Garden Talk with Mr. Grow It

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nicole Gauthier to discuss how to identify, prevent, and manage some of the most common plant diseases. We cover how plant diseases develop, how to distinguish disease symptoms from nutrient deficiencies, and the importance of testing plants and soil for pathogens. Dr. Gauthier also breaks down Pythium, Fusarium, powdery mildew, Botrytis, and Hop Latent Viroid, including how these pathogens spread and the treatment and prevention methods available. We also discuss proper cleaning and sanitation practices, fungicides, and steps growers can take to reduce the risk of disease in their gardens. 

In this episode, I sit down with Chris from No Till Genetics to break down how to build and maintain a no-till garden that can improve with each grow. We cover his indoor setup, container size, essential ingredients, composting, irrigation, water quality, worms, mulch layers, cover crops, and the inputs he has added over the years. Chris also explains how he prepares his soil for the next planting without starting over, along with common problems growers may encounter.

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In this episode, I sit down with Richard Philbrook, Principal Scientist of Genetics at Dark Heart, to discuss how modern science is changing the future of plant breeding. We cover predicting offspring, stabilizing genetics, doubled haploids, tissue culture, marker-assisted selection, resistance genes, epigenetics, and selecting desirable traits. Richard also breaks down plant reversal, STS formulas and spray strategies, F1 hybrids vs. polyhybrids, triploids, and the testing that goes into genetics before they're released. We finish by discussing what plant breeding could look like 5–10 years from now as new technologies become more widely used.

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In this episode, I sit down with Matt, aka iCanTHC, to discuss some of his best advice for beginner gardeners from seed to harvest. We walk through the entire grow cycle, including germination, the seedling stage, transplanting, choosing a medium, watering, feeding, and reamending soil. Matt also shares his approach to plant training, topping, lollipopping, defoliation, and managing the flowering stage. We finish with his tips for determining when to harvest, drying, curing, and properly storing the final product.

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In this episode, I sit down with Tim and Gary from the YouTube channel Canadian Grower to discuss how to grow better plants indoors without overcomplicating the process. We break down what actually matters for getting good results, along with some things growers tend to focus on more than they need to. The conversation covers simple grow setups, living soil vs. hydroponics, lighting, side and undercanopy lighting, watering, temperature, humidity, and plant training. Tim and Gary also share how they approach keeping their gardens simple while still producing consistently good results.

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In this episode, I speak with Dan, also known as Hemp In A Pot, to discuss how to get the most out of your indoor grow equipment. We break down the proper use of humidifiers, oscillating fans, inline fans, carbon filters, grow lights, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners, along with the common mistakes growers make when using them. Dan also shares practical advice on equipment placement, airflow, light intensity, and choosing the right gear for your space. 

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In this episode, I interview El Cannasseur to challenge one of the most common beliefs in living soil gardening. We discuss what living soil really is, whether large containers are actually necessary, and why he has found success growing in much smaller containers. The conversation also covers his grow setup, soil mix, feeding regimen, reusing soil, and common misconceptions about living soil. 

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In this episode, I interview Saul Bunyan, the winner of the 2026 DGC Cup, to break down exactly how he grows his award-winning plants. We cover his complete approach, including genetics, grow setup, container size, feeding, watering, plant training, and environmental conditions. Saul also shares how he determines the perfect time to harvest, his drying process, and the reasoning behind the genetics he chose.

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In this episode, I sit down with Tad Hussey and Brandon Hudson from KIS Organics to analyze my soil test results and uncover what may be holding the soil back. We break down what a soil test can and can’t tell you, how to interpret key numbers like pH, chloride, organic matter, and EC, and where AI may or may not be useful in the process. The conversation also covers the Stash Nutrients x KIS Organics collaboration, what’s actually in the soil mix, and what really matters when it comes to plant quality and secondary metabolites. Tad and...

In this special 200th episode of Garden Talk, the tables are turned as Rob from CLTV interviews me about my gardening journey and the lessons I've learned along the way. We discuss the advice I’d give myself 10 years ago, including what actually moves the needle, common mistakes to avoid, and how my approach has evolved over time. The conversation covers everything from watering, lighting, environment, nutrition, and plant training to harvesting, drying, curing, and breeding. We also dive into my current grow setup, managing multiple projects, and how life changes—including becoming a parent—have influenced the way I gard...

In this episode, I interview Scott Skamnes from Crescive Soil Services to discuss why so many living soil grows fail—and how to avoid the most common mistakes. We break down the biggest issues growers run into, including inconsistent bagged soils, poor compost tea practices, and common soil imbalances. Scott also explains what to focus on when building living soil, whether water pH should be adjusted, and how to properly interpret soil test results. 

