<p>Today on Weekend Gardener, Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten are joined by retired extension agent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wral.com/lifestyles/house_and_home/image/10838948/">Gary Pierce</a>, Mark Baumgartner, and a plethora of guest callers.</p>

WPTF Weekend Gardener - 6/20/2026 (Part 1 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.