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The Dallas Garden School: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Callie Works-Leary
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.
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- Sep 3, 202617 min
A Peek Behind the Scenes: Student Check-In
In this episode, I’m giving you a peek behind the scenes. Listen in as I check-in with my enrolled students to discuss what I’m working on in my own garden right now and what they should focus on as we transition into fall. We’ll talk about: Which tired perennials can still be cut back How to encourage a possible fall rebloom from purple coneflower When it’s time to pull out old zinnias How to collect and scatter zinnia seeds for a fresh round of fall flowers What I’m doing to keep my Halloween pumpkins growing Why bush and semi-bush pumpkins perform better in my garden How much to water annuals, vegetables and newer plantings Why drip irrigation needs to run for hours, not minutes Why you should continue fertilizing, even while it’s hot The fall vegetables you need to start now before you miss the window Our gardens may not look their best right now, but cooler temperatures and fall rain are coming. A little attention now can make a big difference in how quickly your plants recover. Enrolled students This episode was originally recorded as a Timely Tips video for enrolled students. Log in to your Class Library to watch the video version and see the photos from my garden. Enrolled students can also leave questions and photos for me through Ask Callie. Log in to The Dallas Garden School Not enrolled? Learn more about enrollment and get access to live classes, the complete on-demand class library, seasonal guidance and personalized help from Callie. Resources mentioned Johnny’s Pumpkin Varieties and Comparison Charts Should You Cut Back Heat-Damaged Plants in September? Get the Free Fall Garden Plan More from The Dallas Garden School Join the Email Newsletter Follow The Dallas Garden School on Instagram Visit The Dallas Garden School If this episode was helpful, please subscribe and leave a review. Reviews help more North Texas gardeners find the podcast.
- Mar 12, 202615 min
Shrub Pruning Essentials
Pruning shrubs is one of the most misunderstood tasks in the North Texas garden. Many homeowners reach for the hedge trimmers without realizing that the wrong pruning method or timing can eliminate blooms, damage plant structure, or weaken the shrub over time. In this episode, I walk through how to prune shrubs correctly in late winter and early spring, the most common mistakes I see in North Texas landscapes, and the simple principles that will keep your shrubs healthy, beautiful, and properly shaped. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to determine the right time to prune shrubs, especially flowering shrubs that bloom on old wood • The difference between shearing shrubs and selective pruning, and why most plants need a combination of both • The simple “Three D’s” rule for pruning • Why aggressive pruning practices weaken plants and reduce flowering Resources mentioned in this episode: The 2026 North Texas Garden Planner Plan, track, and manage your garden with region-specific planting schedules and weekly task lists. https://thedallasgarden.com Dallas Garden School Enrollment Get access to all live classes, replays, and the full on-demand library of more than forty gardening classes. https://learn.thedallasgarden.com/enroll-in-the-dallas-garden-school Website https://thedallasgarden.com Instagram https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Reviews help more North Texas gardeners discover practical, research-based advice for growing beautiful and productive gardens.
- Feb 24, 202618 min
Defeat Squash Vine Borers
Are squash vine borers wiping out your zucchini every summer? You’re not alone. These destructive pests can take down a healthy squash plant almost overnight. But here’s the good news: preventing squash vine borer damage is far easier than trying to fix it after the fact. In this episode, I walk you through the simple, practical strategies I use in my own North Texas garden. I haven’t lost a squash plant to vine borers in more than a decade, and it’s not because I’m out there performing plant surgery or drenching everything in products. It’s because I focus on prevention first. You’ll learn: What squash vine borers are The early warning signs most gardeners miss Effective strategies for preventing squash vine borer damage How to identify and treat damage The ideal planting window in North Texas to stay ahead of the pest life cycle Which squash varieties tend to hold up better If you’re tired of watching beautiful squash plants collapse in June, this episode will give you a clear, low-stress plan to keep them thriving and productive. Listen in and take control of squash season this year. 00:00 What Are Squash Vine Borers? 01:19 How the Damage Happens (and Why Plants Suddenly Wilt) 03:26 Prevention Over Treatment: A Smarter Gardening Mindset 04:09 Using Floating Insect Mesh Correctly 05:30 Why You Must Rotate Squash Every Year 07:17 Planting at the Right Time in North Texas 09:22 Choosing More Resistant Squash Varieties 10:39 Catching Damage Early: What to Look For 12:19 Simple, Practical Bt Application 14:13 Seed Starting and Planning Ahead 15:13 Supplies to Stock Up On Now 17:03 Optional Egg Scouting (and Why It’s Not My Main Strategy) 17:49 Final Reminders and Planner Resources RESOURCES MENTIONED: Buy the 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://https://shop.thedallasgarden.com/products/2026-north-texas-garden-planner Learn more about enrollment: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com/enroll-in-the-dallas-garden-school Bacillus thurengiensis Floating insect mesh Johnny's Seeds 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!
- Jan 24, 202626 min
Best of 2025, Series Finale: Fall Vegetables
Best of 2025 Series Finale: Fall Vegetables & Advanced Seed Starting Tips Welcome back to the podcast! Today we're enjoying some bird-watching out my window and wrapping up the 'Best of 2025' series by diving into fall vegetables. I'll share highlights and lessons from my fall garden, along with tips for indoor seed starting—an essential technique even for beginners. We’ll also discuss the upcoming classes you don't want to miss and explore what’s growing in my garden. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what worked and what didn’t, and help make your gardening journey both enjoyable and productive! 00:00 Introduction and Bird Watching Joys 01:23 Best of 2025 Series Finale: Fall Vegetables 02:04 Upcoming Gardening Classes 06:09 Detailed Planting Records and Recommendations 08:52 Pumpkin Varieties and Growing Tips 13:17 Exploring Chinese Cabbage and Other Greens 15:19 Kale and Lettuce Varieties 22:54 Current Garden Status and Final Tips RESOURCES MENTIONED: ENROLL IN SCHOOL HERE! 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Renee’s Garden Seeds Swallowtail Seeds MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ 2026 Class Schedule: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com/2026-class-schedule 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!
