Best WPTF Podcasts (2025)

1
Weekend Gardener - Live from Rescued WOOD Rehab (Part 3) 42:17

5d ago42:17

42:17

In the final part of the show, the crew reflects on the beautiful surroundings of Rescued WOOD Rehab, where the remote broadcast is taking place. Mike checks in with Monica at the State Farmers Market about what is going on after speaking with special guest, best-selling author Brie Arthur. The third hour continues with more stories from the Rescue…

1
Weekend Gardener - Live from Rescued WOOD Rehab (Part 2) 42:24

5d ago42:24

42:24

In the second hour, Mike, Rufus, Keith, and the rest of the crew return with some playful banter about engineers. They continue to take questions from callers and provide updates throughout the show. As they approach the end of the second hour, the crew has a conversation with the wonderful team at Rescued WOOD Rehab, followed by more humorous bant…

1
Weekend Gardener - Live from Rescued WOOD Rehab (Part 1) 44:24

5d ago44:24

44:24

Broadcasting live from Rescue Wood Rehab in Fuquay-Varina, Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show with summer garden advice and listener calls. Topics include managing figs, controlling ivy and preparing beds for the upcoming planting season. The team shares tips for handling mid-season transitions and extreme heat.…

1
Weekend Gardener - Live from J.E. Womble and Sons (Part 3) 43:35

12d ago43:35

43:35

The final hour wraps up with more audience calls, discussions on turf care and composting, and reflections on the changes in rural gardening communities. Mike, Rufus, and Ann close out the show with heartfelt thanks to their hosts and the Womble family for their hospitality.

1
Weekend Gardener - Live from J.E. Womble and Sons (Part 2) 41:55

12d ago41:55

41:55

In part two, the conversation continues with garden questions from listeners and stories from longtime customers of J.E. Womble & Sons Hardware. The crew discusses managing yard pests, fall vegetables, and the importance of supporting locally owned hardware and feed stores.

1
Weekend Gardener - Live from J.E. Womble and Sons (Part 1) 40:49

12d ago40:49

40:49

The Weekend Gardener hits the road for a live broadcast from J.E. Womble and Sons in Lillington. Mike, Rufus, and Ann welcome former Congressman Bob Etheridge, who reflects on the region's agricultural roots. The team shares planting advice, soil tips, and community stories that showcase the strength of local gardening traditions in Harnett County.…

1
Weekend Gardener - Celebrating Rufus (Part 3) 43:11

19d ago43:11

43:11

The celebration continues as the team talks about Ridgeway Cantaloupes, Swamp Mallows, and daylily care. Listeners call in with kind words for Rufus and gardening questions for the panel. Nelsa and Mike share laughs about misunderstood birthday cards and favorite summer plants as the show wraps with reflections on community and growing old with gra…

1
Weekend Gardener - Celebrating Rufus (Part 2) 40:33

19d ago40:33

40:33

More birthday wishes roll in as listeners and friends call in to share greetings and gardening tales. The crew talks about heirloom tomatoes, container hostas, flooding concerns at Jordan Lake, and local plant finds. Big John joins the conversation, and the gang previews next week’s live broadcast at Rescue Wood Rehab.…

1
Weekend Gardener - Celebrating Rufus (Part 1) 43:38

19d ago43:38

43:38

Mike Raley returns to the studio with Nelsa Cox and Rufus Edmisten as the team celebrates Rufus’s 84th birthday with stories, laughs, and a surprise Chantilly cake. They reflect on Mike’s recent Norway trip, discuss favorite tomatoes like the Hillbilly variety, and share warm memories of past broadcasts, birthdays, and the civility of longtime list…

1
Weekend Gardener – Crepe Myrtles, Tomato Troubles & Garden Traditions (Part 3) 41:46

26d ago41:46

41:46

In the final hour, the team recaps summer planting progress and talks more about seasonal vegetables, blueberry tips, and upcoming remote broadcasts. They give a shout-out to Tom Campbell for guest hosting and reflect on listener traditions and favorite homegrown recipes.

