Advertise on podcast: Homegrown: Your Backyard Garden Podcast

Leave a comment here! A listener recently asked a great question about saving seeds from hybrid tomatoes - specifically from the SunGold variety - and what happens when you save and replant those seeds over time.  In this short, practical mini-episode, I explain: Why hybrid tomato seeds usually don’t grow trueWhether hybrid seeds can ever become stable or heirloomTwo practical solutions I personally use when I love a hybrid tomato and want consistent results year after yearI also share a quick bonus tip on storing cherry tomatoes so they last weeks longer. 🎧 The podcast is currently on winter break and will return with new episodes in April. Be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the new season. Click here to subscribe to my email list. https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/homegrown  Links mentioned in this episode: How to overwinter tomato plants - Episode 26Produce storage tips - Episode 25Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! Gardening doesn't have to be expensive. In this episode we share easy, frugal gardening ideas for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. From saving money on seeds and soil to reusing containers and more, you’ll discover how to garden on a budget and still grow a thriving harvest. These resourceful tips will help you save money, reduce waste, and enjoy the process of growing your own healthy, organic food. Related post: Gardening on a Budget: Frugal Gardening Tips to Save Money - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/10/gardening-on-a-budget.html Volunteer Plants - see Episode #17 Shop my favorite garden tools Seed Library Network Down-to-Earth Guide to Composting  Sign up to be notified of new episodes by email:  https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/homegrown Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! Let's walk through the essential fall garden cleanup chores, from clearing spent plants and mulching to caring for perennials and tools, so your garden is ready for a fresh start next spring. These six steps will help protect your soil, reduce pests, and prepare for a thriving spring garden.   Transcript/Related blog post: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/09/fall-garden-cleanup-guide.html The Down-to-Earth Guide to Composting: https://the-down-to-earth-guide.milotreecart.com/ Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! If you've ever wanted to skip the seed-starting chaos or hold onto a variety you love, this episode is for you. I’ve been overwintering tomato plants for over a decade - no greenhouse or grow lights required - and I’ll walk you through three simple methods that really work. You’ll hear the exact technique I use in my kitchen window, plus tips to keep your plants alive, healthy, and ready to thrive next spring. If you’ve never tried this before, it might just change the way you garden. Download your free printable “Tomato Tips” here (https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/i26cg0r2j2) Transcript/related article: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2012/10/perennial-tomatoes.html Submit your gardening question here for our Q&A episode: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/p/ask.html Disclaimer:  Some modern tomato varieties may be protected by plant patents, which means you shouldn’t propagate them by cuttings or save their seeds without permission. Most heirlooms and many home garden hybrids aren’t patented, so they’re fine for personal use. When in doubt, check the seed packet or tag.  Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! Are you tired of tossing out wilted lettuce and moldy berries? In this episode I’m joined by Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy, the go-to expert on keeping produce fresh longer. We talk about how to wash and store everything from avocados to zucchini, how to stretch your garden harvest or your grocery budget, and easy ways to reduce food waste. Transcript: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/09/how-to-keep-produce-fresh-longer-tips.html You'll find Amy at The Cross Legacy on Instagram, YouTube, and her website. Check out her Zero Waste Produce Guide here: https://thecrosslegacyshop.com/products/zero-waste-produce-guide Sign up to be notified of new episodes by email:  https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/homegrown Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! Learn how to save seeds from your vegetable garden with this beginner-friendly guide. Discover the benefits of saving heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, how to avoid cross-pollination, and tips for proper seed storage.  Whether you grow tomatoes, peppers, beans, or lettuce, this episode will teach you how to collect and preserve seeds for next season. Build a self-reliant garden and grow healthier, better-adapted vegetables year after year. Transcript/Related article: Why You Should Save Seeds from Your Vegetable Garden - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/08/save-seeds-from-your-garden.html Sign up to be notified of new episodes by email:  https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/homegrown You might also enjoy:  How to Store Your Leftover Seeds - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2017/03/how-to-store-leftover-seeds.html Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! Timing is everything when it comes to fall gardening; your plants need enough time to mature before the first frost of autumn. In this episode we'll figure out your average first frost date, the ideal time to plant, and what vegetables to grow in a fall garden. You'll learn how to protect tender seedlings from the heat and sun, plus how to extend your harvest with succession planting. Take advantage of autumn and grow a fall garden.  