The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy
The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy is a podcast designed to help novice gardeners succeed. It offers easy-to-understand resources, tips, and information for starting a garden, whether big or small. The host shares her own gardening journey and explains gardening terminology in a clear way. The goal is to equip listeners with the knowledge they need for a successful gardening season.
Episodes
489 - Using a Greenhouse to its Full Potential with Leslie Halleck
Thinking about getting a greenhouse but not sure what it can actually do for your garden? A greenhouse can extend your growing season, protect plants through winter, and give seedlings a head start, but only if you understand how temperature, light, and humidity work together. In this episode, I'm talking with Leslie about greenhouse gardening for beginners, including what I've learned from using
488 - Two Easy Cover Crops That Changed My Raised Bed Garden
Not sure what to cover your raised bed soil with this winter? Cover crops can build soil, suppress weeds, and even provide living mulch. In this episode, I'll help you choose a cover crop and get started without overcomplicating it. Free Download: Raised Bed Soil Options Learn practical, affordable options for building and improving healthy raised bed soil. https://journeywithjill.net/raised-bed-
487 - Fastest Fall Crops If You're Starting Late
Think you've missed your chance to plant a fall garden? You may still have time to grow a harvest, even if September is already here. The key is knowing your average first frost date and choosing fall crops that can mature in the time you have left. In this episode, I'll help you figure out what you can still plant based on the number of weeks before your first frost. We'll cover fast-growing gree
486 - Making Space for Fall Crops (when summer crops are still growing)
Trying to plant a fall garden when your beds are still full of summer crops? You don't have to clear everything at once. A simple bed-by-bed assessment can help you decide what stays, what goes, and where your fall crops can fit. In this episode, I walk you through how I transition my garden from summer to fall, including how I decide when to remove productive plants, prepare tired soil, add compo
485 - Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, & More: How to Cure & Store Root Crops
You worked hard to grow potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and sweet potatoes. How do you keep them from spoiling before you can use them? In this episode, I'll walk you through curing and storing root crops so you can extend their storage life and enjoy more of your garden harvest through winter. You'll learn the practical differences between curing potatoes and sweet potatoes, why carrots are su
484 - Tomatoes, Cucumbers & More: Fridge or Counter? How to Store Today's Harvest
Fresh garden produce doesn't stay fresh by accident. Learn exactly where to store tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, melons, and more so they last longer and taste their best. If you've ever wondered whether tomatoes belong on the counter or in the refrigerator, or why cucumbers sometimes get soft no matter what you do, this episode explains the simple science behind better produce storage so you can m
483 - What I've Changed in Preserving My Harvest
Feeling overwhelmed by canning and preserving your garden harvest? Wondering if you have to preserve everything you grow to make gardening worthwhile? In this episode, I share how my approach to food preservation has changed over the last few years and how I've found a healthier balance between growing, preserving, and enjoying life. You'll hear the lessons I learned after stepping back from doing
482 - Meal Prep from Your Garden with Crystal Schmidt, author of Freeze Fresh Meal Prep
Have you ever wished your garden harvest could make dinner easier months after the growing season ends? In this episode, I'm welcoming Crystal from Whole-Fed Homestead back to the podcast to talk about her newest cookbook, Freeze Fresh Meal Prep. While many gardeners know they can freeze vegetables, Crystal shares a different approach: turning your harvest into meal starters, soups, breakfasts, si
481 - Wasps and Bees: The Invisible Work These Insects Do in Your Garden
Struggling to know which garden insects are friends or foes? Learn why wasps, hoverflies, and bees may be doing more to protect your garden than you realize. This episode will change how you see beneficial insects and natural pest control in your vegetable garden. Join me for the Fall Harvest Plan Live Workshop on Tuesday, July 28 at 12 PM CDT and learn exactly when to plant your fall garden and
480 - Yellow Leaves, Bugs, and No Fruit: What to Do in the Mid-Summer Garden
Yellow leaves, chewed-up plants, and tomatoes that suddenly stop producing can make it feel like your garden is falling apart. But many common midsummer garden problems have simple explanations once you know what to look for. In this episode, you'll learn how to diagnose yellowing leaves, tell the difference between nutrient deficiencies and diseases, identify what's eating your plants, and unders
