WPTF Weekend Gardener

Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten end the show in the studio with special guests Paul McKenzie, retired extension agent, and Chad Tyson, Director of Operations at Mitogrow.

Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten continue the show in the studio with special guests Paul McKenzie, retired extension agent, and Chad Tyson, Director of Operations at Mitogrow.

Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten open the show in the studio with special guests Paul McKenzie, retired extension agent, and Chad Tyson, Director of Operations at Mitogrow.

The episode wraps up with reflections on plants, nature, and learning from the garden, as Mike, Rufus, and Johnny Coley close the show with perspective, humor, and encouragement for gardeners in winter.

Mike, Rufus, and Johnny Coley dive deeper into gardening science, winter landscapes, and practical advice, mixing personal stories with insight drawn from years of experience.

Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten open the show in the studio with Johnny Coley, setting the stage with winter gardening observations, seasonal plant behavior, and thoughtful conversation to kick off the morning.

The final hour wraps up with thoughtful gardening advice, plant recommendations, seasonal considerations, and personal reflections from the panel. The show closes with humor, wisdom, and encouragement for gardeners heading into winter.

The in-studio panel continues with a deeper discussion of native plants, edible gardening, family traditions, and how curiosity and observation shape sound gardening practices. Dr. McMillan and Andrea Lane share insights from the mountains, while Rufus and Dave Bolick provide perspective and narratives.

Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten open the show in the studio with Dr. Patrick McMillan, Andrea Lane of Mitchell County, and North Carolina State Auditor Dave Bolick. The conversation blends gardening science, winter landscapes, plant behavior, and reflections on stewardship, conservation, and learning from the natural world.

The final hour features additional guests from the market, including Dave Parker of Amedeo’s and Brian Christensen of Logan’s, who highlight poinsettias, Christmas trees, and long-running Raleigh food and market traditions. The show wraps with holiday gardening advice, market updates, and reflections on the community that makes the State Farmers Market a seasonal destination.

Mike and Rufus are broadcasting from within the market shops as they talk with Gary Stevenson and Amanda Bratcher. They share holiday stories, food discoveries, Christmas traditions, and reflections on previous shows and guests. The hour also features discussions about holiday plants, such as poinsettias, and emphasizes the importance of supporting farmers and growers during the Christmas season.

Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show from the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, joined by Spectrum News 1 chief meteorologist Gary Stevenson and Lee County Extension agent Amanda Bratcher. The hour will focus on December weather, seasonal gardening reflections, hellebores and Christmas roses, plant hardiness, and the importance of cold weather for plant health.

The crew wraps back at the greenhouse with more guest conversations, mountain region updates, local grower stories, and seasonal gardening and holiday plant advice as the show closes out.

Mike and Ann continue from the nursery before connecting with Billy Howell at the State Farmers Market for an update on Christmas trees, produce, specialty foods, gift items, and weekend crowds.

Mike Raley and Ann Clapp open the show from Campbell Road Nursery with a walk through the Christmas greenhouse featuring poinsettias, cyclamen, Christmas cactus, and conversations with Tom Campbell, Nelsa Cox, Dr. Patrick McMillan, and Rufus Edmisten.

Mike, Rufus, and Nelson welcome Monica Wood to discuss the State Farmers Market report, which includes Christmas trees, produce, wreaths, and holiday crowds. They then cover additional winter preparations and answer caller questions to conclude the show.

Mike, Rufus, and Nelson continue discussing holly problems, lily and crinum questions, pruning guidance, vines, lawns, and a steady stream of listener calls regarding winter garden issues.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmiston, and Nelson Cox kick off the show in the studio by discussing plant IDs, camellias, bulbs, evergreens, soil questions, and sharing early seasonal garden advice from callers.

Mike, Nelsa, and Rufus take more horticulture questions, revisit garden memories, and play the J.C. Knowles clip requested by caller Larry as they wrap up the show with light weekend chatter.

