The Evergreen Thumb

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, Erin Hoover covers everything you need to know about growing garlic in Washington state. She explains the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic, shares her own growing experience, and touches on elephant garlic as well.

Erin walks through site selection, sourcing seed garlic, regional planting timing, spacing methods, and mulching for winter protection. She...

What does it take to protect important crops from harmful plant pathogens? In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, we explore the work of the Clean Plant Center Northwest at Washington State University with its director, Sudarsana "Sud" Poojari.

Sud explains what clean plant material means, why it matters to U.S. agriculture, and how plant material moves through testing and treatment before being released a...

Fall may feel like the end of the gardening season, but for many spring-flowering plants, it's just the beginning.

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, Erin explores fall planting in Washington, with a focus on spring-flowering bulbs and other geophytes. We'll look at why fall is the right time to plant many of these plants, how soil temperature affects planting timing, and what Washington gardeners should consider when deciding...

Cover crops can protect and improve garden soil during the time of year when our gardens are resting. In this episode, Erin talks with Twinflower Wilkie, a WSU Extension Master Gardener in Ferry County, about how cover crops help retain moisture, protect soil from erosion, cycle nutrients, and build healthier soil.

Twinflower also shares why cover crops can benefit pollinators and o...

Every gardener has encountered advice that promises amazing results, from family traditions passed down through generations to the latest trend making the rounds on social media. How do you know what to trust?

In this episode, Erin talks with Bryce Battisti about what "research-based" really means and why it is a core part of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program. Bryce shares his own journey from embracing popular gardening id...

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...

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 ou...

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 ...

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 ...

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 succe...

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...

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...

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, a...

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...

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 t...

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 mi...

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 condition...

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 ...