Why is my lettuce growing really tall? When your lettuce starts to grow tall instead of out, it means it’s trying to bolt. This means it’s ready to produce flowers and seeds. When it grows tall like this, it means the end of your harvest is near and the plant is starting to switch from producing lettuce to producing seed. Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: journeywithjill.net/podcast Jill’s In the Garden Emails: journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https...
Jun 05, 2020•5 min
You've probably heard it said that soil quality and fertility is paramount for a successful garden. You probably even know that compost is one of the best amendments you can add to your soil. But what about organic fertilizers? I frequently get questions about organic fertilizers -- specifically, what to use and when to use it. For this topic, I turned to Joe Lamp'l and in this episode of the Beginners' Garden Podcast, we talk about organic fertilizer options. SHOW NOTES: Other Episodes with Joe...
Jun 02, 2020•44 min•Ep. 138
This is the time of year where we start to find a lot of pests in the garden. How should you react when you start to see harmful insects? When should you wait and when should you act? I have some thoughts for you today! 3 Organic Aphid Control Methods: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2019/05/21/3-organic-aphid-control-methods-tested/ Prevent and Control Aphids Naturally: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2017/06/20/how-to-control-aphids-naturally-and-effectively-beginners-garden-podcas...
May 29, 2020•6 min
Homemade compost is one of the best things you can have as a gardener. The nutrients it adds to your soil are amazing and when you make it at home it is very inexpensive. But many new gardeners are scared to get started. Today, I want to share how I've made compost and compare a using a compost pile or a compost tumbler. I hope you'll feel ready to start composting for your garden! SHOW NOTES: Composting for Beginners: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2017/02/14/composting-for-the-beginner/...
May 26, 2020•31 min•Ep. 137
What can you do if you feel like you’re already behind? Every climate will be different but I have some thoughts and considerations if you think you’re already behind. Whether you want to try transplants or you’re now able to direct sow, I’ll give you some things to think about. Beginner's Garden Shortcut Online Course: http://journeywithjill.net/gardenshortcut PROMO CODE FOR 20% OFF through May 31, 2020: 202020 Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: journeywithjill.net/podcast Jill’s In the G...
May 22, 2020•6 min
If you've ever walked out to your newly-planted garden (or your just-ripe tomatoes) and your heart fell at the sight of your missing plants, you know the pain of losing your hard work to wildlife. This has happened to me more times than I can count. But every gardener has a different situation (and different wildlife threats). To help you evaluate your options on protecting your garden from the animals that want it as much as you do, Jennifer Smith from Deerbusters, Inc. is sharing what she know...
May 19, 2020•35 min•Ep. 136
If you’re just getting started composting, you may be wondering how to get set up and even what type of compost is best. Jill talks about the benefits of regular and worm composting and where you should start. Especially if you have a small space, you will want to check this episode out. Worm Composting with the Crazy Worm Lady: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2019/03/05/worm-composting-step-by-step-guide-beginners/ Composting for Beginners: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2017/02/14...
May 15, 2020•5 min
When I first started gardening, I did grow herbs, but they were only to use in my kitchen like basil and mint. As I've learned about gardening, I have begun to learn about how I could use herbs in my home for cleaning, in body products, and for our overall health. I'm excited to share what I've learned so far. SHOW NOTES: All-purpose cleaner with peppermint: https://livesimply.me/herb-infused-diy-all-purpose-cleaner/ Getting Started with Medicinal Herbs: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/201...
May 12, 2020•38 min•Ep. 135
Q&A I had a GREAT sweet potato harvest last year so I’ve been getting a lot of questions. I’m not ready to do a full episode about sweet potatoes because I’m still new at them, but I answer some of your common questions here today! Come learn how to get started with sweet potatoes! My sweet potatoes from last year: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2019/09/23/summer-garden-lessons/ Beginner's Garden Shortcut Online Course: http://journeywithjill.net/gardenshortcut PROMO CODE FOR 20% OFF ...
May 08, 2020•7 min
You've started your garden and you've tried to do the research, but you don't know where to look! Do you stick to peer reviewed studies? What about your neighbor that has gardened for 30 years? How do you know if any of it will work in your garden? I am excited to hear from Joey and Holly Baird of the Wisconsin Vegetable Gardener radio show as they share 10 garden hacks that actually work! SHOW NOTES: Find Joey Baird: thewisconsinvegetablegardnener.com Earlier podcast episodes: https://journeywi...
