The Simple Garden Life
A weekly gardening podcast hosted by Jim and Mary Competti, authors of the blog Old World Garden Farms and co-authors of books on growing simple and raised row gardening. Each episode covers a new topic with straightforward advice on growing vegetables, perennials, annuals, and more. The show aims to keep gardening simple, fun, and rewarding for listeners of all skill levels.
Episodes
How To Keep Your Hanging Baskets Blooming Big - All Summer Long!
Want to know the best way to keep your hanging baskets healthy, strong – and most importantly – loaded with blooms all summer long this year?If there is one issue that seems to plague gardeners when it comes to their hanging baskets – it’s how to keep them healthy and blooming longer for more than just a month or two at most! Of course when you pick those new baskets out early in the year, they ar
How To Fertilize Hostas - Keep Your Hostas Beautiful This Year!
This week Jim & Mary are talking hostas - or more importantly - how and when to fertilize hostas to keep them beautiful all summer long!Unlike most perennials and annuals, hostas are almost always grown for their beautiful foliage. Although they do produce a long, slender stem of blooms in the summer, it is their incredibly colorful and large leaves that are really the star of the show.With ma
How To Supercharge Your Tomato Planting Hole – 4 Must Add Ingredients To Power Plants Early!
Getting your tomato plants off to a great start is one of the biggest keys to growing a big harvest of juicy tomatoes in the summer – and there is no better way to jump start your crop than putting a big dose of power in your tomato planting hole with four simple but powerful ingredients!Tomato plants are one of the heaviest feeders of all vegetable plants. They need a lot of nutrients. Not only t
How To Fill Your Raised Beds With The Right Soil Mix!
When it comes to growing healthy, productive vegetables and flowers in raised beds – success all begins with filling your raised beds with the perfect mix of soil! The soil you put into your raised beds matters. To grow great plants it needs to be lightweight, full of nutrients – and also drain well. Which is exactly why how you fill them up matters! It’s important to think of raised beds just as
The 3 Biggest Mistakes Gardeners Make Mulching Flowerbeds - And How To Avoid Them
When it comes to maintaining healthy plants and weed-free flowerbeds, mulch is the answer. There is little doubt that it has tremendous benefits for the flowers growing in your flowerbeds – especially when it put down correctly.But let’s face it, the number one reason gardeners put down mulch is to stop weeds. And unfortunately, for many who go through the expense and effort of mulching their beds
The Best Way To Use Egg Shells To Power Plants & Recharge Your Soil!
Are you using egg shells correctly in your garden and flowerbeds?Egg shells are one of the most commonly recommended organic ingredients for powering up garden soil and plants. And for good reason! Egg shells are rich in calcium, which happens to be a critical nutrient for strong plant cell walls. Calcium is also vital for overall plant health.Calcium also plays a critical role in the formation of
The Best Way To Fertilize Daylilies In Early Spring – How To Get Bigger Blooms This Year!
Jim & Mary discuss early spring daylily care - and how to best fertilize them for bigger blooms! The best time to fertilize daylilies is in early spring – and with one simple and easy application, you can set your daylilies up for bigger and better blooms than ever this year!Daylilies are one of the most popular of all perennial plants for home gardeners. Not only are they easy to grow and est
The Best Way To Support Tomatoes - DIY Tomato Supports!
If you are looking for the best way to support your tomato plants this year without spending a fortune - today's episode covers how to create the perfect DIY solution that can hold the biggest of plants without worry!Tomato cages have been around for years, but they can be expensive. Not only that, many cages simply grow out of the ground when plants get too big.Tomato stakes are another option, b
4 Simple Secrets To Grow Cucumbers Like Crazy!
In this season's first episode, Jim and Mary walk listeners through the four simple steps to planting and growing cucumbers. See how with just a few simple tips and tricks, you can grow your best crop of cucumbers ever!
How To Best Feed Birds In Winter - Helping Birds Survive Winter!
There is no harder time for birds than trying to survive in the harsh, bleak and cold conditions winter can bring - and there is no better way to help them through it than by feeding them on a regular basis!Winter is extremely tough on birds that do not migrate to warmer areas. Not only can it be hard to find adequate shelter from the cold and precipitation, they have to be wary of predators that
The Secret To Watering Poinsettias - How To Mist Poinsettias!
