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 fascination with snakes Why gardeners shouldn’t fear them Tips for staying safe in snake territory Snakebi...
Jul 22, 2025•50 min•Ep. 431
🌞 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 shade (and when it’s not necessary) 🛠️ How to do it effectively with materials you already have Whether...
Jul 15, 2025•32 min•Ep. 430
🎧 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 (and why) ⏳ How to time your planting based on your first frost 💡 Summer seed-starting tips for healthy transpla...
Jul 08, 2025•30 min•Ep. 429
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 key tips to help your garden thrive in the heat. In this episode: Fast-growing warm-season vegetabl...
Jul 01, 2025•23 min•Ep. 428
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 growing mushrooms in my own raised beds—what worked, what surprised me, and what I’ll do differently next...
Jun 24, 2025•40 min•Ep. 427
"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 and synthetic fertilizers How to fertilize based on the type of crop Why your method matters more if you...
Jun 17, 2025•39 min•Ep. 426
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 squash bugs before they ruin your harvest 🐛 Why tomato hornworms show up when they do—and what to d...
Jun 10, 2025•45 min•Ep. 425
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 what we’ll cover: 🥬 What to do with bolting lettuce, spinach & other cool-season crops 🌱 Heat-...
Jun 03, 2025•35 min•Ep. 424
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 years 1–3 for long-term success 🍎 How to revive a neglected or underperforming tree 🍎 Organic p...
May 27, 2025•55 min•Ep. 423
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? Is pressure-treated wood safe for raised beds? When to use a GreenStalk planter vs. a raised bed How n...
May 20, 2025•41 min•Ep. 422
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 share some tips to avoid common herb-growing mistakes. In this episode: My top 5 easiest herbs to grow...
May 13, 2025•34 min•Ep. 421
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. Whether you’re growing in your backyard or exploring weeds in your garden, this episode will inspir...
May 06, 2025•43 min•Ep. 420
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 (and what not to do) 🍋 [00:13:20] Tips for planting and where to place your tree for success 🍋 [00...
Apr 29, 2025•39 min•Ep. 419
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 practices 🧹 Smart, chemical-free weed control (and a realistic weeding schedule) 🐛 Organic pest pre...
Apr 22, 2025•40 min•Ep. 418
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 croaking or oak leaves the size of a mouse’s ear, nature has a lot to say—if we know how to listen. 🌿 D...
Apr 15, 2025•26 min•Ep. 317
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 in 🌱 What to do if a cold snap hits after you’ve planted 🌱 Tips for protecting your plants and ...
Apr 08, 2025•30 min•Ep. 416
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're prepping beds, setting up irrigation, or keeping an eye on bolting crops, this episode will hel...
Apr 01, 2025•36 min•Ep. 415
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 importance of timing your picks, dealing with pests, and what to expect as your blackberry plants mature...
Mar 25, 2025•45 min•Ep. 414
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 how to adjust pH ☀️ Where to plant for the best results Plus, I’ll share my favorite tips from ove...
Mar 18, 2025•39 min•Ep. 413
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 clay, there's a perfect carrot for you. Plus, I’ll share tips on choosing the best variety for fresh eat...
Mar 11, 2025•29 min•Ep. 412
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 fruits—like lemons 🍋, blueberries 🫐, or peaches 🍑—can thrive in your garden, how to choose the best varieti...
Mar 04, 2025•50 min•Ep. 411
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 greenhouse starts Resources: 🌱 Want a step-by-step garden plan? My course Dream to Garden is open for enr...
Feb 28, 2025•22 min•Ep. 410
Feeling overwhelmed by all the tomato varieties out there? Whether you're flipping through a seed catalog, browsing online, or staring at the racks at your local garden center, choosing the right tomato can be daunting. But the right tomato for you depends on your garden, your kitchen, and your taste! In this episode, I break down the different types of tomatoes—by size, growth habit, breeding, and even color—so you can make the best choice for your garden this year. Thank you to our sponsors: O...
Feb 25, 2025•30 min•Ep. 409
Remember all that extra time you had for gardening in 2020? Fast forward five years, and life feels busier than ever. But you’re still gardening—which means you’re finding ways to make it work. The biggest challenge? Time. In this special episode of The Beginner’s Garden Podcast , we’re exploring how AI, specifically ChatGPT, can help streamline your garden planning so you can spend more time growing and less time on tedious research. I’ll share practical ways I’ve used AI to speed up my own pla...
Feb 21, 2025•29 min•Ep. 408
When you hear "companion planting," do you feel excited, skeptical, or just plain confused? In this episode, we're cutting through the myths and giving you a practical, science-backed approach to pairing plants in your garden. What You'll Learn: 🌿 Myth 1: Do certain plants really boost each other’s growth? 🐞 Myth 2: Can companion planting truly prevent all pests? 🌱 Myth 3: Will plants always thrive together if paired correctly? ☀️ Myth 4: Does plant height matter in companion planting? 🌸 Myt...
Feb 18, 2025•28 min•Ep. 407
Welcome to our first Friday bonus episode of the season! As you gear up for gardening this year, we're diving into a topic that has been the biggest game-changer for my garden’s productivity: understanding the differences between cool-season and warm-season crops. We’ll explore: 🌱 Why some crops thrive in cool weather while others prefer heat 🌡️ The science behind plant temperature preferences and how enzymes react to different conditions 🌾 How temperature affects seed germination, growth, an...
Feb 14, 2025•24 min•Ep. 406
Gardening success often comes down to avoiding a few common mistakes. In today's episode, Jill dives into 5 overlooked mistakes to think about. If you think about them now, it will help you down the road in the season. Don't forget to sign up for the Masterclass here: https://journeywithjill.net/masterclass Show Notes: Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV Organic REV Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and...
Feb 11, 2025•32 min•Ep. 405
February is a complex month for gardeners in the U.S. Some of us are weeks away from planting, while others are already in the garden. In this episode, Jill shares 7 essential garden tasks to tackle in February, ensuring you're prepared for a productive gardening season, no matter where you are in your journey. With practical tips and resources, you'll feel confident and ready to hit the ground running! Links Mentioned: Filling a New Raised Bed - Podcast Refreshing the Soil in a Raised Bed - Pod...
Feb 04, 2025•27 min•Ep. 404
This week I am speaking with Dr. Alicia Wasula, a forensic meteoroloist to discuss what she does in relation to the weather and how that can affect your garden. Links Mentioned: Before You Sow Mini Course (free for 1 week): https://journeywithjill.net/beforeyousow Connect with Dr. Wasula here: https://www.stmweather.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/@stmweather_gardens Show Notes: Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV Organic REV Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase ...
Jan 28, 2025•46 min•Ep. 403
If you're like me, you're itching to get started on this year’s garden season. But here’s the deal—starting seeds indoors too early is one of the biggest mistakes gardeners make this time of year. In today’s episode, I’ll share the seeds I’m starting indoors in January and February and how you can adjust your timing depending on your climate. Stick around until the end, because I’ll explain what can go wrong if you start too early and how to avoid those pitfalls. Links Mentioned: When to Plant C...
Jan 21, 2025•34 min•Ep. 402
