What happens when two of the most knowledgeable palm growers around sit down together for two straight hours?

In Episode 17 of The Palmcast, we bring together the legendary Tom McClendon and Joe LeVert for a conversation packed with decades of real-world experience.

After having both guests on separately, we quickly realized one episode each wasn't enough. So we brought them together—and the amount of knowledge shared in this discussion is simply incredible.

🌴 Sabal identification and key characteristics
🌱 How to correctly identify different Sabal species
💪 Fertilization strategies for palms
🐛 Pest management and spraying practices
🌿 Growing techniques learned through decades of experience
📚 Palm history, observations, and lessons learned
🌎 Real-world growing advice that applies to beginners and experts alike

This is one of those episodes you'll want to listen to more than once. The depth of knowledge shared over these two hours is hard to put into words.

If you're serious about palms, Sabals, and becoming a better grower, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

👉 Be sure to check out our shops:

Sabal King of Texas on Etsy
https://sabalkingoftexas.etsy.com

Teddy's Nursery on eBay
https://ebay.us/m/DLYoQL

👍 Be sure to subscribe and follow The Palmcast for more conversations with some of the most experienced growers in the hobby.

Let's keep growing 🌴🚀

Topics include:

🌴 Sabal identification and key characteristics
🌱 How to correctly identify different Sabal species
💪 Fertilization strategies for palms
🐛 Pest management and spraying practices
🌿 Growing techniques learned through decades of experience
📚 Palm history, observations, and lessons learned
🌎 Real-world growing advice that applies to beginners and experts alike

This is one of those episodes you'll want to listen to more than once. The depth of knowledge shared over these two hours is hard to put into words.

If you're serious about palms, Sabals, and becoming a better grower, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

👉 Be sure to check out our shops:

Sabal King of Texas on Etsy
https://sabalkingoftexas.etsy.com

Teddy's Nursery on eBay
https://ebay.us/m/DLYoQL

👍 Be sure to subscribe and follow The Palmcast for more conversations with some of the most experienced growers in the hobby.

Let's keep growing 🌴🚀

Can you really grow palms in the Pacific Northwest? 🌧️🌴

We sat down with Banana Joe Clemente, a true legend with nearly 40 years of experience growing palms in one of the most unlikely climates—and he’s doing things most people wouldn’t believe.

From building a thriving palm scene in the Vancouver area to dealing with real-world challenges (including people literally stealing palms out of the ground), this episode is packed with stories, knowledge, and passion.

Joe walks us through:
• 🌴 Frost-tolerant palms that actually work
• 🌧️ Growing in the Pacific Northwest climate
• 🌱 The evolution of the palm community in the region
• 🏡 A tour of his personal jungle and deck setup
• 😳 The reality of palm theft and rare plant demand

This conversation could have easily gone for hours—and the good news is Joe will be a regular guest on the show.

If you’ve ever wondered how far you can push palms… this episode will change how you think.

👉 Make sure you check out Banana Joe’s YouTube channels:

https://www.youtube.com/@junglejoecvideogates9705
https://www.youtube.com/@BananaJSSI
https://www.youtube.com/@GulfIslandRock

🏝 Amazing place to stay (Booking.com):
Magnolia Petal on Salt Spring Island

🎨 Wendy’s beautiful art:
https://www.instagram.com/Magnoliapetalssi

👉 Be sure to check out our shops:
Sabal King of Texas on Etsy
https://sabalkingoftexas.etsy.com

Teddy’s Nursery on eBay
https://ebay.us/m/DLYoQL

👉 If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue talking palms, plants, and the realities of growing at scale.

Let’s keep growing 🌴🚀

This might be one of our favorite episodes yet.

We sat down with James Spann—a true professional with a voice built for radio and a deep sense of responsibility for the work he does. This conversation went everywhere in the best way possible.

From weather patterns and forecasting reality to how it all impacts growing palms and plants, we asked the questions every gardener is already thinking. Along the way, James brought incredible insight, decades of experience, and a surprising amount of humor—it honestly felt like a comedy show at times.

In this episode, we cover:
• Weather hype vs reality
• Weather apps, models, and what you can actually trust
• Patterns, trends, and extreme events
• What it all means for growers and gardeners

One big takeaway: everyone needs a weather radio—it’s a must-have.

If you care about plants, weather, or just want to hear one of the best in the business break it all down, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

👉 Be sure to check out our shops:Sabal King of Texas on Etsyhttps://sabalkingoftexas.etsy.comTeddy’s Nursery on eBayhttps://ebay.us/m/DLYoQL👉 If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue talking palms, plants, and the realities of growing at scale.Let’s keep growing 🌴🚀