Gardening with Daddy Pete

Gardening with Daddy Pete: Answering Podcast Questions - Ep. 131 - May 20, 2026

Got garden questions? This episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete answers real listener questions with clear, practical advice for home gardeners in the Piedmont of North Carolina.
Melvin York and Jay York cover what many gardeners need to know right now, including when to plant sweet potatoes, which warm-season crops fit late May and June, and what cool-season crops should stay out of the ground until fall. They also explain how to use water-soluble fertilizer with Daddy Pete soils, why crop type matters when you fertilize, and how to check your local extension office for planting dates, harvest dates, and crop guides.
The conversation also covers annuals vs. perennials, what comes back year after year, and why some plants behave differently depending on your region. If you've ever wondered why a plant returns in one yard but not another, this episode gives a clear answer. Jay and Melvin also talk about pruning in late spring and early summer, including which shrubs should be trimmed after bloom and which ones should be left alone until the right time.
There's also a strong reminder to scout for insects, check the undersides of leaves, and stay ahead of pest problems before they spread. If you're gardening in a hot, dry season, you'll also hear why drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and smart pruning matter.
This Gardening Podcast is built around your Questions, because every gardener has them, and every season brings new ones. If you want straight talk, useful timing, and advice you can use in your own yard, this episode belongs on your list.
Visit the website, send in your questions, and keep growing with Daddy Pete.
#Gardening #Podcast #Questions #HomeGardening #NorthCarolinaGardening

Gardening with Daddy Pete: Establishing and Maintaining a Healthy Lawn: Part 2 - Ep. 130

A Healthy lawn starts with the right foundation, and this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete breaks it down with clear, practical advice you can use right away.
In Part 2 of this lawn series, Melvin York and Jay York continue their walk-through lawn establishment and maintenance, using North Carolina State Extension resources to explain what matters most before you plant. They cover regional grass choices for North Carolina, how to prepare the soil, why grading matters, and what to look for before any seed goes down. If you're starting a new lawn, fixing a thin yard, or just want better results this season, this video gives you a smart place to begin.
You'll also hear a straight explanation of soil samples, fertilizer numbers like 10-10-10, 5-10-10, and 18-46, and why the right product depends on what your soil actually needs. The discussion also covers clay soils, sandy soils, compost, pine bark fines, and when to use organic materials to improve water flow and root growth. That kind of detail can save time, money, and frustration.
This episode is especially helpful for new homeowners, North Carolina gardeners, and anyone who wants a lawn that can handle heat, drought, and heavy use. Daddy Pete also shares why over-fertilizing can damage grass and why timing matters just as much as product choice.
For more Gardening tips, lawn care advice, and practical help from Daddy Pete, visit https://daddypetes.com and check out more episodes on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean.
If this video helps, like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your lawn questions. Your next Healthy lawn starts with the right prep.
#Gardening #DaddyPete #HealthyLawn #LawnCare #NorthCarolinaGardening

Gardening with Daddy Pete: Establishing and Maintaining a Healthy Lawn: Part 1-Ep. 129 - May 7, 2026

A healthy Lawn starts with the right grass, the right soil test, and the right plan. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin and Jay York walk through the first steps for establishing a new Lawn in North Carolina, using NC State Extension guidance to sort out what works best in each region.
They cover the three main growing areas in the state, mountain and foothill, Piedmont, and coastal sand hills, then compare cool-season and warm-season grasses. You'll hear how fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, Bermuda, centipede, and zoysia handle heat, shade, foot traffic, and drought. That kind of detail matters when you're starting with bare ground, fresh grading, or a new home site.
The discussion also gets into soil samples, because good Gardening starts below the surface. Melvin explains how to collect samples, send them to the extension office, and use the results to guide lime and fertilizer decisions. Jay shares his own new-yard plans, including fine grading, raised beds, row gardening, and a future Lawn project built around better soil prep and the right Daddy Pete products.
If you're trying to get a new Lawn started, figure out which grass fits your property, or learn how a soil test can save time and money, this is a practical place to begin. It's clear, local, and built for gardeners who want straight answers.
Visit Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® at daddypetes.com to learn more about products, uses, and where to buy.
#Gardening #LawnCare #DaddyPete #NorthCarolinaGardening #GrassSeed

Gardening with Daddy Pete: What Product To Use? - Ep. 128 - April 30, 2026

Learn how to choose the right Gardening Product for your soil, your plants, and your setup in this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete.
Melvin York and Jay York walk through the Daddy Pete website and answer real questions from gardeners who want clear, practical advice. If you grow aloe, build bucket gardens, plant in raised beds, or need help with clay soil, sandy soil, or container soil, this episode gives you useful answers you can use right away.
You'll hear how different Daddy Pete mixes work for different jobs, including:
 * amendments for sandy soil and red clay * mixes for succulents, cactus, and aloe * potting and container options for vegetables and flowers * raised bed soil for gardens, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and more * planting mix choices for trees, shrubs, and cuttings * bark mulch options for looks, moisture control, and acid-loving plants
The discussion also covers a simple product usage chart, where to find the right Product for what you're growing, and how to compare mixes without guessing. If you've ever wondered which bag to buy at the garden center, this episode gives you a clear starting point.
The team also talks about website tools, email questions, YouTube comments, and how to stay connected with the Daddy Pete community. If you've got a garden question, this show is built for you.
Subscribe to Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® for more Gardening tips, product help, and straight answers from people who know the soil.
#Gardening #DaddyPete #PlantPleaser #GardenTips #RaisedBeds

