WPTF Weekend Gardener

The conversation continues with hibiscus, figs, and seasonal lawn care. Rufus adds his signature humor while the team takes questions on shrubs, blooms, and fall planting.

Live from the WPTF studio, Mike Raley, Phil Campbell, and Rufus Edmonston kick things off with late-summer tomatoes, azaleas, and practical advice. Listener calls and stories set the tone for the morning.

Mike, Rufus, and Nelsa wrap up the broadcast from the Farmers Market with guests Judy Montague, Wayne, Richard, and Bart. The final hour brings more market stories, expert advice, and lively listener interaction.

From the State Farmers Market, Mike, Rufus, and Nelsa welcome John Harmuth to the table. Conversation turns to hibiscus, community events, and more practical advice for Carolina gardeners.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmonston, and Nelsa Cox kick off the show live at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. They chat with vendors, share seasonal tips, and answer listener questions to start the morning.

In the final part, the team talks with Billy from the local Farmer's Market about the seasonal produce currently available, including butter beans, squash, and figs. They also discuss a hot sauce festival in Oxford and the local pepper grower, Bailey Farms.

The hosts take calls from listeners, providing gardening advice on topics such as caring for crape myrtles and hydrangeas, controlling crabgrass, and attracting pollinators. They also address a listener's tomato problem, sharing a text message solution from "tomato guru" Gerald Adams.

The show opens with hosts Mike Raley and Rufus, along with guest Johnny Coley, introducing special guest Gary Stevenson, the Chief Meteorologist for Spectrum. They discuss the recent delightful August weather and Gary's background, then have a lighthearted "swearing-in" ceremony for Gary to join the crew. The segment concludes with an intriguing mention of the "Chitlin Club," a secretive society from the 1940s.

The third hour of the Weekend Gardener features a discussion about the challenges farmers are facing this season. As the episode continues, the crew answers callers' questions, provides valuable advice, and reflects on callers' birthdays. The show concludes with closing thoughts and future plans for the Weekend Gardener!

As the second hour of the Weekend Gardener continues, the crew delves into substantial discussions about tomatoes. They explore everything from the "Rufus Tomato" to the distinctions between hybrid and heirloom tomatoes.

Mike Raley is joined by Gerald Adams, Amanda Bratcher, and Rufus Edmiston in the WPTF studio for this weekend's episodes. The episode starts with funny travel stories, updates on gardening, and expert advice. Of course, it wouldn't be a weekend gardening episode without some updates on tomatoes!

In the second hour, Mike, Rufus, Keith, and the rest of the crew return with some playful banter about engineers. They continue to take questions from callers and provide updates throughout the show. As they approach the end of the second hour, the crew has a conversation with the wonderful team at Rescued WOOD Rehab, followed by more humorous banter with a guest caller before transitioning into the third hour.

Broadcasting live from Rescue Wood Rehab in Fuquay-Varina, Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show with summer garden advice and listener calls. Topics include managing figs, controlling ivy and preparing beds for the upcoming planting season. The team shares tips for handling mid-season transitions and extreme heat.

The final hour wraps up with more audience calls, discussions on turf care and composting, and reflections on the changes in rural gardening communities. Mike, Rufus, and Ann close out the show with heartfelt thanks to their hosts and the Womble family for their hospitality.

In part two, the conversation continues with garden questions from listeners and stories from longtime customers of J.E. Womble & Sons Hardware. The crew discusses managing yard pests, fall vegetables, and the importance of supporting locally owned hardware and feed stores.

The Weekend Gardener hits the road for a live broadcast from J.E. Womble and Sons in Lillington. Mike, Rufus, and Ann welcome former Congressman Bob Etheridge, who reflects on the region's agricultural roots. The team shares planting advice, soil tips, and community stories that showcase the strength of local gardening traditions in Harnett County.

The celebration continues as the team talks about Ridgeway Cantaloupes, Swamp Mallows, and daylily care. Listeners call in with kind words for Rufus and gardening questions for the panel. Nelsa and Mike share laughs about misunderstood birthday cards and favorite summer plants as the show wraps with reflections on community and growing old with grace.

More birthday wishes roll in as listeners and friends call in to share greetings and gardening tales. The crew talks about heirloom tomatoes, container hostas, flooding concerns at Jordan Lake, and local plant finds. Big John joins the conversation, and the gang previews next week’s live broadcast at Rescue Wood Rehab.