- Jan 16, 202628 min
Best of 2025: Cut Flowers
Preparing for the 2026 Educational Season and Top Flower Picks for North Texas Gardens In this podcast episode, I share exciting updates about our upcoming 2026 educational season and the new enrollment model that grants students access to all classes with a single registration. I also discuss the recent addition of an on-demand class, 'Step-by-Step Building a Garden from Scratch.' The episode continues with a detailed review of my 'Best of 2025' series, focusing on the performance of various seeds and plants in North Texas. I cover a wide range of flowers, including Shirley Poppies, Sweet Peas, Cosmos, Rudbeckia, and Zinnias, providing insights and recommendations based on my extensive trials and tests. Additionally, I offer valuable seed starting tips and emphasize the importance of indoor seed starting for successful gardening in North Texas. Lastly, I remind listeners to enroll in the upcoming indoor seed starting class and grab the planner to stay organized throughout the gardening season. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:21 New Enrollment Model for 2026 00:52 Step-by-Step Garden Building 01:37 Best of 2025 Series Overview 03:00 Cut Flowers Review 03:41 Poppies: Easy Indoor Growing Tips 07:53 Sweet Peas: Challenges and Tips 10:43 Cosmos: A Garden Staple 13:35 Rudbeckia and Summer Bloomers 18:49 Amaranthus: Beautiful and Prolific 21:40 Zinnias: A Pleasant Surprise 24:03 Housekeeping and Final Thoughts RESOURCES MENTIONED: ENROLL IN SCHOOL HERE! 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Renee’s Garden Seeds Swallowtail Seeds MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ The Dallas Garden School Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedallasgardenschool_ 2026 Class Schedule: https://learn.thedallasgarden.com/2026-class-schedule 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!
- Jan 5, 202640 min
Best of 2025: Vegetables, Part Two
Join me in this exciting episode of the Dallas Garden School podcast as I recap the highlights of my 2025 gardening season. Discover the warm-season vegetables that thrived in my North Texas garden this year, including standout varieties like the highly productive Sophy squash and the flavorful Paloma eggplant. Learn about the challenges and successes I faced, tips for soil health and garden maintenance, and get a sneak peek into the 2026 gardening classes. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for making the most of your garden this year. Happy gardening! 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:01 Warm Season Vegetables: Peppers and Eggplants 07:52 Hot Peppers and Sweet Peppers 15:13 Corn and Cucumbers 24:11 Squash and Seed Companies 30:48 Garden Maintenance and Cold-Hardy Annuals 35:52 Indoor Seed Starting and Upcoming Classes 38:53 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview RESOURCES MENTIONED: 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Renee’s Garden Seeds MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ 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!
- Dec 12, 202527 min
Best of 2025: Vegetables, Part One
Best of 2025: Vegetables, Part One In this episode, I continue my 'Best of 2025' series, sharing the results of my growing trials. I discuss what worked, what didn't, and what I'm changing for next year. Last week, I reviewed tomatoes, and today I move on to Part One of discussing vegetables. Additionally, I share tips for indoor seed starting and preparing your garden for winter. Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for updates on the 2026 learning themes and class schedules. 00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast 01:08 Seed Shopping and Preparation 04:33 2026 Learning Themes 08:09 Reviewing the Best Vegetables of 2025 23:32 Indoor Seed Starting Tips 24:52 Garden Bed Transitioning 26:17 Conclusion and Final Tips RESOURCES MENTIONED: 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Renee’s Garden Seeds MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ 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!
- Dec 5, 202543 min
Best of 2025: Tomatoes (Or Lack Thereof)
Best of 2025: Tomatoes or Lack Thereof This episode is the first in my Best of 2025 series and delves into a detailed analysis of my tomato trials for 2025, highlighting what worked, what didn't, and why. I share insights on disease resistance, specifically focusing on early blight, and the performance of different tomato varieties from various seed sources. I’ll also touch on my plans for 2026, new varieties to be tested, and tips for making educated choices for next season's garden. Plus, learn why I am having to say goodbye to a seed company that I’ve bought from for years. 00:00 Welcome and Winter Garden Update 00:33 Preparing for Winter: Clearing Summer Vegetables 03:05 Introducing the Best of 2025 Series 04:34 Tomato Trials: Successes and Failures 10:34 Micro and Container Tomatoes 12:33 Tomato Varieties: Hits and Misses 17:02 Seed Companies and New Trials 21:46 Black and Yellow Tomatoes: Fall Performance 23:06 Yellow Pear Tomato Review 24:32 Porter Tomato: Heat Tolerance vs. Flavor 26:42 Tomato Fest: A Mixed Experience 29:49 Fall Tomato Season Results 31:59 Planning for Next Year's Tomato Crop 33:39 New Tomato Varieties for 2026 39:24 Cozy Holiday Season and Final Thoughts RESOURCES MENTIONED: 2026 North Texas Garden Planner: https://shop.thedallasgarden.com Johnny’s Seeds Tomatofest.com MORE FROM THE DALLAS GARDEN SCHOOL: Sign up for our email newsletter: https://thedallasgarden.com/newsletter/ 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!
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About The Dallas Garden School
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.
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