- Social:
- Link:
- Embed:
Growing Winter Citrus - Donna Balzer - 152
In this episode we welcome Donna Balzer, an award-winning horticulturist, keynote speaker, and author with over three decades of experience in gardening. Donna's journey from her roots as a farmer's daughter with an agriculture degree to her current role as a media personality has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge in horticulture.
In our conversation, Donna shares her expertise on a fascinating topic: Growing Winter Citrus. Despite traditional beliefs, her method enables individuals to successfully grow citrus plants in regions typically unsuitable for them.
Donna discusses the challenges of cold weather citrus cultivation, emphasizing the importance of strategic location within the home
Drawing from her own experiences, Donna explores the resilience of certain citrus varieties to chilly temperatures and stresses the significance of excellent drainage and breathable root systems.
We delve into essential aspects such as watering practices, pest management in indoor environments, and the intricacies of pollination and fruit development under controlled conditions.
Throughout our discussion, Donna highlights that gardening is accessible to everyone, regardless of experience level. She introduces valuable resources like Lemon Camp—a collaborative platform fostering engagement and learning in the citrus gardening community.
Time Line
00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast
00:42 Meet Donna Balzer: The Expert Horticulturalist
01:06 The Art of Growing Winter Citrus
02:25 Understanding Cold Climate Citrus
03:10 The Ideal Environment for Growing Citrus
03:58 Common Mistakes in Citrus Cultivation
05:18 The Impact of Temperature on Citrus Growth
07:20 The Importance of Proper Drainage and Breathable Root Systems
13:29 The Pollination Process of Citrus Plants
20:41 The Flavor Difference in Homegrown Citrus
21:20 The Unique Thai Lime Story
23:08 Growing Citrus from Cuttings
28:04 The Importance of Fertilization in Citrus Growth
29:44 The Struggles of Indoor Plant Care
30:17 The Importance of Light and Fertilizer for Plants
30:51 The Magic of Worm Castings
31:05 The Journey of Making Homemade Worm Castings
31:43 The Benefits of Buying Worm Castings Directly from the Producer
32:40 The Exciting World of Online Gardening School
32:48 The Difference Between a Class and a Camp
34:30 The Global Reach of Online Gardening Camp
34:52 The Joy of Growing Your Own Food
38:31 The Importance of Understanding the Connection in Gardening
40:12 The Misadventures of Growing Strawberries
48:15 The Excitement of Starting a New Garden
50:17 The Love for Calamondin Orange
51:08 The Importance of Sharing the Love of Gardening
51:50 Conclusion: The Joy of Gardening from Two to Ninety-Nine