Advertise on podcast: The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

Growing fall vegetables when temperatures won't drop can be frustrating, even for experienced gardeners. What can you do to help broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower survive extreme heat? And which crops might surprise you? After six weeks of 100-degree temperatures and drought in my Arkansas garden, I'm sharing what worked, what struggled, and what I'll change next year. We'll talk about planting dates, choosing broccoli varieties, using shade cloth, managing irrigation, and protecting transplants. I'll also share my surprising success with bok choy and what happened to my tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers when the heat just wouldn't let up. YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/fQTlF_XNBHg?si=6Zxg_ScpZVXoBsFt  Free Download: Broccoli, Cauliflower & Cabbage Quick-Start Growing Guide Learn when to plant, how to protect your crops, and how to grow healthier brassicas in spring and fall. http://journeywithjill.net/broccoli-guide Key Takeaways Choose short-season broccoli varieties and plant early enough for fall harvests. Use shade cloth for transplant protection while allowing airflow and adequate sunlight. Pot up seedlings before they become root-bound and harden them off carefully. Keep soil consistently moist without overwatering, especially during extreme heat. Learn which fall and summer crops tolerated the heat and how to adjust your garden next year. Chapters 00:00 – Why this fall garden was different 02:13 – Learning from difficult growing seasons 04:34 – How past failures improved my broccoli 06:54 – Choosing broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower 09:58 – Avoid planting broccoli too late 12:16 – Using shade cloth and watering correctly 14:34 – Preventing root-bound broccoli seedlings 16:53 – Hardening off transplants in extreme heat 19:09 – Preparing soil and transplanting successfully 21:30 – How fall brassicas handled 100-degree heat 23:44 – Growing bok choy for summer salads 26:08 – Finding new ways to harvest bok choy 28:30 – Why tomatoes struggled in extreme heat 30:55 – Growing tomatoes from suckers 31:14 – Late-season cucumbers, squash, and zucchini 33:38 – Why peppers benefited from shade 34:44 – What this growing season taught me 37:08 – Reflecting on your garden and planning ahead Resource Links Free Broccoli, Cauliflower & Cabbage Quick-Start Growing Guide: http://journeywithjill.net/broccoli-guide The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault: https://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads Friday Emails: Get my weekly personal gardening email, access to free growing guides, and updates about the upcoming Five-Day Garden Audit. https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Connect with Me: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBeginnersGarden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Podcast and gardening resources: https://journeywithjill.net/ Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Complete Garden Planner: Plan your planting dates, track your garden, and record what you learn each season. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Struggling to keep your fall garden alive through unusually hot weather? If your lettuce seedlings are wilting or your fall planting schedule has fallen behind, you're not alone. I'm sharing practical fall gardening lessons from a season of extreme heat and drought in my Arkansas garden. After 13 years of gardening, I experienced something I'd never encountered before: weeks of triple-digit temperatures and flash drought conditions stretching into September. In this episode, I'll walk you through what happened to my lettuce and pansies, the decisions I made to protect my seedlings, and what I'll do differently next time. Free Download: Lettuce Quick-Start Growing Guide Learn when to plant lettuce, how to start seeds indoors, and how to prevent bolting and bitterness. You'll also get free access to my Beginner's Garden Resource Vault. http://journeywithjill.net/lettuce-guide Grow Garlic With Confidence My Garlic Mini Course includes 10 short video lessons covering everything from preparing your soil and planting to harvesting and saving garlic for next year. https://journeywithjill.net/pcaudio/garlicworkshop/  Key Takeaways Learn why lettuce struggles to germinate and grow during extreme heat. Discover when to keep seedlings indoors instead of transplanting. Recognize the signs of underwatering in indoor seed trays. Understand why moving seedlings into larger containers matters. Learn what worked when growing pansies from seed for fall planting. Chapters 00:00 – What extreme heat taught me 02:14 – Lessons from a challenging fall garden 04:35 – Why I delayed transplanting lettuce 06:55 – Growing lettuce through triple-digit temperatures 09:19 – Choosing which seedlings to protect 11:38 – Starting pansies from seed 14:03 – Keeping seedlings alive while traveling 16:12 – How to recognize underwatered seedlings 18:35 – Why container size matters 20:53 – Transplanting lettuce after the heat 21:07 – Planting pansies and experimenting with onions 22:51 – Growing onions in vertical planters 25:13 – Testing a late spinach planting 26:29 – Preparing the garden for garlic 27:56 – Final thoughts Resource