In this episode, I introduce a new format that includes answering listener questions in addition to the usual lecture-style content.
First, I discuss important gardening tasks for the week, such as transplanting brassicas, lettuce, and cool-season flowers like snapdragons and pansies. I also emphasize the need for consistent watering despite cooler temperatures.
Next, I address Angela's question about growing cut flowers in partial shade, providing detailed recommendations on suitable perennials and annuals, including oak leaf hydrangeas and dianthus.
Don’t forget to check out our 2026 garden planner, now available for purchase.
00:00 Introduction and New Format Announcement
00:52 Weekly Gardening Tips: Transplanting and Winter Annuals
03:13 Angela's Question: Growing Cut Flowers in Partial Shade
05:13 Understanding Light Levels for Plants
07:02 Perennials for Part Shade Cut Flower Gardens
10:00 Annuals for Part Shade Cut Flower Gardens
12:14 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
12:49 Conclusion and Announcements
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com
MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL:
The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_
Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool
Shop our store: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!
--------
14:21
--------
14:21
Morgan Asks About Pruning
In this episode, I introduce a new interactive podcast format that focuses on answering listener questions. Today, we're addressing a question from Morgan about pruning her overgrown Texas Rock Rose and Salvia greggii.
I explain the science behind pruning, including the role of the hormone auxin, and offer detailed advice on when and how to cut back these plants to promote healthier, fuller growth.
I also discuss seasonal gardening tips, the importance of timing in pruning, and provide additional advice on plant maintenance and management. Listeners are encouraged to submit their gardening questions for future episodes.
00:00 Introduction and New Podcast Format
02:05 Listener Questions: Overgrown Plants
03:26 The Science of Pruning
05:58 Pruning Techniques for Woody Perennials
08:22 Seasonal Pruning Guidelines
10:05 Winter Care for Perennials
12:45 Planting and Dividing Perennials
14:01 Housekeeping and Announcements
15:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Resources Mentioned
Leave me a question, and be featured on the podcast!
Subscribe to emails
The 2026 North Texas Garden Planner Bigger, brighter, spiral-bound, and packed with new tools: sample layouts, color-coded months, a twelve-month succession plan, and more.
The Dallas Garden School
Website and Blog
Instagram
Online Classes
Shop
Amazon Store
If you like the episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on your podcast platform of choice! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙
--------
15:52
--------
15:52
Great Gardeners Keep Good Records
In this episode, we delve into the critical role of record keeping in gardening success. I share my personal experiences and tips on how detailed records have significantly enhanced my gardening skills over the years.
I cover the types of information to track, such as planting dates, varieties, sources, and productivity, and explain how these details help in planning and improving garden performance.
00:00 Introduction to Record Keeping in Gardening
00:54 Why Keeping Records is Crucial
01:28 How to Keep Planting Records
02:53 Essential Information to Record
04:08 Tracking Planting Dates and Maturity
06:43 Germination and Harvest Tracking
08:30 Advanced Record Keeping Techniques
10:13 Inspection Reports and Performance Evaluation
13:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
15:06 Outro and Additional Resources
RESOURCES
Get the planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com
The Dallas Garden School: https://thedallasgarden.com
Classes: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com
--------
15:49
--------
15:49
Pitch-Perfect Pumpkins
Ditch the pumpkin patch, and grow your own! Learn how to grow pitch-perfect pumpkins in your own North Texas backyard with these simple and easy-to-implement tips and tricks.
I cover how to pick the right varieties, how to prep your garden beds for success, how to care for your plants like a pro, and when to harvest.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:28 Personal Memories and Pumpkin Varieties
02:03 Tips for Growing Pumpkins in North Texas
02:30 Selecting the Right Pumpkin Seeds
07:03 Understanding Pumpkin Growth Habits
09:30 Preparing Your Garden for Pumpkins
10:32 Common Pumpkin Problems and Solutions
14:45 Watering and Harvesting Pumpkins
16:36 Curing and Storing Pumpkins
17:55 Conclusion and Final Tips
RESOURCES
Subscribe to emails
Free One-Page Fall Planting Plan Download your printable plan for what to plant and when, perfect for posting in your gardening space.
The 2026 North Texas Garden Planner Bigger, brighter, spiral-bound, and packed with new tools: sample layouts, color-coded months, a twelve-month succession plan, and more. Plus, early buyers get a free gift with purchase!
The Dallas Garden School
Website and Blog
Instagram
Online Classes
Shop
Amazon Store
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more North Texas gardeners who need these insights. 🎙
Thanks for tuning in to The Dallas Garden School Podcast! See you next week!
--------
18:39
--------
18:39
Conquer Squash Vine Borers the Easy Way
Are your pumpkin and squash plants mysteriously wilting and dying just when they're getting established? If you've ever lost plants to squash vine borers, this episode is your complete guide to prevention and early intervention!
Squash vine borers are one of the most frustrating pests for home gardeners, but with the right preventative strategies, you can protect your plants without expensive treatments or fussy techniques.
In today's episode, I share my proven system that has kept my garden squash vine borer-free for over 10 years, including:
Why prevention (not treatment) is the key to successful pest management
The critical importance of crop rotation - even in small garden spaces
How floating insect mesh can be your secret weapon against borers
The right way to use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as both prevention and treatment
Why accepting imperfection in your garden leads to greater success
My accidental experiment that proved these methods really work
Simple daily garden checks that can save your plants
What "fussy" techniques to skip (and what actually works!)
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Mindset Shift in Pest Control
02:02 Prevention Strategies for Squash Vine Borers
03:01 Effective Use of Insect Mesh
03:40 Accidental Experiment and Results
04:38 Preventative Measures Recap
06:05 Treatment for Squash Vine Borers
09:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
11:22 Conclusion and Farewell
PRODUCTS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Check out my detailed Instagram post with step-by-step squash vine borer prevention guide: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOPq-GokzNr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Floating insect Mesh: Lightweight cover that lets in light and water without trapping heat Support Hoops: Available from Johnny's Seeds for supporting insect mesh Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Organic treatment specifically for caterpillars and worms in larval stages
MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool Website: https://thedallasgarden.com
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more gardeners who need these insights.
Thanks for tuning in! Now get out there and share the love of gardening with someone else - whether it's sharing your homegrown produce or encouraging them to start their own garden journey.
See you next week!
Welcome to The Dallas Garden School Podcast, where gardening gets smart, practical, and regionally relevant. Hosted by garden educator and founder Callie Works-Leary, this show answers real questions from real gardeners growing in the challenging climate of North Texas.
Each episode tackles common conundrums and seasonal strategies to help you grow thriving vegetable gardens, cut flower beds, and lush native landscapes. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned green thumb, you'll get actionable advice rooted in experience, sprinkled with humor, and focused on long-term garden success.
Tune in, dig in, and let’s grow something great together.