479 - Fall Garden: 3 Simple Steps to Start Now
Summer gardening can leave you feeling worn out, but your best harvest may still be ahead. If you've been wondering whether a fall garden is worth the effort, this episode will help you start planning without feeling overwhelmed. Learn three simple decisions you can make now to prepare for a productive fall vegetable garden, including which crops to grow, when to start seeds, and how to get your g
478 - Summer Watering: What Your Garden Actually Needs
Struggling to know how much to water your vegetable garden during summer? You're not alone. Learn how to water raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens with confidence so your plants stay healthy and productive all season long. Free Download: Raised Bed Soil Options Stop guessing what to put in your raised beds. Download Raised Bed Soil Options to learn proven soil mixes that help your beds
477 - What to Plant in June and July
Struggling with empty garden beds after harvesting spring crops? Wondering what to plant in June and July without wasting valuable garden space? In this episode, you'll learn which vegetables, herbs, and flowers thrive in summer heat so you can keep harvesting, suppress weeds, and make the most of your garden all season long. Whether you're looking for heat-loving crops, succession planting ideas,
Questions My Garden Visitors Asked (and My Honest Answers)
A bus full of seasoned gardeners showed up to tour my garden, and the questions they asked were so good I wrote every one down. How close is too close when you plant? Why is the garlic browning early? What do you do about squash vine borers? This episode walks through the real questions from that visit, with practical answers on companion planting, succession planting, tomato blight, and growing
475 - The Problem with Sevin Dust
Struggling with garden pests and wondering if Sevin Dust is the answer? Before you reach for this popular insecticide, it's important to understand what it does to pests, pollinators, and your garden ecosystem. In this episode, you'll learn the truth about Sevin Dust, carbaryl, organic pest control, and safer ways to manage garden insects. Free Download: Companion Planting for Pest Control Discove
474 - How to use what you're growing for extra income with Luke Hammond
Struggling with rising grocery prices while your garden overproduces? In this episode, you'll learn practical ways to turn extra vegetables into extra income without becoming a full-time farmer. We cover backyard garden side hustles, CSA boxes, value-added products, and high-value crops for small-space gardeners. Dirt Academy Kids: https://www.dirtacademykids.com/JWJLearn how to garden alongside y
473 - What the Spring Garden Taught Me This Year
Struggling with cabbage worms, bolting brassicas, or disappointing cauliflower heads? In this episode, you'll learn practical spring garden lessons from my own Zone 8a garden experience. I'm sharing what worked with cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, onions, and companion planting so you can grow stronger cool-season crops next spring with more confidence. Free Download: Broccoli, Cauliflower & Cabba
472 - Cooking Your Harvest: Simple Secrets from a Disney Chef at EPCOT
You grew it. Now how do you make it taste as good as it possibly can? A conversation with a working chef changes the way you think about what's already in your garden. This episode covers cooking techniques for tomatoes, corn, herbs, and more — with practical, doable advice for home gardeners. Free Download: Herbs Quick Reference Chart A handy cheat sheet for growing and using your favorite ki
471 - Herbs All Season: How I Use My Garden Herbs Year Round — Fresh, Dried, and Blended
You spent the money on herbs. You watched them grow. Now what? There's a whole season of flavor sitting in your garden, and most of it never makes it to your kitchen. This episode walks you through how to actually use what you grow — fresh, dried, frozen, and blended — from the first oregano harvest in spring all the way through cilantro in winter. Free Download: Herbs Quick Reference
470 - Planting Day: Peppers – when to plant, what to know, and exactly what to do step by step
You've been waiting all spring to get those peppers in the ground. But planting day isn't just about digging a hole and dropping them in — and this year, I learned some things I didn't expect. In this episode, I'm sharing my full pepper planting day guide, including what I had to research when my plants were ready before my garden was. Keywords: planting peppers, pepper transplants, chilling inj
469 - Cucumbers: How to Choose, Plant, and Harvest All Season Long
Struggling to grow healthy cucumbers that actually produce? You're not alone—cucumbers can be tricky if you don't get a few key things right. In this episode, you'll learn how to grow cucumbers successfully with simple, practical tips you can use right away. Whether you're growing in raised beds, containers, or small spaces, this will help you get a better harvest. Cucumbers are one of the most re
468 - Pollinators: Are They Telling You Something About Your Garden? — with Disney Conservation Scientist Morgan Belle