Links Free Gardening Guides Lettuce Quick-Start Growing Guide: http://journeywithjill.net/lettuce-guide Seed Starting Troubleshooting Guide: http://journeywithjill.net/seed-starting-troubleshooting-guide Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet: http://journeywithjill.net/garliccheatsheet Spinach Quick-Start Growing Guide: https://journeywithjill.net/pcaudio/spinach-guide/ Grow Garlic With Confidence My Garlic Mini Course includes 10 short video lessons covering everything from preparing your soil and planting to harvesting and saving garlic for next year. https://journeywithjill.net/garlicworkshop Connect With Me Friday Gardening Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube: https://journeywithjill.net/youtube-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Podcast and gardening resources: https://journeywithjill.net/ Recommended Gardening Products GreenStalk Vertical Planters: https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk Epic Gardening Seed Starting Supplies: http://journeywithjill.net/epic Botanical Interests Seeds: https://www.botanicalinterests.com/JOURNEYWITHJILL Recommended Brands and Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Not sure where to plant garlic without giving up valuable spring garden space? Garlic stays in the garden for months, so where you plant it now matters next spring. In this episode, I'll show you practical garlic planting layouts for raised beds and small gardens. Free Download: Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet Get the timing, spacing, and growing basics you need for your first (or best) garlic crop. http://journeywithjill.net/garliccheatsheet Learn More about Garlic: Garlic Growing Mini Course This mini course is a favorite of my audience! If you want to have success growing garlic click here: journeywithjill.net/pcaudio/garlicworkshop/ Use code GARLIC26 to enroll for just $19 (Reg. $29) Garlic is one of the easiest crops I grow, but it occupies garden space from fall until late spring or early summer. That means your garlic planting plan needs to account for the broccoli, carrots, lettuce, peppers, and other crops you may want to grow next year. In this episode, I'm sharing several ways to fit garlic into your garden, including borders, relay planting, checkerboard layouts, and dedicated garlic beds. I'll also explain which crops can share space with garlic and which ones I would avoid. Key Takeaways Treat fall-planted garlic as your first spring planting. Leave about six inches between garlic and future plantings. Use borders or relay planting to save raised-bed space. Pair garlic with crops that will not shade it early. Follow garlic with heat-loving summer crops after harvest. Chapters 00:00 – Why garlic placement matters 01:11 – Plan for garlic's long season 03:20 – Save room for spring crops 05:36 – Fit garlic into small gardens 07:56 – Try relay planting with garlic 10:13 – Choose good garlic companions 12:34 – Follow garlic with summer crops 13:03 – Protect garlic's sunlight 13:57 – Avoid problematic companions 16:11 – Get step-by-step garlic help Resource Links Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet: http://journeywithjill.net/garliccheatsheet Garlic Mini Course: Learn step-by-step how to prepare, plant, grow, harvest, cure, and save garlic for next year. https://journeywithjill.net/garlicworkshop This workshop/course is a paid product from Journey with Jill. Connect with Journey with Jill Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Planting onions in fall might give you an earlier harvest than you thought possible. If you garden in Zone 7 or warmer, overwintering onions may help you harvest sooner, reduce bolting, and spread your onion harvest across several months. In this episode, I'm sharing what happened when I tested fall-planted onions in my Zone 8a Arkansas garden and how to decide whether this method could work where you live. Free Download: Onion Quick-Start Growing Guide Learn how to choose the right onion type for your location, get your planting timing right, and grow bigger, healthier onions. Get the Onion Quick-Start Growing Guide Key Takeaways Decide if fall planting fits your climate. Choose onions for your day length. Plant smaller transplants to reduce bolting. Protect onions during extreme cold. Extend your harvest into three months. Chapters 00:00 – Why I tried fall onions 01:07 – Who can plant in fall 02:56 – My first fall onion experiment 04:42 – How onions handled winter 06:46 – Raised beds vs. greenhouse 09:11 – Harvest onions earlier 11:31 – Extend your onion harvest 13:56 – Why fall onions bolt less 16:09 – Choose the right transplant size 18:26 – How hardy are onions? 