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ATXGardens Podcast

Colleen Dieter

Stop stressing about your yard! Each week, landscape consultant Colleen Dieter with ATXGardens shares exactly what you should be doing right now to keep your plants and trees happy.

With 20+ years of experience helping Central Texans, Colleen is a certified arborist, sustainable landscape designer, and founder of Central Texas Seed Savers. You may have seen her on PBS Austin’s Central Texas Gardener, KXAN, or Spectrum News, or heard her on The Horticulturati podcast and KLBJ’s Horticulture Hangover. She’s passionate about making gardening approachable.

Perfect for both seasoned green thumbs and new DIY’ers, The ATXGardens Podcast is your go-to for friendly, reliable gardening advice—week by week, season by season. Learn more at ATXgardens.com.

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25 episodes
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Avg 33 min
English

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#28
Today · 48 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (Nov. 1–15): Final Fall Planting & Freeze Prep
November is here, and it’s time to get your Central Texas garden ready for colder weather! In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares how to prepare your plants for the first freeze, which trees and shrubs you can still plant, and the final window for planting cool-season vegetables, herbs, perennials, and bulbs. You’ll also learn how to protect young trees from deer, care for fruit trees, manage fallen leaves, and prepare your lawn for winter. Whether you’re gardening in Austin or elsewhere in Central Texas, this episode will help you tackle the most important early November garden tasks before winter arrives. This episode is sponsored by Garden Bug. Need help with weeding, mulching, planting, pruning, or garden maintenance? Visit http://Garden-Bug.com and mention the ATXGardens Podcast for a free quote. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#27
September 24 · 33 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (Oct. 15–31): Last-Chance Fall Planting
Late October is your last chance to tackle some important fall gardening tasks before winter arrives in Central Texas! In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares what to plant now, including garlic, cool-season vegetables, herbs, perennials, bulbs, and Texas bluebonnets, plus what you should stop pruning and fertilizing as plants prepare for colder weather. You’ll also learn how to control an aggressive trumpet vine, why fruit tree leaves need special cleanup, and one simple fall lawn care tip that can help reduce winter weeds. Whether you’re gardening in Austin or elsewhere in Central Texas, this episode will help you make the most of the final weeks of fall planting season. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#26
September 10 · 28 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (Oct. 1–15): Cool-Season Planting Begins
October is prime gardening season in Central Texas, and there’s plenty to plant, harvest, and enjoy! In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares what to plant in early October, including cool-season vegetables, garlic, onions, herbs, trees, perennials, and Texas wildflowers. You’ll also learn how to successfully grow vegetables in containers, choose the right potting soil, check your irrigation system, and prepare your garden for cooler weather. Whether you have a big backyard or just a few pots on a patio, this episode is packed with practical fall gardening tips for Austin and Central Texas. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#25
August 27 · 29 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (Sept. 15–30): Fall Planting & Bluebonnets
Fall planting season is officially here in Central Texas! In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares what to plant in late September, why it’s time to stop pruning woody plants, and how to build budget-friendly raised beds using hügelkultur and keyhole gardening. You’ll also learn what vegetables and herbs to plant in your fall garden, how to care for fruit trees, and Colleen’s tried-and-true method for planting Texas bluebonnets. If you’re gardening in Austin or Central Texas, this episode is packed with timely tips to make the most of fall planting season. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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S1 · E24
August 13 · 44 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (Sept. 1–15): Stop Pruning, Start Planting
September is one of the best times of year to garden in Central Texas, and this episode will help you make the most of the changing season. Colleen shares expert tips on when to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and wildflowers, along with advice on raised bed gardening, fruit tree care, and preparing your landscape for a productive fall. You'll also learn how to properly water newly planted trees, start cool-season crops, and support local food resilience by participating in the Fruit Savers BioBlitz. If you're gardening in Austin or Central Texas, this episode is packed with timely, practical advice to help your garden thrive this fall. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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S1 · E23
July 30 · 27 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (Aug 15–31): Build Beds & Prep for Fall