Transcript/Related article: When to Plant a Fall Vegetable Garden  - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2018/07/plant-a-fall-garden.html Sign up to be notified of new episodes by email:  https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/homegrown You might also enjoy:  How to Grow Garlic - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2023/09/how-to-grow-garlic-from-cloves.html  Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! Is your summer vegetable garden just barely hanging on? In this episode, I’m sharing ten practical strategies to help you grow a thriving garden, even when the heat is relentless and the pests move in. Uncover simple ways to water wisely, use shade to your advantage, and keep your plants healthy and productive all summer long. Transcript/Related post - Prefer to read instead? Secrets to a Thriving Summer Vegetable Garden https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/07/10-secrets-to-thriving-summer-garden.html Grab your free printable list of the summer garden secrets in this episode. Download it here: https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/xdzl1xda34 You might enjoy this related blog post too: Warm Weather Vegetables That Will Thrive in Your Summer Garden How to Fight Blister Beetles Organically Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! Squash bugs can ruin your squash harvest fast, but you can stop them without resorting to chemicals. In this episode, learn how to identify squash bug damage, how to begin prevention before you even plant your squash, and how to get rid of squash bugs organically. From resistant squash varieties and companion planting to organic pest control and prevention, you’ll get a full plan to protect your garden. Download your free printable “Companion plants for squash” here ( https://rb.gy/wp85l4 ) Transcript/related article: https://rb.gy/4l5x66 See photos of squash bugs, nymphs and egg clusters here ( https://rb.gy/4l5x66 ) Oak Hill Homestead website Facebook Instagram Pinterest Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! You can grow more food without needing more space. In this episode, we’re exploring how vertical gardening can help you maximize your garden’s potential, even in a small area. From trellises to arches and cages, I’ll walk you through simple tools and techniques to grow crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, melons, and more - up instead of out.  You’ll also discover why growing vertically isn’t just about saving space; there are some surprising benefits that can make your garden healthier and more productive too. Plus, I’ll share a few clever ways to use vertical gardening to extend your growing season and create helpful microclimates. Transcript: Grow More Food in Less Space with Vertical Gardening (OR copy/paste: https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/06/verticalgardening.html ) Related post: Easy Ways to Trellis Tomato Plants (OR copy/paste:  https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2017/06/diy-easy-garden-trellis.html ) Keep in touch! Oak Hill Homestead, the blog Facebook Instagram Pinterest  Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! This week we're digging into the many benefits of growing flowers right alongside your vegetables. From controlling pests to attracting pollinators and improving soil health, flowers are more than just eye candy. Learn how to use flowers for companion planting, where to place trap crops for maximum pest protection, which flowers grow best with common vegetables - and which ones don't! Even if you’re gardening in containers, flowers can play a big role in your garden’s health and beauty. Let’s bring your garden to life, one flower and vegetable at a time. Transcript/Related article: Why You Should Grow Flowers in Your Vegetable Garden   - https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2025/05/flowers-in-vegetable-garden.html Sign up to be notified of new episodes by email:  https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/homegrown You might also enjoy:  Volunteer Plants: How to Use Them Wisely  Keep in touch! Oak Hill Homestead website Facebook Instagram Pinterest Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! You can grow fresh, homegrown food in just a few weeks! In this episode, you’ll discover some of the fastest-growing vegetables, plus when and how to harvest them. You’ll also learn about the quickest crops of all: sprouts and microgreens. Even if you’re short on time or space, you can grow food fast. Bonus: these quick-growing vegetables are perfect for beginners! What are the fastest-growing vegetables? How long before I can harvest looseleaf lettuce? How can I choose fast-growing varieties? Find out in this episode. Download the list of fast-growing vegetables here. ( https://oakhillhomestead.myflodesk.com/xwnw03s6vc ) Related post: Fast Growing Vegetables: Grow Food in as Little as 4 Weeks Keep in touch! Oak Hill Homestead, the blog Facebook Instagram Pinterest  Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! Have you ever spotted a surprise seedling in your garden bed and wondered if it’s a weed or something worth keeping? In this episode we'll dive into the world of volunteer plants - those unexpected, self-sown seedlings that pop up on their own. You’ll learn where they come from, how to identify them, and whether to let them grow, move them to a better spot, or toss them in the compost.  You'll find practical tips and fresh appreciation for the volunteer plants in your vegetable garden. You might be growing more food than you think!  Transcript/Related Post: Free Food in Your Garden: Make the Most of Volunteer Plants - https://bit.ly/VolunteerPlants You might also enjoy How to Root Tomato Cuttings  Check out our Grow Guides for various vegetables and fruit. Keep in touch! Oak Hill Homestead Facebook Instagram Pinterest Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! Join host Kathi Rodgers and guest Amanda Freund as they share advice and tips for new gardeners, chat about farm life, and Amanda tells the story of the creation of CowPots, a sustainable alternative to peat and plastic seed-starting pots. Transcript/Related post Visit CowPots' website for more information: https://cowpots.com CowPots for home gardeners: https://cowpots.com/for-home-gardeners/ Keep in touch! Oak Hill Homestead website Facebook Instagram Pinterest Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh

Leave a comment here! Timing is everything when it comes to transplanting tomatoes in your garden! In this episode, we're digging into how to transplant tomatoes the right way so they'll thrive in their new home.  You'll learn when to transplant tomatoes outside, the best time of day to transplant tomatoes, and how deep to transplant tomatoes for strong, healthy plants. We’ll also talk about how to prevent and manage transplant shock in tomatoes. Give your tomatoes the best start possible! Get your free Tomato Tips cheatsheet -  https://bit.ly/tomatocheatsheet - so you can grow incredible tomatoes! Transcript/Related Post: How to Transplant Tomato Plants - https://bit.ly/transplanttomatoplants Keep in touch! Oak Hill Homestead, the blog Facebook Instagram Pinterest Subscribe and Review New episodes drop every other Tuesday - subscribe so you don’t miss a single one! If you’re enjoying HOMEGROWN: Your Backyard Garden Podcast, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Keep in Touch Website: https://oakhillhomestead.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/oakhillhomestead Instagram: https://instagram.com/oakhillhomestead Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/oakhh