Did you know that how you water your poinsettias during the holiday season is one of the biggest factors of all in determining just how long your plant will keep it’s gorgeous colorful leaves in place throughout the holiday season – and that misting your poinsettia regularly can play a huge role in that too?Jim and Mary walk listeners through how to best water their poinsettias to keep them bloomi
Drought Resistant Perennials - 6 Plants You Won't Have To Water!
Looking for a few low-maintenance, drought resistant perennials to add big interest and color to your landscape – all without the worry of having to constantly water?One of the most difficult and time consuming chores for a gardener to perform is having to continually water their plants. Especially if that water is difficult to come by, or even restricted as it is in many drought plagued parts of
How To Fertilize Hanging Baskets - Keep Your Baskets Blooming Big All Summer!
See how to fertilize your hanging baslets like a pro! Jim and Mary walk listeners through how to fertilize their baskets low and slow - and how it can help keep flowering baskets blooming big all summer long!There is little doubt about it - how, when and what you use to fertilize your hanging baskets can make a huge difference in just how well they bloom this year. And perhaps even more importantl
How To Stop Carpenter Bees - And The Damage They Cause!
Jim and Mary walk listeners through how to stop carpenter bees from damaging the wood around their home, without having to kill of these important pollinators.When it comes to stopping carpenter bees and the damage they cause to the wood surfaces around your exterior of your home, one thing is for sure, it takes a persistent approach to win the battle!Carpenter bees can cause extensive damage to t
How To Jump Start Your Tomato Plants - Get Your Tomatoes Growing Fast!
Want to give your young tomato plants a jump start and get them growing fast? Jim and Mary walk listeners through how to power up tomato plants after they have been planted to get them growing strong, healthy and faster than ever! As garden season gets into full swing, many gardeners are planting their tomatoes and already dreaming of the big, juicy harvests they hope will come from their plants t
How To Recharge And Reuse Old Potting Soil
Jim and Mary walk listeners through how to recycle, recharge and reuse old potting soil.Potting soil can be one of the biggest annual expenses of all for those who like to plant flowers and vegetables in pots, containers and hanging baskets. In fact, quite often, it can cost a gardener more for the soil filling their containers than the plants being potted in it!Old potting soil can be lifeless an
The Best Spring Garden Seed Crops To Plant Early – Get Growing Now!
Listen in as Jim and Mary walk you through getting your garden growing early in the season with seed crops! From sugar snap peas, to spinach, radishes and more, they cover some of the best crops that can handle cooler season temperatures with ease. Don't wait for late spring and summer to plant, get growing now!
How To Divide Perennials In The Spring
Jim and Mary talk about dividing perennials in the spring, and how to transplant them into your flowerbeds to help add more color and stop weeds in the process!One of the easiest, best and least expensive ways to fill your flowerbeds with life and color is to divide the perennials you already have this spring into even more plants! Not only is it simple to do, it can save you hundreds of dollars o
How To Make The Best Homemade Potting Soil Around - Without Peat Moss!
In today's episode, Jim and Mary walk listeners through the simple steps for how to create their own powerful and amazing potting soil - without the need for peat moss! Using just 5 natural ingredients, they have been making this potting soil on their farm for the last 10+ years - and with stunning results for their hanging baskets, pots and container plantings. Listen in and grow your best contai
Cutting Back & Dividing Ornamental Grasses In The Spring
Jim & Mary take listeners through the process of ornamental grass care, inlcuding when to cut them back and how to divide and transplant overgrown grasses.There is no better time to cut back and divide ornamental grasses than in late winter and early spring. Not only can it keep your grasses manageable, it can also create all kinds of new grass transplants to use all over your yard.
How To Control & Repel Ticks Safely - In Your Backyard & More!
Looking for a few simple and safe methods to control and repel ticks in your backyard this spring, summer and fall?Jim and Mary take you through 3 natural methods to control the tick population in your yard, and highlight a few simple and natural methods to help deter them from finding you no matter where you are!Ticks are one insect that can create a long list of issues for the health and well be
How To Recharge Your Raised Bed Soil - Keep Your Raised Beds Healthy!
Jim and Mary discuss how to keep the soil in your raised beds healthy and strong, including the best ways to recharge and re-energize the soil to grow bigger and better plants!Raised beds are one of the easiest and most effective ways to grow vegetables, flowers and herbs - especially for those who may not have the space for a traditional garden, or who might have physical limitations that can mak
How To Prune Tomatoes - And Why Its So Important! Episode 210
Jim and Mary talk about how to prune tomato plants - and why it's so important for their success! See how to prune your plants to allow air and light in, and why it helps keep your plants disease and pest free.
