Podcast

The Garden Gamble

Education, Home & Garden, How To, Leisure

Gardening can feel like a gamble — especially when you’re not sure if you’re doing it right.

On The Garden Gamble, Ricki Klasen, owner of Klasen's Greenhouse in Northern Minnesota, shares real-life gardening stories, practical advice, and honest conversations to help you build confidence and take the gamble out of gardening.

This podcast is for the hopeful beginner, the seasoned grower, and anyone learning through trial and error. Because gardening isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, patience, and planting something that matters.

If you’re ready to grow with confidence and create memories that last beyond the season, you’re in the right place.

Episodes
35
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
15 min
On air since
2026
Latest episode
1 day ago

Episodes

35 episodes, newest first

  1. 34: Food Plots with Kevin Klasen

    Season 1, Episode 34

    Show notes

    Ricki is joined by a new guest for this week's episode of the Garden Gamble!

    Welcome Kevin Klasen to the pod! He is an experienced food plot enthusiast, and he shares some of his expertise.

    If you have any further questions or want to discuss anything more, please do not hesitate to reach out to the landscaping division at this link: https://www.klasensgreenhouse.com/landscaping

    New episode weekly!

    17 min
  2. 33: Fall Garden Cleanup

    Season 1, Episode 33

    Show notes

    At least for us in Northern Minnesota, the first (and second) frost has hit, and cleanup season is here!

    In this episode of the Garden Gamble, Ricki goes over what she is doing to prepare for fall. She also goes over tips and other options you can do now to set yourself up for success in the spring!

    New episodes weekly!

    13 min
  3. 32: What I'd Do Differently in My Flower Garden

    Season 1, Episode 32

    Show notes

    Now that we are past first frost, it's time to reflect.

    In this episode of the Garden Gamble, Ricki goes over what she'd done differently this year and her plans to fix those mistakes for next growing season!

    New episodes weekly.

    15 min
  4. 31: What To Do After First Frost

    Season 1, Episode 31

    Show notes

    At least for us in Northern MN, the first frost has hit.

    In this episode, Ricki walks through what to do with your garden, trees, shrubs, and perennials after the first frost!

    New episodes weekly!

    15 min
  5. 30: Growing With 4H

    Season 1, Episode 30

    Show notes

    This week is National 4H Week! This week Ricki is joined by Alyssa to discuss all things 4H!

    New episodes weekly!

    Call- 218-745-5232 with any questions!

    Marshall County 4H Website: https://extension.umn.edu/about/our-work/local/marshall-county

    Marshall County 4H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marshallcountymn4H/

    17 min
  6. 29: Different Ways to Preserve Your Garden Harvest

    Season 1, Episode 29

    Show notes

    In this episode, Ricki touches on different methods for preserving that garden harvest as the growing season comes to a close. We are covering everything from freezing and dehydrating to canning!

    New episodes weekly!

    17 min
  7. 28: Pumpkin Patch & Agritourism

    Season 1, Episode 28

    Show notes

    It is officially pumpkin patch season!!

    Listen to this week's episode to hear why and how the Klasen's opened their pumpkin patch and how it is impacting local Agritourism for their community!

    New episode weekly!

    15 min
  8. 27: Fall Blooming Perennials

    Show notes

    Just because it is fall doesn't mean your garden has to be over!

    Tune in to this week's episode of the Garden Gamble, where Ricki breaks down some of the best perennials that will carry your garden through fall!

    New episodes weekly.

    14 min
  9. 26: Planting Perennials in the Fall

    Season 1, Episode 26

    Show notes

    Just because it is fall doesn't mean the growing season is over! In this episode, Ricki breaks down how to plant perennials in the fall!

    New episodes weekly!

    12 min
  10. 25: How to Keep Annuals Thriving Into Fall

    Season 1, Episode 25

    Show notes

    Just because it is fall doesn't mean the growing season is over! In this episode, Ricki breaks down how to keep your annuals flourishing up until the first frost!

    12 min
  11. 24: All About Zucchini

    Season 1, Episode 24

    Show notes

    Is your zucchini producing rapidly? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're breaking down everything you need to know about your zucchini plant!

    New episodes weekly.

    14 min
  12. 23: How to Beat August Garden Fatigue

    Season 1, Episode 23

    Show notes

    Is your garden feeling a little overwhelming? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're breaking down how to beat garden fatigue and tips for getting the most out of your garden for the rest of the season!

    From time management to self-encouragement, we'll cover the basics to help you continue enjoying your garden. 🌿💐

    New episodes weekly.

