Claim OwnershipWPTF Weekend Gardener
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Description
The WPTF Weekend Gardener is an award-winning radio talk show that has been on the air for over 40 years. Mike Raley has been the host since the show first aired in January of 1985, bringing expert gardening advice and fun conversation to listeners. Rufus Edmisten, former NC Secretary of State and Attorney General, has been a co-host for over 10 years, providing his unique insights and adding to the lively discussions. The Weekend Gardener is an evolution of The Tar Heel Gardener, a show that aired for 40 years and was hosted by North Carolina State University professor John H. Harris. Initially a 15-minute program where John answered listener letters, the show grew into a half-hour format before becoming the 3-hour talk show we know today. Over its four decades, the Weekend Gardener has become a staple for gardening enthusiasts across the state.
784 Episodes
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In the final hour, Raley and Edmisten reunite with Adams and McMillan to share stories of family gardens and farming traditions. They provide tips on growing eggplant and managing pests, and reflect on the lessons learned from their upbringing surrounded by food and flowers, emphasizing the personal connections to gardening.
In this segment, Raley and Edmisten continue with Adams and McMillan, focusing on tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and culinary herbs. They discuss growing specialty herbs like culantro and Vietnamese coriander, heat-tolerant cilantro alternatives, mint varieties, and seed saving, while sharing practical gardening advice and insights from farmers' markets.
Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten end the show in the studio with special guests Paul McKenzie, retired extension agent, and Chad Tyson, Director of Operations at Mitogrow.
Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten continue the show in the studio with special guests Paul McKenzie, retired extension agent, and Chad Tyson, Director of Operations at Mitogrow.
Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten open the show in the studio with special guests Paul McKenzie, retired extension agent, and Chad Tyson, Director of Operations at Mitogrow.
The episode wraps up with reflections on plants, nature, and learning from the garden, as Mike, Rufus, and Johnny Coley close the show with perspective, humor, and encouragement for gardeners in winter.
Mike, Rufus, and Johnny Coley dive deeper into gardening science, winter landscapes, and practical advice, mixing personal stories with insight drawn from years of experience.
Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten are joined by Dr. Patrick McMillan, a retired Clemson University professor, and Gerald Adams, former Curator of the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion grounds. They discuss slug issues, mountain gardening, winter-blooming plants, wild gingers, and hellebores, covering topics from banana slugs and beer traps to native plants and why North Carolina is a hub of plant diversity.
The final hour wraps up with thoughtful gardening advice, plant recommendations, seasonal considerations, and personal reflections from the panel. The show closes with humor, wisdom, and encouragement for gardeners heading into winter.
The in-studio panel continues with a deeper discussion of native plants, edible gardening, family traditions, and how curiosity and observation shape sound gardening practices. Dr. McMillan and Andrea Lane share insights from the mountains, while Rufus and Dave Bolick provide perspective and narratives.
Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten open the show in the studio with Dr. Patrick McMillan, Andrea Lane of Mitchell County, and North Carolina State Auditor Dave Bolick. The conversation blends gardening science, winter landscapes, plant behavior, and reflections on stewardship, conservation, and learning from the natural world.
The final hour features additional guests from the market, including Dave Parker of Amedeo’s and Brian Christensen of Logan’s, who highlight poinsettias, Christmas trees, and long-running Raleigh food and market traditions. The show wraps with holiday gardening advice, market updates, and reflections on the community that makes the State Farmers Market a seasonal destination.
Mike and Rufus are broadcasting from within the market shops as they talk with Gary Stevenson and Amanda Bratcher. They share holiday stories, food discoveries, Christmas traditions, and reflections on previous shows and guests. The hour also features discussions about holiday plants, such as poinsettias, and emphasizes the importance of supporting farmers and growers during the Christmas season.
Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show from the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, joined by Spectrum News 1 chief meteorologist Gary Stevenson and Lee County Extension agent Amanda Bratcher. The hour will focus on December weather, seasonal gardening reflections, hellebores and Christmas roses, plant hardiness, and the importance of cold weather for plant health.
The crew wraps back at the greenhouse with more guest conversations, mountain region updates, local grower stories, and seasonal gardening and holiday plant advice as the show closes out.
Mike and Ann continue from the nursery before connecting with Billy Howell at the State Farmers Market for an update on Christmas trees, produce, specialty foods, gift items, and weekend crowds.
Mike Raley and Ann Clapp open the show from Campbell Road Nursery with a walk through the Christmas greenhouse featuring poinsettias, cyclamen, Christmas cactus, and conversations with Tom Campbell, Nelsa Cox, Dr. Patrick McMillan, and Rufus Edmisten.
Mike, Rufus, and Nelson welcome Monica Wood to discuss the State Farmers Market report, which includes Christmas trees, produce, wreaths, and holiday crowds. They then cover additional winter preparations and answer caller questions to conclude the show.
Mike, Rufus, and Nelson continue discussing holly problems, lily and crinum questions, pruning guidance, vines, lawns, and a steady stream of listener calls regarding winter garden issues.
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