Mike, Nelsa, and Rufus talk camellias, pruning, plant IDs, and fall garden performance before bringing in Billy Howell with a State Farmers Market update on Christmas trees, wreaths, holiday crafts, and seasonal produce.

Mike Raley, Nelsa Cox, and Rufus Edmisten open the show with parade-morning talk, drought updates, longleaf pine and cryptomeria discussion, and early caller questions about tomatoes, screening trees, and evergreen choices.

Mike, Rufus, Paul McKenzie, and Gary Stevenson finally deliver the long-promised kale taste test as Gary brings in his cooked kale; the hosts sample it live, react, joke, and wrap with State Farmers Market and craft-fair updates.

Mike, Rufus, Paul McKenzie, and Gary Stevenson dive into flying stories, hot-air balloons, peppers, camellias, and fall color, with more kale setups as Gary hints at what he’s cooking for the final hour.

Mike, Rufus, Paul McKenzie, and Gary Stevenson kick off the show with early veggie talk, kale arguments, fall gardening chatter, and in-studio banter that sets up the day’s kale showdown.

Garden Q&A with Johnny Coley and Andrea Lane—camellias in mountain zones, Fraser firs, and more—plus JC Raulston’s Moonlight in the Garden.

Fraud-prevention segment featuring the NC Secretary of State’s office, plus State Farmers Market and local events updates

Broadcast from the Jane McKimmon Center at NC State for the NC 55+ Lifestyle Show, with event highlights and schedule

Monica’s State Farmers Market update on what’s fresh, vendor shout-outs, and weekend notes including the Korean Food Festival.

Listener Q&A on dividing/transplanting, mulch basics, and prepping garden beds and lawns for the cool season.

A tribute to J.C. Knowles with favorite stories, plus fall color picks—pansies, camellias—and how to plant daffodils and other bulbs now.

Warm-season lawn choices and shade (fine-blade zoysias vs. St. Augustine), grub issues in zoysia; hornworms vs. armyworms; when to cut back lantana (after a hard freeze); deer-resistant winter color with snapdragons; and how trimming ligustrum now can cost you spring blooms, with quick spacing notes for future shade trees.

Fall color and drought updates; why autumn is the best time to plant trees and shrubs; fescue seeding and watering; Gerald’s pepper seed-saving and unusual varieties; container tips for church planters (swap oversized ornamental kale for snapdragons or dianthus, use trailing pansies, ensure good drainage); plus camellias and other compact shrubs for small yards.

Fall lawn rescue (centipede vs. rye), deadheading/feeding roses, ginger lilies and collards; listener Q&A and wrap from Womble’s.

Store-floor chat (gear, gas logs); Etheridge on crop prices; callers on rye overseeding and tomatoes; Gary Pierce’s fixes for stressed turf and rose care.

Kickoff from J.E. Womble & Sons in Lillington; Bob Etheridge on drought and NC farmers; Erica Gallion on Youth Legislative Assembly & Super Kids; Gary Pierce begins Q&A on lawns, roses, and fall veggies.

Bradley O’Neill highlights the restored IH tractors, and Chris Massey from C. Massey Plumbing drops by. Amanda Bratcher gives what-to-do-now pruning/planting tips, with a quick State Fair flower show preview from the crew.

Paula Perry shares the 5-acre maze designed by Wayne Batten, the tractor showcase with International Harvester Chapter 37, and donations benefiting Interfaith Food Shuttle. Plus: caller Steve, pumpkin “stackables” for cooking, and quick fall planting notes.

Opening hours from Crossroads Corn Maze. Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, and Amanda Bratcher talk fall weather/drought and watering, then Jean Spooner (Umstead Coalition) previews today’s native plant sale at William B. Umstead State Park.

More fall Q&A with Mart Bumgarner: saving seed from summer annuals, why tulips act like annuals here, and why you should leave some stems standing for winter pollinator habitat. We also talk favorite ornamental grasses (hello, muhly and little bluestem) and share PlantFest logistics and highlights. Plus campus notes on JPAC and the Allen de Hart Concert Series. Note: This week’s show runs two hours due to UNC–Clemson football coverage.

