~ cueing up the show ~
~ pulling every episode ~
The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy — Every episode — OmList
om
list
Swipe
Tournament
Lists
Friends
All
Movies
TV
Books
Games
Music
Podcasts
People
▾
Sign in
Every episode
The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy
30 episodes
484 - Tomatoes, Cucumbers & More: Fridge or Counter? How to Store Today's Harvest
Ep 484 · Aug 11, 2026 · 27 min
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 everythin…
483 - What I've Changed in Preserving My Harvest
Ep 483 · Aug 4, 2026 · 35 min
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…
482 - Meal Prep from Your Garden with Crystal Schmidt, author of Freeze Fresh Meal Prep
Jul 28, 2026 · 34 min
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…
481 - Wasps and Bees: The Invisible Work These Insects Do in Your Garden
Ep 481 · Jul 21, 2026 · 40 min
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…
480 - Yellow Leaves, Bugs, and No Fruit: What to Do in the Mid-Summer Garden
Ep 480 · Jul 14, 2026 · 30 min
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 h…
479 - Fall Garden: 3 Simple Steps to Start Now
Ep 479 · Jul 7, 2026 · 19 min
Summer gardening can leave you feeling worn out, but your best harvest may still be ahead. If you've been wondering whether a fall garden is worth the effort, this episode will help you start planning without feeling overwhelmed. Learn three simple decisions you can make now to prepare for a productive fall vegetable garden, including which crops to grow, when to start seeds, and how to get your garden space ready before planting season begins. Free Download: Celery Growing Guide Want to grow fr…
478 - Summer Watering: What Your Garden Actually Needs
Ep 478 · Jun 30, 2026 · 33 min
Struggling to know how much to water your vegetable garden during summer? You're not alone. Learn how to water raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens with confidence so your plants stay healthy and productive all season long. Free Download: Raised Bed Soil Options Stop guessing what to put in your raised beds. Download Raised Bed Soil Options to learn proven soil mixes that help your beds retain moisture while growing healthy plants. https://journeywithjill.net/raised-bed-soil Summer wat…
477 - What to Plant in June and July
Ep 477 · Jun 23, 2026 · 31 min
Struggling with empty garden beds after harvesting spring crops? Wondering what to plant in June and July without wasting valuable garden space? In this episode, you'll learn which vegetables, herbs, and flowers thrive in summer heat so you can keep harvesting, suppress weeds, and make the most of your garden all season long. Whether you're looking for heat-loving crops, succession planting ideas, or simple ways to fill empty beds, you'll walk away with practical options you can plant right now.…
Questions My Garden Visitors Asked (and My Honest Answers)
Ep 476 · Jun 16, 2026 · 44 min
A bus full of seasoned gardeners showed up to tour my garden, and the questions they asked were so good I wrote every one down. How close is too close when you plant? Why is the garlic browning early? What do you do about squash vine borers? This episode walks through the real questions from that visit, with practical answers on companion planting, succession planting, tomato blight, and growing celery in a hot, humid climate. If you've ever looked at your own beds and wondered whether you're do…
475 - The Problem with Sevin Dust
Ep 475 · Jun 9, 2026 · 29 min
Struggling with garden pests and wondering if Sevin Dust is the answer? Before you reach for this popular insecticide, it's important to understand what it does to pests, pollinators, and your garden ecosystem. In this episode, you'll learn the truth about Sevin Dust, carbaryl, organic pest control, and safer ways to manage garden insects. Free Download: Companion Planting for Pest Control Discover which plant pairings naturally help keep harmful insects away from your crops. http://journeywithj…
474 - How to use what you're growing for extra income with Luke Hammond
Ep 474 · Jun 2, 2026 · 50 min
Struggling with rising grocery prices while your garden overproduces? In this episode, you'll learn practical ways to turn extra vegetables into extra income without becoming a full-time farmer. We cover backyard garden side hustles, CSA boxes, value-added products, and high-value crops for small-space gardeners. Dirt Academy Kids: https://www.dirtacademykids.com/JWJLearn how to garden alongside your kids with step-by-step lessons and hands-on activities designed for families and homeschoolers.…
473 - What the Spring Garden Taught Me This Year
Ep 473 · May 26, 2026 · 37 min
Struggling with cabbage worms, bolting brassicas, or disappointing cauliflower heads? In this episode, you'll learn practical spring garden lessons from my own Zone 8a garden experience. I'm sharing what worked with cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, onions, and companion planting so you can grow stronger cool-season crops next spring with more confidence. Free Download: Broccoli, Cauliflower & Cabbage Quick-Start Growing Guide Learn how to grow productive brassicas with better timing, pest protect…
472 - Cooking Your Harvest: Simple Secrets from a Disney Chef at EPCOT
Ep 472 · May 19, 2026 · 21 min