Gardening with Daddy Pete: Conserving Water in the Garden - Ep. 127 - April 23, 2026

Severe Drought can put real stress on any Garden, but a few smart changes can help you save water and keep plants growing.
In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York and Jay York share practical water-saving tips for gardeners dealing with dry weather across the Southeast. If you're growing vegetables, herbs, annuals, shrubs, or a new lawn, this video covers simple ways to stretch your water use without giving up on your garden.
You'll hear why soaker hoses can waste less water than standard sprinklers, how evening watering helps reduce evaporation, and why mulch matters so much during hot, dry spells. They also talk about watering at the root, avoiding overhead watering on vegetables, and using raised beds, containers, and potting mixes to hold moisture better.
This episode is especially helpful if you're:
 * Gardening during a Drought * Trying to cut back on county or well water use * Growing in raised beds, row gardens, or containers * Looking for better ways to water vegetables and herbs * Starting a new lawn and want to know what needs a different approach
Melvin and Jay also share a few common-sense reminders that can save trouble later, like using straw instead of hay for mulch, punching drainage holes in grow bags, and checking your hose pressure and gallon rate before you water.
If you've been thinking about switching from a traditional row Garden to raised beds or container gardening, this is a good episode to watch. There are useful ideas here for beginners and longtime gardeners alike.
Find more from Daddy Pete at: https://daddypetes.com 
If you've got a gardening question, visit the website and send it in. You can also find Daddy Pete products at independent garden centers and select Ace Hardware locations.
Watch, learn, and make every drop count.
#DaddyPete #GardeningTips #Drought #WaterConservation #VegetableGarden

Gardening with Daddy Pete: Springtime Gardening Tips with Melvin & Jay - Ep. 126 - April 15, 2026

Springtime Gardening is here, and Melvin is sharing timely planting advice you can use right now, plus introducing Jay York to the Daddy Pete's team.
In this episode of the Gardening with Daddy Pete Podcast, Melvin York welcomes his son, Jay York, as the newest addition to the Daddy Pete's sales team. They talk about family roots, years spent around the farm, and why helping people grow has always been the heart of Daddy Pete's.
You'll also get practical Springtime gardening tips for mid-April, especially if you're planting in North Carolina and nearby areas. Melvin covers what you can plant now, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, green beans, and corn. He also explains why some cool-weather crops, like lettuce, can struggle once the heat moves in.
This video also highlights the value of local garden centers. Melvin and Jay share why independent garden centers matter, how they help new and experienced gardeners, and why local advice often beats random internet tips. That's especially true when you're dealing with regional planting times, soil conditions, and changing weather.
If you're growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, shrubs, or trees, this episode gives you solid seasonal guidance and a clear picture of what Daddy Pete's is all about.
Watch this episode for:
 * Springtime planting tips for home gardeners * What to plant in April * Why warm weather affects lettuce and other cool-season crops * Insights on local gardening advice * An introduction to Jay York and the Daddy Pete's family approach
Be sure to send in your gardening questions. Future Podcast episodes will cover viewer questions, growing tips, and more seasonal advice to help you have a better garden.
For more help, visit the Daddy Pete's website, check out the how-to videos, and sign up for the newsletter for monthly tips and recipes.
#Gardening #SpringtimeGardening #VegetableGarden #NorthCarolinaGardening #Podcast

Gardening with Daddy Pete: Decorative & Privacy Borders - Ep. 125 - April 10, 2026

Choosing the right trees for Decorative and privacy Borders can make a big difference in how your yard looks, feels, and functions. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York shares practical advice for planning border plantings that add beauty, define space, and give you the privacy you want without creating problems later.
This episode covers the key choices every gardener should think through before planting. Melvin talks about evergreen versus deciduous trees, spring blooms versus fall color, and how tree size matters more than most people think. He also explains why you need to plan around power lines, septic systems, and wells before a single tree goes in the ground.
Along the way, he highlights tree ideas for several uses, including flowering dogwood, redbud, fringe tree, maple, river birch, willow oak, black gum, camellia, Leyland cypress, Green Giant arborvitae, magnolia, holly, and cryptomeria. So if you're working on a long driveway, a property line, a focal point in the yard, or a screen for privacy, you'll get clear, experience-based guidance you can use.
Melvin also walks through smart planting methods, including how wide to dig the hole, how to loosen roots, how high to set the plant, and why mulch should stay away from the trunk. In addition, he explains soil amendment tips for both clay-heavy Piedmont and mountain soils, as well as sandy coastal soils.
If you want more Gardening tips, product info, how-to videos, or a way to send in your questions, visit https://daddypete.com
You can also subscribe to the Daddy Pete newsletter for monthly seasonal tips, garden ideas, and recipes.
If this episode helped you plan your Borders, like the video, subscribe, and share it with another gardener who's planting this season.
#Gardening #PrivacyBorders #DecorativeBorders #LandscapeDesign #DaddyPetesPlantPleaser