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In this episode, I interview Dave Baker to discuss how to grow autos faster and bigger by dialing in one of the most important factors—lighting. We cover topics like PPFD, light cycles, under-canopy lighting, far red and IR effects, and how different spectrums can influence morphology and trichome production. Dave also shares insights on plant training, nutrient strategies, EC, and maximizing yield potential with autos.

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In this episode, I sit down with Manny from The Grow Under The Stairs, who takes a unique approach—and gets impressive results because of it. We dive into his methods, from deep water culture and soil comparisons to container size, nutrients, and lighting. He also shares his strategies for plant training, topping, supercropping, grafting, and pest prevention.

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In this episode, I interview Dr. Colin Bell from Mammoth Microbes, who dives into microbial strategies that can lead to healthier, stronger plants. He explains how microbes influence plant morphology, flowering timing, and even secondary metabolite production. The conversation covers introduced vs. native microbes, compost teas, and the role of endophytic and seed-borne bacteria. He also shares practical strategies for building microbial diversity and using tools like Trichoderma to combat common issues such as Fusarium.

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In this episode, I interview Nate aka Garden Like a Viking. He dives into DIY garden hacks that actually work, from using wood ash and homemade fish fertilizer to boosting nitrogen naturally. We explore techniques like electroculture, cover crops for nitrogen fixation, and JADAM solutions for managing powdery mildew. The conversation also covers important topics like pH in organic gardening and how to handle high pH water sources.

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In this episode, I interview Manny from AutoPot. He breaks down the basics of fertigation and why combining irrigation and fertilization can take your grow to the next level. He explains what fertigation is, how it works, and the benefits of delivering nutrients through your watering system. The conversation covers liquid organic options that won’t clog systems, the best media for passive fertigation, feeding strategies, and how to prevent salt buildup. We also discuss water quality, equipment, common misconceptions, and troubleshooting tips to help growers get the most out of their fertigation setup.

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In this episode, I sit down with South, a guerrilla grower who regularly cultivates over 100 plants at a time in outdoor, off-grid locations. We break down what guerrilla growing really is, how he selects the perfect spot, manages water sources, and keeps his sites hidden. He shares his approach to feeding, pest prevention, plant training, and handling environmental challenges like temperature and humidity. 

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In this episode, I sit down with legendary breeder MrSoul from Brothers Grimm Seeds to break down how stable feminized genetics are actually created. We dive deep into reversing plants the right way, including an STS recipe, spray strategy, storage, and the timing of pollen release. He also shares what traits he looks for, how he approaches pheno hunting, and best practices for growing and feeding pollinated plants.

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In this episode, I interview Patrick from Typ3cannabis, who dives into the art and science of breeding plants for distinct flavors and effects. Our conversation covers how genetics, selection, and intentional breeding decisions shape aroma profiles, potency, and the overall experience. We also discuss the challenges breeders face and the techniques used to bring truly unique traits to life.

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In this episode, I interview ROO’s Goofy Growing, who breaks down hydroponics in a simple, easy-to-understand way for beginners. He walks through his DWC hydroponic setup and covers key topics like pH, PPM, water temperature, seed starting, reservoir changes, and more.

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In this episode, I sit down with Josh from Yellow Skunk Farms to talk about how he built a full living ecosystem inside his garage. We dive into the systems, biology, and techniques he’s using to create a self-sustaining environment that produces impressive results. Josh shares what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons he learned along the way.

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In this episode, I sit down with Mike Chang to break down organic amendments that every gardener should have in their toolkit. We discuss what these inputs do, how to use them effectively, and why they play such a big role in building healthy soil and strong plants. Mike also shares important insights on heavy metals, OMRI certification, and what growers should be paying attention to when choosing products.

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In this episode, I sit down with Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, a pest management expert with over 30 years of hands-on experience. Suzanne breaks down the garden pest truths that most growers never hear—what really causes infestations, how to prevent them, and why common advice often falls short. We dive into beneficial insects, biological controls, monitoring strategies, and sustainable approaches that actually work. 

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In this episode, I interview Kim from Couple of Plants to break down what it really takes to build a high-performing living soil mix. Kim shares his expert insights on choosing the right base materials, balancing amendments, and creating a soil ecosystem that supports healthy, vigorous growth from start to finish. We also talk about common mistakes growers make, cover crops, mulch layers, IPM, and more!

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bruce Bugbee to discuss what modern plant science is revealing about how we grow today. We dive deep into topics like lighting science, VPD, precision stress techniques, microplastics, and how research continues to shape best practices for growers. Dr. Bugbee shares insights from decades of experience and data-backed studies that challenge conventional thinking. If you’re passionate about plant science and want to understand the real factors driving growth and quality, this episode is a must-watch.