_*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> You grew it. Now how do you make it taste as good as it possibly can? A conversation with a working chef changes the way you think about what's already in your garden. This episode covers cooking techniques for tomatoes, corn, herbs, and more — with practical, doable advice for home gardeners. Free Download: Herbs Quick Reference Chart A handy cheat sheet for growing and using your favorite kitchen herbs. http://journeywithjill.net/herbchart 🌿 Live Workshop — Everyday Kitche…
471 - Herbs All Season: How I Use My Garden Herbs Year Round — Fresh, Dried, and Blended
Ep 471 · May 12, 2026 · 41 min
_*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> You spent the money on herbs. You watched them grow. Now what? _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> There's a whole season of flavor sitting in your garden, and most of it never makes it to your kitchen. This episode walks you through how to actually use what you grow — fresh, dried, frozen, and blended — from the first oregano harvest in spring all the way through cilantro in winter. _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> Free Download: Herbs Quick Reference Chart A handy cheat sheet for growing and using your…
470 - Planting Day: Peppers – when to plant, what to know, and exactly what to do step by step
Ep 470 · May 5, 2026 · 41 min
You've been waiting all spring to get those peppers in the ground. But planting day isn't just about digging a hole and dropping them in — and this year, I learned some things I didn't expect. In this episode, I'm sharing my full pepper planting day guide, including what I had to research when my plants were ready before my garden was. Keywords: planting peppers, pepper transplants, chilling injury peppers. Free Download: Tomato Quick-Start Growing Guide Growing peppers usually means you're grow…
469 - Cucumbers: How to Choose, Plant, and Harvest All Season Long
Ep 469 · Apr 28, 2026 · 44 min
Struggling to grow healthy cucumbers that actually produce? You're not alone—cucumbers can be tricky if you don't get a few key things right. In this episode, you'll learn how to grow cucumbers successfully with simple, practical tips you can use right away. Whether you're growing in raised beds, containers, or small spaces, this will help you get a better harvest. Cucumbers are one of the most rewarding crops to grow, but they can also be frustrating when plants struggle, stop producing, or tak…
468 - Pollinators: Are They Telling You Something About Your Garden? — with Disney Conservation Scientist Morgan Belle
Ep 468 · Apr 21, 2026 · 32 min
Struggling with pests or poor pollination in your garden? Wondering how to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects naturally? In this episode, you'll learn simple, practical ways to support pollinators and grow a healthier vegetable garden. I'm coming to you from Disney World's Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, where I had the chance to talk with entomologist Morgan Bell at Butterfly Landing. She shares how pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even wasps play a vital role in you…
467 - Planting Day: Tomatoes – when to plant and exactly what to do step by step
Ep 467 · Apr 14, 2026 · 43 min
Struggling to know when to plant tomatoes without risking frost? Wondering how deep to plant or what actually matters on planting day? In this episode, you'll learn a step-by-step tomato planting process so you can start strong and grow a healthy harvest. Tomato planting day can feel exciting… and a little uncertain. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how I decide when it's safe to plant, how I prep my planting holes, and what I do right after planting to give my tomatoes the best start…
466 - Soil: What to Do Before You Plant Anything
Ep 466 · Apr 7, 2026 · 37 min
Struggling to figure out what your garden soil actually needs? Confused by compost, topsoil, and raised bed mixes? In this episode, you'll learn simple, practical soil basics to grow healthier plants and improve your garden naturally. Dream to Garden (Now Open!) My step-by-step garden planning course with optional monthly coaching calls to help you plan and grow with confidence. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/dreamtogarden Key Takeaways Understand the difference between topsoil, compost, and rai…
465 - Companion Planting While You're Actually Planting Your Garden
Mar 31, 2026 · 32 min
Feeling unsure about companion planting when you're actually standing in your garden? You're not alone. It's one thing to read charts, but another to decide what goes where in real time. In this episode, you'll learn how companion planting really works, including spacing, timing, and practical garden layout strategies that make sense. Free download: Companion Planting for Pest Control A simple, practical guide to pairing plants that help naturally reduce pests. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/comp…
464 - Planting Day: Potatoes – how to plant and what to expect as they grow underground
Ep 464 · Mar 24, 2026 · 40 min
Struggling with poor potato harvests or slow growth? You're not alone. In this episode, you'll learn how to plant potatoes step-by-step for stronger plants and better yields. From choosing seed potatoes to soil prep and spacing, this potato planting guide will set you up for success. Potatoes are one of the most rewarding crops you can grow, but planting them correctly makes all the difference. In this episode, I walk you through exactly what to do before planting day, including how to choose th…
