Gardening with Daddy Pete

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

Gardening with Daddy Pete: Growing Strawberries In Your Home Garden - Ep. 121 - February 26, 2026

Homegrown Strawberries taste better, smell better, and turn red all the way through. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York walks you through how to grow Strawberries in your home garden, especially if you're dealing with red clay or sandy soil.
You'll learn where to plant for best results (full sun matters), how to prep a raised mound or raised bed for good drainage, and why the strawberry crown needs to stay above wet soil. You'll also get practical notes on planting times, spring planting expectations, and how runners can help you build next year's bed.
Along the way, Mel shares varieties that tend to do well in North Carolina, plus simple tips to avoid common problems like overwatering and weak-flavored fruit. If you want better berries for fresh eating, jams, preserves, smoothies, or strawberries and cream, this one's for you.
Helpful resources and products mentioned are at: daddypetes.com Check the product usage chart, podcast, and gardening info, and send your questions through the "Ask a Question" box. Questions get answered directly, and many will be shared on the show so others can learn, too.
Next up: raspberries and blackberries, including thornless types and color options you might not expect.
#Gardening #Strawberries #HomeGarden #RaisedBedGardening #DaddyPete

Gardening with Daddy Pete: Planting Blueberries - Ep. 120 - February 19, 2026

Plant Blueberries the right way this season, soil prep, pH targets, best varieties, and simple steps that lead to heavy harvests.
In this Gardening Podcast episode, Daddy Pete walks through home blueberry production using guidance from the NC State Extension. You'll learn how to prep a sunny, well-drained bed, why blueberries need acidic soil (about pH 4.5 to 5.0), and how to use organic matter and pine bark fines to improve clay or mountain soils. He also covers when to plant in late winter, why you should grow at least two bushes for better pollination, and how to protect ripe fruit from birds with netting.
You'll also hear the difference between highbush and rabbiteye Blueberries, plus variety suggestions by region so you can match the plant to your climate. Expect tips on harvest timing, realistic yields, and easy ways to freeze berries for year-round use.
More free resources and archived episodes: daddypetes.com
Got a question, submit it on the website and it may be featured in a future show.
#Blueberries #Gardening #BlueberryGrowing #BackyardGarden #NCStateExtension

Gardening with Daddy Pete: What to Plant In Your Raised - Ep. 119 - February 5, 2026

Raised bed built and filled? Now it’s time to Plant with purpose. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete’s Plant Pleaser®, Melvin York breaks down how to choose the right crops for your raised bed, based on space, season, and what your family will actually eat.
You’ll learn why a gardening journal saves you time and frustration, how your county Extension office can guide variety choices and planting dates, and how companion planting can help (or hurt) results. Melvin also explains seed types in plain language (heirloom vs. hybrid vs. GMO), plus the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes, so you can pick plants that keep producing until frost.
If you’re new to Gardening or starting your first raised bed, this one will help you plan smarter and grow more.
Visit: www.daddypetes.com
#Gardening #RaisedBedGardening #VegetableGarden #Tomatoes #DaddyPete

Gardening with Daddy Pete: Building a Beautiful Raised Bed - Ep 118 - February 5, 2026

Build a raised bed that lasts for years and makes Gardening simpler. In this episode of Daddy Pete’s Plant Pleaser®, Daddy Pete walks through smart raised bed planning, from the best width for easy reach (about 3.5 to 4 feet) to a practical height (12 to 18 inches) that supports more than just greens.
You’ll learn how to pick the right spot for sun and drainage, what materials hold up best, and what to avoid when filling a bed (like cardboard layers or unknown yard debris). Daddy Pete also shares a budget-friendly approach to building soil layers, plus tips for adding trellises for cucumbers, beans, and other climbing Plant favorites.
See products and more Gardening videos at daddypetes.com.
#RaisedBedGarden #GardeningTips #VegetableGarden #DaddyPete #PlantPleaser

Gardening with Daddy Pete - Ep. 117 - January 16, 2026

Starting a garden can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin York breaks down practical steps for Planning, Planting, and growing with confidence, even if you think you don’t have a green thumb.
You’ll get a clear, beginner-friendly walk-through of the “10 major steps” to start a garden, plus tips on using a garden journal, picking crops your family will actually eat, and understanding planting seasons (cool-season, warm-season, and fall). The episode also covers frost dates, USDA hardiness zones, seed types (heirloom, hybrid, and GMO), and how to choose between row gardening, raised beds, pots, or even tucking veggies into your existing yard beds.
Bonus topics include companion planting, the “Three Sisters” method (corn, beans, squash), and simple raised bed sizing guidance so your garden stays easy to reach and maintain.
Submit questions and topic ideas at daddypetes.com. If you’re in North Carolina, catch Melvin at the North Carolina Green and Growing Show at the Greensboro Coliseum (booth 9007), January 22 and 23.
#Gardening #VegetableGarden #RaisedBedGardening #CompanionPlanting #GardeningPodcast