Struggling with pests or poor pollination in your garden? Wondering how to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects naturally? In this episode, you'll learn simple, practical ways to support pollinators and grow a healthier vegetable garden. I'm coming to you from Disney World's Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, where I had the chance to talk with entomologist Morgan Bell at Butterfly
467 - Planting Day: Tomatoes – when to plant and exactly what to do step by step
Struggling to know when to plant tomatoes without risking frost? Wondering how deep to plant or what actually matters on planting day? In this episode, you'll learn a step-by-step tomato planting process so you can start strong and grow a healthy harvest. Tomato planting day can feel exciting… and a little uncertain. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how I decide when it's safe to plant,
466 - Soil: What to Do Before You Plant Anything
Struggling to figure out what your garden soil actually needs? Confused by compost, topsoil, and raised bed mixes? In this episode, you'll learn simple, practical soil basics to grow healthier plants and improve your garden naturally. Dream to Garden (Now Open!) My step-by-step garden planning course with optional monthly coaching calls to help you plan and grow with confidence. 👉 https://journeyw
465 - Companion Planting While You're Actually Planting Your Garden
Feeling unsure about companion planting when you're actually standing in your garden? You're not alone. It's one thing to read charts, but another to decide what goes where in real time. In this episode, you'll learn how companion planting really works, including spacing, timing, and practical garden layout strategies that make sense. Free download: Companion Planting for Pest Control A simple, pr
464 - Planting Day: Potatoes – how to plant and what to expect as they grow underground
Struggling with poor potato harvests or slow growth? You're not alone. In this episode, you'll learn how to plant potatoes step-by-step for stronger plants and better yields. From choosing seed potatoes to soil prep and spacing, this potato planting guide will set you up for success. Potatoes are one of the most rewarding crops you can grow, but planting them correctly makes all the difference. In
463 - Planting Day: Carrots - how to plant and what to expect the first few weeks
Struggling to get carrot seeds to sprout or size up well? In this episode, you'll learn how to plant carrots with better timing, spacing, watering, and thinning so they grow straight, sweet, and strong. If carrot germination has felt unpredictable, this step-by-step planting guide will help you start with confidence. Carrots can feel simple until you plant them and wait... and wait... and still se
462 - How Early Is Too Early? Planting Cool-Season Crops With Confidence
Spring weather can make planting decisions confusing. Should you plant your cool season crops now, or wait a little longer? In this episode, you'll learn how to decide the best time to plant lettuce, broccoli, carrots, peas, and other cool season crops with confidence. If you've ever worried about planting too early or too late, this practical guide will help you read the signals your garden is gi
461 - Seedlings Not Growing? Why Mine Stalled (and the Fix)
Struggling with indoor seed starting because your seedlings stopped growing? Are they stuck with only seed leaves, turning yellow, or just frozen in time? In this episode, I share how a simple seed starting mix mistake stalled my broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce—and exactly how I fixed it. Free download: Seed Starting Troubleshooting Guide Clear, simple fixes for common indoor seed starting problems
460 - How to Grow Better Potatoes: What Matters Most (and What Doesn't) with Jim & Caleb Gerritsen of Wood Prairie Family Farm
Struggling to get a big potato harvest, especially in heat or grow bags? In this episode, Jim and Caleb from Wood Prairie Family Farm break down what actually matters for growing potatoes successfully. You'll learn practical potato growing tips for choosing seed, watering, fall planting, and avoiding common beginner mistakes. If you've ever felt unsure about which potatoes to plant, how to store t
459 - Can You Trust AI With Your Garden? How to Avoid Bad Advice
Struggling to know whether you can trust AI for garden planning? Wondering if ChatGPT can actually help you grow better vegetables—or if it might quietly steer you wrong? In this episode, we talk through the real benefits and real risks of using AI in your vegetable garden. Dream to Garden – Plan your garden faster with AI tools without giving up your own judgment. Learn the why behind your planti
458 - One Garden Bed, Three Seasons: How the Planning Actually Works
Most gardens get planted once and then limp along until frost. But what if one garden bed could give you three strong harvests in a single season? In this episode, you'll learn how simple succession planting can help you grow more food without adding more space. Free Training: Productive Garden Masterclass Learn how to plan your garden so beds stay productive all season long, without overwhelm. 👉
457 -Companion Planting Starts in the...Kitchen?