463 - Planting Day: Carrots - how to plant and what to expect the first few weeks
Ep 463 · Mar 17, 2026 · 41 min
Struggling to get carrot seeds to sprout or size up well? In this episode, you'll learn how to plant carrots with better timing, spacing, watering, and thinning so they grow straight, sweet, and strong. If carrot germination has felt unpredictable, this step-by-step planting guide will help you start with confidence. Carrots can feel simple until you plant them and wait... and wait... and still see bare soil. In today's Planting Day episode, I'm walking you through exactly what to do before and…
462 - How Early Is Too Early? Planting Cool-Season Crops With Confidence
Ep 462 · Mar 10, 2026 · 34 min
Spring weather can make planting decisions confusing. Should you plant your cool season crops now, or wait a little longer? In this episode, you'll learn how to decide the best time to plant lettuce, broccoli, carrots, peas, and other cool season crops with confidence. If you've ever worried about planting too early or too late, this practical guide will help you read the signals your garden is giving you. free download: Garden Cheat Sheet New to edible gardening or restarting after a break? Dow…
461 - Seedlings Not Growing? Why Mine Stalled (and the Fix)
Ep 461 · Mar 3, 2026 · 30 min
Struggling with indoor seed starting because your seedlings stopped growing? Are they stuck with only seed leaves, turning yellow, or just frozen in time? In this episode, I share how a simple seed starting mix mistake stalled my broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce—and exactly how I fixed it. Free download: Seed Starting Troubleshooting Guide Clear, simple fixes for common indoor seed starting problems. Download it here → http://journeywithjill.net/seed-starting-troubleshooting-guide After 13 years o…
460 - How to Grow Better Potatoes: What Matters Most (and What Doesn't) with Jim & Caleb Gerritsen of Wood Prairie Family Farm
Ep 460 · Feb 24, 2026 · 51 min
Struggling to get a big potato harvest, especially in heat or grow bags? In this episode, Jim and Caleb from Wood Prairie Family Farm break down what actually matters for growing potatoes successfully. You'll learn practical potato growing tips for choosing seed, watering, fall planting, and avoiding common beginner mistakes. If you've ever felt unsure about which potatoes to plant, how to store them, or why your yields were disappointing, this conversation will clear it up. We talk certified se…
459 - Can You Trust AI With Your Garden? How to Avoid Bad Advice
Ep 459 · Feb 17, 2026 · 35 min
Struggling to know whether you can trust AI for garden planning? Wondering if ChatGPT can actually help you grow better vegetables—or if it might quietly steer you wrong? In this episode, we talk through the real benefits and real risks of using AI in your vegetable garden. Dream to Garden – Plan your garden faster with AI tools without giving up your own judgment. Learn the why behind your planting decisions and get step-by-step guidance plus custom GPT support. 👉 Learn more here: https://jour…
458 - One Garden Bed, Three Seasons: How the Planning Actually Works
Ep 458 · Feb 10, 2026 · 25 min
Most gardens get planted once and then limp along until frost. But what if one garden bed could give you three strong harvests in a single season? In this episode, you'll learn how simple succession planting can help you grow more food without adding more space. Free Training: Productive Garden Masterclass Learn how to plan your garden so beds stay productive all season long, without overwhelm. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/masterclass Key Takeaways How to plan three-season successions before t…
457 -Companion Planting Starts in the...Kitchen?
Ep 457 · Feb 3, 2026 · 35 min
Companion planting can feel confusing fast. Charts, rules, and exceptions make it hard to know what really works. But what if you already understand companion planting better than you think? The foods you naturally cook together often grow well together, too. In this episode, I share a simple way to think about companion planting by looking at familiar kitchen pairings. Tomatoes and basil. Onions and peppers. Carrots and celery. When you connect what belongs together on your plate with what thri…
456 - Endless Spring Salads: How to Plan Now
Jan 27, 2026 · 32 min
Struggling with lettuce that bolts, turns bitter, or barely grows? You're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I walk you through how to grow salad greens for months using the right varieties, timing, and planting rhythm. If growing your own salad greens has felt confusing or inconsistent, this episode will help you simplify the process. I break down the difference between lettuces and brassica greens, explain when to direct sow vs. start seeds indoors, and show you ho…
455 - The Truth About Seed Starting Mixes with JoeGardener (and Why So Many Fail)
Ep 455 · Jan 20, 2026 · 45 min
Struggling with seed starting failures even when you follow the rules? It might not be your lights, watering, or timing. In this episode, we break down seed starting mix and why the wrong soil can sabotage seedlings before they ever get going. I'm joined by Joe Lamp'l, and we're digging into peat-based mixes, coconut coir problems, wetting agents, and the simple moisture mistakes most gardeners make indoors. Free Download: Seed Starting Guide Confident seed starting without the guesswork—what to…
← Back to the show
