The Messed Up Gardener

Esther William (Aitken)
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  • HOME & GARDEN

Hello and Welcome to The Messed Up Gardener. This podcast covers all areas of gardening from a beginner, intermediate to advanced level. It covers gardening on any budget, any space, any place. There are no rules when it comes to me, and my gardens and I do it messy. There is nothing more fun than getting your hands dirty and creating that space that gives you joy and abundance. This podcast will give tips, tricks, hacks and methodology’s to make any space work from the tiny indoor garden to the rolling meadows with even a dash of bees and hydroponics thrown in. I have been a horticulturist for as long as I can remember and in the industry since I was 15 so that’s nearly 30 years of hands on gardening experience. I am really looking forward to being on this journey & doing it messy with you. 

  1. Ep 167: Why Sustainable Gardens Get Easier Every Year (And Why Some Get Harder)

    2D AGO

    Ep 167: Why Sustainable Gardens Get Easier Every Year (And Why Some Get Harder)

    Some gardens get easier every year. Others quietly get harder — and you start feeling like you’re slogging through the chores just to keep up. In this episode, Esther resets the idea of “sustainable gardening” and breaks it down as something much simpler: strategy. Not perfection. Not ideology. Not expensive products. You’ll learn how sustainable gardens get easier over time by managing five core flows. Plus: why small-space gardeners can be sustainable, how to reduce “rescue gardening,” and the quiet money truth behind systems that compound. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions. And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open. 📩 Reach out here: themessedupgardener@gmail.com Until next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿 🐝Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything! Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s gourmet Or Grab  ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.    Freebies: Grab the  -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden  -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA -         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

    28 min
  2. Ep 166: The Hidden Mistake Most Gardeners Don’t Even Realize They’re Making

    FEB 28

    Ep 166: The Hidden Mistake Most Gardeners Don’t Even Realize They’re Making

    Why Strategic Gardening Always Beats Reactive Gardening Sometimes the most damaging thing you can do in a garden… is intervene too quickly. In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther unpacks the hidden mistake most gardeners don’t even realize they’re making — reacting to symptoms instead of strengthening systems. We explore: • The difference between reactive and strategic gardening  • Why plants respond better to stability than overcorrection  • The biology of “stress stacking” (and how to avoid it)  • How strategic decisions build long-term resilience  • Five practical shifts to move from panic-fixing to calm preparation  • Why autumn is the perfect season to think strategically If your garden has ever felt exhausting, unpredictable, or harder than it should be — this episode will change the way you think about every droop, yellow leaf, and seasonal shift. Because strategic gardening isn’t about doing more. It’s about reacting less — and preparing better. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions. And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open. 📩 Reach out here: themessedupgardener@gmail.com Until next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿 🐝Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything! Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Gourmet  Or Grab  ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.    Freebies: Grab the  -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden  -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA -         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

    22 min
  3. Ep 165: Autumn Is Where Smart Gardens Win - What to Do Before It Gets Cold

    FEB 21

    Ep 165: Autumn Is Where Smart Gardens Win - What to Do Before It Gets Cold

    Autumn isn’t the end of the season — it’s leverage season. In this episode, Esther breaks down how smart gardeners prepare before the cold really hits. You’ll learn the key mindset shift for autumn, the five strategic moves that set your garden up for winter success, and the common mistakes that quietly create stress later. No hype. No overwhelm. Just steady, practical preparation. Because winter doesn’t defeat gardeners — winter reveals preparation. 🌿 If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions. And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open. 📩 Reach out here: themessedupgardener@gmail.com Until next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿 🐝Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything! Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms  Or Grab  ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.    Freebies: Grab the  -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden  -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA -         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

    23 min
  4. EP 164: Transplant Shock Isn’t About Transplanting — Here’s A low-stress system for seedlings that flop after planting out

    FEB 14

    EP 164: Transplant Shock Isn’t About Transplanting — Here’s A low-stress system for seedlings that flop after planting out

    Have you ever planted out a seedling, stood back proud… then come out the next morning to find it flopped over like it’s regretting all its life choices? 😅 In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, we’re breaking down “transplant shock” in a way that actually makes it feel manageable — because most of the time, it’s not about you doing something wrong… it’s about your plant adjusting to a sudden environmental reset. You’ll learn how to tell the difference between normal transplant stress and real damage, plus a calm, layered plan that stabilises seedlings without turning you into an exhausted full-time plant nurse. This episode is designed to lower the panic, reduce seedling losses, and help you respond calmly instead of escalating into “water it again and hope” mode. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions. And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open. 📩 Reach out here: themessedupgardener@gmail.com Until next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿 🐝 Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything! Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms  Or Grab  ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.    Freebies: Grab the  -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden  -         https://stan.store/EstherA  -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now  Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

    21 min
  5. Ep 163: Slugs & Snails Are Back — Here’s the Calm Plan That Actually Works

