Homegrown: Your Backyard Garden Podcast
Homegrown: Your Backyard Garden Podcast helps listeners grow successful vegetable gardens regardless of location. The podcast covers topics such as soil preparation, planting, and maintenance. It aims to make gardening accessible to everyone, from beginners to experienced gardeners. Each episode provides practical tips and encouragement for cultivating a productive backyard garden.
Episodes
Blossom End Rot: What Causes It and How to Stop It
You spot a dark, sunken patch on the bottom of a beautiful tomato - and immediately wonder what went wrong. Blossom end rot is frustrating, but the good news is that it isn't a disease, and it doesn't mean your whole crop is doomed.In this episode, we'll talk about what really causes blossom end rot, and how watering, weather, and growing conditions affect your tomato plants' a
30 Years of Growing Tomatoes: Lessons From My Garden
After 30 years of growing tomatoes, I've made just about every mistake there is to make. I've experimented with varieties, trellises, pruning methods, containers, raised beds, and just about everything in between.In this episode, I'm sharing the biggest lessons my tomato plants have taught me. We'll talk about finding what works in your garden, why experimenting is part of the
When to Harvest Vegetables from Your Garden
The seed packet says your carrots should be ready in 70 days - but what if they're still tiny? Or your broccoli starts flowering before you harvest it?In this episode of HOMEGROWN, we're talking about how to know when your vegetables are truly ready to harvest. You'll learn why "days to maturity" are only a guideline and how to recognize the signs that common garden crops
Tomato Hornworms: How to Spot Them and Save Your Plants
Tomato hornworms are one of the most destructive pests in the vegetable garden. These giant green caterpillars can strip a tomato plant of leaves before you even realize they're there.Learn how to identify tomato hornworms and tobacco hornworms, recognize the signs of damage, protect your tomato plants using companion planting, beneficial insects, and other organic gardening methods. You&apos
Beyond Vegetables: Growing Fruit in Your Backyard
Let's talk about simple ways to grow fruit right alongside your vegetables - no fruit trees required! From strawberries in containers, to melons, berries, kiwi and some unusual curiosities too, you'll discover how fruit can fit into gardens of almost any size.No matter how large or small your backyard garden might be - even containers on a patio - adding fruit to your garden can increase
How to Attract Pollinators to Your Garden, and Why It's Important
Want more tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and melons from your backyard garden? Pollinators may be the missing piece: they help your vegetables produce bigger, better harvests. In this episode, we’re talking about how pollination works, which pollinators are helping in your garden, and simple ways to attract more bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects naturally. Small changes can make a surprising
How to Get Rid of Cabbage Worms Naturally
Cabbage worms can turn healthy plants into a mess almost overnight, but you don’t have to let them take over your garden. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what they are, how they get there, and the simple, effective ways to stop them before the damage gets out of hand. We’ll talk about prevention, and organic solutions. If you grow cabbage, broccoli, kale, or other brassicas, this is one pro
Not All Plants Get Along: Companion Planting for Beginners
Not all plants get along in the garden, while others actually help each other grow better. Let's walk through the basics of companion planting - you’ll learn what it is, why it works, and a few easy combinations you can try in your own garden, along with a few to avoid.Transcript: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2026/05/companion-planting-explained.htmlAnd if you’re ready to take it a step f
4 Beginner Gardening Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
Starting a vegetable garden is exciting, but many new gardeners unknowingly make a few simple mistakes that can affect how well their plants grow.In this episode, I’m sharing 4 beginner gardening mistakes and how to avoid them so your garden can grow healthier and more productive this season.If you're just getting started and would like help planning your garden, take a look at The Homegrown
Why You Can’t Grow Big Onions (And How to Fix It)
Can’t seem to grow big onions? In this episode, I walk you through the most common mistakes like choosing the wrong onion type, planting too late and more - and how to fix them. Learn the simple steps that lead to larger bulbs and a better harvest. Transcript/Related blog post: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2026/03/grow-big-onions.html How to harvest, cure and store onions: https://www.oakhillh
Listener Question: Saving Seeds From Hybrid Tomatoes (Sun Gold)
A listener recently asked a great question about saving seeds from hybrid tomatoes - specifically from the SunGold variety - and what happens when you save and replant those seeds over time. In this short, practical mini-episode, I explain:Why hybrid tomato seeds usually don’t grow trueWhether hybrid seeds can ever become stable or heirloomTwo practical solutions I personally use when I love a hyb
Gardening on a Budget: How to Save Money While Growing Your Own Healthy Food
Gardening doesn't have to be expensive. In this episode we share easy, frugal gardening ideas for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. From saving money on seeds and soil to reusing containers and more, you’ll discover how to garden on a budget and still grow a thriving harvest. These resourceful tips will help you save money, reduce waste, and enjoy the process of growing your own healthy
6 Simple Steps for Fall Garden Cleanup
