The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

Jill McSheehy
  • 4.7 (817)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Beginner's Garden Podcast! This is the podcast with easy-to-understand resources, tips, and information to help beginning gardeners get the most out of their gardening adventure -- big or small. When I began gardening in 2013, I scoured books and Internet resources to find all the information I could. Although good information was abundant, I had trouble understanding all the gardening lingo and sifting through the information to figure out what would work for me. In this podcast, my aim is to provide helpful information while explaining the gardening lingo as we go. I want to equip YOU to have the best start ever this gardening season!

  1. 1d ago

    482 - Meal Prep from Your Garden with Crystal Schmidt, author of Freeze Fresh Meal Prep

    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 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.

  2. Jul 21

    481 - Wasps and Bees: The Invisible Work These Insects Do in Your Garden

    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.

  3. Jul 14

    480 - Yellow Leaves, Bugs, and No Fruit: What to Do in the Mid-Summer Garden

    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.

  4. Jul 7

    479 - Fall Garden: 3 Simple Steps to Start Now

    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 fresh celery for soups, Thanksgiving dressing, and winter meals? My free Celery Growing Guide walks you through how to successfully grow celery from seed through harvest. You'll also get access to additional growing guides for broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, carrots, and more. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/celery-guide Key Takeaways Decide which cool-season crops you'll actually enjoy eating this fall. Learn which vegetables should be direct sown and which need transplants. Know when to start fall transplants before it's too late. Plan ahead for garden space as summer crops finish producing. Prepare your soil and protect young plants for a healthier fall harvest. Chapters 00:00 – Free celery growing guide 01:00 – Why now is the perfect time to dream about fall 03:20 – Decide what to grow 06:10 – Direct sow or transplant? 08:30 – Should you buy or grow transplants? 10:20 – When to start seeds indoors 11:40 – Planning your garden space 15:05 – Making room for fall crops 16:35 – Refreshing your soil 17:25 – Using shade cloth for success 18:50 – Custom plans and fall workshop 21:10 – Final encouragement and resources Resource Links Free Celery Growing Guide Grow celery successfully from seed through harvest, plus receive additional crop-growing guides. https://journeywithjill.net/celery-guide Custom Fall Garden Plans Get a personalized planting plan designed specifically for your garden space and climate. https://journeywithjill.net/planmygarden Live Fall Garden Workshop Learn how to confidently plan, plant, and grow a productive fall garden. https://journeywithjill.net/fallworkshop Friday Emails (Newsletter) 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/ 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.

  5. Jun 30

    478 - Summer Watering: What Your Garden Actually Needs

    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 watering isn't as simple as following the "one inch per week" rule. In this episode, I'll explain why your garden's watering needs change throughout the season and how to tell when your plants actually need water. We'll cover raised beds, containers, grow bags, and in-ground gardens, along with practical ways to build a watering system that saves time while keeping your garden thriving. Self Watering Raised Bed Video: https://youtu.be/cVa5YmwprjU?si=9jG3iFqTqmSBicFm  Key Takeaways Learn why the one-inch-per-week rule is only a starting point. Understand how watering needs change for raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Use the finger test and moisture meter to water with confidence. Learn how to recognize underwatering versus overwatering. Discover irrigation systems that make summer watering easier. Chapters 00:00 – Why summer watering gets confusing 01:24 – Is one inch per week enough? 06:37 – Raised beds vs. containers 11:08 – The finger test explained 15:50 – Heat wilt or drought stress? 19:58 – Signs of overwatering 20:20 – Garden in Minutes watering system 24:00 – Best irrigation methods Resource Links Raised Bed Soil Options (Free) https://journeywithjill.net/raised-bed-soil Friday Emails 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/ Sponsor for This Episode Garden in Minutes Garden in Minutes makes watering raised beds simple with Garden Grids and their new programmable timer, designed specifically from gardener feedback. The timer features durable brass fittings, improved water flow, an easy rain-delay function, and simple programming. Use code Jill for 7% off your purchase. Affiliate Link: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes 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.

  6. Jun 23

    477 - What to Plant in June and July

    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. Free Download: The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault Grow more food with less overwhelm! Get complimentary access to a library of growing guides, charts, and resources to help you garden with clarity and confidence. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads Key Takeaways Discover heat-loving crops that thrive when temperatures rise. Learn how succession planting extends your harvest season. Find out which flowers can keep garden beds productive and beautiful. Use days-to-maturity and frost dates to make smarter planting decisions. Start preparing now for fall crops like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and celery. Chapters 00:00 – Why empty beds invite weeds 02:39 – What to plant now 05:25 – Understanding succession planting 06:08 – Heat-loving crops for summer 17:55 – Best succession planting options 20:37 – Second planting of tomatoes 24:59 – Fresh basil all season 26:24 – Summer flowers that thrive 29:06 – Calculate days to maturity 31:27 – Prepare for fall crops 32:05 – Free celery growing guide Resource Links Free Download: The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads Connect with Jill Friday Emails (Newsletter): 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. Complete Garden Planner Ready for a simple system to plan and track your season? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 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.

