06. Cold Tolerant Annuals for Early Spring

12: Deer Resistant Plants

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 are regular visitors to your yard, this episode will help you make smarter planting choices and take a little more of the gamble out of gardening. 🌿 New episodes weekly.

11: All About Tomatoes

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 over, plus simple pruning techniques that boost airflow and fruit production. Whether you're growing in a raised bed, a container on the patio, or a sunny windowsill, this episode gives you a straightforward, season‑long plan for growing the best tomatoes you've ever tasted. 🍅🌿 New episodes weekly.

10. 30 Random Gardening Facts

It's Ricki's 30th birthday, and we're celebrating with a special episode packed with 30 fun, surprising, and sometimes downright weird gardening facts. This episode is equal parts entertaining and eye-opening. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, this birthday episode is a fun, fast-paced celebration of everything that makes gardening so endlessly fascinating. 🌿 New episodes weekly.

09. Zone 3 Spring Blooming Perennials

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 protecting new growth from unexpected cold snaps. You'll learn which varieties naturalize well, how to layer bloom times for continuous color, and simple maintenance steps that keep these perennials coming back strong year after year. Whether you're filling a new bed or refreshing an existing one, this guide helps you bring reliable, early‑season beauty to your cold‑climate garden. 🌿 New episodes weekly.

08. Understanding Sun Exposure

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 right place. 🌿 New episodes weekly.