Let's walk through the essential fall garden cleanup chores, from clearing spent plants and mulching to caring for perennials and tools, so your garden is ready for a fresh start next spring. These six steps will help protect your soil, reduce pests, and prepare for a thriving spring garden. Transcript/Related blog post: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/09/fall-garden-cleanup-guide.htmlT
Overwintering Tomato Plants
If you've ever wanted to skip the seed-starting chaos or hold onto a variety you love, this episode is for you. I’ve been overwintering tomato plants for over a decade - no greenhouse or grow lights required - and I’ll walk you through three simple methods that really work. You’ll hear the exact technique I use in my kitchen window, plus tips to keep your plants alive, healthy, and ready to t
How to Keep Produce Fresh Longer, with Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy
Are you tired of tossing out wilted lettuce and moldy berries? In this episode I’m joined by Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy, the go-to expert on keeping produce fresh longer. We talk about how to wash and store everything from avocados to zucchini, how to stretch your garden harvest or your grocery budget, and easy ways to reduce food waste.Transcript: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/09/how-t
How to Save Seeds from Your Vegetable Garden
Learn how to save seeds from your vegetable garden with this beginner-friendly guide. Discover the benefits of saving heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, how to avoid cross-pollination, and tips for proper seed storage. Whether you grow tomatoes, peppers, beans, or lettuce, this episode will teach you how to collect and preserve seeds for next season. Build a self-reliant garden and grow healthier
When to Plant Your Fall Garden
Timing is everything when it comes to fall gardening; your plants need enough time to mature before the first frost of autumn. In this episode we'll figure out your average first frost date, the ideal time to plant, and what vegetables to grow in a fall garden. You'll learn how to protect tender seedlings from the heat and sun, plus how to extend your harvest with succession planting. Ta
Secrets to a Thriving Summer Vegetable Garden
Is your summer vegetable garden just barely hanging on? In this episode, I’m sharing ten practical strategies to help you grow a thriving garden, even when the heat is relentless and the pests move in. Uncover simple ways to water wisely, use shade to your advantage, and keep your plants healthy and productive all summer long.Transcript/Related post - Prefer to read instead?Secrets to a Thriving S
How to Get Rid of Squash Bugs Organically
Squash bugs can ruin your squash harvest fast, but you can stop them without resorting to chemicals. In this episode, learn how to identify squash bug damage, how to begin prevention before you even plant your squash, and how to get rid of squash bugs organically. From resistant squash varieties and companion planting to organic pest control and prevention, you’ll get a full plan to protect your g
Grow More in Less Space: Growing Vegetables Vertically
You can grow more food without needing more space. In this episode, we’re exploring how vertical gardening can help you maximize your garden’s potential, even in a small area. From trellises to arches and cages, I’ll walk you through simple tools and techniques to grow crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, melons, and more - up instead of out. You’ll also discover why growing vertically isn’t jus
Why You Should Grow Flowers in Your Vegetable Garden
This week we're digging into the many benefits of growing flowers right alongside your vegetables. From controlling pests to attracting pollinators and improving soil health, flowers are more than just eye candy.Learn how to use flowers for companion planting, where to place trap crops for maximum pest protection, which flowers grow best with common vegetables - and which ones don't!Even
Quick Wins: Fast-Growing Vegetables
You can grow fresh, homegrown food in just a few weeks! In this episode, you’ll discover some of the fastest-growing vegetables, plus when and how to harvest them. You’ll also learn about the quickest crops of all: sprouts and microgreens. Even if you’re short on time or space, you can grow food fast. Bonus: these quick-growing vegetables are perfect for beginners!What are the fastest-growing vege
Volunteer Plants: How to Use Them Wisely
Have you ever spotted a surprise seedling in your garden bed and wondered if it’s a weed or something worth keeping? In this episode we'll dive into the world of volunteer plants - those unexpected, self-sown seedlings that pop up on their own. You’ll learn where they come from, how to identify them, and whether to let them grow, move them to a better spot, or toss them in the compost. You&ap
Gardening Tips, Farm Life, and the CowPots Story with guest Amanda Freund
Join host Kathi Rodgers and guest Amanda Freund as they share advice and tips for new gardeners, chat about farm life, and Amanda tells the story of the creation of CowPots, a sustainable alternative to peat and plastic seed-starting pots.Transcript/Related postVisit CowPots' website for more information: https://cowpots.com CowPots for home gardeners: https://cowpots.com/for-home-gardeners/K
How to Transplant Tomatoes the Right Way
Timing is everything when it comes to transplanting tomatoes in your garden! In this episode, we're digging into how to transplant tomatoes the right way so they'll thrive in their new home. You'll learn when to transplant tomatoes outside, the best time of day to transplant tomatoes, and how deep to transplant tomatoes for strong, healthy plants. We’ll also talk about how to preven
What To Do With Green Tomatoes in the Fall
If you're growing tomatoes in your backyard vegetable garden, you'll probably have green tomatoes left on your plants at the end of the season. If you're wondering what you can do with those green tomatoes, you'll appreciate these suggestions to ripen your green tomatoes before the first fall frost, and to get the most out of your harvest.Can you make your green tomatoes turn r
Survival Seeds, Are They Necessary?
