Stop Killing Your Plants + Carl Radke’s Story of Home + Flooring Mistakes to Avoid

Stop Killing Your Plants + Carl Radke’s Story of Home + Flooring Mistakes to Avoid

From This Old House Radio Hour by American Public Media

April 21, 2026 · 51 min

About this episode

The episode discusses plant care tips, Carl Radke's childhood home, and flooring mistakes to avoid.

If your houseplants keep dying, it might not be your fault, it might be your approach. The duo behind Tanner the Planter share simple, practical ways to actually keep your plants alive, from choosing the right plant for your space to knowing when (and when not) to water. Then, Bravo’s Carl Radke takes us back to the small Pittsburgh home that shaped his childhood—filled with both warmth and hardship—and reflects on how that space still defines his idea of home today. Plus, A flooring expert breaks down the real differences between hardwood, laminate, and LVP, and how to decide whether to repair or replace when damage starts to show. In This Episode You’ll Learn: * Whether to use spray foam insulation in a cold, old farmhouse basement (and concerns about future renovations, safety, and off-gassing). * How to handle stone steps and a walkway that have become embedded in a growing tree without damaging it. * The correct step-by-step order for renovating a basement bathroom from scratch. * Diagnosing a mysterious intermittent scratching noise coming from a cold air return vent. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! —…

People in this episode

Guest: Carl Radke

Topics covered

  • houseplants
  • home improvement
  • flooring
  • childhood home
  • plant care
  • renovation

Keywords

  • houseplants
  • plant care
  • Carl Radke
  • flooring
  • home improvement
  • renovation
  • Tanner the Planter

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bravo, Tanner the Planter

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