As summer begins to wind down in Central Texas, now is the time to start preparing for one of the best gardening seasons of the year. In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares what to do in your garden during the second half of August, including fall garden preparation, seed saving, orchard planning, late-season pruning, and how to build a new vegetable garden using the double-digging method. You'll also learn which vegetables can still be planted, why tropical milkweed should be cut back before monarch migration, and how you can participate in a community fruit tree BioBlitz. If you're gardening in Austin or Central Texas, this episode is packed with practical late-summer gardening tips to help you transition successfully into the fall growing season. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#22
July 16 · 34 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (Aug 1–15): Stop Planting & Plan for Fall
August in Central Texas can feel like a second winter for your garden, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares what gardeners should focus on in early August, including erosion control with berms and swales, summer pruning, fruit tree care, fall garden planning, and which vegetables can still be planted before cooler weather arrives. You'll also learn why now is the perfect time to prepare planting beds, collect wildflower seeds, and start planning your fall landscape projects. If you're gardening in Austin or Central Texas, this episode is packed with practical August gardening tips to help your garden survive the heat and thrive in the seasons ahead. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#21
July 2 · 44 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (July 15–31): Prune Now & Plan for Fall
Late July may be hot, but it's an important time to set your Central Texas garden up for success heading into fall. In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares practical tips for summer pruning, managing chiggers, deciding whether to put your vegetable garden to bed, choosing crops that still have time to mature before the first freeze, and why she recommends avoiding French drains for most landscapes. You'll also learn how to refresh overgrown perennials, care for herbs during the heat, and host a community seed swap to support local gardening. If you garden in Austin or Central Texas, this episode is packed with timely advice to help your landscape thrive through the hottest weeks of summer. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#20
June 18 · 39 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (July 1–15): Rain Gardens, Fig Harvest & Summer Pruning
July may be the hottest month in Central Texas, but there's still plenty to do in the garden. In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares practical July gardening tips, including how to manage pests naturally, prune trees and perennials, harvest figs and apples, build rain gardens to solve erosion problems, and decide whether it's time to put your vegetable garden to bed for the summer. You'll also learn which crops can still be planted in the heat and how seed saving can help strengthen local gardening communities. If you garden in Austin or Central Texas, this episode is packed with timely advice to help your landscape thrive through the toughest part of the growing season. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#19
June 4 · 34 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (June 15–30): Train Blackberries & Plan for Fall
Late June is a time of transition in the Central Texas garden, and knowing what to do now can set you up for success later. In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares tips for harvesting figs, peaches, and blackberries, caring for summer vegetables, collecting rainwater, and preventing mosquito problems without harming pollinators. You'll also learn why it's time to wrap up perennial planting, how to manage blackberry canes for next year's harvest, and what steps you can take now to start planning for fall gardening season. If you're gardening in Austin or Central Texas, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your garden thrive through the summer heat. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#18
May 21 · 31 min
What to do in your Central Texas garden (June 1-15): Harvest Veggies & Plant Fast
Summer is settling into Central Texas, and your garden is feeling the change. In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen shares what to do in your Central Texas garden in early June, including harvesting potatoes and onions, managing weeds before they spread seeds, preventing pest outbreaks naturally, and deciding what summer vegetables are still worth planting. She also covers oak wilt precautions, light summer tree trimming, soil erosion solutions, and tips for keeping your garden productive through the heat. If you garden in Austin or Central Texas, this episode is packed with practical June gardening advice to help your landscape thrive through the transition into summer. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#17
May 7 · 31 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (May 15–31): Soil Testing Tips, Watch Out for Oak Wilt, and Summer Vegetables
Get your Central Texas garden ready for the transition into summer with this essential late May gardening guide. Learn why soil testing matters, what to plant now (and what to skip), and how to care for fruit trees, herbs, and heat-loving crops before temperatures rise. From avoiding costly fertilizing mistakes to harvesting at the perfect time, this episode is packed with practical tips to help your garden thrive. If you want healthier plants and a more successful summer garden, don’t miss these timely insights. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#16
April 23 · 28 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (May 1–15): Enjoy the Blooms, Don’t Touch Those Trees, and Summer Veggie Planting
