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.
766 Episodes
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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.
Mike Raley, Rufus Edmiston, and Nelson Cox kick off the show in the studio by discussing plant IDs, camellias, bulbs, evergreens, soil questions, and sharing early seasonal garden advice from callers.
Mike, Nelsa, and Rufus take more horticulture questions, revisit garden memories, and play the J.C. Knowles clip requested by caller Larry as they wrap up the show with light weekend chatter.
Mike, Nelsa, and Rufus talk camellias, pruning, plant IDs, and fall garden performance before bringing in Billy Howell with a State Farmers Market update on Christmas trees, wreaths, holiday crafts, and seasonal produce.
Mike Raley, Nelsa Cox, and Rufus Edmisten open the show with parade-morning talk, drought updates, longleaf pine and cryptomeria discussion, and early caller questions about tomatoes, screening trees, and evergreen choices.
Mike, Rufus, Paul McKenzie, and Gary Stevenson finally deliver the long-promised kale taste test as Gary brings in his cooked kale; the hosts sample it live, react, joke, and wrap with State Farmers Market and craft-fair updates.
Mike, Rufus, Paul McKenzie, and Gary Stevenson dive into flying stories, hot-air balloons, peppers, camellias, and fall color, with more kale setups as Gary hints at what he’s cooking for the final hour.
Mike, Rufus, Paul McKenzie, and Gary Stevenson kick off the show with early veggie talk, kale arguments, fall gardening chatter, and in-studio banter that sets up the day’s kale showdown.
Garden Q&A with Johnny Coley and Andrea Lane—camellias in mountain zones, Fraser firs, and more—plus JC Raulston’s Moonlight in the Garden.
Fraud-prevention segment featuring the NC Secretary of State’s office, plus State Farmers Market and local events updates
Broadcast from the Jane McKimmon Center at NC State for the NC 55+ Lifestyle Show, with event highlights and schedule
Monica’s State Farmers Market update on what’s fresh, vendor shout-outs, and weekend notes including the Korean Food Festival.
Listener Q&A on dividing/transplanting, mulch basics, and prepping garden beds and lawns for the cool season.
A tribute to J.C. Knowles with favorite stories, plus fall color picks—pansies, camellias—and how to plant daffodils and other bulbs now.
Warm-season lawn choices and shade (fine-blade zoysias vs. St. Augustine), grub issues in zoysia; hornworms vs. armyworms; when to cut back lantana (after a hard freeze); deer-resistant winter color with snapdragons; and how trimming ligustrum now can cost you spring blooms, with quick spacing notes for future shade trees.
Fall color and drought updates; why autumn is the best time to plant trees and shrubs; fescue seeding and watering; Gerald’s pepper seed-saving and unusual varieties; container tips for church planters (swap oversized ornamental kale for snapdragons or dianthus, use trailing pansies, ensure good drainage); plus camellias and other compact shrubs for small yards.
Fall lawn rescue (centipede vs. rye), deadheading/feeding roses, ginger lilies and collards; listener Q&A and wrap from Womble’s.
Store-floor chat (gear, gas logs); Etheridge on crop prices; callers on rye overseeding and tomatoes; Gary Pierce’s fixes for stressed turf and rose care.
Kickoff from J.E. Womble & Sons in Lillington; Bob Etheridge on drought and NC farmers; Erica Gallion on Youth Legislative Assembly & Super Kids; Gary Pierce begins Q&A on lawns, roses, and fall veggies.
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