May 05, 2020•54 min•Ep. 134
What are must-have crops for your first garden? I won’t give you a list because it depends on many different things. But I’ll give you things to think about when you choose crops for YOUR first garden! Crisis Garden Choices: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2020/03/31/9-crops-to-grow-in-a-crisis/ Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: journeywithjill.net/podcast Jill’s In the Garden Emails: journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/2SYe4wy Be...
May 01, 2020•5 min
I love this time of year in the garden. I've spent the winter planning and the early spring preparing and now my last frost has passed and I get to start spending more time planting. I've learned a lot about what to do after my last frost and today I'm sharing my list of things you shouldn't forget! SHOW NOTES: Early Spring Checklist: https://www.journeywithjill.net/gardening/2020/03/17/early-spring-garden-checklist/ Trellis Options: https://www.journeywithjill.net/gardening/2017/02/07/plants-th...
Apr 28, 2020•38 min•Ep. 133
So you want to start a garden, but where do you begin? I started in the fall and I was able to read all the books on gardening. But if you’re listening to this in the Spring, you may not have time for that! In this Q&A, I have some great resources for you! Plan Your Garden in 7 Days: https://journeywithjill.lpages.co/plan-your-garden-in-7-days/ Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: journeywithjill.net/podcast Jill’s In the Garden Emails: journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Vegetable Gardenin...
Apr 24, 2020•8 min
I love trying new things in the garden. Every year, I get to pick something new to try! This year, I am trying straw bale gardening, but it almost didn't happen. Thankfully, I was able to connect with Joel Karsten, the pioneer of the Straw Bale Gardening method, who gave me some great tips for getting started. Today, I get to share my interview with Joel and I know you'll love it as much as I did. SHOW NOTES: Find Joel Karsten Joel’s book Straw Bale Gardens Complete: https://amzn.to/2wLOgLX Joel...
Apr 21, 2020•1 hr 2 min
With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting all of us, more people have become interested in gardening. But many new gardeners are encountering unforeseen struggles as they seek to start planting -- namely in acquiring garden supplies. We are all trying to avoid stores as much as possible, but many online sources are back-ordered or not even accepting orders right now. If you've run into these struggles in finding much-needed garden supplies, here are options to consider. Connect with Jill: Get Jill’s ...
Apr 17, 2020•11 min
If you’re a gardener, you’ve heard a lot about what to do when you start seeds and with your seedlings. You’ve also heard about how to handle harvesting when your plants mature. But you might not have heard about how to handle adolescent plants. You know, when they’re in the awkward growing stage before they’re mature. So today that’s what we’ll discuss! SHOW NOTES: Dream to Garden Course Waitlist: https://journeywithjill.net/dream2garden Raised Bed Templates: https://journeywithjill.net/shop (*...
Apr 14, 2020•30 min•Ep. 131
When you look at your soil packets, you’ll notice two different types of timelines for planting. One is a based on your average last frost and one is based on soil temperature. Which is better for your garden? Listen to my answer here! For more on when to plant what: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2018/03/27/plant-guide-getting-crops-ground-right-time/ Soil thermometer I use: https://amzn.to/3d7i1ax (*affiliate link) Connect with Jill: Get Jill’s “In the Garden” Weekly Emails + Free Print...
Apr 10, 2020•6 min
After you've started your seeds, how do you transition them to the outdoor garden? Also known as hardening off plants, this is a critical step to get your seedlings ready to go outside. In this post, I'll share what you need to know to successfully transition your seedlings to the garden. SHOW NOTES: Seeds vs Transplants: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2017/01/24/seeds-or-transplants-which-to-grow-when-to-plant/ When to Plant: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2018/03/27/plant-guide-g...
Apr 07, 2020•32 min•Ep. 130
What if you have a black thumb? I know a lot of people who want to start a garden for the first time, but they are scared. Maybe you have tried to grow something before and it just didn’t work out. Well, I want to give you some hope! Even YOU can garden! I have some tips just for you. Link to episode #44: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2018/03/27/plant-guide-getting-crops-ground-right-time/ Soil thermometer I use: https://amzn.to/3d7i1ax (*affiliate link) Connect with Jill: Get Jill’s “In...
Apr 03, 2020•6 min
I’m sure you’re like me and the last couple of weeks have turned your world upside down. I’ve heard from a lot of you that you’re thinking about your garden a little differently this year. So I had the opportunity to visit with my friends Melissa K Norris of Pioneering Today and Kevin Espiritu of Epic Gardening about the crops we would grow in a preparedness garden. Hope you enjoy! SHOW NOTES: For more, visit: https://journeywithjill.net/129 Visit Kevin at: www.epicgardening.com And check out hi...