Get your Central Texas garden ready for the heat with this essential early May gardening guide. Learn what to plant now, what to stop doing, and how to manage weeds, fruit trees, and summer crops before temperatures soar. From vegetable planting tips to lawn care and mulching strategies, this episode covers the critical tasks that can make or break your summer garden. If you want a thriving, low-stress garden in Texas heat, don’t miss these timely tips. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#15
April 9 · 41 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (April 15–30): Plant Perennials, Warm Season Veggies, and Do Not Prune Oaks
Get your Central Texas garden ready for late April with this essential gardening guide packed with timely tips. Learn what to plant now, how to care for fruit trees, prevent worms in your harvest, and avoid common mistakes that can ruin your summer garden. From vegetable planting schedules to organic lawn care and soil improvement, this episode covers everything you need to grow a thriving garden in Texas heat. Don’t miss these critical mid-spring tasks that can make or break your growing season. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#14
March 26 · 23 min
April 1–15 Garden Tasks (Central Texas): What to Plant & What to Avoid
Spring is in full swing in Central Texas, and your garden is about to take off. In this episode, Colleen Dieter shares exactly what to plant in April, how to protect your fruit trees from pests, and why now is the time to set up your watering system before the Texas heat hits. You’ll learn what to do after a surprise late freeze, which warm-season vegetables and herbs to plant now, and how to avoid costly mistakes with trees and lawns. If you want a thriving Central Texas garden this spring, this is your step-by-step guide. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#13
March 13 · 30 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (March 15–April 1): Pruning Citrus Trees, Spring Perennial and Vegetable Planting, Lawn Care Tips
Spring is in full swing in Central Texas, and your garden is about to explode with growth. In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen Dieter shares exactly what to do in your Austin-area garden in the second half of March, from controlling fast-growing weeds to pruning and feeding citrus trees. You’ll also learn how to protect fruit trees from pests, plant warm-season vegetables and herbs, and give your lawn the right start for spring. If you want healthier plants and a more productive garden this season, this episode will help you stay ahead of the busiest time of year in Central Texas gardening. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#12
February 26 · 30 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (March 1–15): Spring Is Here! Stop Pruning Trees, Start Planting Perennials
Spring is almost here in Central Texas, and the second half of February is a critical transition time in your garden. In this episode of The ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen Dieter shares exactly what to prune, plant, cut back, and prepare before March arrives — from rose and fruit tree pruning to deciduous shrub trimming, potato planting, and winter weed control. Learn how to protect your landscape during oak wilt season, reset your vegetable beds, and get ahead of spring growth in Austin and the surrounding area. If you garden in Central Texas, this is your step-by-step guide to finishing winter strong and setting up a successful spring season. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#11
February 12 · 35 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (Feb 15–28): Winter Clean-Up & Last Chance for Cool-Season Vegetables
Spring is just around the corner, and late February is one of the busiest times in the Central Texas garden. In this episode, Colleen Dieter of ATXGardens walks you through exactly what to prune, plant, cut back, and prepare before the spring rush begins. Learn when to finish rose and fruit tree pruning, how to handle freeze-damaged plants, and what to plant now in your vegetable and herb garden. If you garden in Austin or the surrounding region, this episode will help you transition smoothly from winter into a productive spring season. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#10
January 29 · 30 min
What to Do in your Central Texas Garden (Feb 1-15) ICE STORM EDITION
A major ice storm and deep freeze hit Central Texas—now what? In this episode of the ATXGardens Podcast, landscape consultant and certified arborist Colleen Dieter explains exactly what to do in your garden in early February, from assessing freeze damage to pruning roses and fruit trees at the right time. Learn which plants are likely to recover, which ones won’t, and how this cold snap actually benefits fruit trees that need chill hours. If you garden in Austin or Central Texas, this episode will help you move from winter survival mode into confident spring prep. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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#9
January 15 · 26 min
What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (January 16–31): Weird Weather, Weeds & Winter Prep
Winter in Central Texas has been anything but normal, and in this episode of The ATXGardens Podcast, Colleen Dieter breaks down exactly what to do in the second half of January to keep your garden thriving. From winter weeds like burr clover and prepping your pruning tools to caring for fruit trees, perennials, and cool-season vegetables, you’ll get clear, practical guidance for this weirdly warm winter. Learn what to plant now, what to hold off on, and how to get ready for big February pruning season. If you garden in Austin or Central Texas, this episode will help you stay one step ahead no matter what the weather does next. **Find full show notes, product links, and upcoming event info at www.atxgardens.com/podcast
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