1
Weekend Gardener – From Crepe Myrtles to Copperheads (Part 2) 39:57

26d ago39:57

39:57

Gail Hartfield joins the show to deliver the July 4th weekend forecast. The hosts take more listener calls, talk about stubborn weeds, blooming sunflowers, and Rufus' prized tomatoes. They also reflect on favorite summer crops and share tips for managing garden pests.

1
Weekend Gardener – From Crepe Myrtles to Copperheads (Part 1) 41:44

26d ago41:44

41:44

Mike Raley returns to the studio after a trip to Norway and reunites with Rufus Edmisten and Phil Campbell. The crew shares summer garden updates, including early crepe myrtle blooms and favorite hydrangeas. Listener Herb calls in from Jamesville to talk tomatoes, bee balm, and 10-foot corn.

1
Weekend Gardener - Deep Roots & Summer Truths (Part 3) 43:04

1M ago43:04

43:04

Rufus shares a bit of garden lore, and the team hears from Monica David at the State Farmers Market about what’s fresh and in season. With daylilies peaking and local growers in full swing, it’s the perfect time to dig into summer color and prep for July.

1
Weekend Gardener - Deep Roots & Summer Truths (Part 2) 46:24

1M ago46:24

46:24

The team takes listener calls on watering schedules, blossom-end rot in tomatoes, pruning tips for hydrangeas, and whether to fertilize in extreme heat. There’s also talk of reviving distressed dogwoods and encouraging continuous bloom from annuals like vinca and zinnias.

1
Weekend Gardener - Deep Roots & Summer Truths (Part 1) 43:14

1M ago43:14

43:14

Tom Campbell hosts with Rufus Edmisten and Nelsa Cox as the crew digs into summer gardening challenges, including how to keep your plants hydrated during a dry spell. Mike Raley checks in by phone, and listeners call in with questions about blueberries, fertilizing zinnias, and diagnosing stressed maples.…

1
Weekend Gardener – Summer Tomato Troubles & Garden Fixes (Part 3) 41:56

1M ago41:56

41:56

The Weekend Gardener crew digs into heat stress recovery, watering timing, and pest management. They reflect on what makes homegrown tomatoes worth the effort and wrap up with advice on making the most of your summer garden.

1
Weekend Gardener – Summer Tomato Troubles & Garden Fixes (Part 2) 42:40

1M ago42:40

42:40

The team answers more listener questions about pests, watering strategies, and basil woes. Hear expert tips on hydroponics, container gardens, and how to support vegetable plants through the North Carolina heat.

1
Weekend Gardener – Summer Tomato Troubles & Garden Fixes (Part 1) 39:59

1M ago39:59

39:59

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, Amanda Bratcher from Lee County Cooperative Extension, and tomato pro Gerald Adams share solutions for common tomato problems and summer growing questions. Listeners call in with issues related to squash and tomato varieties, while the hosts discuss soil reuse and maintaining healthy fruit.…

1
Weekend Gardener - Downtown Cary Park & Native Gardening Tips (Part 3) 45:07

2M ago45:07

45:07

In the final segment from Downtown Cary Park, the discussion covers everything from daylily conventions to native American uses of plants like yaupon holly and cattail. Patrick McMillan shares lessons in gardening for wildlife, and Rufus tells some memorable stories from his youth.

1
Weekend Gardener - Downtown Cary Park & Native Gardening Tips (Part 2) 43:30

2M ago43:30

43:30

Mike Raley, Phil Campbell, Rufus Edmisten, and Paul McKenzie continue their conversation at Downtown Cary Park, highlighting water features, plant stories, and sustainable gardening practices. Plus, insights into the challenges and joys of growing native hydrangeas, trumpet creeper, and wild bergamot.…

1
Weekend Gardener - Downtown Cary Park & Native Gardening Tips (Part 1) 45:12

2M ago45:12

45:12

The Weekend Gardener team broadcasts from Downtown Cary Park with a focus on horticulture, native plant choices, and low-maintenance gardening. Learn about plant selection strategies, including alternatives to invasive species, and how Cary is transforming its landscapes for beauty and biodiversity.

