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The Garden Gamble

Ricki Klasen

Gardening can feel like a gamble — especially when you’re not sure if you’re doing it right.

On The Garden Gamble, Ricki Klasen, owner of Klasen's Greenhouse in Northern Minnesota, shares real-life gardening stories, practical advice, and honest conversations to help you build confidence and take the gamble out of gardening.

This podcast is for the hopeful beginner, the seasoned grower, and anyone learning through trial and error. Because gardening isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, patience, and planting something that matters.

If you’re ready to grow with confidence and create memories that last beyond the season, you’re in the right place.

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  • 21 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 16 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • S1 · E30
    Yesterday · 17 min

    30: Growing With 4H

    This week is National 4H Week! This week Ricki is joined by Alyssa to discuss all things 4H! New episodes weekly! Call- 218-745-5232 with any questions! Marshall County 4H Website: https://extension.umn.edu/about/our-work/local/marshall-county Marshall County 4H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marshallcountymn4H/

  • S1 · E29
    September 28 · 16 min

    29: Different Ways to Preserve Your Garden Harvest

    In this episode, Ricki touches on different methods for preserving that garden harvest as the growing season comes to a close. We are covering everything from freezing and dehydrating to canning! New episodes weekly!

  • S1 · E28
    September 21 · 15 min

    28: Pumpkin Patch & Agritourism

    It is officially pumpkin patch season!! Listen to this week's episode to hear why and how the Klasen's opened their pumpkin patch and how it is impacting local Agritourism for their community! New episode weekly!

  • September 14 · 13 min

    27: Fall Blooming Perennials

    Just because it is fall doesn't mean your garden has to be over! Tune in to this week's episode of the Garden Gamble, where Ricki breaks down some of the best perennials that will carry your garden through fall! New episodes weekly.

  • S1 · E26
    September 7 · 11 min

    26: Planting Perennials in the Fall

    Just because it is fall doesn't mean the growing season is over! In this episode, Ricki breaks down how to plant perennials in the fall! New episodes weekly!

  • S1 · E25
    September 1 · 11 min

    25: How to Keep Annuals Thriving Into Fall

    Just because it is fall doesn't mean the growing season is over! In this episode, Ricki breaks down how to keep your annuals flourishing up until the first frost!

  • S1 · E24
    August 24 · 14 min

    24: All About Zucchini

    Is your zucchini producing rapidly? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're breaking down everything you need to know about your zucchini plant! New episodes weekly.

  • S1 · E23
    August 17 · 13 min

    23: How to Beat August Garden Fatigue

    Is your garden feeling a little overwhelming? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're breaking down how to beat garden fatigue and tips for getting the most out of your garden for the rest of the season! From time management to self-encouragement, we'll cover the basics to help you continue enjoying your garden. 🌿💐 New episodes weekly.

  • S1 · E21
    August 3 · 15 min

    21: Mid Summer Gardening To-Do list

    Welcome to the thick of gardening season! In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're breaking down everything Ricki is doing to maintain her gardens this August. From weeding to experimenting with her harvests and taking notes on things she can improve, we'll cover the basics to help you get the most out of your garden. Whether this is your first year growing or you're a pro, this episode has tips for you! 🌿💐 New episodes weekly.

  • S1 · E20
    July 27 · 21 min

    20: Cut Flower Q&A

    We saved the best for last! 🌸💐 To wrap up our Favorite Cut Flowers mini-series, we're answering YOUR biggest questions about growing a cut flower garden. From getting started and choosing the right flowers to harvesting tips and common mistakes, we're covering the questions gardeners ask most. If you've been following along with the series, or you're just starting your cut flower journey, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you grow more blooms with confidence. 🎧 Tune in now and let us help take the gamble out of gardening! 🌿

  • S1 · E19
    July 20 · 13 min

    19: Favorite Cut Flower Series: Dianthus

    Welcome back to our Favorite Cut Flowers mini-series! In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're featuring another garden favorite: dianthus. Known for its ruffled blooms, sweet fragrance, and impressive vase life, dianthus is a hardworking flower that adds charm and texture to any bouquet. We'll talk about why we love growing it, tips for keeping your plants blooming all season long, and how to harvest dianthus for the longest-lasting cut flowers. Whether you're starting your first cut flower garden or looking to add reliable blooms to your flower patch, dianthus is a beautiful choice that's easy to love. Tune in to learn why this classic flower has earned a permanent place in our garden, and how it can in yours, too. New episodes weekly. 🌿💐

  • S1 · E18
    July 13 · 19 min

    18: Favorite Cut Flower Series: Zinnias

    Zinnias are one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers you can grow, but are you getting the most out of them? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're diving into everything you need to know about zinnias. From choosing the right varieties and planting tips to harvesting blooms for beautiful bouquets, we're sharing why these colorful flowers are a must-have in any cut flower garden. Whether you're growing your first flower patch or looking to add more color to your garden this season, this episode will help you grow healthier plants, enjoy more blooms, and make the most of every stem. Tune in and discover why zinnias continue to be one of our favorite flowers to grow!

