New Gardening Season Starts Soon

By Scout Nelson

“Backyard Farmer” returns for its 74th season, offering helpful advice to gardeners and lawn care enthusiasts. The new season begins at 7 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, April 2, on Nebraska Public Media and continues through the summer.

The program will be hosted by Kim Todd, a Nebraska Extension landscape horticulture specialist. She will be joined by a panel of experts who answer questions from viewers about insect pests, plant diseases, lawn care, fruits and vegetables, and landscape design. The show focuses on providing clear and useful guidance for maintaining healthy gardens.

This season highlights how gardening supports both personal well-being and community strength. The experts not only explain how to solve common problems but also help viewers understand why these problems occur. This approach allows gardeners to make better decisions for long-term success.

The show will offer practical advice for all types of spaces, from small home gardens to large rural landscapes. It also explains how gardens change over time and why this natural process is important. Video segments will show how plants grow and adapt, helping viewers understand nature better.

Special topics this season include alternatives to glyphosate-based weed control and ways to manage soil and landscaping challenges around new home construction. These topics are important for modern gardeners who want safe and effective solutions. The program will also feature three remote broadcasts during the season.

These events will take place at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna, Yanney Park in Kearney, and the Nebraska State Fair on Grand Island. Viewers can take part by sending questions and photos through the show’s website, email, or Facebook page.

Past episodes and additional resources are also available online, along with a free podcast and a monthly newsletter. As the longest running locally produced television series in the United States, “Backyard Farmer” continues to educate and inspire gardeners with trusted advice and expert knowledge.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-johnbraid