20:43 – Consider zone and latitude 23:06 – Colder-zone considerations 25:21 – Plan your garden space 27:39 – Try onions from seed 28:54 – Is fall planting worth trying? Resource Links Onion Quick-Start Growing Guide: Learn the basics of choosing and growing onions for your garden. Get the free guide Onion Growing Trials YouTube: Did it work? Click to find out: https://youtu.be/vfR2G8daLXE?si=v1_Ed_K-z2o7j6mL  Friday Emails: Get gardening tips, seasonal reminders, and updates from my garden. Sign up for Friday Emails YouTube: Journey with Jill on YouTube Instagram: The Beginner's Garden on Instagram Podcast Archive: The Beginner's Garden Podcast Recommended Brands & Products: See my recommended gardening products Amazon Storefront: Shop my Amazon recommendations Complete Garden Planner: Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden season? See the Complete Garden Planner Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Your fall garden may be growing the same vegetables you planted in spring, but that doesn't mean they need the same care. Shorter days, warm soil, changing temperatures, and slower growth all affect how you should water, shade, and protect fall crops. In this episode, I'll help you adjust your fall garden care so lettuce, carrots, broccoli, and other cool-season crops have what they need. Free Download: Spinach Growing Guide Spinach can be a tricky crop to grow successfully depending on your location. This guide will help you have success. https://journeywithjill.net/pcaudio/spinach-guide/ Key Takeaways Water more at planting, then taper as fall cools. Remove shade cloth once seedlings are established. Give broccoli and carrots as much fall sun as possible. Plant more lettuce and greens to offset slower growth. Protect crops from sudden early freezes when needed. Chapters 00:00 – Why fall care is different 02:05 – Adjust watering as temperatures change 05:15 – Use fall shade cloth differently 07:26 – Know when to remove shade 09:47 – Give broccoli more fall sun 11:13 – Why carrots need enough sunlight 13:29 – Plant more fall lettuce and greens 15:42 – Prepare crops for early freezes 18:06 – When to use row covers 20:30 – Learn by observing your garden 21:44 – What's coming next Resource Links Seasonal Garden Task List: https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list Friday Emails + Free Growing Guides: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Complete Garden Planner: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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 my own greenhouse for the past six years. We'll cover unheated versus heated greenhouses, supplemental grow lights, seed starting, pest prevention, and what to consider before buying a greenhouse. Check out Leslie's book "Home Greenhouse Revival" here: https://amzn.to/4qMk75Y  Free Download: The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault Get complimentary access to growing guides, charts, and resources to help you grow food with more clarity and less overwhelm. Get the Beginner's Garden Resource Vault Key Takeaways Understand what an unheated greenhouse can do Use temperature and light to extend seasons Know when seedlings need supplemental grow lights Prevent greenhouse pests before they spread Choose a greenhouse based on your plants Chapters 00:00 – How greenhouses extend your season 03:41 – Why unheated greenhouses still help 06:51 – Keep winter crops growing longer 08:29 – How temperature affects plant growth 09:47 – When greenhouse grow lights help 12:07 – Can greenhouses replace indoor seed starting? 14:18 – Choose plants before your greenhouse 16:43 – Beds, containers, and greenhouse zones 19:42 – Why greenhouse size matters 20:23 – Why seedlings grow faster inside 23:06 – How humidity affects plant growth 24:41 – Understanding grow light limitations 26:44 – How plants actually use light 28:07 – Why winter sunlight is weaker 29:54 – Prevent greenhouse pest problems 32:49 – Using beneficial insects indoors 33:35 – What to know before buying 36:41 – Greenhouse growing beyond vegetables Resource Links The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault: Free growing guides, charts, and resources Friday Emails: Sign up for Jill's Friday Emails YouTube: Journey with Jill on YouTube Instagram: The Beginner's Garden on Instagram Podcast Archive: The Beginner's Garden Podcast Recommended Brands & Products: See my recommended gardening brands and products Amazon Storefront: Shop my recommended gardening products As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Complete Garden Planner: Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. Complete Garden Planner Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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-soil Cover crops aren't just for large, in-ground gardens. I've been experimenting with them in my raised beds, and I've found several benefits beyond simply adding organic matter. I'll share what happened when I grew mustard and crimson clover, how winter-kill and overwintering cover crops differ, and what you need to think about before choosing one for your garden. Key Takeaways Choose cover crops by purpose. Decide if you want winter-kill. Plan around spring planting space. Try crimson clover as living mulch. Start with just one bed. Chapters 00:00 – Why consider cover crops 02:20 – Benefits beyond organic matter 06:57 – Living mulch and pollinators 09:02 – Choose crops by purpose 11:21 – Plan around spring planting 13:41 – Raised bed winter differences 16:00 – What happened with mustard 18:14 – Benefits of winter-kill crops 20:38 – Growing crimson clover strategically 22:55 – Terminating clover for mulch 24:41 – What if cover crops reseed? 