Broadcast live from Louisburg College’s Seby B. Jones Performing Arts Center (JPAC), with local historian Mark Pace of the Tar River Center for History & Culture sharing Louisburg stories (Person Place, Gov. Thomas W. Bickett). Former mayor and state representative Lucy Allen joins the conversation. Orange County Cooperative Extension’s Mart Bumgarner previews PlantFest (Sat., Oct. 11) at Blackwood Farm Park off NC-86 near Hillsborough—plus native-plant picks, seed-saving tips, and meadow-garden basics for fall.

Fall color takes center stage: the “banana pudding plant” is blooming now, and Phil lays out cool‑season staples — pansies, mums, and more — for fresh containers and beds. Monica from the State Farmers Market checks in with a full autumn lineup: pumpkins, gourds, straw bales, pansies, and shrubs for seasonal decorating.

Lisa Grele Barrie from Raleigh City Farm joins to talk urban agriculture, community support, and tackling food insecurity. Then Andrew Kren from the National Weather Service updates the tropics — how Humberto’s track could tug Imelda east and what that means for NC. Plus, the crew sorts a roadside “corn-like” mystery plant as a ginger lily (and a few look‑alikes).

Mike Raley, Phil Campbell, and Rufus Edmisten kick off with tomato seed‑saving how‑tos — including Gerald Adams’ OxiClean method and how it compares with the traditional ferment‑and‑strain approach. They also chat fragrant fall standouts like banana shrub/osmanthus and note early dogwood color. Listener calls touch on tiny tomatoes like ‘Coyote’ and heirlooms like ‘Cousin Gladys.’

Mike and Rufus wrap up from Durham with more open house fun, giveaways, and garden talk. Listener calls spark tips on crepe myrtles, Rose of Sharon, and hydrangeas, while the show blends home improvement, horticultural insight, and good humor from the Weekend Gardener team.

The broadcast continues with discussions including the upcoming Fall Plant Sale in Chapel Hill, favorite native plants, fall-blooming flowers like rain lilies and tea olives, and plenty of laughter with callers and community friends

Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten open the show from the Aluminum Company of NC in Durham with Sammy Hanna. The team celebrates Mike’s birthday, talks company history and home projects, and answers gardening questions on pruning Japanese maples and figs

The conversation continues with listener Steve bringing in daylily photos and plants, sparking talk of weeds, stiltgrass, bamboo, figs, and Roses of Sharon. Bill Mitchell joins to highlight grills, spas, saunas, and games during the store’s renovation expo. The hour wraps with more garden advice, community stories, and a few laughs over hot dogs and foosball

Mike Raley, Phil Campbell, and Rufus Edmisten open the show at Atlantic Spas and Billiards in Raleigh. The team talks fall flowers like swamp daisies, sunflowers, sedums, and zinnias while sharing tips on bog gardens and pollinator favorites. Lively stories and laughter keep the first half moving.

Mike, Rufus, and Patrick wrap up with wide-ranging garden talk — from giant coneflowers to ginger lilies and lessons from Patrick’s time at Heronswood Garden in Washington State. The final hour blends expert advice, botanical history, and plenty of good humor from the Weekend Gardener team

The conversation deepens with Patrick McMillan exploring heirloom chrysanthemums and their upcoming show at the NC State Fairgrounds. Listeners hear about the history, diversity, and beauty of these rare mums, along with Patrick’s reflections on horticulture and plant stories that connect to memory and place

Live from the WPTF studio, Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten welcome special guest Patrick McMillan, retired Clemson professor and noted plantsman. They share stories of fragrant osmanthus, cooking favorites, and Rufus’s gardening memories, setting the tone for a lively and insightful morning

Mike, Phil, and Rufus Edmisten wrap up with listener questions and expert tips on hydrangeas, lawns, and late-summer gardening. The final hour blends plant talk, personal stories, and plenty of laughs from the WPTF Weekend Gardener team.

The hosts continue with stories of resilience, highlighting the Peggy Martin rose that survived Hurricane Katrina and other garden favorites. Conversation turns to Rufus’s memories, pawpaws, figs, and community calls with practical advice.

Mike Raley, Phil Campbell, and Rufus Edmisten open the show with Fred Gaines at Bell’s Carpets and Floors in Raleigh. They talk flooring trends, the return of shag carpet, and seasonal gardening notes, including sweet autumn clematis and early mums.

Mike, Phil, and Rufus wrap up the show with more expert tips and plenty of laughs. From fig trees to community memories, the final hour blends garden know-how with good humor.

The conversation continues with hibiscus, figs, and seasonal lawn care. Rufus adds his signature humor while the team takes questions on shrubs, blooms, and fall planting.

Live from the WPTF studio, Mike Raley, Phil Campbell, and Rufus Edmonston kick things off with late-summer tomatoes, azaleas, and practical advice. Listener calls and stories set the tone for the morning.

Mike, Rufus, and Nelsa wrap up the broadcast from the Farmers Market with guests Judy Montague, Wayne, Richard, and Bart. The final hour brings more market stories, expert advice, and lively listener interaction.

From the State Farmers Market, Mike, Rufus, and Nelsa welcome John Harmuth to the table. Conversation turns to hibiscus, community events, and more practical advice for Carolina gardeners.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmonston, and Nelsa Cox kick off the show live at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. They chat with vendors, share seasonal tips, and answer listener questions to start the morning.

In the final part, the team talks with Billy from the local Farmer's Market about the seasonal produce currently available, including butter beans, squash, and figs. They also discuss a hot sauce festival in Oxford and the local pepper grower, Bailey Farms.

The hosts take calls from listeners, providing gardening advice on topics such as caring for crape myrtles and hydrangeas, controlling crabgrass, and attracting pollinators. They also address a listener's tomato problem, sharing a text message solution from "tomato guru" Gerald Adams.

The show opens with hosts Mike Raley and Rufus, along with guest Johnny Coley, introducing special guest Gary Stevenson, the Chief Meteorologist for Spectrum. They discuss the recent delightful August weather and Gary's background, then have a lighthearted "swearing-in" ceremony for Gary to join the crew. The segment concludes with an intriguing mention of the "Chitlin Club," a secretive society from the 1940s.

The third hour of the Weekend Gardener features a discussion about the challenges farmers are facing this season. As the episode continues, the crew answers callers' questions, provides valuable advice, and reflects on callers' birthdays. The show concludes with closing thoughts and future plans for the Weekend Gardener!

As the second hour of the Weekend Gardener continues, the crew delves into substantial discussions about tomatoes. They explore everything from the "Rufus Tomato" to the distinctions between hybrid and heirloom tomatoes.

Mike Raley is joined by Gerald Adams, Amanda Bratcher, and Rufus Edmiston in the WPTF studio for this weekend's episodes. The episode starts with funny travel stories, updates on gardening, and expert advice. Of course, it wouldn't be a weekend gardening episode without some updates on tomatoes!

In the final part of the show, the crew reflects on the beautiful surroundings of Rescued WOOD Rehab, where the remote broadcast is taking place. Mike checks in with Monica at the State Farmers Market about what is going on after speaking with special guest, best-selling author Brie Arthur. The third hour continues with more stories from the Rescued WOOD Rehab team and calls from excited listeners and long-time friends of the program.

In the second hour, Mike, Rufus, Keith, and the rest of the crew return with some playful banter about engineers. They continue to take questions from callers and provide updates throughout the show. As they approach the end of the second hour, the crew has a conversation with the wonderful team at Rescued WOOD Rehab, followed by more humorous banter with a guest caller before transitioning into the third hour.

Broadcasting live from Rescue Wood Rehab in Fuquay-Varina, Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show with summer garden advice and listener calls. Topics include managing figs, controlling ivy and preparing beds for the upcoming planting season. The team shares tips for handling mid-season transitions and extreme heat.

The final hour wraps up with more audience calls, discussions on turf care and composting, and reflections on the changes in rural gardening communities. Mike, Rufus, and Ann close out the show with heartfelt thanks to their hosts and the Womble family for their hospitality.

In part two, the conversation continues with garden questions from listeners and stories from longtime customers of J.E. Womble & Sons Hardware. The crew discusses managing yard pests, fall vegetables, and the importance of supporting locally owned hardware and feed stores.

The Weekend Gardener hits the road for a live broadcast from J.E. Womble and Sons in Lillington. Mike, Rufus, and Ann welcome former Congressman Bob Etheridge, who reflects on the region's agricultural roots. The team shares planting advice, soil tips, and community stories that showcase the strength of local gardening traditions in Harnett County.

The celebration continues as the team talks about Ridgeway Cantaloupes, Swamp Mallows, and daylily care. Listeners call in with kind words for Rufus and gardening questions for the panel. Nelsa and Mike share laughs about misunderstood birthday cards and favorite summer plants as the show wraps with reflections on community and growing old with grace.

More birthday wishes roll in as listeners and friends call in to share greetings and gardening tales. The crew talks about heirloom tomatoes, container hostas, flooding concerns at Jordan Lake, and local plant finds. Big John joins the conversation, and the gang previews next week’s live broadcast at Rescue Wood Rehab.

Mike Raley returns to the studio with Nelsa Cox and Rufus Edmisten as the team celebrates Rufus’s 84th birthday with stories, laughs, and a surprise Chantilly cake. They reflect on Mike’s recent Norway trip, discuss favorite tomatoes like the Hillbilly variety, and share warm memories of past broadcasts, birthdays, and the civility of longtime listener Cliff Joyner.

In the final hour, the team recaps summer planting progress and talks more about seasonal vegetables, blueberry tips, and upcoming remote broadcasts. They give a shout-out to Tom Campbell for guest hosting and reflect on listener traditions and favorite homegrown recipes.

Gail Hartfield joins the show to deliver the July 4th weekend forecast. The hosts take more listener calls, talk about stubborn weeds, blooming sunflowers, and Rufus' prized tomatoes. They also reflect on favorite summer crops and share tips for managing garden pests.

Mike Raley returns to the studio after a trip to Norway and reunites with Rufus Edmisten and Phil Campbell. The crew shares summer garden updates, including early crepe myrtle blooms and favorite hydrangeas. Listener Herb calls in from Jamesville to talk tomatoes, bee balm, and 10-foot corn.

Rufus shares a bit of garden lore, and the team hears from Monica David at the State Farmers Market about what’s fresh and in season. With daylilies peaking and local growers in full swing, it’s the perfect time to dig into summer color and prep for July.

The team takes listener calls on watering schedules, blossom-end rot in tomatoes, pruning tips for hydrangeas, and whether to fertilize in extreme heat. There’s also talk of reviving distressed dogwoods and encouraging continuous bloom from annuals like vinca and zinnias.

Tom Campbell hosts with Rufus Edmisten and Nelsa Cox as the crew digs into summer gardening challenges, including how to keep your plants hydrated during a dry spell. Mike Raley checks in by phone, and listeners call in with questions about blueberries, fertilizing zinnias, and diagnosing stressed maples.

The Weekend Gardener crew digs into heat stress recovery, watering timing, and pest management. They reflect on what makes homegrown tomatoes worth the effort and wrap up with advice on making the most of your summer garden.

The team answers more listener questions about pests, watering strategies, and basil woes. Hear expert tips on hydroponics, container gardens, and how to support vegetable plants through the North Carolina heat.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, Amanda Bratcher from Lee County Cooperative Extension, and tomato pro Gerald Adams share solutions for common tomato problems and summer growing questions. Listeners call in with issues related to squash and tomato varieties, while the hosts discuss soil reuse and maintaining healthy fruit.

In the final segment from Downtown Cary Park, the discussion covers everything from daylily conventions to native American uses of plants like yaupon holly and cattail. Patrick McMillan shares lessons in gardening for wildlife, and Rufus tells some memorable stories from his youth.

Mike Raley, Phil Campbell, Rufus Edmisten, and Paul McKenzie continue their conversation at Downtown Cary Park, highlighting water features, plant stories, and sustainable gardening practices. Plus, insights into the challenges and joys of growing native hydrangeas, trumpet creeper, and wild bergamot.

The Weekend Gardener team broadcasts from Downtown Cary Park with a focus on horticulture, native plant choices, and low-maintenance gardening. Learn about plant selection strategies, including alternatives to invasive species, and how Cary is transforming its landscapes for beauty and biodiversity.

The final segment covers hydrangea care, fig tree pruning, and pest management tips for the growing season. Listeners call with questions on roses, mulch, and leaf curl. The show closes with reflections on summer gardening routines and what’s thriving in the landscape.

In this hour, the hosts dive into container gardening, composting, and soil quality. Lawn maintenance for zoysia and centipede grass are discussed alongside weed control strategies. Calls come in with questions on tomatoes, daylilies and heat stress on plants.

The Weekend Gardener team opens the show in studio with discussions on watering practices, pruning peonies, dealing with black spot, and transitioning gardens into the summer season. Listener questions bring up fertilizer choices and weather-related plant care.

The final hour wraps with discussion on lemon trees, hydrangeas and hummingbird plants. Monica Wood checks in from the State Farmers Market. The team takes calls about composting, deer deterrents and ground covers, then signs off with thanks to Holy Trinity and the Raleigh Greek Festival organizers.

The show continues with advice on root rot, yellowing leaves and mole problems. Rufus recounts past visits to the Greek Festival, and Mike shares tips for tomatoes, squash and improving soil quality. Festival sounds and Greek hospitality add energy to the show as more callers chime in with questions.

Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show live from the 41st Annual Raleigh Greek Festival at the NC State Fairgrounds. They open with stories of the Dambalis family and the church’s community roots. Listeners call in with questions about peonies, crepe myrtles and controlling invasive plants. The team also shares weather-related tips for early summer gardening.

The crew reflects on WPTF’s broadcast history and shares memories of NASCAR great Junior Johnson. Monica Wood reports from the State Farmers Market with updates on fresh produce, blooming plants, and garden must-haves. Listener Stephen talks daylilies and warns about invasive plants. Carter Q calls in to thank Rufus for a tour of his garden.

Fred Gaines returns with Memorial Day flooring advice, including allergy-friendly carpet options and the latest on waterproof laminates. Rufus checks in from the road toward Boone, and the team answers listener questions about turfgrass, weeding, and garden planning.

Mike Raley, Ann Clapp, and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show live from Bell's Carpets and Floors in Raleigh. They welcome guest Fred Gaines to talk about summer home projects, and discuss plant stress, watering, and weather. Listener calls cover black spot on roses, mole problems, and composting tips.

Mike, Rufus and Phil wrap up the morning with Greenfield Communities president Matt Brubaker, who shares details on the Altis at Serenity launch, builder partners like Tri Pointe Homes, and community amenities. Dan the Flower Show Man checks in from the Got to Be NC Festival, and the hosts close the show with garden updates and hydrangea advice.

The show continues live from Altis at Serenity with more gardening questions from listeners and special guests discussing the area's unique landscaping. The team highlights the new clubhouse, upcoming walking trails and the rural charm of this growing Triangle-area community. Mike also reminisces about his early days at WPTF during a special tribute.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten and Phil Campbell broadcast live from Altis at Serenity, the new 55+ community by Tri Pointe Homes in Harnett County. They talk gardening with callers, share plant advice for May, and speak with guests from Greenfield Communities about the vision behind the development. Phil offers tips for summer vegetables, and Rufus shares a story from his days in politics.

WPTF celebrates Mike Raley’s 50th anniversary in broadcasting with a nostalgic montage of past voices. Phil and Monica spotlight specials on tomatoes, tropicals and handmade gifts, and share how supporting the nursery helps mountain communities. The show wraps with sausage talk, grilling tips and heartfelt tributes.