1
Weekend Gardener - Summer Starts in the Studio (Part 3) 42:03

2M ago42:03

42:03

The final segment covers hydrangea care, fig tree pruning, and pest management tips for the growing season. Listeners call with questions on roses, mulch, and leaf curl. The show closes with reflections on summer gardening routines and what’s thriving in the landscape.

1
Weekend Gardener - Summer Starts in the Studio (Part 2) 42:20

2M ago42:20

42:20

In this hour, the hosts dive into container gardening, composting, and soil quality. Lawn maintenance for zoysia and centipede grass are discussed alongside weed control strategies. Calls come in with questions on tomatoes, daylilies and heat stress on plants.

1
Weekend Gardener - Summer Starts in the Studio (Part 1) 40:53

2M ago40:53

40:53

The Weekend Gardener team opens the show in studio with discussions on watering practices, pruning peonies, dealing with black spot, and transitioning gardens into the summer season. Listener questions bring up fertilizer choices and weather-related plant care.

1
Weekend Gardener – Live from the Raleigh Greek Festival (Part 3) 43:21

2M ago43:21

43:21

The final hour wraps with discussion on lemon trees, hydrangeas and hummingbird plants. Monica Wood checks in from the State Farmers Market. The team takes calls about composting, deer deterrents and ground covers, then signs off with thanks to Holy Trinity and the Raleigh Greek Festival organizers.

1
Weekend Gardener – Live from the Raleigh Greek Festival (Part 2) 41:26

2M ago41:26

41:26

The show continues with advice on root rot, yellowing leaves and mole problems. Rufus recounts past visits to the Greek Festival, and Mike shares tips for tomatoes, squash and improving soil quality. Festival sounds and Greek hospitality add energy to the show as more callers chime in with questions.…

1
Weekend Gardener – Live from the Raleigh Greek Festival (Part 1) 42:36

2M ago42:36

42:36

Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show live from the 41st Annual Raleigh Greek Festival at the NC State Fairgrounds. They open with stories of the Dambalis family and the church’s community roots. Listeners call in with questions about peonies, crepe myrtles and controlling invasive plants. The team also shares weather-related tips for ear…

1
WPTF Weekend Gardener at Bell's Carpets and Floors (Part 3) 44:40

2M ago44:40

44:40

The crew reflects on WPTF’s broadcast history and shares memories of NASCAR great Junior Johnson. Monica Wood reports from the State Farmers Market with updates on fresh produce, blooming plants, and garden must-haves. Listener Stephen talks daylilies and warns about invasive plants. Carter Q calls in to thank Rufus for a tour of his garden.…

1
WPTF Weekend Gardener at Bell's Carpets and Floors (Part 2) 42:43

2M ago42:43

42:43

Fred Gaines returns with Memorial Day flooring advice, including allergy-friendly carpet options and the latest on waterproof laminates. Rufus checks in from the road toward Boone, and the team answers listener questions about turfgrass, weeding, and garden planning.

