Gardening Utah Podcast

Lambert Growers has been a cornerstone for Utah gardeners since the late 1950s, when Barbara and Paul Lambert started a small backyard greenhouse that has now grown into a thriving, third-generation nursery in West Valley City. In this episode, Jana Francis chats with Kim Clark—who now runs the greenhouse with her husband Charlie—about the rich history of Lambert Growers, their unique growing practices, and the future of local nurseries in Utah.
You'll discover:
🌱 The history of Lambert Growers and its three generations of family ownership

🥬 What cool-season vegetables you can still plant in Utah this fall

🌸 How Lambert Growers expanded into medicinal herbs, houseplants, and unique perennial offerings

💚 Why supporting local nurseries keeps Utah's gardening community strong

🧑‍🌾 Practical tips on hardening off plants, soil testing, and avoiding common gardening myths (goodbye eggshell trick!)

Whether you're a longtime Lambert customer or just discovering the value of local nurseries, this episode is filled with inspiration and practical advice you can put to use in your own backyard.
📍 Visit Lambert Growers at 3910 S Redwood Road, West Valley City, Utah 🌐 Learn more: lambertgrowers.com
🌱 The absolute BEST garden tool: https://amzn.to/3Qc7cXo

🎙️ Follow us on Instagram: @gardeningutah

Episode 89: Bloomin' Easy: Low-Maintenance Plants for Modern Gardeners
In this episode, I chat with Madison House and DeVonne Friesen of Bloomin' Easy Plants, the creators of those fun blue pots you've seen at your local nursery.
We explore:
The origin story of Bloomin' Easy and its connection to Van Belle Nursery

How they're using tech like AR, apps, and chatbot Daisy Diggs to remove gardening fear

New plant releases for gardens like Bouncy Hydrangea, Private Jet, and Pineapple Pop Rocks

What it really takes to bring an improved plant to market (it's a 10+ year journey)

Garden trends from the Chelsea Flower Show: wildscaping, future-proofing, and bold color combos

Why personal joy and nostalgia play a huge role in how we design our spaces

Whether you're a new gardener looking for foolproof plants or a seasoned plant nerd ready to discover what's new, you'll love this behind-the-scenes look at one of the most innovative plant brands out there.
🌿 Learn more: bloomineasyplants.com

🌱 The absolute BEST garden tool: https://amzn.to/3Qc7cXo

🎙️ Follow us on Instagram: @gardeningutah

In this episode, Jana sits down with horticulturist, educator, and gardening soul sister Sheriden Hansen to talk all things edible gardening — from planting and pruning fruit trees to the best varieties of garlic and tomatoes.
Sheriden is a former tenured professor for Utah State University Extension, where she taught hundreds of horticulture classes across the state. With a background in both horticulture and health, she brings a deep understanding of plant science and real-life gardening strategies that work in Utah's unique climate.
We cover:
Why pruning starts on day one

The truth about eggshells and blossom end rot

Creating a garden that gives back every day

Her favorite heirloom tomato and garlic varieties

Trellising tips for berries and raised beds

Why gardening is her love language — and how she brings her family into it

This episode is full of wisdom, laughter, and actionable tips. Whether you're planting your first fruit tree or just need a reminder to stop and be in your garden, you're going to love it.
👉 Follow Sheriden on Instagram: @utahfarmgal
🎙️ Follow us on Instagram: @gardeningutah
🌱 The absolute BEST garden tool: https://amzn.to/3Qc7cXo

In this episode of Gardening Utah, we're joined by Mike Lorenc, Lead Horticulturist at Conservation Garden Park in West Jordan, Utah. With over 15 years of experience helping Utahns create more sustainable landscapes, Mike returns to the show (he first joined us on Episode 54!) to share his top strategies for saving water, building healthier soil, and avoiding common landscape mistakes.
We dig into:
When and how to start watering in Utah — and why less is often more

Why soil testing is essential before reaching for fertilizer

The myth of landscape fabric and why it causes more harm than good

How to design your irrigation system based on your soil type

The best approach to planting trees for long-term success

Mike's favorite waterwise plants and what he's planting at home!

Plus, we talk about bindweed battles, landscape design regrets, and Mike's advice for every Utah gardener.
Mentions:
Conservation Garden Park

USU Analytical Lab – Soil Testing Info

Plant Select®

Episode 54 – Mike's first appearance on Gardening Utah

Jana's favorite Garden tools on Amazon

In this episode of Gardening Utah, we dive deep into the art of plant selection with special guest Cynthia Bee! Whether you're refreshing your landscape or starting from scratch, Cynthia shares her expert advice on how to create a garden that's not only beautiful but also thrives in Utah's unique climate.
We cover:
How to choose plants based on bloom timing, texture, and foliage.

Why focusing on more than just flowers creates a richer, longer-lasting landscape.

Tips for mixing colors, shapes, and plant heights for maximum visual impact.

Resources to help you find the perfect plants for your yard.

Links mentioned in the show:
Slow the Flow

Utah Plant Selector

If you're ready to transform your yard into a stunning, water-wise paradise, this is the episode for you!