Welcome to the ATXGardens Podcast.

Stop stressing about your yard! Each week, landscape consultant Colleen Dieter with ATXGardens.com shares exactly what you should be doing right now to keep your plants and trees happy.

With 20+ years of experience helping Central Texans, Colleen is a certified arborist, sustainable landscape designer, and founder of Central Texas Seed Savers. You may have seen her on PBS Austin’s Central Texas Gardener, KXAN, or Spectrum News, or heard her on The Horticulturati podcast and KLBJ’s Horticulture Hangover. She’s passionate about making gardening approachable.

Perfect for both seasoned green thumbs and new DIY’ers, The ATXGardens Podcast is your go-to for friendly, reliable gardening advice—week by week, season by season. Transcripts are available below, or you can listen anywhere you get podcasts or watch on YouTube.

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What to Do in Your Central Texas Garden (January 1–15): Freeze Prep, Weeds & Bare Root Trees

Wondering what to focus on in your Central Texas garden in early January? In this episode of The ATXGardens Podcast, landscape consultant Colleen Dieter shares timely tips on freeze prep, winter weeds, sheet mulching, pruning, and planting bare root fruit trees the right way. Learn how chill hours affect fruit production, when to water during winter, and what tasks now will set you up for spring success. A must-listen for Austin and Central Texas gardeners who want practical, season-specific guidance.

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Episode 7: What to Plant (and Not Plant) in Central Texas in Late December

Want to keep your Central Texas garden thriving through December? In this episode, Colleen shares exactly what to do in the second half of the month—from identifying winter weeds to choosing the right fruit tree varieties and protecting tender plants from freezes. You’ll also learn why December is the perfect time for pruning certain trees, starting cool-season perennials, and planning your spring vegetable garden. Whether you're a beginner or a longtime Austin gardener, this episode gives you practical, region-specific tips to stay one step ahead of the season. Tune in and garden smarter this winter!

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Episode 6: December Garden Prep for Austin Homeowners: Weeds, Trees & Winter Care

Wondering what to do in your Austin or Central Texas garden in early December? In this episode, landscape consultant and certified arborist Colleen Dieter shares your essential mid-winter gardening checklist—from winter weed control and fruit tree prep to when (and when not) to prune. You'll also hear a real client story about transforming a suburban lawn into a thriving pollinator garden using sheet mulching. Plus, Colleen breaks down what to plant now, how to protect sensitive plants from freezes, and why December is ideal for planning next year’s garden projects. A must-listen for Central Texas gardeners who want timely, region-specific advice.

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Episode 5: What to Plant and Protect in Your Central Texas Garden (Late November – Early December)

Get your Central Texas garden ready for winter with expert tips from landscape consultant and certified arborist Colleen Dieter. In this episode, Colleen shares exactly what to tackle in late November—from composting and fruit tree care to freeze prep and cold-hardy herbs. Learn how to start a simple compost pile, protect citrus and young trees from frost, and keep your veggies and perennials thriving through the season. Perfect for gardeners who want a resilient, low-stress yard all winter long.

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Episode 4: Deer Damage, Leaf Drop, and Fall Planting — Here’s What to Know

Get your Central Texas garden ready for winter with expert tips from landscape consultant and certified arborist Colleen Dieter. In this episode, Colleen shares exactly what to tackle in early November—from tree care and fall planting to freeze prep and cool-season vegetables. Learn which trees bring real fall color to Austin, how to protect young trunks from deer, and the best perennials and herbs to plant right now. Perfect for gardeners who want a thriving yard without the guesswork.

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Episode 3: Get ready for Winter?

In this late-October gardening guide, Colleen Dieter shares the essential tasks Austin and Central Texas gardeners should tackle now—from planting trees and dividing perennials to prepping cool-season vegetables and protecting tender plants before the first freeze. She also breaks down smart leaf management, fruit-tree cleanup, and must-know tips for lawns, herbs, and wildflowers. A practical, timely episode for anyone gardening through the Central Texas fall.

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Episode 2: Time to Enjoy

Wondering what to tackle in your Austin or Central Texas garden in early October? In this episode, Colleen Dieter shares your essential fall gardening checklist—from irrigation changes and soil testing to what to plant, what NOT to prune, and how to prep for cooler temperatures. She also walks through a small-yard design consultation in East Austin and explains why wildflower seeding, seed saving, and fall vegetable planting are at their peak right now. A must-listen for Central Texas homeowners looking for timely, region-specific garden advice.

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Episode 1: Mid to Late September

Confused about what to do in your yard this time of year? In this first episode of The ATXGardens Podcast, landscape consultant and certified arborist Colleen Dieter breaks down exactly what Central Texas gardeners should focus on in late September. From fertilizing deadlines to transplanting tips, fungal disease prevention, and getting ready for fall planting, Colleen shares the seasonal advice you need to keep your yard healthy and thriving—all in a friendly, down-to-earth way.

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🌿 Colleen Dieter’s Compost Tea Recipe for Soil Drenching

Looking to boost soil health naturally? This is the exact compost tea recipe Colleen Dieter uses with her clients across Austin and Central Texas. It’s an easy, flexible, microbe-rich brew that improves compacted soil, supports plant resilience, and feeds your garden without harsh fertilizers. Whether you’re treating problem areas or maintaining healthy beds year-round, this simple soil drench is one of the most effective tools you can add to your garden routine.

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