Ask Grumpy

Goodbye Spiky Vines

Grumpy shares advice on how to remove spiky smilax vine for good, explains why black walnut trees produce toxins and which plants can thrive around them, and helps a read

Save My Rosebush!

Grumpy answers readers’ questions about planting Little Miss Figgy outdoors, shares tips for saving your rosebush from losing its leaves and blooms, and introduces the Pl

Leggy Lavender

In this episode, a listener from Northern Virginia asks for advice on decorating a pergola with colorful, blooming vines. Grumpy shares tips on how to prune lavender and

Grandma’s Gardenia Cuttings

Grumpy talks passalong plants, offers expert advice on getting your amaryllis to bloom,  and reveals the secrets to helping your hydrangeas thrive. Plus, don’t miss his T

Shade-Loving Caladiums

Grumpy helps a reader tackle stubborn sucker growth, shares his favorite shade-loving caladiums, and breaks down the different varieties of bell peppers. Plus, don’t miss

Crepe Myrtle Problems

Grumpy tackles readers’ questions about choosing the best clover for your lawn, troubleshoots common crepe myrtle problems, and spotlights the Plant of the Week: the 'Dia

Deer Resistant Plants

In this episode, Grumpy shares his top deer-resistant plant picks for Florida gardens, discusses tree and shrub fertilizer, and delivers a hot tip you won’t want to miss

Groundhog Control

 On the Season 4 debut, Grumpy answers readers’ questions about what you can grow from seedling to tree in a wet area, shares plants that help keep groundhogs from diggin

Grumpy on Wednesdays!

Ask Grumpy is back for Season 4! Starting March 11, 2026, new episodes drop every Wednesday through April 29. In this eight-episode season, Steve Bender, also known as Th

Plant Your Maples!

On the season finale of Ask Grumpy, a reader struggles with a dying Japanese Maple. Plus, the tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy A

Peak Planting Time

What to know about daffodil bulbs. Plus, the tip of the week.  You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy

Weed Control

A reader has a weed dilemma. Plus, the gripe of the month. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gard

Mulch Mania

 A reader asks about sowing seeds. Plus, Grumpy’s tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Gru

Tomato Trauma

A reader has concerns about their white-spotted tomatoes. Plus, the plant of the week.  You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Stev

No Rose Without a Thorn

A reader has a burning rose bush question. Plus, tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grum

It’s Time To Fertilize

A reader struggles with wild petunias. Plus, the tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The Grump

Dogwood Dilemma

A reader is stumped by their flowerless dogwoods. Plus plant of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka

Goodbye Grasshoppers

A reader needs help getting rid of grasshoppers. Plus, Grumpy’s gripe of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Ben

Soil Troubles

 A reader has a question about dying plants. Plus, the tip of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka Th

Crepe Myrtle Conundrum

A reader needs help with their crepe myrtle. Plus, plant of the week. You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy Ask Grumpy Credits: Steve Bender aka The