Wondering how to grow a native garden? You might be surprised at the importance of a seemingly mundane addition: mulch. Hosts Tiff and Kat cover all things mulch this week — and it's way more interesting than even they expected.

What they cover:

• 3 main ways mulch helps your garden
• What is organic mulch? And the types
• Where to find free organic mulch
• Why to avoid dyed mulch like the plague
• What is living mulch?

Listen in if you're ready to stop asking yourself, 'Why is my pollinator garden dying?' every year.

Sources

• Evolution of Hardwood Mulch article: https://www.ruppertlandscape.com/evolution-hardwood-mulch/
• Mulch as a Drylands Strategy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1cgx33E3LM
• University of Michigan leaf mulch study: https://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/mitgc/article/199866b.pdf
• University of California Cooperative Extension water retention and mulch study: https://ucanr.edu/media/305486
• Plants journal: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10975533/
• University of California pamphlet: https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2026-02/UCANR%20Mulches%20for%20Landscapes%20by%20Downer%20and%20Faber.pdf
• Gardening Know How on eco-friendly mulch: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/best-eco-friendly-mulch
• Growing a Greener World on mulch certification: https://www.growingagreenerworld.com/is-your-mulch-safe-heres-how-to-find-out/
• Mulch and Soil Council guide: https://mulchandsoilcouncil.org/pdf/Education/2013_Mulch_Selection_Guidev3.pdf
• Edge of the Woods Nursery on living mulch: https://edgeofthewoodsnursery.com/living-mulch-part-one-an-ecological-alternative-to-wood-mulch

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If you're wondering just how god awful (but useful!) DIY deer spray is, listen in as hosts Kat and Tiff discuss the pros and cons of making it yourself. Learn why critters constantly munching on your plants does not have to be your reality.

What they discuss:

• DIY deer spray recipes (both smelly and less smelly options) and ethical bunny deterrents
• Tiffany's horrid experience making DIY deer spray when she was younger
• Store-bought deer sprays and whether or not they work

Get ready to stop deer and bunnies in their tracks.

Sources

• Reddit (of course!) https://www.reddit.com/r/NativePlantGardening/comments/14f7b11/how_do_you_prevent_or_reduce_deer_from_destroying/
• Savvy Gardening - https://savvygardening.com/deer-proof-gardens/
• The Deer Guys - https://www.thedeerguys.com/blog-posts/what-is-the-best-homemade-deer-repellent
• LiquidFence - https://www.liquidfence.com/
• Farmer’s Almanac - https://www.almanac.com/5-natural-homemade-deer-repellents-actually-work

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Hosts Tiff and Kat share practical tips for incorporating native plants into small spaces like balconies and container gardens, and why it's so essential to start today. They explore native plant options and creative ways to contribute to local ecosystems, all while sharing personal stories and resources.

They talk about:

• The ecological impact of habitat loss, the "windshield phenomenon," and the vital role of native plants in conservation
• Practical tips for container gardening: choosing containers, soil, plant selection, and seasonal care
• Strategies for advocating for native plants in public spaces, schools, and your broader community
• Costs and money-saving tips on planting and container options

Get ready to learn all about small space gardening, so you can contribute no matter how little space you have.

Sources

• National Wildlife Federation: https://www.nwf.org/Native-Plant-Habitats/Plant-Native/Small-Space-Wildlife-Gardening/Container-Gardening
• Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife With Native Plants, Douglas W. Tallamy: https://amzn.to/4uAiLML (affiliate link)
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windshield_phenomenon
• Their GUMA episode on bee hotels and native bees: https://www.greeningupmyact.com/1849707/episodes/14888630-are-bee-hotels-worth-the-space-in-your-garden
• Home Depot for pricing

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