Companion planting can feel confusing fast. Charts, rules, and exceptions make it hard to know what really works. But what if you already understand companion planting better than you think? The foods you naturally cook together often grow well together, too. In this episode, I share a simple way to think about companion planting by looking at familiar kitchen pairings. Tomatoes and basil. Onions
456 - Endless Spring Salads: How to Plan Now
Struggling with lettuce that bolts, turns bitter, or barely grows? You're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I walk you through how to grow salad greens for months using the right varieties, timing, and planting rhythm. If growing your own salad greens has felt confusing or inconsistent, this episode will help you simplify the process. I break down the difference betwe
455 - The Truth About Seed Starting Mixes with JoeGardener (and Why So Many Fail)
Struggling with seed starting failures even when you follow the rules? It might not be your lights, watering, or timing. In this episode, we break down seed starting mix and why the wrong soil can sabotage seedlings before they ever get going. I'm joined by Joe Lamp'l, and we're digging into peat-based mixes, coconut coir problems, wetting agents, and the simple moisture mistakes most gardeners ma
454 - How Home Gardeners Can Save Money by Buying Seeds in Bulk (Without Overbuying)
Buying seeds is one of the most exciting parts of gardening—but it's also where many gardeners overspend without realizing it. If you've ever wondered whether seed packets are really the best deal, this episode will help you rethink how you buy seeds. You'll learn when buying a larger seed quantity actually saves money, when it doesn't, and how to choose the right size for your garden. If seed cat
453 - How to Plan a Garden That Fits Your Life in 2026
Feeling excited about garden planning but worried about burnout before summer even hits? If last season felt overwhelming, disappointing, or heavier than you expected, this episode will help you reset. You'll learn how to plan a garden that fits your time, energy, space, and season of life so gardening feels peaceful, productive, and enjoyable in 2026. Free Training: Before You Sow Learn the four
452 - 10 Biggest Garden Lessons in 2025
Did your garden struggle in ways you couldn't quite explain? Or maybe it did okay, but you know it could be better next year. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 garden lessons 2025 taught me through real-life growing, testing, and conversations with other gardeners. These aren't complicated techniques or overwhelming plans. They're small, practical insights about soil, transplants, shade, timing, and
451- Growing Cut Flowers & More for a Farmer's Market with Sarah Shuman
Struggling to figure out how to turn your love of gardening into something you can share—or even sell? In this episode, Sarah walks us through how she built a thriving cut flower business for her local farmers market. You'll hear the practical steps she took, what she wishes she knew sooner, and how she manages growing for both beauty and profit. If you've wondered whether you could do something s
450 - December Garden Checklist (without the pressure)
Feeling the pressure of the holidays and shorter days? December gardening doesn't have to add to your stress. Instead of a list of chores, this episode walks you through simple, optional ways to stay connected to your garden—whether it's a mild day outside or a cozy evening indoors. You'll get practical ideas for observing your winter garden, organizing tools, refreshing your raised beds, and prep
449 - My Favorite Garden Products (and How to Save on Them Now)
Struggling to know which garden supplies are actually worth grabbing on Black Friday? In this episode, you'll learn which tools and supplies make the biggest difference next season. We'll walk through raised beds, seed starting, irrigation, fertilizers, and more so you can shop with confidence. free download: Seasonal Garden Task List A month-by-month guide so you always know what to do and when.
