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The Helpful Gardeners
The Helpful Gardeners
Author: Golden Acre Home and Garden
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© Golden Acre Home and Garden
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Welcome to the Helpful Gardeners, a weekly podcast diving into the home and garden topics you want to learn more about. Colin is a certified horticulturist with decades of experience working in landscaping, gardening and houseplants in various climactic zones. Brandi is a beginner with a passion to ask questions.
Subscribe to catch new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!
Subscribe to catch new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!
172 Episodes
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The second the sun stays out past 5:00 PM, the "garden itch" hits hard. We start dreaming of heirloom tomatoes and crisp lettuce, and suddenly, we’re staring at our empty raised beds like they’re a blank canvas. But if you’re like our listener Ben, you’re wondering: Am I being too keen? If I fill these beds now, will all that "good stuff" in the soil be gone by April?In this week's episode, we’re breaking down the science of soil prep, why your slow-release fertilizer needs to stay in the shed a little longer, and a game-changer for the "forgetful waterers" among us: wicking beds.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Have you ever seen a Firefly? Colin has! They're rare but love specific conditions to thrive...one of them being a dark habitat at night. This is becoming rare with urban development and light pollutions impacts not only the pollinators but also the natural cycles in our plants. Let's explore 5 ways to clean up your light and create a sanctuary for pollinators.💡✨Firefly Atlas MapHorticulture Magazine: Support Pollinators with Less LightingCONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Ever feel like your grocery bill is personally attacking you? It turns out the secret to beating food inflation might actually be buried in 1929. This week, we’re exploring a living history project in Ontario. We’re talking about massive cabbages, root veggies that taste like candy, and why "hard to kill" is our new favorite plant description. What can we learn from planting a garden rooted in the Great Depression?CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Let’s be real: you’re scrolling through a seed catalog on a Tuesday night, and suddenly you’ve ordered fifteen varieties of heirloom tomatoes and enough peppers to start your own hot sauce empire. But now that the packets have arrived, the itch to get them in the dirt is real. Is it too early to start those babies indoors, or are you just being an overachiever that'll get in way over your head? Let's talk timing and equipment so you can bring confidence into the garden this year. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Get ready to gallop into an auspicious 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse! This year, we're shining a spotlight on a plant that’s synonymous with good fortune, resilience, and beauty: Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana).Beyond its elegant appearance, Lucky Bamboo is steeped in rich symbolism, especially when it comes to gifting. The number of stalks you choose isn't just arbitrary – each configuration carries a unique blessing and intention.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
You know the "5 Love Languages," right? Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. Well, we've gone ahead and given them a green thumb makeover! Here are some ways you can shower your partner with love this Valentines Day.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Winter gardening can feel a bit like looking at a black-and-white photo—lots of texture, but the obvious clues are gone. If you’ve ever walked past a bare tree in the winter and wondered if it’s an Elm or an Ash, you’re in the right place. Today, we are stripping it all back and diving into the language of bark, tree silhouettes, and leaf scars so you can feel a little more confident on those winter walks. City of Calgary Tree EpisodeJean-Mathieu Daoust EpisodeCONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
When we think of the Winter Olympics, we usually picture ice, powder, and the adrenaline of the downhill. But for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, Italy is bringing something a bit more delicate—and a lot more meaningful—to the podium. Italy is world-renowned for its floral artistry, and this year, they’re blending that heritage with a deep commitment to sustainability and resilience.From the bouquets handed to world-class athletes to the tiny mascots cheering from the sidelines, flowers are taking center stage. Here is a look at the floral connection that is making these games truly bloom.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
While our gardens might be tucked under a blanket of snow, our backyards are still buzzing with life (and tiny, hungry tummies!). This week, we’re dedicating our episode to the birds, featuring one of Canada’s most charming and brilliant residents: the Black-capped Chickadee. How do they remember where they've hidden all their food?! Get ready to have your mind blown by their incredible intelligence and learn how you can be the best host for your feathered neighbours this winter!CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