Mar 31, 2020•58 min•Ep. 129
Is treated lumber safe for raised bed gardens? I have always used pressure treated lumber in my raised beds. I just built a new bed and wanted to make sure the lumber I had always used was safe. After looking at the research, I feel safe with it. Listen in as I explain and check out the links below to learn more! Links for reference: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/toxicity-concerns-about-raised-bed-construction-materials https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/raised...
Mar 27, 2020•7 min
I know that we can all talk about the benefits of gardening! We can share about the fresh produce, the home canned goodies, and the beauty that our gardens bring. But are we ready for the sacrifices? Yes, they’re real! For me, they are VERY worth it but I still think we should talk about them. What do you sacrifice for your garden? SHOW NOTES: (*links below contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.) Special t...
Mar 24, 2020•27 min•Ep. 128
What’s the point of a summer cover crop? Last year, I used buckwheat as a cover crop in the middle of my season because I had to pull out some diseased squash. I didn’t want my garden to be empty and at risk of more weeds and I wanted to keep my soil healthy. Listen here to find out even more benefits to a summer cover crop! Connect with Jill: Get Jill’s “In the Garden” Weekly Emails + Free Printable Resources Here: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Join the Beginner’s Garden Shortcut Fac...
Mar 20, 2020•5 min
Do you have an early spring garden checklist? As I've learned to extend my growing season and plan my garden in more efficient way, I've begun getting ready well before my average last frost date. Today I'm sharing all about what I do in my garden approximately one month before my average last frost date. SHOW NOTES: (*links below contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.) Special thanks to our sponsor, Good ...
Mar 17, 2020•28 min•Ep. 127
For the most part, if you’ll be getting your plants in the ground fairly quickly, you won’t need to fertilize your seedlings. Check out this episode to hear more! Soil Blocks: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2020/01/29/soil-blocking-pros-and-cons-to-using-soil-blocks-in-indoor-seed-starting/ Connect with Jill: Get Jill’s “In the Garden” Weekly Emails + Free Printable Resources Here: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Join the Beginner’s Garden Shortcut Facebook Group: https://faceboo...
Mar 13, 2020•7 min
Have you ever wondered what kind of raised bed soil mix is the best? I have been growing in raised beds from the very beginning of my garden journey. Up until last year, I used native soil on my property to fill them. But when I needed to find soil outside my property for three new raised beds last season, I decided to conduct an experiment. I tested three different raised bed soil mixes and today I'm sharing the results of my year-long test. SHOW NOTES: (*links below contain affiliate links, wh...
Mar 10, 2020•42 min•Ep. 126
Many people ask me about lining the bottom of your raised beds, especially if you have a problem with ground dwelling pests. Make sure you avoid anything impermeable, like plastic or landscape fabric. Organic material such as cardboard or newspaper could be an option but isn’t always necessary. Listen for more help deciding if you should line the bottom of your raised beds! Connect with Jill: Get Jill’s “In the Garden” Weekly Emails + Free Printable Resources Here: https://journeywithjill.net/ga...
Mar 06, 2020•4 min
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Douglas Tallamy and have a great conversation about bees, caterpillars, and how important insects are for our gardens and the world around us. He has a new book, Nature’s Best Hope, that will help us to think about our gardens in a holistic way. SHOW NOTES: Plants Good for Pollinators: Sunflowers Goldenrods Willows Asters Black Cherry Plums Maples Fringe Tree Native Holly Button Bush Clethra Bottle Brush Buckeye Oak Trees Find plants in your area: https://www.nwf.org/Nat...
Mar 03, 2020•45 min•Ep. 125
Can you grow cool weather and warm season crops in the same bed? Short answer, yes! With succession and relay planting, this is totally possible. Listen to this Q&A to hear more. Dream to Garden Online Course: https://journeywithjill.net/dream Connect with Jill: Get Jill’s “In the Garden” Weekly Emails + Free Printable Resources Here: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Join the Beginner’s Garden Shortcut Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/beginnersgarden/ Connect with Jill on ...
Feb 28, 2020•4 min
If you're looking to get more harvest from the same space, succession planting is one of the top ways to do it. But where do you start to understand which succession planting combinations might work for your garden? SHOW NOTES: Full Season Garden Masterclass Feb 25th: https://journeywithjill.net/class Dream to Garden Online Course: https://journeywithjill.net/dream More Succession Planting Ideas: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2018/05/01/succession-planting-ideas-to-keep-your-garden-produ...
Feb 25, 2020•24 min•Ep. 124
