Episode 36: Ragwort, Hydrangea, Cucurbits and Ticks

What do ragwort, climbing hydrangea, cucurbits and myths about ticks have in common? Another episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, of course!

On this week's podcast episode, Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas have another segment about groundcovers and vines (The Cover Up) with Tim talking about ragwort, a native groundcover, and Jean describing a beautiful vine, climbing hydrangea. Then listen to Teresa Golden (The Veggie Patch) describes how to grow cucurbits, a broad family of vegetables that are very popular on dinner tables across the Hudson Valley and the world. Finally, Devon Russ (Hits and Myths) updates us on ticks, including their relationships with guinea hens and opossums, and clarifying some myths along the way.

So this diverse episode has a little bit of everything. We hope you learn something new while you listen in!

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guests: Tim Kennelty, Jean Thomas, Teresa Golden, Devon Russ

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden

Resources

The Cover Up: Packera aurea (Golden Ragwort); Illinoiswildflowers | Golden Ragwort; Packera aurea 'Dark Shadows'

The Veggie Patch: Cucumber Production (psu.edu) ; Cucurbit Insect Management (purdue.edu) ; Growing cucumbers, squash, melons and gourds HO-8 (purdue.edu); Cornell Cooperative Extension | Creating a Three Sisters Garden ; Explore Cornell - Home Gardening - Vegetable Growing Guides

Hits & Myths: Ticks and Tick Bites - National Pesticide Information Center; Ticks | CDC

Last updated September 29, 2022