1
WPTF Weekend Gardener at Bell's Carpets and Floors (Part 1) 36:06

2M ago36:06

36:06

Mike Raley, Ann Clapp, and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show live from Bell's Carpets and Floors in Raleigh. They welcome guest Fred Gaines to talk about summer home projects, and discuss plant stress, watering, and weather. Listener calls cover black spot on roses, mole problems, and composting tips.…

1
Weekend Gardener (Part 3): Live from Altis at Serenity by Tri Pointe Homes 42:38

2M ago42:38

42:38

Mike, Rufus and Phil wrap up the morning with Greenfield Communities president Matt Brubaker, who shares details on the Altis at Serenity launch, builder partners like Tri Pointe Homes, and community amenities. Dan the Flower Show Man checks in from the Got to Be NC Festival, and the hosts close the show with garden updates and hydrangea advice.…

1
Weekend Gardener (Part 2): Live from Altis at Serenity by Tri Pointe Homes 42:04

2M ago42:04

42:04

The show continues live from Altis at Serenity with more gardening questions from listeners and special guests discussing the area's unique landscaping. The team highlights the new clubhouse, upcoming walking trails and the rural charm of this growing Triangle-area community. Mike also reminisces about his early days at WPTF during a special tribut…

1
Weekend Gardener (Part 1): Live from Altis at Serenity by Tri Pointe Homes 40:17

2M ago40:17

40:17

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten and Phil Campbell broadcast live from Altis at Serenity, the new 55+ community by Tri Pointe Homes in Harnett County. They talk gardening with callers, share plant advice for May, and speak with guests from Greenfield Communities about the vision behind the development. Phil offers tips for summer vegetables, and Rufus sh…

1
Weekend Gardener: Live from Campbell Road Nursery (Part 3) 41:08

3M ago41:08

41:08

WPTF celebrates Mike Raley’s 50th anniversary in broadcasting with a nostalgic montage of past voices. Phil and Monica spotlight specials on tomatoes, tropicals and handmade gifts, and share how supporting the nursery helps mountain communities. The show wraps with sausage talk, grilling tips and heartfelt tributes.…

1
Weekend Gardener: Live from Campbell Road Nursery (Part 2) 40:58

3M ago40:58

40:58

The crew takes listener calls and discusses everything from hibiscus care to fig trees and hydrangea blooms. Phil shares news about Venus flytraps, and Monica Wood from the State Farmers Market calls in with updates on seasonal produce and market events.

1
Weekend Gardener: Live from Campbell Road Nursery (Part 1) 40:34

3M ago40:34

40:34

Mike Raley, Phil Campbell and Rufus Edmisten kick off the Weekend Gardener live from Campbell Road Nursery with plenty of plant talk, gardening advice and special guests, including Tom Campbell. Topics range from veggie starts and perennials to early Mother's Day gift ideas.

1
Weekend Gardener Live from Rescue Wood Rehab in Fuquay-Varina (Part 3) 44:38

3M ago44:38

44:38

Craftsman Richard Nordheim of Enhanced Renovations joins the show to talk home remodeling trends, quirky custom projects, and working with Rescue Wood Rehab. Plus, updates from the State Farmers Market and a heartfelt call from J.C. Knowles.

1
Weekend Gardener Live from Rescue Wood Rehab in Fuquay-Varina (Part 2) 38:36

3M ago38:36

38:36

In part two from Rescue Wood Rehab, the Weekend Gardener team discusses creative uses for salvaged materials, chats with listeners about plant problems, and shares stories about North Carolina’s rich gardening traditions.

1
Weekend Gardener Live from Rescue Wood Rehab in Fuquay-Varina (Part 1) 42:51

3M ago42:51

42:51

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten and Phil Campbell broadcast live from Rescue Wood Rehab in Fuquay-Varina with special guests Marty Clayton and Keith Wood. They talk reclaimed wood projects, garden tips, and upcoming events at the State Farmers Market.

