Welcome to our weekly podcast with longtime Anchorage Daily News garden writer and author Jeff Lowenfels and co-host Jonathan White. It’s a companion to Jeff’s weekly ADN gardening columns and his popular series of books.
This week, the guys discuss the fascinating world of hydrangeas. Jeff mentions that these vibrant flowers are the top-selling plant in garden centers across the U.S. because they are both gorgeous and easy to maintain. He notes that their popularity is due to their colorful appearance as well as their resilience and adaptability. Jonathan adds that hydrangeas thrive in warm soil and temperatures, making them an excellent choice for various climates. He also points out an interesting fact for Alaskans: moose don’t like them!
![White mophead Hydrangea 'Annabelle' in flower.](https://www.adn.com/resizer/TDAyVTNK4np0iVuKASQdaeW9guk=/1440x0/filters:format(jpg):quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/adn/OL3NQVY6VNADDIXVETQ4V5TOCU.jpg)
After the break, they continue their in-depth discussion on hydrangeas. They explore how pH levels in the soil can produce a spectrum of colors from blue to pink.
Finally, they address a listener’s question about dealing with garden weeds.
Have a question? Ask Jeff and Jonathan at teamingwithmicrobes@me.com
Sponsored by Number 2 Organics, Big Foot Microbes and Down to Earth Fertilizers
Hosts: Jeff Lowenfels and Jonathan White. Produced by Evan Phillips.
This podcast is a collaboration between the hosts and Anchorage Daily News.
Feedback: teamingwithmicrobes@me.com
Read Lowenfels’ weekly columns on gardening and growing at ADN.com.
Read Jeff’s books: “Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web,” “Teaming with Nutrients: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to Optimizing Plant Nutrition,” “Teaming with Fungi: The Organic Grower’s Guide to Mycorrhizae,” among others.