448- 7 Thanksgiving Foods You Can Grow in Your Own Garden: the history, health, and homegrown roots behind your favorite holiday dishes.
Ever wondered how much of your Thanksgiving dinner could come straight from your garden? From potatoes to sage, your plate is packed with crops you can grow—and nutrients that nourish your body all winter long. In this episode, Jill shares seven Thanksgiving favorites you can grow yourself (plus one bonus!), and why each one deserves a spot in your garden plan. 🌱 Free Download: Seasonal Garden Tas
447 - November Garden Checklist: Protecting Cold-Sensitive Crops, Planting Onions for Spring, and Making the Most of the Final Garden Days
When November arrives, it can feel like the garden season is winding down—but there's still so much happening if you know where to look. In this episode, Jill takes you on a walk through her own November garden to show what she's harvesting, planting, and protecting right now. You'll learn how she uses this in-between season to prepare for a strong start next spring while still enjoying small harv
446 - Overwintering herbs indoors and out
Worried about what happens to your herbs when frost arrives? In this episode you'll learn which herbs survive winter outside, which to bring indoors, and simple steps to protect them. We'll cover pruning timing, zone hardiness, and indoor care so you go into winter with confidence. Keywords: overwinter herbs, herb winter care, pruning. live workshop: 5-Day Garden Audit + Optional Live Q&A Reflect
445 - What I Learned... about my capacity in this season of life
Feeling guilty that your garden doesn't look like it used to? You're not alone. In this episode, I share how my own season of life changed my garden—and how you can adjust yours with less stress and more joy. You'll learn practical ways to right-size your garden for your time, energy, and goals (no shame required). Seasonal series (starts Nov 2): Garden Audit – free 5-day email Quick daily prompts
444 - What I Learned... from planning 10 fall gardens
If your fall garden isn't producing the way you hoped—or if you're wondering whether your plants will even mature before frost—this episode is for you. After helping 10 gardeners across the country plan their fall gardens, I noticed clear patterns that explain why some thrive while others struggle. You'll learn what timing mistakes most gardeners make, how to simplify your plan, and how to maximiz
443 - What I learned... from the failures of this season
Feeling discouraged by garden failures? You're not alone. In this episode, I walk through four issues I faced this year and how I'm troubleshooting each one so you can apply the same practical steps in your garden. You'll learn simple ways to read plant stress, reduce disease and pest pressure, and plan smarter for next season. free download: Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet Your first (or best) garlic
442 - What I learned... Visiting GreenStalk: The Story You Don't See Online
Struggling to tell which garden products are worth your money? You're not alone. Today I'm sharing what I learned on a behind-the-scenes visit to GreenStalk in Knoxville—how they design, test, and support a planter I've used for five years. You'll leave with practical ways to use a vertical planter this fall for salad greens, herbs, and flowers. free download: Fall Salad Garden Planning Calendar P
441 - Garlic Growing Timeline: Month-by-Month from Planting to Harvest
Worried your garlic sprouted too soon or won't survive winter? In this episode, I walk you through a clear garlic growing timeline so you know what's normal, what to expect by zone, and when to harvest. You'll learn planting windows, mulch depth by zone, vernalization for warm climates, spring care, scapes, and curing. Primary keyword: garlic growing timeline. 🧄 Planting garlic soon? Get my free G
440 - Let go or push through? (an unplanned, personal conversation)
This past week has been heavy — my dad's heart surgery and walking with friends through hard times. Normally my garden is my refuge, but lately it's been more discouraging than refreshing. From cutworms in the carrots to nematodes on summer crops, the struggles have piled up. In this episode, I'm sharing honestly about choosing whether to push through or let go, and why I'm focusing on easier, mor
439 - Stop Blaming the Weather: Clues Your Plants Are Giving You