  7. Jun 16

    Questions My Garden Visitors Asked (and My Honest Answers)

    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 doing it right, this one's for you. Free Download: Beginner's Garden Resource Vault A growing library of free guides, cheat sheets, and planning tools to help you garden with less guesswork. → http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads Key Takeaways Companion planting can pack a bed full and cut your weeding to almost nothing. Celery and carrots make great neighbors — the celery helps pull excess moisture away. For early blight, prune low stems and learn to live with it instead of spraying. Beat squash vine borers by succession planting, not fighting each plant. A late-summer planting often escapes the pests that wreck your spring crops. Chapters 00:00 – Why I hosted a garden visit 03:30 – The bed that calmed my nerves 06:00 – Are these crops too close? 09:30 – Growing and harvesting celery 13:00 – Dealing with tomato blight 18:00 – Keeping tomatoes from taking over 22:00 – Early jalapenos and new varieties 25:00 – Seed starting vs. the greenhouse 30:00 – Why I grow nasturtium 35:00 – Keeping lettuce from bolting 38:00 – Why my garlic matured early 41:00 – My approach to squash vine borers 45:00 – Rabbits, squirrels, and what works Resources Mentioned in this Episode Lazy Gardener's Guide to Fungal Tomato Diseases → http://journeywithjill.net/lazy-gardeners-guide  Chicken Tunnel YouTube Video → https://youtu.be/K5RvpLZVQLw  Dream to Garden Garden Planning Course → http://journeywithjill.net/dreamtogarden  Products Mentioned in this Episode Garden in Minutes — The garden grids I used to lay out that peppers-celery-carrots bed, plus the tomato cage that's become my favorite. Code Jill for 7% off regular-priced items. → http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes Cross Country Nursery — Where my Marglobe and Jolene tomato plants came from, with a huge selection of pepper and tomato starts. Code JILL for 15% off. → http://www.chileplants.com/jill More brands I recommend and discount codes → https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/  More Free Downloads Beginner's Garden Resource Vault → http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads Companion Planting for Pest Control → http://journeywithjill.net/companion-planting-for-pest Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet → http://journeywithjill.net/garliccheatsheet Connect 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/ One simple system Ready for a simple system to plan and track? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. → https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ 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.

  8. Jun 9

    475 - The Problem with Sevin Dust

    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://journeywithjill.net/companion-planting-for-pest Key Takeaways Learn how Sevin Dust has changed over the years and why that matters. Understand the differences between carbaryl and the current Sevin Dust formulation. Discover the risks Sevin Dust poses to pollinators, beneficial insects, and soil life. Learn why many organic gardeners avoid broad-spectrum insecticides. Explore natural pest-control alternatives that work with your garden ecosystem. Chapters 00:00 – Why I finally talked about Sevin Dust 01:09 – The garden tour that sparked this episode 03:13 – Why I use diatomaceous earth instead 06:22 – What Sevin Dust actually is 09:30 – The surprising ingredient change 13:18 – How carbaryl kills insects 16:43 – Why it works so well 19:02 – Why some countries banned carbaryl 20:42 – Human health concerns explained 23:57 – Effects on bees and beneficial insects 26:12 – Why organic gardeners avoid it 28:40 – The new Sevin Dust formulation 31:00 – Natural vs. synthetic pyrethroids 33:32 – Does the new formula work better? 36:43 – Risks to pollinators and aquatic life 40:05 – Can organic gardeners use it? Related Podcast Episodes Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden with Jessica Walliser https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/235-attracting-beneficial-bugs-to-your-garden-with-jessica-walliser Plant Diseases, Critters, and Other Garden Problems with Susan Mulvihill, Author of The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/314-plant-diseases-critters-and-other-garden-problems-with-susan-mulvihill-author-of-the-vegetable-garden-problem-solver-handbook How to Minimize Pest Damage in an Organic Garden with Susan Mulvihill https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/196-how-to-minimize-pest-damage-in-an-organic-garden-susan-mulvihill Preparing for Pests https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/242-preparing-for-pests Resource Links Companion Planting for Pest Control (Free Download) http://journeywithjill.net/companion-planting-for-pest Good Bug Bad Bug ID Chart (Free Download) https://journeywithjill.net/goodandbadbugs Friday Emails (Newsletter) https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JourneywithJill Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden Podcast Archive https://journeywithjill.net/podcast Complete Garden Planner Plan and track your garden season with Jill's all-in-one 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.

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Welcome to the Beginner's Garden Podcast! This is the podcast with easy-to-understand resources, tips, and information to help beginning gardeners get the most out of their gardening adventure -- big or small. When I began gardening in 2013, I scoured books and Internet resources to find all the information I could. Although good information was abundant, I had trouble understanding all the gardening lingo and sifting through the information to figure out what would work for me. In this podcast, my aim is to provide helpful information while explaining the gardening lingo as we go. I want to equip YOU to have the best start ever this gardening season!

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