Bostin Christopher

On this episode of Garden Talk, host Bostin Christopher talks with Darren Snyder about how to help your garden deal with too much rainfall.

On this episode of Garden Talk, host Bostin Christopher talks with UAF Cooperative Extension Agent Darren Snyder about how to help your garden deal with too much rainfall.

The conversation examines how excessive rain and strong winds, particularly in Juneau, affect gardens nearing the end of the growing season. Snyder offers practical advice for dealing with the current conditions, such as covering ground crops like potatoes with plastic to prevent cracking, and suggests harvesting crowded annuals to improve airflow and reduce rot. He also shares long-term strategies for future seasons, emphasizing the importance of good soil drainage and utilizing techniques such as mulching, hoop houses, and high tunnels to manage moisture effectively.

Find further resources and more information at https://www.uaf.edu/ces/garden/index.php.

On this episode of Garden Talk, host Bostin Christopher talks with Darren Snyder about maximizing your precious harvest and preparing for successful storage.

This episode of Garden Talk with Bostin Christopher features UAF Cooperative Extension Service agent and Associate Professor Darren Snyder, who discusses making the most of your precious harvest.

As the growing season comes to a close, many gardeners wonder what to do with their bounty. Darren shares insights into proper preparation for successful storage, emphasizing that a bit of planning now can make all the difference.

Discover how to preserve your harvest into fresh, crisp and nutritious food that lasts for weeks or even months by replicating a refrigerator’s environment. Learn about the three main concepts for successful cool storage: managing temperature (ideally just above freezing, 32-40°F for many root crops), controlling humidity (often over 90% for most vegetables), and ensuring adequate airflow.

Darren also discusses starting with the best quality produce, strategies like “skinning up” potatoes, and various root cellar options—from modifying a dry crawl space in your home to separate structures or even buried barrels.