1
Weekend Gardener 4-20-2025: Live from the Nash County Arboretum (Part 3) 44:01

3M ago44:01

44:01

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, and friends celebrate spring, strawberries, and 50 years of broadcasting as they wrap up the live show at the Nash County Arboretum. They talk about favorite fruits, plant selections, Nashville memories, and upcoming local events like the Blooming Festival. Lots of laughter, gardening advice, and heartfelt moments.…

1
Weekend Gardener 4-20-2025: Live from the Nash County Arboretum (Part 2) 42:06

3M ago42:06

42:06

The conversation continues at the Nash County Arboretum with more plant talk, local gardening insights, and a visit from Colby Griffin. The team highlights great plant selections, the history of the Arboretum, and how the community benefits from local extension programs. Plus, a lively discussion about favorite vegetables and flowers.…

1
Weekend Gardener 4-20-2025: Live from the Nash County Arboretum (Part 1) 42:58

3M ago42:58

42:58

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, and Paul McKenzie kick off the Weekend Gardener live from the Nash County Arboretum in Nashville. They talk about spring planting, common gardening questions, and the importance of Master Gardener volunteers. Special guests join to share gardening tips and promote the Nash County Master Gardener Plant Sale.…

1
Weekend Gardener: Mike Raley’s 50th Anniversary at WPTF – Live at the State Farmers Market (Part 3) 43:02

3M ago43:02

43:02

Curtis Media president Tripp Savery, Bruce Ferrell, Rick Martinez, Tom Campbell, and others honor Mike Raley’s 50-year legacy with surprise messages, laughter, and cake. The team wraps the show with gardening tips, talk of North Carolina strawberries, and memories from decades of broadcasting.

1
Weekend Gardener: Mike Raley’s 50th Anniversary at WPTF – Live at the State Farmers Market (Part 2) 41:22

3M ago41:22

41:22

The celebration continues with more heartfelt tributes to Mike Raley’s legendary radio career. Listeners and guests alike share stories, while the team dives into seasonal gardening tips and spring planting ideas—all while enjoying the Farmers Market atmosphere.

1
Weekend Gardener: Mike Raley’s 50th Anniversary at WPTF – Live at the State Farmers Market (Part 1) 42:46

3M ago42:46

42:46

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, and the Weekend Gardener crew kick off a special broadcast live from the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. Monica Wood joins the team as surprise guests begin honoring Mike’s 50 years at WPTF. Reflections, laughter, and gardening insights fill the first hour of this milestone episode.…

1
Weekend Gardener: Live from The Aluminum Company of North Carolina (Part 3) 42:08

4M ago42:08

42:08

The final hour from Durham includes a touching tribute to WPTF’s broadcast legacy, reflections on Mike Raley’s upcoming 50th anniversary and a candid conversation about native plants and garden pests. Jeff Hoffman returns to share expert tips on beekeeping and honey harvesting, and Steve calls in with a preview of the Raleigh Daylily Club meeting. …

1
Weekend Gardener: Live from The Aluminum Company of North Carolina (Part 2) 37:38

4M ago37:38

37:38

Jeff Hoffman returns with more bee wisdom, explaining how hive splits help prevent swarming. The crew talks tomatoes, hydrangeas and heirloom plants with callers and in-person guests. Also: plant suggestions for small spaces and dealing with pesky garden critters.

1
Weekend Gardener: Live from The Aluminum Company of North Carolina (Part 1) 42:28

4M ago42:28

42:28

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten and Nelson Cox kick off the show from the open house in Durham with guests from The Aluminum Company of North Carolina. Jeff Hoffman joins to talk siding, windows and bees. Plus, the crew shares spring garden tips and hears from listeners across the Triangle.

1
WPTF Weekend Gardener – Spring Roots at the Farmers Market (Part Three) 43:26

4M ago43:26

43:26

The team takes more calls from listeners asking about yellowing camellia leaves, ivy in azaleas and privacy screen ideas for Leland cypress. Plus Monica and Ashton stop by with a full update on everything happening at the State Farmers Market.

1
WPTF Weekend Gardener – Spring Roots at the Farmers Market (Part Two) 38:22

4M ago38:22

38:22

Mike shares memories from his recent trip to Nashville, North Carolina for a special Chamber of Commerce event, and the team answers listener questions about camellias and ivy control. Plus more laughs from Rufus and a tip of the hat to the NC Symphony.

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