The Garden Gamble

Welcome to the thick of gardening season! In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're breaking down everything Ricki is doing to maintain her gardens this August.

From weeding to experimenting with her harvests and taking notes on things she can improve, we'll cover the basics to help you get the most out of your garden. Whether this is your first year growing or you're a pro, this episode has tips for you! 🌿💐

New episodes weekly.

We saved the best for last! 🌸💐

To wrap up our Favorite Cut Flowers mini-series, we're answering YOUR biggest questions about growing a cut flower garden. From getting started and choosing the right flowers to harvesting tips and common mistakes, we're covering the questions gardeners ask most.

If you've been following along with the series, or you're just starting your cut flower journey, this episode is packed with practical advic...

Welcome back to our Favorite Cut Flowers mini-series! In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're featuring another garden favorite: dianthus.

Known for its ruffled blooms, sweet fragrance, and impressive vase life, dianthus is a hardworking flower that adds charm and texture to any bouquet. We'll talk about why we love growing it, tips for keeping your plants blooming all season long, and how to harvest dianthus for the longest-lasting...

Zinnias are one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers you can grow, but are you getting the most out of them?

In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're diving into everything you need to know about zinnias. From choosing the right varieties and planting tips to harvesting blooms for beautiful bouquets, we're sharing why these colorful flowers are a must-have in any cut flower garden.

Whether you're growing your first flower patch o...

In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're spotlighting one of our all-time favorites: snapdragons.

We'll share why snapdragons deserve a spot in every cut flower garden, the best ways to grow them, tips for harvesting long-lasting blooms, and how to get the most out of these colorful, versatile flowers. Whether you're growing flowers for bouquets, your flower farm, or simply to brighten your home, snapdragons are a must-have.

If you're...

Ever wonder why some flower bouquets look effortlessly beautiful while others just feel... off? 💐

In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're sharing the secrets behind building a stunning bouquet. From choosing the right focal flowers and fillers to creating balance, texture, and color. Whether you're cutting flowers from your own garden or picking up blooms from the market, these simple tips will help you arrange bouquets with confid...

Dreaming of armfuls of fresh flowers all summer long? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're breaking down everything you need to know to start your own cut flower garden.

From choosing the best flowers for beginners to planning your space and setting yourself up for a season full of blooms, we'll cover the basics to help you grow flowers you'll actually want to bring inside. Whether you have a dedicated flower patch or just a few ...

Thinking about tackling a landscaping project but not sure where to start? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're joined by special guest Kade Klasen, landscaper and co-owner of Klasen's Greenhouse, to talk through the key things every homeowner should consider before breaking ground.

From creating a plan and choosing the right plants for your space to budgeting, maintenance expectations, and avoiding common landscaping mistakes, K...

When it comes to gardening and flower farming, a little extra work up front can save you a lot of time and headaches later. In this episode of Garden Gamble, Ricki shares three changes she's making on the flower farm this season to work smarter, not harder.

Whether you're growing cut flowers, vegetables, or a backyard garden, these time-saving strategies can help you stay ahead of the work and take some of the gamble out of garden...

Tired of spending time and money on plants only to have deer treat your garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet? In this episode of Garden Gamble, Ricki is talking all about deer-resistant plants and how to create a beautiful garden that deer are more likely to leave alone. While no plant is completely deer-proof, choosing the right varieties can make a big difference in protecting your garden throughout the growing season.

If deer...

Is there anything more rewarding than biting into a tomato you grew yourself? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we cover everything you need to know about growing tomatoes. We break down the differences between determinate and indeterminate types, share tips for planting deep, watering consistently, and supporting your plants with stakes or cages. You'll also learn how to spot common problems like blossom end rot before they take o...

Just because you garden in a cold climate doesn't mean you have to wait until summer for color. In this episode of Garden Gamble, we explore the best spring blooming perennials for Zone 3. Think plants that shrug off late frosts and reward you with early flowers when you need them most. We cover hardy favorites like bleeding heart, creeping phlox, Siberian iris, and pasque flower, along with tips for planting, spacing, and protecti...

What does "full sun" even mean? 🌞

In this episode of Garden Gamble, we clear up the confusion around sun exposure labels so you can stop guessing where to plant. We break down what full sun, partial shade, and full shade actually mean for your plants and how to tell which spots in your yard fit each category. No more wilting surprises or leggy seedlings. Just simple, practical guidance that helps you put the right plant in the rig...