How many times have you said, "It's just been too hot," or "We haven't had enough rain"? Weather is an easy scapegoat when our gardens struggle — but is it really the whole story? In this episode, I'm sharing a personal parallel from my years in the car business to show how blaming outside factors (like the weather) can actually hold us back. We'll talk about: Why observation is your most powerf
438 - Fast Fall Crops You Can Still Plant in September
September can leave gardeners feeling torn — the weather whispers fall, but the garden seems ready to shut down. Should you plant more, or just call it quits until spring? In today's episode, I'll show you why the answer is yes — you can still plant, and you'll be glad you did. We'll cover four categories of crops you can grow right now — greens, roots, brassicas, and herbs — plus the key differen
437 - September Garden Task List
September can feel like a juggling act—summer crops still hanging on, fall crops needing attention, and the pressure to preserve your harvest before it goes to waste. In this episode, Jill shares a practical September checklist to help you stay focused and finish the season strong. 🌱 In this episode: What to plant now: spinach, lettuce, salad greens, and cover crops Tending tips: when to pull
436 - Cover Crops for Small Gardens: Learn When, What, and How to Plant for Healthier Soil
Have you ever wondered if cover crops are worth the effort in a small garden or raised bed? In this episode, we're bringing back one of the most practical and eye-opening conversations from the podcast archives—with Parker from True Leaf Market. Together, we explore: 🪴 The best cover crops for raised beds, in-ground gardens, and no-till systems 🌿 How cover crops boost soil health, garden produ
435 - The Hidden Link Between Gardening and Parkinson's Disease with Dr. Ray Dorsey, author of the Parkinson's Plan
Parkinson's disease is the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world—and according to neurologist and author Dr. Ray Dorsey, our environment may be playing a much larger role than we think. In this conversation, Dr. Dorsey shares key insights from his book The Parkinson's Plan, including how certain pesticides and chemicals—some of which are still used in U.S. agriculture today—are correl
434 - Too Much to Eat, Not Enough to Can? Small-Batch Ideas for Summer's Harvest
You've got a few tomatoes, a handful of cucumbers, maybe a pepper or two—but not enough for a full-blown canning session. In this episode, I'm sharing practical and easy ways to preserve those small harvests so nothing goes to waste. From freezing and fermenting to quick pickles and creative herb uses, you'll learn how to build your pantry one handful at a time. Here's what we cover: 🍅 What to d
433 - August Garden Tasks + What to Plant
Depending on where you live, August can be a month of harvest abundance or extreme garden fatigue—or both. In today's episode, I'm meeting you where you are. Whether you're coasting through harvests or struggling with heat, pests, and burnout, this is a chance to regroup, reset, and prep for fall without overwhelming yourself. Here's what we cover: 🌱 Reset & Reassess August is the perfect time to
432 - Why Fall Gardens Fail
You followed all the fall gardening advice… so why isn't your garden thriving? In this episode, I'm breaking down 8 subtle but critical reasons fall gardens struggle—even when you're doing "everything right." From daylight changes to soil fatigue to surprising transplant pitfalls, these tips will help you troubleshoot and turn things around. 🌱 What You'll Learn: – Why planting too late is one of t
431 - A Gardener's Guide to Snakes with Johnny Sain
Most of us have an instinctual fear of snakes—but are they really the enemy in our gardens? In this episode, I'm joined by nature enthusiast Johnny Sain to shed light on the misunderstood world of snakes. We talk about why snakes are more helpful than harmful, how to identify them safely, and what to do if you (or your chickens!) cross paths with one. Here's what we cover: Johnny's lifelong fasc
430 - Shade Solutions for Summer Crops: What to Try When Temps Spike
🌞 Does Your Garden Need Shade in Summer? | The Beginner's Garden Podcast Have you ever walked into your garden on a 100-degree day and thought, "How are these plants still standing?" The truth is, some of them aren't—and even heat-loving crops can struggle when temps soar. In today's episode, we're diving into: 🌿 Why summer shade might be the secret to a more productive garden ⏰ When to add sh
429 - Start these Fall Crops Inside in July