27:00 – Beginner-friendly winter-kill options 29:19 – Overwintering cover crop options 31:39 – Start small with cover crops Resource Links Cover Crops Start to Finish: https://youtu.be/7x3H6_dSH1g?si=sJx876ZTOBCOQrjV  Beginner's Guide to Cover Crops: https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/263-beginners-guide-to-fall-cover-crops  Fall Cover Crops with True Leaf Market: https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/198-fall-cover-crops-with-true-leaf-market  Cover Crops for Different Soil Types: https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/helen-atthowe-fall-cover-crops-for-different-soil-types  Raised Bed Soil Options: https://journeywithjill.net/raised-bed-soil Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube: Journey with Jill on YouTube Instagram: The Beginner's Garden on Instagram Podcast Archive: The Beginner's Garden Podcast Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Complete Garden Planner: Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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 greens and radishes, when transplants make more sense than seeds, and why your USDA zone isn't the best number to use for fall planting. Free Download: Fall Salad Garden Planning Calendar Know when to plant for fresh greens throughout the fall season. http://journeywithjill.net/fallsaladgarden Key Takeaways Find your average first frost date. Choose crops based on time remaining. Direct sow fast-growing greens late. Use transplants for a head start. Expect smaller harvests when planting late. Chapters 00:02 – Is it too late to plant? 02:37 – Find your first frost date 05:32 – How much cold crops tolerate 07:38 – What to plant with limited time 10:03 – Easily sow baby greens 12:28 – Add lettuce, kale, and brassicas 14:51 – Options with eight-plus weeks 17:11 – Where to find fall transplants 19:38 – Why a small garden is worthwhile 21:01 – Match crops to your timeline Resource Links Fall Salad Garden Planning Calendar: http://journeywithjill.net/fallsaladgarden Friday Emails + Beginner's Garden Resource Vault: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Complete Garden Planner: Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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 compost, manage mulch and irrigation, and use space underneath taller crops. You'll also learn how I approach direct sowing versus transplants and plan ahead for garlic, onions, and winter beds. Harvest to Kitchen Learn step-by-step how I preserve my garden harvest through canning, freezing, and dehydrating. Use code PRESERVIT by August 31 for $50 off. https://journeywithjill.net/harvest-to-kitchen Key Takeaways Decide which summer crops can come out now. Identify crops you're ready to stop growing. Refresh cleared beds with about two inches of compost. Adjust bed prep for seeds versus transplants. Use taller summer crops for temporary fall shade. Chapters 00:00 – Harvest to Kitchen sale 01:48 – Assess your fall garden space 04:08 – Know what can come out 06:32 – Make room for fall brassicas 08:49 – Remove crops you're done with 11:12 – Plan what comes out soon 13:34 – Refresh soil for fall planting 15:45 – Prep for seeds and transplants 18:09 – Plant beneath taller crops 20:27 – Use temporary shade wisely 22:13 – Try relay planting 23:05 – Give brassicas enough sun 25:19 – Plan for garlic and onions 27:44 – Harvest to Kitchen reminder Resource Links Fall Salad Garden Planning Calendar: Plan your fall salad garden with planting dates that help you stay on track. http://journeywithjill.net/fallsaladgarden Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube: https://journeywithjill.net/youtube Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Harvest to Kitchen If preserving your garden harvest is something you want to build into your routine, Harvest to Kitchen walks you through canning, freezing, and dehydrating step-by-step in my kitchen. It includes nearly 60 how-to videos and printable recipes, plus new lessons on freezer pickles and candied jalapeños. Use code PRESERVIT by August 31 to save $50, bringing the price from $149 to $97. https://journeywithjill.net/harvest-to-kitchen Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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 surprisingly simple to store, and how storage changes for onions depending on whether they matured normally or bolted. I'll also explain what to do when your home doesn't have those perfect "textbook" storage conditions. Free 4-Day Preserving Kickstart Not sure whether freezing, water bath canning, pressure canning, or dehydrating makes the most sense for your harvest? Sign up for four short videos, delivered one per day, to help you decide where to start. https://journeywithjill.net/startpreserving  Key Takeaways Cure potatoes in a cool, dark, ventilated space. Give sweet potatoes warm, humid curing conditions. Store carrots whole without curing them first. Cure storage onions until their necks are completely dry. Keep garlic cool and dark after curing. Chapters 00:00 – Start with the right preserving method 01:37 – Why root crop storage is different 03:38 – Cure potatoes for longer storage 06:00 – Make home storage conditions work 08:15 – Check potatoes before they spoil 10:22 – Cure sweet potatoes differently 12:43 – Create warm, humid curing conditions 15:02 – Store sweet potatoes after curing 17:23 – Take preserving beyond the basics 19:40 – Store carrots for months 22:03 – Cure onions for storage 24:29 – What to do with bolted onions 26:49 – Choose onions for longer storage 29:08 – Cure and store garlic 31:29 – Keep your harvest through winter Resource Links Free 4-Day Preserving Kickstart: https://journeywithjill.net/startpreserving  Harvest to Kitchen: Learn step-by-step methods for harvesting, freezing, canning, dehydrating, and storing your garden produce. https://journeywithjill.net/harvest-to-kitchen Harvest to Kitchen is $50 off through August 31. Use code PRESERVEIT to get it for $97 instead of $149. Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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 make the most of every harvest. 🌱 Free 4-Day Preserving Kickstart Not sure how to preserve everything you're harvesting? This free four-day video series walks you through the basics of freezing, water bath canning, pressure canning, and dehydrating so you can confidently choose the best preservation method for your harvest. Get started for free: https://journeywithjill.net/startpreserving 🎉 Harvest to Kitchen is On Sale Ready to go beyond the basics? Harvest to Kitchen teaches you exactly how to preserve your garden harvest with confidence using safe, proven methods. Sale Price: $97 (Regular Price: $149) Coupon Code: PRESERVEIT Learn more: https://journeywithjill.net/harvesttokitchen Key Takeaways Learn why some vegetables belong on the counter while others last longer in the refrigerator. Understand how respiration and enzymes affect freshness after harvest. Discover why tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and melons all need different storage methods. Avoid common storage mistakes that reduce flavor, texture, and shelf life. Extend the life of your harvest while maintaining the best eating quality. Resource Links Friday Emails (Newsletter) https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Recommended Brands & Products https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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 it all, how I'm simplifying my preserving routine, and practical ideas you can use whether you have a large garden or just a few extra tomatoes. Free Download: Harvest to Jar Estimator Not sure what to do with 5, 10, or 25 pounds of tomatoes? The free Harvest to Jar Estimator shows you what you can realistically make from different harvest sizes so you can preserve with confidence. https://journeywithjill.net/tomato-harvest-to-jar Key Takeaways Learn how to simplify food preservation without giving it up completely. Discover how to prioritize the crops that matter most to your family. See practical ways to reduce preserving stress while still stocking your pantry. Find freezer, canning, and storage tips that save both time and energy. Create a preserving plan that fits your current season of life. Chapters 00:00 – Why my preserving approach changed 01:52 – My original preserving goals 04:14 – The setback that changed everything 06:33 – Taking a break from tomato canning 08:55 – Small-batch tomato preserving lessons 10:18 – My 2026 preserving plan 13:03 – Simplifying tomato preservation 17:44 – Scheduling preserving without burnout 20:05 – Deciding what not to preserve 24:20 – Prioritizing what matters most 28:02 – Freezer organization tips 31:22 – Steam canning advantages 33:07 – Garden planning that reduces preserving 35:20 – Finding a sustainable balance 36:15 – Free Harvest to Jar Estimator Resource Links Harvest to Jar Estimator (Free) https://journeywithjill.net/tomato-harvest-to-jar Friday Emails (Newsletter) https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Recommended Brands & Products https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Complete Garden Planner https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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, side dishes, and desserts that make cooking easier all winter long. We discuss which vegetables freeze best, how to decide when freezer meal prep is worth the extra effort, and why preserving food in a way you'll actually use is often the best strategy. Whether you have a large garden or harvest just a few vegetables at a time from raised beds or containers, you'll walk away with practical ideas for making the most of every harvest. In This Episode Why meal starters can be more practical than freezing vegetables individually Which vegetables hold up best in the freezer The difference between fully prepared freezer meals and meal starters How to know when freezer meal prep is worth the extra work Tips for preserving smaller harvests throughout the season Crystal's favorite freezer recipes she never wants to be without How freezer meal prep helps simplify busy weeknights Get Crystal's book here: https://amzn.to/4wxz65O Join Me for the Fall Garden Workshop Want to extend your harvest into autumn? Join me for my Fall Garden Workshop where I'll show you exactly what to plant, when to plant it, and how to create a productive fall garden. 📅 July 28 at 12 PM CDT Register here: https://journeywithjill.net/fallharvestplan Use discount code FALL26 to register for $29 (regularly $39). Resource Links 🌱 Free Beginner's Garden Resource Vault https://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads 📧 Join My Friday Garden Newsletter https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup 🎙 Browse All Podcast Episodes https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos 📷 Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ 🛒 Recommended Brands & Products https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ 🛍 Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden 📒 Complete Garden Planner https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Connect with Crystal Whole-Fed Homestead https://wholefedhomestead.