How To Fertilize Tomato Plants For Big Success! Episode 209
Jim and Mary discuss how to best fertilize your tomato plants, including when to fertilize, how often, and a few of the best types of fertilizer to use on your plants. Tomato plants are heavy feeders from the soil and can benefit greatly from perfectly timed nutrient boosts. See how to power up your tomato plants this year for healthy plants and a big harvest!
The Amazing Benefits Of Growing Marigolds In Your Garden & Flowerbeds
Jim and Mary discuss the benefits of planting marigolds in your garden, flowerbeds and landscape. Listen in and see how marigolds can bring important pollinators to your yard, as well as keep pests such as aphids, hornworms and nematodes at bay. See how to grow better by planting the mighty marigold this year!
How To Harden Off Vegetable & Flower Plants - Episode 207
Jim and Mary cover the topic of hardening off vegetable and flower transplants in the spring. Hardening off tender young plants is seedlings is vital getting them off to a healthy strong start outdoors. Learn how to harden off your plants safely, and why it is so important for a great garden season.
Growing Vegetables In Straw Bales - How To Grow Vegetables Anywhere
See how easy growing vegetables in straw bales can be! Jim and Mary take you through the steps of setting up a straw bale planter, all while covering how to set your bales up for success with a simple approach that makes it easy and uncomplicated to grow.
How To Grow Strawberries - The Simple Secrets To A Great Harvest!
Jim and Mary walk listeners through the process of planting, growing and maintaining a strawberry crop. From June bearing to everbearing varieties, strawberries are a great perennial crop to plant to enjoy for years of fresh berries!
How To Collect & Use Rain Water - And Why It's Better For Your Plants!
See the best methods for collecting and using rain water for your garden, flowerbeds & landscape - and why it's one of the best ways to water your plants! Using rain water for your landscape is not only a great way to conserve on your city, well or community water supplies, it also has huge benefits for your plants. In fact, more advantages than you might ever imagine!
How To Use Compost In Your Garden & Flowerbeds! 5 Great Uses For Compost
Jim and Mary discuss the 5 best ways to use compost in your garden and flowerbeds. Compost is the key to adding healthy nutrients to your soil naturally. It’s full of life and teeming with beneficial bacteria and organisms. All of which work to rejuvenate and re-energize tired soil and help keep it productive.But how effective it is at helping your soil and plants really depends on how you use it.
How To Plant & Grow Asparagus - The Simple Steps To Delicious Asparagus!
Jim and Mary take a look at how to plant and maintain a perennial crop of asparagus. Asparagus can grow and produce for 20 years or more, but the key to success is planting it right from the start! See where to locate your crop, select the right varieties, how to prepare the soil, and when and how to harvest for best results.
How To Use Coffee Grounds & Egg Shells In Your Garden - And Why To Start Saving Them Now!
Jim and Mary are back for Season 2 of the Simple Garden Life Podcast. Listen as they talk about the benefits of saving egg shells and coffee grounds in the winter, and how to use them to power your soil and plants this spring and summer!
Dividing Perennials In The Fall - Fall Flowerbed Maintenance
Jim and Mary take a look at dividing perennials in the fall, including when and how to divide, and why it is so important for keeping your flowerbeds healthy and weed free.
How To Plant A Cover Crop
Jim and Mary take you through the process of how to plant a fall cover crop in your garden, and why it is so important. Cover crops not only protect your garden's soil through winter, they also help keep weeds at bay, all while recharging your garden's soil.
How And Why To Deadhead Your Annuals & Perennial Flowers
A look at how to deadhead flowers to keep both your annuals and perennials strong and vibrant. Jim and Mary talk about the age-old practice of deadheading flowers.
How To Fertilize Your Vegetable Garden For Success - Simple Secrets That Work
Jim and Mary discuss when and how to fertilize a garden to get the most from your crops. See when you should start to power up young transplants and seedlings, and what the best fertilizers for vegetable crops are.
Succession Planting - Getting The Most From Your Garden Space
Jim and Mary discuss succession planting in the garden, and how to get the most from your space with multiple plantings.
How To Create Gorgeous Container Plants From Perennials - For Free!
Jim and Mary discuss how to create gorgeous container plants by using perennial plants instead of annuals. Learn how to create beautiful potted plants year after year without spending a dime!
