alike. Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:41:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/july-2025-episodes https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/july-2025-episodes July 2025 Episodes Mid-American Gardener We hit the road this month to visit the Blooming Idiot in Seymore, and Sola Gratia Farm in Urbana. We hit the road this month to visit the Blooming Idiot in Seymore, and Sola Gratia Farm in Urbana. Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:24:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/june-2025-episodes https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/june-2025-episodes June 2025 Episodes Mid-American Gardener This month, we are out and about with a visit to one of our panelists home gardens, and we check out a great place that's using gardening to bring fresh produce to an underserved community. This month, we are out and about with a visit to one of our panelists home gardens, and we check out a great place that's using gardening to bring fresh produce to an underserved community. Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:03:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/may-2025-episodes https://will.illinois.edu/midamericangardener/program/may-2025-episodes May 2025 Episodes Mid-American Gardener We look to get a start on the growing season with a trip to Allerton Park in Monticello. The MAG crew are forced indoors for the show, but it didn't stop us from checking out the plant sale going on outside! We look to get a start on the growing season with a trip to Allerton Park in Monticello. The MAG crew are forced indoors for the show, but it didn't stop us from checking out the plant sale going on outside! Fri, 25 Jul 2025 09:33:00 -0500 no