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 🌴🚀

🌴🎙️ In this episode of The Palmcast, we sit down with Hayes for an incredible conversation covering palms, weather, gardening, and the passion that drives it all.

Over the course of nearly two hours, we dive into Hayes’ background and experiences, the “jungle” he calls home, and the journey behind Longleaf Botanical Gardens in Anniston, Alabama. We also spend a lot of time talking practical Sabal growing, favorite species, cold hardy palms, weather patterns, and the realities of growing palms in challenging climates.

This was one of those conversations that easily could have lasted another several hours. Hayes brought an amazing depth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the show, and we’re excited to say he’ll be returning as a recurring friend of The Palmcast in future episodes.

If you’re passionate about palms, gardening, botanic gardens, or learning from experienced growers, this is an episode you won’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

👉 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 🌴🚀

#Palmcast #SabalPalms #ColdHardyPalms #Gardening #BotanicalGardens #LongleafBotanicalGardens #Palms #PlantPodcast

We’re going back to the basics in this episode of The Palmcast—and going DEEP. 🌴

Tom and Teddy spend nearly two hours breaking down some of the most important Sabal species for growers:

• Sabal birmingham
• Sabal mexicana
• Sabal louisiana
• Sabal brazoriensis

We share tons of photos, real-world growing experience, and detailed insights into identification, cold hardiness, growth habits, and what makes each of these palms unique.

If you're serious about Sabals—or just getting started—this is a must-listen. We’ll continue doing more foundational deep dives like this to spotlight the palms that matter most.

👉 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 🌴🚀

What happens when you turn your passion into your profession? 🌿

In Episode 12 of The Palmcast, we sit down with Destin Noak, aka the Texas Garden Guy, to talk about his journey from working as an electrician to becoming a sales rep with Nelson Plant Food—and how his love for gardening shaped it all.

We cover a TON in this episode:
🌳 Fruit trees, figs, succulents, cacti & desert roses
🪴 Raised beds and growing success
🌱 Turf talk and lawn care tips
💧 Real-world gardening advice from Texas conditions

But more than anything, this episode is about doing what you love—and how that passion shows up in everything you grow.

If you're into gardening, plants, or just chasing what you love, this one’s for you.

👉 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 🌴🚀

In Episode 11 of The Palmcast, we sit down with Clark Janson—also known as the Barefooted Gardener—to explore the intersection of plants, water, and outdoor living.

With a family background rooted in orchards, homesteading, and working the land, Clark brings a deep, practical understanding to everything he does. Today, he’s best known for designing and building incredible ponds and water features as a certified aquascape contractor—transforming everyday spaces into living works of art.

We cover a wide range of topics in this episode, including growing palms, designing ponds, koi fish and aquatic ecosystems, weather, microclimates, and how it all ties together in the real world.

This is a great conversation that blends creativity, experience, and a true passion for the outdoors.

Learn more about Clark:
https://thebarefootedgardener.com/
https://www.youtube.com/thebarefootedgardener

👉 Be sure to check out our shops:Sabal King of Texas on Etsyhttps://sabalkingoftexas.etsy.comTeddy’s Nursery on eBayhttps://ebay.us/m/DLYoQLIf 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 🌴🚀

In Episode 10 of The Palmcast, Tom and Teddy go freestyle after a last-minute guest cancellation—and end up covering a ton of ground.

We kick things off with a wild spring weather breakdown, from Tennessee’s dry start to the heavy rains in North Texas, and how those conditions are impacting planting and growth. Tom shares updates from the East Texas ranch, including rainwater harvesting challenges, delays in palm planting, and the next steps toward getting rural water established.

We also discuss the continued growth of The Palmcast, including being added to Amazon Music and reaching a wider audience. Tom recaps his recent “Palms in the Park” workshop in Oak Point, and we dive into how vacations inspire tropical landscapes—and how we try to recreate that same relaxing escape at home.

To wrap things up, we talk summer plans, spring progress, and what we’re doing right now when it comes to fertilizing and plant care.

As always, this episode is proudly sponsored by Nelson Plant Food, supporting growers, landscapers, and gardeners.

🌿 Topics include:
• Spring weather extremes (TX vs TN)
• East Texas ranch updates & water challenges
• Rainwater harvesting & rural water setup
• Palmcast growth & Amazon Music launch
• Palms in the Park workshop recap
• Vacation inspiration & tropical design
• Spring fertilizing & nursery updates

👉 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 follow along as we continue talking palms, plants, and the realities of growing at scale.

Let’s keep growing 🌴🚀