8 Simple Garden Tools Every Gardener Should Own For A Better Garden - Episode 115
Jim and Mary discuss 8 simple but effective garden tools that should be in every gardener's tool shed. These 8 tools are not only inexpensive, they can also help you to a stronger, healthier garden - and a happier you!
The Best Heirloom Tomatoes To Grow For Eating, Canning & More! - Episode 114
Jim and Mary discuss their favorite heirloom tomatoes to grow in the garden. From fresh eating, to making sauce, pasta, juice and more - listen in to find out which tomato varieties are best to grow, and why.
How To Keep Your Hanging Baskets Gorgeous From Spring Til Fall! Episode 113
Jim and Mary discuss their best secrets to keep your hanging baskets looking great from spring until fall. From selecting the right plants, to proper watering and fertilizing, see how to have the best hanging baskets on the block!
How To Grow Vegetables In 5 Gallon Buckets - Episode 112
Jim and Mary discuss growing vegetable in 5 gallon buckets, and how easy it is to grow nearly any type of vegetables you can dream of in containers. See their top tips and hints for growing in 5 gallon buckets - and how to make it look beautiful too!
How To Keep Flowerbeds Weed-Free! - Episode 111
Jim and Mary take a look at the secrets behind keeping your flowerbeds weed free, and how to do it without working hours every day at it!
How To Plant Your Garden For Success - 7 Big Planting Day Secrets! 110
Jim and Mary cover how to get your vegetable garden off to the best start possible with 7 key planting day secrets! How you plant on planting day can have a big impact on your garden's success.
How To Grow An Amazing Crop Of Cucumbers - Episode 109
Jim and Mary discuss their top tips for how to grow your best crop of cucumbers. Whether growing in a garden, in raised beds, or containers, see how to get the most from your cucumber plants
How To Make And Use Compost Tea, The Ultimate Fertilizer! - Episode 108
Jim and Mary discuss how to make compost tea, and its many uses in the vegetable garden, flower beds, and for fertilizing hanging baskets, container plants, herbs and more. Compost tea is easy to make, 100 % organic, and best of all free!
How To Create A Raised Row Garden With Ease - Episode 107
Jim and Mary cover how to create a Raised Row Garden this spring, and how to maintain it year round! The Raised Row garden method continues to grow bigger every year, and it’s easy to see why. It makes gardening fun, all with a simple, low-maintenance and entirely organic approach. Even better, it doesn’t require anything more than the most basic of tools. There is no need for a rototiller. Nor wi
How To Use Worm Castings To Power Your Vegetables & Flowers - Episode 106
Worm castings are quite simply one of the most powerful, incredible, plant-energizing & soil fertilizing ingredients you can use. And, they are 100% organic! Learn how to use worm castings to power all of your flower and vegetable plants to new heights this year!
Eliminating Weeds From Your Garden, The Secrets To Success! - Episode 105
Weeds can turn a gorgeous garden into an eyesore in just a few weeks. In addition, they can also choke the life out of your plants, competing for the same vital resources (water, nutrients, light and oxygen) that your vegetable plants do. Learn how to stop weeds in your garden for good as Jim and Mary go through the 4 simple secrets to eliminating weeds from a vegetable garden.
How To Make Great Compost For A Great Garden - Episode 104
Jim and Mary take a look at the secrets to creating and maintaining a great compost pile. Compost is an amazing organic powerhouse of nutrients. Nutrients that help to keep soil loose, workable, and most importantly, completely energized. When it comes to growing healthy plants, compost is a must-add ingredient to your soil!
How To Start Seeds Indoors With Ease - Episode 103
A look at how to easily start your vegetable and flower seeds indoors before planting season. Jim and Mary take a look at the basic supplies needed, and the entire seed starting process, from start to finish.
How To Grow The Best Tomatoes On The Block - Episode 102
Jim and Mary give their best tips and advice for growing an incredible crop of tomatoes. From planting, mulching and fertilizing, to the importance of pruning and picking your tomatoes at the right time, see how to get the most from your tomato plants. Make this the year you grow the biggest and best tomatoes on the block!
An Introduction To The Simple Garden Life - Episode 101
The introductory episode of Simple Garden Life. Hosts Jim and Mary Competti discuss their new gardening podcast, and their unique approach to keep gardening fun, simple and rewarding - all at the same time. Join them for the first of many episodes to come!
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