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In this episode, I interview Todd McCormick, who has over 40 years of experience in the garden. We discuss how modern breeding methods are transforming old-school genetics and what that means for the future of cultivation. Todd shares his insights on trichomes, thiols, organic gardening, and creating ideal plant environment conditions. We also dive into autos, evolving genetics, and how tradition and innovation are coming together in today’s growing world. 

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In this episode, I sit down with Ben Koch from Speedrun Seeds. He’s a professional agronomist who takes a completely different approach to plant breeding. Ben explains the reasoning behind his methods and breaks down how he selects traits to develop new varieties. We also dive into other topics such as Autopots, feeding autos, and living soil.

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In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Wilson from Current Culture H2O. He has over 35 years of hands-on experience working with hydroponics. He shares the pro tips that actually work in real-world setups—from managing pH and EC fluctuations to cleaning and reservoir maintenance. We discuss common mistakes growers make, how to avoid them, and the strategies that consistently deliver healthy, vigorous plants.

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In this episode I sit down with Danny Danko, a well-known cultivation expert and author, to discuss what it really takes to grow better plants. Danny shares his pro tips on setting up a grow space, dialing in nutrition, training, harvesting, drying, curing, and more. His insights can help both beginners and experienced growers sharpen their skills and take their results to the next level.

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In this video I interview Mark from Growfire Farms. He is a six-time award-winning grower and he shares the exact methods that helped him achieve consistent success. From dialing in the environment to fine-tuning nutrition and training techniques, he breaks down the key practices that set his grows apart. You’ll hear about the lessons he’s learned, the strategies he swears by, and how you can apply them to improve your own results.

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In this episode I interview J.R. Tokin, who has been gardening for 22 years and is the co-owner of the CannaBuzz app. He grows in a variety of ways, with two of his main methods being living soil and synganic cultivation. The question of which method is better comes up often, and J.R. shares valuable insights on both approaches. He explains what each method involves, how he handles feedings, pH, watering practices, and yield, along with many other tips from his experience.

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In this episode I interview Simon from Plant Studio. We dive into the unique challenges and lessons learned from gardening in a large grow space. We cover everything from environmental control, lighting, and electricity costs to software automation and using an ozone generator. You'll hear a detailed comparison between shipping container, warehouse, and greenhouse setups, along with insights into medium moisture sensors and using cameras to optimize plant health. If you’re thinking about scaling up or managing a large grow, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world experience.

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In this episode I interview Paul—also known as Clone Coach. He’s a specialist in plant cloning and known for helping growers boost their success rates with healthier, more vigorous plants. We dive into his background, the biggest mistakes growers make during cloning, and the proven techniques he uses to get consistent results. Whether you're cloning your first plant or looking to sharpen your skills, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

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In this episode I interview Cooper from Sustainable Village. He has been gardening for 23 years and is widely regarded as an expert in irrigation—which is the focus of this episode. We discuss soil tension, texture, the moisture release curve, tips for automated watering systems, and much more.

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In this episode I interview Chubbs. He is a grower for FastBuds who specializes in autos—which is the main focus of today’s podcast. He shares his approach to feeding, training, lighting, environmental conditions, and much more.

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In this episode I interview Chris Winters. He has been gardening for 14 years on his farm and he grows a wide variety of plants. He’s regarded as an expert in electroculture, and that’s the focus of today’s discussion. Chris shares what electroculture is, its history, various methods, tools, and more. 

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In this episode I interview Nik Nikolayev. He has been gardening for 28 years and is the owner of Rooted Leaf Agritech. He’s been on the podcast twice before, so some of you may recognize him. He’s widely regarded as an expert in plant nutrition—and that’s exactly what we’ll be diving into in today’s episode, with a specific focus on micronutrients.

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In this episode I interview James Loud. He has been gardening for over 25 years and is a well-known breeder. He shares his perspective on what’s missing in today’s market and how he’s addressing it through breeding disease-free genetics with unique terpene profiles. He talks about how he creates fem seeds, growing pollinated plants, environment, lighting, testing prior to release, and more.

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In this episode, I interview Mile High Dave. He’s been gardening for 25 years and has won multiple grow competitions—and that’s exactly what we’ll dive into today. We’ll learn a bit about his background, the competitions he’s won, and the specific gardening strategies he uses to achieve success.

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In this episode I interview Susan Poizner, an award-winning author and ISA Certified Arborist with 15 years of gardening experience. She is widely regarded as an expert in pruning, which is exactly what we’ll be diving into today. Susan discusses not only why pruning is essential but also the ideal timing, specific techniques, how to correct structural issues, and more.

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