The good, the bad, and the ugly. Thank you, Mr. Eastwood.

Glass half-full: it hasn't really been that hot. Yet

Glass half-empty: it hasn't really rained south of Hermosa. For a long time.

We talk about irrigation, all things alliums, sad seed situations, and trying to play catchup in the garden and how that can be an uphill battle.

Really, I'm not even sure we talked about butterflies. But we should have - everyone loves them (and ladybugs). However, we are seeing how a changing climate, season abnormalities, human movement, and insect (and earthworm) activity intersect, and the outcomes aren't always positive. Some are down-right spooky. That led us delving into the benefits and learning opportunities of observing the natural patterns around us and how the weather, temperature, timing, plants and humans all work their dance. Come join us.

Today our intrepid duo continue their interview with New York Times best-selling author Jo Robinson. This is part two of an interview that started in the last episode on finding the best nutrition in our food. This week Jo delves into the various benefits of grass-fed animals and how that nutrition starts with plants - to find out more check out her book Pasture Perfect.

You all are in for a special treat: We have a phone interview with Author Jo Robinson, an investigative journalist specializing in science and health. Her book “Eating on the Wild Side” is a New York Times best seller and it details methods to find the most nutritious varieties of fruits and vegetables. Along with her book on grass-fed animals (Pasture Perfect) , she has a wealth of science-based information on her website www.eatwild.com where you can find ways to improve your own food choices.

Season still feels like we are 4-6 ahead of schedule: check.

Deer still love Darrin's yard: check.

Weeds still grow fine without water: check. Except mallow.

David Attenborough could be God: check.

Yep, that sounds like a full show.

Growing seedlings inside under lights can be an affordable - albeit sometimes frustrating - endeavor. But this won't stop the intrepid Garden Guys! Tom and Darrin debate the pros and cons of using plastic cels and soil blocks, with greater discussion on Tom's first attempt at the Seed Snail.

Despite the upside of Darrin giving Tom "birthday presents", we have to talk about the early season challenges - from constant drought concerns, to cold temps and early flowering trees, to wet (and cold) soils... well, thank goodness for birthday presents! But there will hopefully be some tidbits for our listeners on the potentially detrimental effects of planting seeds in wet soils followed by cold temperatures. Joy.

Start serious, end light. Start serious, end light... mantra for the week. Yup, we are talking about the Strait of Hormuz. Why on earth would the Garden Guys do that? You wonder…well, sometimes world events intrude on food production, and this is one of those times. So, we discuss it like adults. Ish. But then we end it critiquing the top 10 veggies according to the latest poll, like we're kids!