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WholeFedHomestead Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholefedhomestead/ Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love for you to subscribe and leave a review. Your ratings and reviews help other gardeners discover the podcast and encourage me to continue creating content to help you grow a more productive garden. Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my experience gardening in Zone 8a in Arkansas and from conversations with gardeners across many climates. Your results may vary depending on your location and growing conditions. Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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 access my Fall Gardening CustomGPT.  Save your spot at https://journeywithjill.net/fallharvestplan and use coupon code FALL26 to save $10. Free Download: Good Bug Bad Bug ID Chart Learn how to identify beneficial insects and common garden pests so you can protect the helpers in your garden with confidence. https://journeywithjill.net/goodandbadbugs Many gardeners see insects and immediately wonder whether they're helping or hurting the garden. But what if some of the bugs you fear the most are actually some of your greatest allies? In this episode, I sit down with science writer and Insect Safari author Margie Patlak to explore the fascinating world of beneficial insects. We talk about wasps, hoverflies, bees, and the surprising ways they pollinate crops, control pests, and even demonstrate remarkable intelligence. If you've ever wanted to garden more naturally, this conversation will help you see your garden through a whole new lens. Key Takeaways Learn why most wasps are valuable garden allies, not enemies. Discover how hoverflies provide both pollination and natural aphid control. Understand the differences between solitary, parasitic, and social wasps. Find out why bees are far more intelligent than most gardeners realize. Learn how healthy gardens naturally encourage beneficial insect populations. Chapters 00:00 – Why insects deserve another look 03:03 – Why gardeners misunderstand wasps 06:50 – Wasps as natural pest control 07:45 – Solitary vs. social wasps 13:30 – Why hoverflies matter 18:30 – The hidden intelligence of bees 26:20 – How bees communicate and learn 31:15 – Building a balanced garden ecosystem 35:30 – Final encouragement Resource Links Good Bug Bad Bug ID Chart (Free) https://journeywithjill.net/goodandbadbugs The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault https://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads Friday Garden Emails https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@JourneyWithJill Instagram https://instagram.com/journeywithjill Podcast Archive https://journeywithjill.net/podcast Guest Resource: Insect Safari by Margie Patlak  Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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 understand why heat can interfere with tomato and pepper production. These practical gardening tips will help you troubleshoot problems with more confidence and avoid treating the wrong issue. 🌱 Fall Custom Garden Plans are now open! Want a personalized fall garden plan designed specifically for your garden? I'll help you create a planting schedule, bed layout, and step-by-step growing plan based on your space and goals. These spots are limited and sold out quickly last year. Learn more and reserve your spot here: https://journeywithjill.net/planmygarden/ Free Download: Harvest to Jar Estimator Plan your tomato harvest with confidence by estimating how many plants you need for the jars you want to preserve. https://journeywithjill.net/harvesttojar Key Takeaways Learn how to diagnose yellow leaves by where symptoms appear on the plant. Understand the difference between nutrient deficiencies and plant diseases. Identify common insect pests by the damage they leave behind. Discover why tomatoes, peppers, and other crops stop setting fruit during extreme heat. Learn practical troubleshooting steps before reaching for fertilizer or pesticides. Chapters 00:00 – Why midsummer gardens suddenly struggle 02:13 – Fall garden planning opportunity 03:00 – What yellow leaves are really telling you 05:45 – Mobile vs. immobile nutrients explained 08:45 – Common nutrient deficiencies to recognize 13:35 – When a soil test is worth it 14:10 – Using AI to diagnose garden problems 15:35 – Nutrient deficiency or disease? 18:15 – Identifying diseases by leaf patterns 19:00 – What's eating your plants? 21:20 – Finding nighttime garden pests Resource Links Free Download: Tomato Diseases Guide Identify common tomato diseases and learn how to respond before they spread. http://journeywithjill.net/lazy-gardeners-guide Friday Emails (Newsletter) https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@JourneyWithJill  Instagram https://instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden  Podcast Archive https://journeywithjill.net/podcast  Complete Garden Planner  https://shop.journeywithjill.net/   Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.