Gardening with Daddy Pete: Daddy Pete's & Products - Part 2 - Ep. 124 - March 19, 2026

Get practical Gardening advice straight from the source as Melvin York walks through Daddy Pete's website and explains how different Products fit real garden jobs.
In this episode of the Gardening with Daddy Pete Podcast, Melvin picks up where Part 1 left off and gives a clear, useful look at Daddy Pete's mixes, soils, mulch, and planting options. If you've ever wondered which product to use for raised beds, vegetables, berries, shrubs, trees, or clay soil, this video will help you sort it out.
You'll hear tips on:how to use the Daddy Pete website,where to find archived Podcast episodes and how-to videos,how to send in your garden questions,where to find certified dealers near you,how the monthly newsletters can help you plan your garden,which mixes work best for raised beds,when to use lawn and garden soil, planting mix, potting mix, or nursery blend,why soil amendments matter, especially in clay or sandy soil,and how mulch can help with moisture, feeding, and root protection.
Melvin also shares money-saving advice for filling raised beds, including how to combine Professional Landscape Mix with Raised Bed Mix for better drainage and strong growing conditions. In addition, he explains which Products are better for strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, shrubs, trees, annuals, and more.
This is a great watch for new gardeners, home growers, and anyone who wants simple, practical help with soil, planting, and seasonal garden care.
Visit daddypetes.com to learn more, find Products near you, send in your questions, and sign up for the monthly newsletters.
If you enjoy helpful Gardening content, subscribe and keep up with new episodes from Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser®.
#Gardening #RaisedBedGardening #SoilAmendments #GardenTips #DaddyPetesPlantPleaser

Gardening with Daddy Pete - Daddy Pete's Website & Products - Part 1 - Ep. 123 - March 13, 2026

Want the fastest way to find Daddy Pete's videos, podcast episodes, local dealers, and product details? This episode walks you through the Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser® Website step by step, so you can get answers, send questions, and shop smarter.
Host Melvin York pulls up daddypetes.com and shows exactly where everything lives, including:
 * How to find the Gardening with Daddy Pete podcast and subscribe, so you don't miss new episodes * Where to watch how-to videos (from seasonal plant care to garden projects) * How to send in your questions, request a call back, or contact the office * How to use "Where to Buy" to locate a nearby store (search by address or zip code) * How garden centers can apply to become a certified dealer (wholesale requirements and forms)
Then it's on to Daddy Pete's Products, with a clear, practical look at several core compost and amendment options, including:
 * Daddy Pete's Composted Cow Manure (tested, dairy-based compost) * Kicking Chicken (a blend designed to be user-friendly and help reduce burn risk) * Daddy Pete's Mushroom Compost (rich compost, commonly used to improve soil) * How these can help loosen heavy clay, improve drainage, and add organic matter * Easy compost tea and home-compost "kick-start" tips (plus what to watch for with moisture and heat)
This is Part 1. The next episode continues with Daddy Pete's mixes and bark products, including why each mix exists and what it's built to grow best.
Website: https://daddypetes.com [https://daddypetes.com]
Office: 704-585-2355
Email: info@daddypetes.com [info@daddypetes.com]
#Gardening #Compost #SoilAmendment #NCGardening #DaddyPetesPlantPleaser

Gardening with Daddy Pete - NC Extension: The Best Kept Secret - Ep. 122 - March 11, 2026

NC Extension might be the best-kept Secret for better Gardening. Learn how soil tests, Master Gardeners, and local experts can save you time and money.
In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York sits down with Laura Elmore, County Director for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Iredell County (locals say "Ardle"). Together, they break down what Extension really does for home gardeners, homeowners, and small farms, and why it's one of the easiest resources to use when you're stuck.
You'll hear practical tips and real examples, including:• Why research-based advice matters for North Carolina growing conditions (and beyond)
• Soil testing basics, what $4 can save you before you buy fertilizer
• How pH affects nutrient uptake, and why "throw triple 19 on everything" can backfire
• Where Master Gardener volunteers can help with plant problems, even if you only have one tomato plant
• Food preservation support, pressure canner gauge checks, and safe canning guidance
• 4-H programs, youth clubs, and hands-on learning for kids (including homeschoolers)
• Local events and ways to connect with your county Extension office
Local note for Iredell County viewers: The Extension office is at 444 Bristol Drive in Statesville, NC. Their annual Garden Fair is the last Saturday in April (April 25 this year), and it's packed with vendors, plants, food, and education.
More from Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser®: https://daddypetes.com 
Watch, share, and drop your questions in the comments for the next episode. This Podcast is all about helping you grow.
#Gardening #NCExtension #SoilTesting #MasterGardener #Podcast