Should you invest in a survival seed kit? These pre-packaged seeds are meant to be stored away long-term until you have to start growing your own food after an emergency or world-wide crisis.Here's why a survival seed kit might be a good option, but perhaps not your best option. I'll tell you why, and what to do instead - even if you already have a package of survival seeds stashed away
9 Warm Weather Vegetables That Will Thrive in Your Summer Garden
In this episode, we explore nine summer vegetables that thrive in hot weather. Learn essential tips and suggestions for growing these heat-loving vegetables in your backyard garden. Plus, discover the secrets to maximizing your harvest from your garden this summer. Let's dig in!Transcript/Related Post:9 Warm-Weather Vegetables for your Summer Gardenhttps://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2023/05/9-w
The Benefits of Composting for Your Backyard Garden
Discover the benefits of composting for your vegetable garden, and the advantages of composting at home. Composting your yard waste and kitchen garbage is the best way to improve your garden. Here are four reasons you should be composting, in honor of Learn About Composting Day.RELATED POST: 4 Reasons You Should Be Compostinghttps://bit.ly/compostreasonsThe natural antidepressant in dirt is mycoba
Which Tomato Variety is Best for Your Garden?
Nine out of 10 gardeners grow tomatoes, making it the most popular garden vegetable to grow. And there are more than 10,000 varieties of tomatoes to choose from. Let’s explore the differences - heirlooms vs hybrid varieties, determinate vs indeterminate growing habits, and the six different sizes and shapes of tomatoes.Which one is best for you? It depends on what you want to do with your tomatoes
7 Easy-to-Grow Spring Vegetables
Discover seven easy-to-grow cool-season plants ideal for your backyard garden. From vibrant greens to flavorful root vegetables plus a delicious fruit, you'll learn about these easy-to-grow spring vegetables and why it's important that you know how to grow your own food.Transcript/related post: 7 Easy Cool-Season Vegetables to PlantGrow Guides Sweet and Sour Beet recipeEpisode 3: How to
How to Grow Potatoes in Containers (Step-by-Step for Beginners) | HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast
Learn how to grow potatoes in containers with this simple, beginner-friendly method — perfect for small spaces, raised beds, or anyone who wants a bigger harvest in less room. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the key things that make the difference between a disappointing crop and a bucket full of homegrown potatoes.Potatoes are a wonderful way to stretch the grocery budget, and container gr
What to Plant in a Vegetable Garden
What will you grow in your backyard vegetable garden? Choosing what to grow in a garden can be overwhelming with all the choices that are available. These tips will walk you through the steps of how to choose the vegetables and fruits to plant in your backyard garden.You'll find suggested vegetable varieties for small gardens in Episodes #3 and #5.Transcript/related post:7 Tips to Choose What
Benefits of Growing in Raised Garden Beds
Every inch of soil counts in a backyard garden, and raised garden beds can be a game-changer, an efficient solution with many benefits. From soil improvement to better use of your garden space, learn about the advantages of raised garden beds, and about some of the disadvantages too. Let’s dig in!Transcript/related post:The Advantages of Raised Garden BedsGet your free set of printable plans and m
Grow a Salad Garden in a Small Space
Here are my 8 secrets to growing a successful salad garden in a small space, a flowerbed or in plant pots and containers. You can grow a healthy salad almost anywhere, even if you're short on garden space and have little gardening experience.Transcript (and free guide to choosing plants for a salad garden):Grow a Salad Garden in a Small SpaceKeep in touch!Oak Hill Homestead, the blogFacebookI
How to Recover from a Bad Garden Year
How do you deal with a disappointing garden season? Have you tried gardening in the past but you were far from successful and you're not sure you want to try again?Some years are like that. In fact, I have a confession to make, and I’m going to spill the beans in this episode. Let’s dig in!Transcript/related post:Recovering from a Bad Garden YearKeep in touch!Oak Hill Homestead, the blogFaceb
Growing Vegetables in Containers and Pots
Do you want to grow vegetables and herbs but don't have room for a garden? Grow in containers instead! Learn how to choose the right containers and pots for your plants, and what plants work best in a container garden.Transcript (and more info about growing vegetables in containers):Growing Vegetables in Containers and PotsKeep in touch!Oak Hill Homestead, the blogFacebookInstagramPinterestSu
Planting Garlic in Your Backyard Garden or Containers
How to plant garlic in your backyard garden or in containers. Garlic is easy to plant and easy to grow. Learn about: types of garlic when to plant garlic where to buy garlic bulbs for planting how to plant garlic companion plants for garlicTranscript (and more information about growing garlic!):Planting Garlic in Your Backyard Garden or in Containers Find me here:Oak Hill Homestead, the blogFacebo
Why You Should Plant a Garden
Whether you've tried to garden before, or you're brand new to the idea - whether you have a tiny backyard or none at all - here's why you should start a garden. Explore the possibilities with Kathi Rodgers, in this first episode of HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast.Transcript:Why you should plant a garden - How to start a garden for beginnersKeep in touch!Oak Hill Homestead, t
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