🎧 What to Start Indoors for Your Fall Garden (Yes, in July!) It may be blazing hot, but believe it or not—now's the time to start thinking about your fall garden. In this episode, I'll walk you through which crops you need to start indoors in July to ensure a bountiful fall harvest. We'll talk about: 🌱 Why fall gardening actually starts in summer 🥦 Which crops to start indoors now (an
428 - What to Plant in July: Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers That Thrive in the Heat
What to Plant in July (Yes, You Still Can!) Think it's too late to plant? Think again. In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, Jill shares exactly what you can still plant in July—whether you're refreshing your summer garden or squeezing in one more round before fall. From quick-growing veggies to heat-tolerant flowers and herbs, you'll walk away with a solid mid-season planting plan and
427 - Grow Mushrooms in Your Garden with Matt McInnis
Have you ever wondered if you could grow mushrooms right alongside your tomatoes? I hadn't either—until recently. In today's episode, I chat with Matt McInnis from North Spore about how beginners can grow mushrooms in their garden beds, mulch, or even garden paths. This episode is part beginner's guide, part real-time experiment. After my conversation with Matt, I share my honest experiences growi
426 - Mid-Season Fertilizing: What Your Garden Needs Now
"I rarely use fertilizer." If you've listened to this podcast or joined a coaching call, you've probably heard me say that. And for years, it's been true. I've focused more on building healthy soil than feeding plants. But recently, I've started rethinking that approach — and today I'm sharing why. In this episode, we'll explore how my mindset has shifted, plus: The difference between organic an
425 - 5 Summer Pests and Organic Ways to Stop Them
By mid-June, your garden is thriving—but pests are waking up too. Some are just a nuisance, while others can wreak serious havoc. In today's episode, we're talking about 5 common summer pests, how to spot them early, and what you can do to manage them using organic methods. You'll learn: 🪰 How to deal with aphids without wrecking your beneficial insect population 🐞 The best time and way to stop sq
424 - June Garden Checklist: What to Do Now to Keep Things Thriving
June might feel like the honeymoon phase in the garden — everything's green, lush, and thriving. But don't let the beauty fool you — this is a critical time to stay proactive if you want a healthy, productive summer garden. 💪 In this episode, I'm sharing what to plant, prune, harvest, and watch for in June — plus a sneak peek at an upcoming live workshop that you won't want to miss! 👀 📝 Here's wha
423 - Grow Organic Apple Trees: what to do in years 1-3 with Susan Poizner
Ever wondered if you can actually grow apple trees organically—and get fruit? Or maybe you've got a tree that's not thriving and you're not sure why. In this episode, certified arborist and fruit tree expert Susan Poizner joins me to answer the most common questions about growing apple trees at home. We'll talk about: 🍎 Choosing the right variety & planting tips 🍎 What your young tree needs in yea
422 - The Truth About Soil, Wood, and Raised Beds with Gardener Scott
Have you ever wondered if you could fill a raised bed with 100% compost? Or whether pressure-treated wood is actually safe for gardens? In today's episode, I sit down in person with Gardener Scott to tackle common raised bed myths and smart strategies for growing success — whether you're gardening on a patio or across a backyard full of beds. 💬 Topics we cover: Should you grow in 100% compost?
421 - The Best Herbs for Beginners (and How to Start Right)
Herbs are some of the easiest — and most rewarding — plants you can grow, but getting started can bring up a lot of questions. Where should you plant them? Should you start from seed or buy transplants? Which ones will keep growing year after year? In today's episode, I'll walk you through the five easiest herbs for beginners and help you plan where and how to grow them successfully. Plus, I'll sh
420 - Spring's Best Herbs for Food & Health with Bevin Cohen
Are you ready to take your herb gardening and foraging skills to the next level? In today's episode, author Bevin Cohen joins me to share practical, beginner-friendly advice on growing, harvesting, and using herbs throughout the seasons. We explore common herbs like calendula, dill, chickweed, plantain, dandelion, and parsley—and even touch on wild foraging and preserving herbs for year-round use.
419 - How to Grow Meyer Lemons in Containers (Anywhere!)