    FEB 7

    Ep 163: Slugs & Snails Are Back — Here’s the Calm Plan That Actually Works

    Ep 163: Slugs & Snails Are Back — Here’s the Calm Plan That Actually Works A targeted, low-tox slug strategy for seedlings and soft growth Slugs are back — and if you’ve walked outside to find seedlings chewed overnight, this episode is for you. In this calm, practical mini-masterclass, Esther breaks down a low-stress, realistic approach to managing slugs and snails without turning your garden into a chemical zone or exhausting yourself trying to “fix everything.” This episode isn’t about eradicating slugs.  It’s about protecting what matters most, using a layered plan that works with plant biology — not against it. If slug damage has been making your garden feel like a nightly loss, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and move forward with confidence.   If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions. And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open. 📩 Reach out here: themessedupgardener@gmail.com Until next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿 🐝Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything! Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms  Or Grab  ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.    Freebies: Grab the  -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden  -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA -         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

    22 min
  6. Episode 162: Tabletop Veg Is the 2026 Trend — Here’s How to Actually Make It Work - Tiny pots, real harvests, and the few things that matter

    JAN 31

    Episode 162: Tabletop Veg Is the 2026 Trend — Here’s How to Actually Make It Work - Tiny pots, real harvests, and the few things that matter

    Growing food is changing — and this episode explains why tabletop veg is having a real moment, not just a social media one. In Episode 162 of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther Williams breaks down how growing edible plants at waist height — on tables, benches, decks, balconies, and patios — is becoming one of the most practical, accessible ways to grow food in 2026 and beyond. This episode is calm, practical, and designed for real life. No hype. No pressure. Just clear guidance for anyone who wants to grow food in a small space, with limited time or energy. Whether you’re gardening on a balcony, a patio, a deck, or just outside your kitchen door, this episode will help you grow food in a way that feels doable — and sustainable. ✨ Because a tabletop garden counts. 🎧 Listen now and start small, keep it close, and let it be enough. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions. And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open. 📩 Reach out here: themessedupgardener@gmail.com Until next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿 🐝Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything! Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms  Or Grab  ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.    Freebies: Grab the  -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden  -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA -         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

    26 min
  7. Ep 161: Most Gardening Advice Sounds Helpful — Here’s What Actually Is 5 myths, 5 truths, and the things that make a real difference

    JAN 24

    Ep 161: Most Gardening Advice Sounds Helpful — Here’s What Actually Is 5 myths, 5 truths, and the things that make a real difference

    5 myths, 5 truths, and the things that make a real difference Gardening advice is everywhere — and a lot of it sounds helpful. But for many gardeners, it quietly creates more pressure than progress. In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther slows things right down. After a week shaped by extreme weather, disrupted travel, and a reminder of how quickly conditions can change, this episode becomes a steady, grounding pause — not a push to do more. This is a calm, supportive reality check for tired gardeners who care deeply but don’t always have the energy for perfect systems or constant momentum. You don’t need to take notes.  You don’t need to apply this perfectly.  Just listen, notice what feels relieving, and let the rest go. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions. And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open. 📩 Reach out here: themessedupgardener@gmail.com Until next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿 🐝Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything! Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms  Or Grab  ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.    Freebies: Grab the  -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden  -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA -         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

    24 min
  8. Ep 160: What to Plant in January: Back to Basics — The Most Reliable Plants for This Month, Wherever You Live

    JAN 17

    Ep 160: What to Plant in January: Back to Basics — The Most Reliable Plants for This Month, Wherever You Live

    January gardening can feel deceptively simple… and strangely exhausting. Whether you’re dealing with peak summer heat in the Southern Hemisphere or deep winter planning in the Northern Hemisphere, this episode is a calm, practical reset for tired gardeners who want clarity without pressure. In this episode, Esther walks you through seven reliable plants you can plant in January, no matter where you live — plus how to choose what actually fits your energy, space, and season right now. This isn’t about doing everything.  It’s about choosing one or two things that work with January, not against it. If your energy is low, the weather feels extreme, or your motivation is a bit wobbly — this episode is your permission slip to simplify, stabilise, and keep going. 🎧 Perfect for gardeners who want progress without pressure. And until next time, remember:  Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌱  Have an abundant week — I’ll buzz you later. 🐝 Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms  Or Grab  ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.    Freebies: Grab the  -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden  -         https://stan.store/EstherA  -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA -         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

    26 min
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About

Hello and Welcome to The Messed Up Gardener. This podcast covers all areas of gardening from a beginner, intermediate to advanced level. It covers gardening on any budget, any space, any place. There are no rules when it comes to me, and my gardens and I do it messy. There is nothing more fun than getting your hands dirty and creating that space that gives you joy and abundance. This podcast will give tips, tricks, hacks and methodology’s to make any space work from the tiny indoor garden to the rolling meadows with even a dash of bees and hydroponics thrown in. I have been a horticulturist for as long as I can remember and in the industry since I was 15 so that’s nearly 30 years of hands on gardening experience. I am really looking forward to being on this journey & doing it messy with you. 

Information

  • Creator
    Esther William (Aitken)
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    182
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Messed Up Gardener
  • Show Website
    The Messed Up Gardener