The Garden Gamble

Thinking about tackling a landscaping project but not sure where to start? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're joined by special guest Kade Klasen, landscaper and co-owner of Klasen's Greenhouse, to talk through the key things every homeowner should consider before breaking ground.

From creating a plan and choosing the right plants for your space to budgeting, maintenance expectations, and avoiding common landscaping mistakes, Kade shares expert advice to help you build a landscape you'll love for years to come. Whether you're refreshing your front flower beds or starting a complete backyard makeover, this episode will...

When it comes to gardening and flower farming, a little extra work up front can save you a lot of time and headaches later. In this episode of Garden Gamble, Ricki shares three changes she's making on the flower farm this season to work smarter, not harder.

Whether you're growing cut flowers, vegetables, or a backyard garden, these time-saving strategies can help you stay ahead of the work and take some of the gamble out of gardening. 🌱

New episodes weekly.

Tired of spending time and money on plants only to have deer treat your garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet? In this episode of Garden Gamble, Ricki is talking all about deer-resistant plants and how to create a beautiful garden that deer are more likely to leave alone. While no plant is completely deer-proof, choosing the right varieties can make a big difference in protecting your garden throughout the growing season.

If deer are regular visitors to your yard, this episode will help you make smarter planting choices and take a little more of the gamble out of...

Tired of spending time and money on plants only to have deer treat your garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're talking all about deer-resistant plants and how to create a beautiful garden that deer are more likely to leave alone.

While no plant is completely deer-proof, choosing the right varieties can make a big difference in protecting your garden throughout the growing season.

If deer are regular visitors to your yard, this episode will help you make smarter planting choices and take a little more of the gamble out...

Is there anything more rewarding than biting into a tomato you grew yourself? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we cover everything you need to know about growing tomatoes. We break down the differences between determinate and indeterminate types, share tips for planting deep, watering consistently, and supporting your plants with stakes or cages. You'll also learn how to spot common problems like blossom end rot before they take over, plus simple pruning techniques that boost airflow and fruit production. Whether you're growing in a raised bed, a container on the patio, or a sunny windowsill, this episode gives...

It's Ricki's 30th birthday, and we're celebrating with a special episode packed with 30 fun, surprising, and sometimes downright weird gardening facts. This episode is equal parts entertaining and eye-opening.

Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, this birthday episode is a fun, fast-paced celebration of everything that makes gardening so endlessly fascinating. 🌿

New episodes weekly.

Just because you garden in a cold climate doesn't mean you have to wait until summer for color. In this episode of Garden Gamble, we explore the best spring blooming perennials for Zone 3. Think plants that shrug off late frosts and reward you with early flowers when you need them most. We cover hardy favorites like bleeding heart, creeping phlox, Siberian iris, and pasque flower, along with tips for planting, spacing, and protecting new growth from unexpected cold snaps. You'll learn which varieties naturalize well, how to layer bloom times for continuous color, and simple maintenance steps that keep th...

What does "full sun" even mean? 🌞

In this episode of Garden Gamble, we clear up the confusion around sun exposure labels so you can stop guessing where to plant. We break down what full sun, partial shade, and full shade actually mean for your plants and how to tell which spots in your yard fit each category. No more wilting surprises or leggy seedlings. Just simple, practical guidance that helps you put the right plant in the right place. 🌿

New episodes weekly.

In this episode, we dive into the art of hanging baskets, showing you how to pick the right size and maintenance routine to match both your budget and lifestyle. We start by breaking down the three most common basket dimensions and explaining which spaces they’re best suited for, from balcony railings to porch eaves.

Next, we explore plant varieties that thrive in each size: compact florals like petunias for tiny baskets, mixed‑texture combos with dwarf begonias for medium baskets, and bold, trailing selections such as ivy for larger displays.

Finally, we match planting and...

When the soil is still cool and the days are just lengthening, many gardeners think they have to wait for warm‑weather plants to get going. Not this spring, cool‑weather and cold‑tolerant annuals let you add vibrant color the moment the frost retreats.

In this episode of Garden Gamble, we spotlight the top springtime annuals that love the chill, from pansies and violas to snapdragons and hardy petunias. We cover when to sow seeds or transplants, how to prep soil so seedlings get off to a strong start, and simple frost‑protection tricks that keep young pl...

If you’ve ever stared at a plain pot and wondered how to make it pop, this episode is for you. In Garden Gamble, Ricki breaks down the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” technique, a quick, three‑plant formula that turns any container into a balanced, professional‑looking arrangement.

First, Ricki explains how to pick a tall, dramatic “Thriller” that draws the eye, then we add mid‑height “Filler” plants that give the pot body and texture, and finish with trailing “Spiller” varieties that cascade over the edge for that polished, garden‑show look. You’ll learn how to match plant heights, light n...

Before you see the first leaf, there are a handful of steps that turn a hopeful seed into a thriving seedling. In this episode of The Garden Gamble, Ricki is joined by her husband and Klasen's Greenhouse Co-owner, Kade Klasen, to walk you through every stage of starting a garden from seed. Together, they break down how to choose the right seeds and nurture seedlings from day 1.

You’ll get step‑by‑step tips for indoor sowing, timing your transplants, and avoiding the common seedling pitfalls that leave new growers frustrated. Kade shares his favorite budget‑friendly practices...

Ever wondered what your hardiness zone actually means and why it’s so important for your garden? In this episode of The Garden Gamble, we break down hardiness zones in a simple, easy-to-understand way so you can make better planting decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

We’ll talk about how hardiness zones impact what you can grow, when you should plant, and why choosing the right plants for your climate makes all the difference. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or just want more consistent results, understanding your zone is one of the easiest ways to set your g...

Before you plant a single seed, there’s one step most gardeners skip, and it can make or break your entire season. In this episode of The Garden Gamble, we’re talking about reverse garden planning and why starting with your end goal is the key to a successful garden.

Instead of guessing what to plant, we walk through how to plan your garden backwards, thinking about what you actually want to harvest, when you want it, and how to set yourself up for success from day one.

If you want a more productive, organized, and...

Why do so many gardeners struggle every season? In Episode 1 of The Garden Gamble, we’re digging into the most common gardening mistakes and how to avoid them. From watering problems to picking the wrong plants, we break down simple tips to help beginner gardeners grow with confidence and take the gamble out of gardening.

Ever feel like gardening is just one big guess? The Garden Gamble is a podcast that helps take the gamble out of gardening. Each week, we break down common gardening questions, mistakes, and tips so you can stop guessing and start growing. From choosing the right plants to solving everyday garden problems, we’re here to help take the gamble out of gardening. New episodes weekly.