If you own a Golden Retriever, a Husky, or basically any creature that sheds its weight in fluff every week, you’ve probably looked at that mountain of fur in your vacuum and thought: “There has to be a better use for this than just clogging my Dyson.” Well, good news! Your dog's fur may actually have some potential in the garden. But before you go carpet-bombing your lawn with Fido’s winter coat, let's talk about the reality of using hair as a garden amendment.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Is Mother Nature a little... chaotic this year? While some of us are literally digging our way out of front doors, others are wondering if spring decided to show up three months early. This week on the podcast, we’re breaking down the wild weather divide across the country and what it means for your plant babies. Whether you’re under two feet of snow or dealing with weirdly dry grass, we’ve got your back!CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Take a wild guess at what vegetable is trending in 2026. If you're in the planning stage of your garden, you won't believe which leafy green is taking centre stage and the trendy ways you can use it. Even Burberry is utilizing it! It's the CABBAGE. Say what?! Will you use it, or are you like Colin and stay away? Brandi will attempt to sway you in todays episode!CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDENGolden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB.www.goldenacre.caCREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Do you have a Monstera deliciosa that's living up to its name - monstrous? We recently got a listener question from Jodi, who wrote in saying her beloved Monstera is basically taking over her living room. We've all watched our houseplants grow from cute little babies to magnificent giants, but what do you do when "magnificent" starts feeling a bit like "menace"?CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDENGolden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB.www.goldenacre.caCREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
While 'bloom scrolling' through our favorite garden inspo, we stumbled upon the most fun trending DIY ever: growing spider plant babies inside pinecones! It’s a great, low-cost rustic project to keep your hands busy and your home green while it’s freezing outside. Catch the latest episode to see how we do this!CONNECT WITH USShow Notes: www.goldenacre./podcastInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave a Voicemail: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastSPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDENGolden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB.www.goldenacre.caCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
If your outdoor garden is currently under a blanket of snow and you’re itching to grow something, we have the perfect indoor project for you. This week on the podcast, we’re diving into indoor mushroom kits. They’re low-maintenance, surprisingly fast-growing, and so unique. If you're a little nervous, like Brandi was, then watch as we try them first!https://happycaps.ca/CONNECT WITH USShow Notes: www.goldenacre./podcastInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave a Voicemail: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastSPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDENGolden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB.www.goldenacre.caCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Staring at 45 different packets of tomato seeds is enough to make anyone want to throw in the trowel. You’ve got "Spicy Slice Peppers", "Mortgage Lifters," and things that look more like tie-dyed art projects than vegetables. So, is it all just clever marketing? Thanks to Tina for her question this week! The short answer: Mostly no, but a little bit yes. While the photos are definitely "filtered" to look their best, the diversity in tomatoes is real—and picking the wrong one is the fastest way to a garden tantrum. Let’s break down how to cut through the noiseCONNECT WITH USShow Notes: www.goldenacre./podcastInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave a Voicemail: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastSPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDENGolden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online to www.goldenacre.ca Or visit us in store in Calgary, AB.CREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
We are officially stepping into 2026, and if we’re being honest, the world feels a little… loud lately. Between the 24-hour news cycle and the pressure to have a "perfect" life, our gardens shouldn't be another chore on the to-do list. This year, we’re ditching the "shoulds" and leaning into intentions. We’re talking about finding your deep "why," building a sensory sanctuary to escape the chaos, and finally letting go of that "Instagram vs. Reality" garden guilt.Gardening Intentions for 2025Lawn Mowing EpisodeCONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place.Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastSPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDENGolden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs.Head online to www.goldenacre.ca Or visit us in store in Calgary, AB.CREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
We’re diving deep into the world of the Zygocactus—the ultimate "holiday" houseplant. If you’ve ever wondered why your "Christmas" cactus is blooming in October, what a 200 year old Christmas cactus looks like, or how the heck to tell them all apart, we’re sharing everything you need to keep these festive favorites thriving. Thanks to listener Jane for this week's question!CONNECT WITH USGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
The holiday season is all about spreading joy. Forget boring gift tags and plain cards; we’re talking about creating beautiful, plantable paper masterpieces using recycled materials, festive cookie cutters, and a sprinkle of nature's magic - seeds!CONNECT WITH USGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
People are thinking outside the box when it comes to gardening and biodiversity. We recently heard about a smart idea out of Norway: they're actually combining snow with wildflower seeds and spreading it over hillsides. Imagine, literally planting flowers with snow! We're buzzing about how this cool concept could transform dormant ski hills into vibrant pollinator highways in the summer, and why you might not want to turn your entire yard into a wildflower free-for-all just yet.CONNECT WITH USGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic




