Mid-South Gardening 4-11-26
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The Mid-South Gardening Podcast episode on April 11, 2026, delivers a lively, informative deep dive into spring gardening challenges and opportunities across the Memphis region. Hosts Veda Vance, Kenneth Mabry, and Jim Crowder open with a humorous yet urgent discussion about the region's severe drought—10 inches behind for the year—highlighting how dry conditions are affecting planting schedules and plant health. They caution against planting tender crops like tomatoes and peppers too early, despite favorable weather, due to lingering frost risks. The hosts then pivot to common garden pests, detailing the damage caused by voles, moles, rabbits, and even raccoons, offering natural repellents like castor oil, granulated urine, and physical barriers such as mesh baskets and raised beds. They emphasize the importance of proper plant placement, warning against planting sun-loving hostas in full sun or shade-loving perennials in too much sun, and discuss the growing threat of alfalfa mosaic virus in pachysandra. The episode also explores the benefits of organic fertilizers like Holly Tone, the care of clematis and tropical milkweed, and the pitfalls of poorly ventilated hobby greenhouses. The hosts close with practical tips on managing bald cypress knees, dealing with cicadas, and proper orchid care, all wrapped in their signature blend of humor and expert insight.
Monitor soil moisture closely—this year’s drought is 10 inches behind schedule, affecting planting timelines.
Avoid planting tender plants like tomatoes and peppers before the last frost date (April 16th), even if weather is warm.
Use natural repellents (castor oil, granulated urine) and physical barriers (mesh baskets, raised beds) to deter voles, moles, and rabbits.
Plant hostas in shade and avoid full sun—sun-tolerant varieties still burn by midsummer.
Be vigilant for alfalfa mosaic virus in pachysandra, which causes yellow spots and has no cure; remove infected plants to slow spread.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Drought, Frost, and Early Planting Risks
“We're fine. We're good to go. Well, the peppers, they planted peppers at the same time as the tomatoes. But the peppers didn't like that cold. They kind of got damaged on the top of the leaves, like crinkled.”
Pest Problems: Voles, Moles, and Rabbits
“They're digging like a pig in the containers. I've never pictured a pig digging before. Oh, yeah, they root around. Yeah, they root around. That's how they found those real expensive mushrooms.”
Plant Placement and Soil Health
The hosts stress the importance of matching plants to their ideal light and soil conditions. They warn against planting sun-loving hostas in full sun and discuss the challenges of growing hydrangeas in the Mid-South due to weather extremes.
Alfalfa Mosaic Virus in Pachysandra
“If you start seeing these yellow spots all over the foliage of Pachysandra, it very well could be AMV, which is alfalfa mosaic virus.”
Fertilizers, Blueberries, and Organic Care
The hosts discuss the benefits of organic fertilizers like Holly Tone for acid-loving plants like blueberries, emphasizing soil pH and microbial health. They also cover the importance of mycorrhizae and beneficial bacteria.
“If you start seeing these yellow spots all over the foliage of Pachysandra, it very well could be AMV, which is alfalfa mosaic virus.”
“They're digging like a pig in the containers. I've never pictured a pig digging before. Oh, yeah, they root around. Yeah, they root around. That's how they found those real expensive mushrooms.”
“A lot of times people assume that the container that it comes in is the proper container. Exactly, Veda, and it's not. It never is. They're just making it aesthetically pleasing.”
Hosts
Guests
Jim Crowder
person
Kenneth Mabry
person
Veda Vance
person
Pachysandra
other
Dan West Garden Center
organization
Alfalfa Mosaic Virus
other
Clematis
other
Holly Tone
other
Castor Oil
other
Bald Cypress
other
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