<p>Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show from the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, joined by Spectrum News 1 chief meteorologist Gary Stevenson and Lee County Extension agent Amanda Bratcher. The hour will focus on December weather, seasonal gardening reflections, hellebores and Christmas roses, plant hardiness, and the importance of cold weather for plant health.</p>

WPTF Weekend Gardener - Live from the State Farmers Market (Part 2 of 3)

The WPTF Weekend Gardener is an award-winning radio talk show that has been on the air for over 40 years. Mike Raley has been the host since the show first aired in January of 1985, bringing expert gardening advice and fun conversation to listeners. Rufus Edmisten, former NC Secretary of State and Attorney General, has been a co-host for over 10 years, providing his unique insights and adding to the lively discussions. The Weekend Gardener is an evolution of The Tar Heel Gardener, a show that aired for 40 years and was hosted by North Carolina State University professor John H. Harris. Initially a 15-minute program where John answered listener letters, the show grew into a half-hour format before becoming the 3-hour talk show we know today. Over its four decades, the Weekend Gardener has become a staple for gardening enthusiasts across the state.