Have you ever dreamed of growing lemons but didn't know where to start—or tried and failed like I have? In this episode, I'm diving into the world of Meyer lemons: the sweet, compact citrus tree that's perfect for container gardening in Zones 8 and below. In this episode: 🍋 [00:01:30] Why Meyer lemons are the go-to citrus for home gardeners 🍋 [00:06:10] Choosing the right container and soil mix (a
418 - What Market Farmers Know That Backyard Gardeners Don't (Yet!) with Pam Dawling
In this episode, we explore how backyard gardeners can apply market farming techniques to grow healthier, more productive gardens with Pam Dawling author of Sustainable Market Farming. From disease and pest control to crop rotation and weeding, our guest shares practical, sustainable strategies drawn from real-world farming experience. Topics we cover include: 🌱 Easy-to-apply disease management p
417 - How Your Grandparents Knew When to Plant: Using Phenology (Like Lilacs & Oak Leaves) in Your Spring Garden
Have you ever wondered how gardeners knew when to plant before weather apps, frost charts, or ChatGPT? Today we're talking phenology—the art (and science) of reading nature's cues to time your planting. 🌼 Forsythia blooms, dandelion sightings, and dogwood flowers... 🌱 Old-school wisdom meets modern science 📝 Practical examples and tips to start your own phenology journal Whether it's frogs croakin
416 - Your last frost date has arrived! Now what?
Today's my average last frost date—maybe it's yours too. So, is it time to plant everything? Not so fast. In this episode, we're diving into what your last frost date really means and why it's more of a guidepost than a green light. We'll cover: 🌱 What the "average last frost date" actually means 🌱 Why warm-weather crops might still need to wait 🌱 How soil temps, night temps, and forecasts factor
415 - Your April Garden Checklist: Tasks, Planting, and Common Pitfalls
April is here, and garden season is in full swing! But if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks ahead, you're not alone. In this episode, I'm breaking it all down so you can focus on what's most important and skip the stress. We'll cover: 🌱 Essential garden tasks to tackle this month 🌿 What to plant based on your last frost date 🚫 Common pitfalls to avoid so your garden thrives Whether you'r
414 - Growing Blackberries: A Starter Guide with Chad Cargill
In this episode, I sit down with Chad Cargill to dive deep into one of his favorite fruits to grow—blackberries! Whether you're a beginner or have been growing blackberries for years, this conversation is packed with insights. Chad shares his passion for blackberries, the best varieties to grow, tips for pruning and trellising, and how to get the sweetest harvest possible. We also discuss the impo
413 - Growing Blueberries: A Starter Guide
Want to grow sweet, homegrown blueberries? In this episode, we're diving into everything you need to know about planting, caring for, and harvesting blueberries. Whether you're growing them for the first time or looking to boost your current harvest, I'll cover: 🌱 How to pick the perfect variety for your region 🌍 Why planting multiple varieties improves yield 🫐 The importance of soil acidity and h
412 - Carrots: what no one tells you about choosing the right variety
When you think of carrots, you probably picture the classic orange root vegetable—but did you know there are many different types, each with its own flavor, texture, and ideal growing conditions? In this episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of carrot varieties, from crisp Imperators to sweet Nantes and stubby Chantenays. Whether you're growing in deep, loose soil or tackling heavy
411 - Grow Your Own Fruit with Chad Cargill
In this episode of The Beginner's Garden Podcast, we're diving into the world of homegrown fruit! 🍎🍑🍋 You told us you wanted to learn more, so today marks the beginning of many future episodes on growing different kinds of fruit. To kick things off, I'm joined by Chad Cargill, an experienced fruit grower, to help us navigate the basics. 🌱 We discuss how to determine whether certain fr
410 - What to Plant in March
March is one of the busiest planting months! In this episode, I'll share exactly what I'm planting in the weeks leading up to my last frost date. Whether your climate matches mine or not, you can adjust the timing based on your own frost date. What You'll Learn: Key crops to plant in early, mid, and late March How to adjust for your last frost date Tips for direct sowing, transplanting, and
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