  • S1 · E17
    July 6 · 18 min

    17: Favorite Cut Flower Series: Snapdragons

    In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're spotlighting one of our all-time favorites: snapdragons. We'll share why snapdragons deserve a spot in every cut flower garden, the best ways to grow them, tips for harvesting long-lasting blooms, and how to get the most out of these colorful, versatile flowers. Whether you're growing flowers for bouquets, your flower farm, or simply to brighten your home, snapdragons are a must-have. If you're looking for practical cut flower gardening tips and want to learn more about the flowers that make stunning bouquets, this series is for you. Tune in as we take the gamble out of growing beautiful blooms. 🌿💐 New episodes weekly.

  • S1 · E16
    June 29 · 13 min

    16: What makes a good bouquet?

    Ever wonder why some flower bouquets look effortlessly beautiful while others just feel... off? 💐 In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're sharing the secrets behind building a stunning bouquet. From choosing the right focal flowers and fillers to creating balance, texture, and color. Whether you're cutting flowers from your own garden or picking up blooms from the market, these simple tips will help you arrange bouquets with confidence. 🎧 Tune in now and take the gamble out of gardening (and flower arranging)! 🌸

  • S1 · E15
    June 22 · 20 min

    15: Backyard Cutting Gardens

    Dreaming of armfuls of fresh flowers all summer long? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're breaking down everything you need to know to start your own cut flower garden. From choosing the best flowers for beginners to planning your space and setting yourself up for a season full of blooms, we'll cover the basics to help you grow flowers you'll actually want to bring inside. Whether you have a dedicated flower patch or just a few raised beds, starting a cut flower garden is easier than you might think. If you've always wanted to grow your own bouquets but weren't sure where to begin, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get started and take the gamble out of gardening. 🌿💐 New episodes weekly.

  • S1 · E14
    June 15 · 27 min

    Episode 14: Things to consider before starting a landscape project-with Kade Klasen

    Thinking about tackling a landscaping project but not sure where to start? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're joined by special guest Kade Klasen, landscaper and co-owner of Klasen's Greenhouse, to talk through the key things every homeowner should consider before breaking ground. From creating a plan and choosing the right plants for your space to budgeting, maintenance expectations, and avoiding common landscaping mistakes, Kade shares expert advice to help you build a landscape you'll love for years to come. Whether you're refreshing your front flower beds or starting a complete backyard makeover, this episode will give you the confidence to plan smarter and avoid costly regrets. If you're ready to transform your outdoor space, tune in as we help take the gamble out of landscaping. 🌱 New episodes weekly.

  • S1 · E13
    June 8 · 17 min

    13: 3 things I’m doing now in the flower farm to make life easier later on

    When it comes to gardening and flower farming, a little extra work up front can save you a lot of time and headaches later. In this episode of Garden Gamble, Ricki shares three changes she's making on the flower farm this season to work smarter, not harder. Whether you're growing cut flowers, vegetables, or a backyard garden, these time-saving strategies can help you stay ahead of the work and take some of the gamble out of gardening. 🌱 New episodes weekly.

  • S1 · E12
    June 1 · 13 min

    12: Deer Resistant Plants

    Tired of spending time and money on plants only to have deer treat your garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet? In this episode of Garden Gamble, Ricki is talking all about deer-resistant plants and how to create a beautiful garden that deer are more likely to leave alone. While no plant is completely deer-proof, choosing the right varieties can make a big difference in protecting your garden throughout the growing season. If deer are regular visitors to your yard, this episode will help you make smarter planting choices and take a little more of the gamble out of gardening. 🌿 New episodes weekly.

  • S1 · E11
    May 25 · 14 min

    11: All About Tomatoes

    Is there anything more rewarding than biting into a tomato you grew yourself? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we cover everything you need to know about growing tomatoes. We break down the differences between determinate and indeterminate types, share tips for planting deep, watering consistently, and supporting your plants with stakes or cages. You'll also learn how to spot common problems like blossom end rot before they take over, plus simple pruning techniques that boost airflow and fruit production. Whether you're growing in a raised bed, a container on the patio, or a sunny windowsill, this episode gives you a straightforward, season‑long plan for growing the best tomatoes you've ever tasted. 🍅🌿 New episodes weekly.

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes