Weekend Gardener – Live from the State Farmers Market (Part 1 of 3)

The WPTF Weekend Gardener returns to the State Farmers Market in Raleigh for a lively, sun-drenched episode filled with gardening wisdom, birdwatching insights, and a deep dive into native plant conservation. Host Mike Raley is joined by meteorologist Gary Stevenson, hummingbird expert Dr. Patrick McMillan, and Stephen Keith from the North Carolina Botanical Gardens, who celebrates the garden's 60th anniversary with a gala event on May 15th at Farrington Village. The conversation explores the surprising winter presence of Rufous hummingbirds, which follow yellow-bellied sapsuckers to feed on sap and insects, and how changing climate patterns are allowing more neotropical birds like Baltimore Orioles and Painted Buntings to overwinter in the Southeast. The episode also highlights the importance of creating 'ruderal' habitats—slightly weedy, naturalistic areas—for birds and pollinators. A humorous yet educational segment tackles the controversial practice of 'crepe murder'—over-pruning crepe myrtles—advocating instead for proper pruning and selecting appropriately sized varieties. The show closes with practical advice on tomato planting, including seeding early in March and burying stems deeply to encourage strong root development, as well as eco-friendly solutions for managing crepe myrtle scale infestations. Key takeaways include: 1) Plant native, species-appropriate crepe myrtles and prune them properly to preserve their natural form and health; 2) Encourage biodiversity by leaving a weedy corner in your yard to support birds like buntings and butterflies; 3) Early tomato seeding in raised beds can yield a long harvest, even through frost, if plants are started from seed rather than transplanted; 4) Use horticultural soap or neem oil every two weeks in spring to prevent scale infestations; 5) Support the North Carolina Botanical Garden’s 60th anniversary gala at Farrington Village on May 15th, with a garden-party festive dress code. The tone is warm, humorous, and deeply informative, celebrating the joy and complexity of Southern gardening.