    14 min
  13. 22: 3 Things I Learned From the Master Gardeners Garden Tour

    Season 1, Episode 22

    Show notes

    Even the most experienced gardeners can still learn from other gardeners! In this episode of Garden Gamble, Ricki is discussing 3 takeaways from visiting Master Gardeners' Gardens.

    New episodes weekly.

    13 min
  14. 21: Mid Summer Gardening To-Do list

    Season 1, Episode 21

    Show notes

    Welcome to the thick of gardening season! In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're breaking down everything Ricki is doing to maintain her gardens this August.

    From weeding to experimenting with her harvests and taking notes on things she can improve, we'll cover the basics to help you get the most out of your garden. Whether this is your first year growing or you're a pro, this episode has tips for you! 🌿💐

    New episodes weekly.

    16 min
  15. 20: Cut Flower Q&A

    Season 1, Episode 20

    Show notes

    We saved the best for last! 🌸💐

    To wrap up our Favorite Cut Flowers mini-series, we're answering YOUR biggest questions about growing a cut flower garden. From getting started and choosing the right flowers to harvesting tips and common mistakes, we're covering the questions gardeners ask most.

    If you've been following along with the series, or you're just starting your cut flower journey, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you grow more blooms with confidence.

    🎧 Tune in now and let us help take the gamble out of gardening! 🌿

    22 min
  16. 19: Favorite Cut Flower Series: Dianthus

    Season 1, Episode 19

    Show notes

    Welcome back to our Favorite Cut Flowers mini-series! In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're featuring another garden favorite: dianthus.

    Known for its ruffled blooms, sweet fragrance, and impressive vase life, dianthus is a hardworking flower that adds charm and texture to any bouquet. We'll talk about why we love growing it, tips for keeping your plants blooming all season long, and how to harvest dianthus for the longest-lasting cut flowers.

    Whether you're starting your first cut flower garden or looking to add reliable blooms to your flower patch, dianthus is a beautiful choice that's easy to love. Tune in to learn why this classic flower has earned a permanent place in our garden, and how it can in yours, too.

    New episodes weekly. 🌿💐

    14 min
  17. 18: Favorite Cut Flower Series: Zinnias

    Season 1, Episode 18

    Show notes

    Zinnias are one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers you can grow, but are you getting the most out of them?

    In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're diving into everything you need to know about zinnias. From choosing the right varieties and planting tips to harvesting blooms for beautiful bouquets, we're sharing why these colorful flowers are a must-have in any cut flower garden.

    Whether you're growing your first flower patch or looking to add more color to your garden this season, this episode will help you grow healthier plants, enjoy more blooms, and make the most of every stem.

    Tune in and discover why zinnias continue to be one of our favorite flowers to grow!

    20 min
  18. 17: Favorite Cut Flower Series: Snapdragons

    Season 1, Episode 17

    Show notes

    In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're spotlighting one of our all-time favorites: snapdragons.

    We'll share why snapdragons deserve a spot in every cut flower garden, the best ways to grow them, tips for harvesting long-lasting blooms, and how to get the most out of these colorful, versatile flowers. Whether you're growing flowers for bouquets, your flower farm, or simply to brighten your home, snapdragons are a must-have.

    If you're looking for practical cut flower gardening tips and want to learn more about the flowers that make stunning bouquets, this series is for you. Tune in as we take the gamble out of growing beautiful blooms. 🌿💐

    New episodes weekly.

    18 min
  19. 16: What makes a good bouquet?

    Season 1, Episode 16

    Show notes

    Ever wonder why some flower bouquets look effortlessly beautiful while others just feel... off? 💐

    In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're sharing the secrets behind building a stunning bouquet. From choosing the right focal flowers and fillers to creating balance, texture, and color. Whether you're cutting flowers from your own garden or picking up blooms from the market, these simple tips will help you arrange bouquets with confidence.

    🎧 Tune in now and take the gamble out of gardening (and flower arranging)! 🌸

    13 min
  20. 15: Backyard Cutting Gardens

    Season 1, Episode 15

    Show notes

    Dreaming of armfuls of fresh flowers all summer long? In this episode of Garden Gamble, we're breaking down everything you need to know to start your own cut flower garden.

    From choosing the best flowers for beginners to planning your space and setting yourself up for a season full of blooms, we'll cover the basics to help you grow flowers you'll actually want to bring inside. Whether you have a dedicated flower patch or just a few raised beds, starting a cut flower garden is easier than you might think.

    If you've always wanted to grow your own bouquets but weren't sure where to begin, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get started and take the gamble out of gardening. 🌿💐

    New episodes weekly.

    21 min