The Compost Pile | Gardening & Homesteading

David Pool - Homestead & Organic Gardening Enthusiast
  • 5.0 (2)
  • HOME & GARDEN

The Compost Pile | Gardening & Homesteading explores all things gardening, homesteading, and organic gardening. Your Hosts, David Pool & Aaron Barnhill, will dive into pollinators, practical fundamentals, tips for success, and more. David Pool has over 20 years in the green industry and helps people daily solving all types of gardening, landscape, lawn, and homestead issues. Aaron Barnhill is a seasoned cook and resident "newer" gardener, bringing up all the questions that David is used to and challenging him to learn even more with things he doesn't know. Join us on this adventure of all things gardening and more on The Compost Pile!

  1. How to Prepare Your Garden for Spring in Zone 9 | Soil, Compost & What to Plant Now

    1D AGO

    How to Prepare Your Garden for Spring in Zone 9 | Soil, Compost & What to Plant Now

    Spring is coming fast — is your garden ready? In this episode of The Compost Pile, hosts David Pool (Mid County Farm & Feed) and Aaron Barnhill break down exactly how to prepare your garden for spring in Zone 9 and other warm climates. From raised bed maintenance and soil preparation to compost, fertilizer timing, and crop planning, this episode walks you step-by-step through building a strong foundation for a successful growing season. We cover: • How to assess and repair raised beds • Why you should leave old root systems in place • The truth about tilling vs. no-till gardening • How to improve soil structure with compost • When to fertilize (and why organic slow-release matters) • What to plant now — tomatoes, peppers, and early spring crops • Why cucumbers and eggplant may need to wait • The importance of crop rotation and garden journaling • Planning for pollinators, flowers, and biodiversity • How to maximize limited garden space If you garden in USDA Zone 9 or the Gulf Coast, this episode is packed with practical advice for navigating cool, warm, and hot growing seasons. Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned homesteader, proper spring garden prep can make or break your harvest. Get organized. Build better soil. Plan ahead. Grow smarter. #SpringGarden #Zone9Gardening #RaisedBedGardening #OrganicGardening #GardenPrep #Homesteading #Compost #Tomatoes #VegetableGarden #TheCompostPile

    36 min
  2. Myth or Method? Planting by the Moon & The Almanac

    6D AGO

    Myth or Method? Planting by the Moon & The Almanac

    Welcome to the very first episode of our new short series, Method or Myth? In this bite-sized episode of The Compost Pile, we dig into one of the most debated traditions in gardening history — the Farmer’s Almanac. Does planting by the moon actually work? Is there science behind moon phase gardening? And how accurate are long-range weather predictions for gardeners? We break down: The history of the Old Farmer's AlmanacMoon phase planting (above-ground vs. below-ground crops)Weather forecasting mythsTradition vs. science in gardeningWhy environmental factors like soil temperature and moisture matter moreWhether you're gardening in Zone 9a or anywhere else, understanding the difference between gardening folklore and proven growing principles can help you become more successful in your garden. Is planting by the moon myth… tradition… or something in between? Let’s talk about it. New short episodes drop weekly — covering old garden wisdom, myths, homesteading lore, and what actually works. #GardeningMyths #FarmersAlmanac #MoonPlanting #GardenTips #Homesteading #Zone9aGardening #TheCompostPile

    12 min
  3. Seeds Explained: Germination, Heirloom vs Hybrid Seeds, GMOs & Seed Saving

    FEB 10

    Seeds Explained: Germination, Heirloom vs Hybrid Seeds, GMOs & Seed Saving

    Seeds are the foundation of every successful garden—but not all seeds are created equal. In this episode of The Compost Pile, hosts David Pool and Aaron Barnhill break down everything you need to know about seeds, from germination basics to the differences between heirloom, hybrid, and GMO seeds. We cover why some plants don’t grow true from seed, how temperature and moisture affect germination success, why seed size doesn’t equal plant size, and how gardeners can dramatically improve seed starting results by controlling key variables like heat and watering. You’ll also learn why certain plants are grown from tubers or grafts instead of seed, how hybrid seeds are created, and why GMO seeds are often misunderstood. Whether you’re a beginner gardener, seed saver, or seasoned grower in Zone 9a and beyond, this episode will help you make better decisions when buying, storing, starting, and saving seeds. Topics covered: What seeds really need to germinate successfullyWhy some seeds fail and others thriveHeirloom vs hybrid vs GMO seeds explainedSaving seeds and understanding plant geneticsWhy potatoes, citrus, and apples aren’t grown true from seedCommon seed myths and misconceptionsPerfect for home gardeners, homesteaders, seed starters, and anyone curious about how plants reproduce and why seed choice matters. #SeedStarting #GardeningPodcast #HeirloomSeeds #HybridSeeds #GMOSeeds #SeedSaving #HomeGardening #Homesteading #GardenEducation #TheCompostPile

    39 min
  4. Growing Tomatoes in Zone 9a: Planning, Varieties & Early Planting Tips with Paul Lemoine

    FEB 4

    Growing Tomatoes in Zone 9a: Planning, Varieties & Early Planting Tips with Paul Lemoine

    In this episode of The Compost Pile, David sits down with Paul Lemoine to break down everything you need to know about planning and growing tomatoes in Southeast Texas (Zone 9a). From when to start tomato seeds and how early planting improves yields, to choosing between determinate vs indeterminate tomatoes, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice. Paul shares decades of experience growing tomatoes in hot, humid climates, including tips on variety selection, hybrids vs heirlooms, early frost protection, mulching, watering practices, disease prevention, and organic stink bug control. We also cover common tomato problems like blossom end rot, splitting, and poor fruit set in high heat, plus how raised beds and partial shade can dramatically improve success. Whether you’re starting tomatoes from seed, planting transplants, or trying to beat the Texas heat, this episode will help you grow healthier plants and better harvests this season. Don’t forget to subscribe for more gardening, homesteading, and Zone 9a-specific growing advice. #TheCompostPile #GrowingTomatoes #Zone9aGardening #TomatoTips #OrganicGardening

    47 min
  5. Rethinking the Garden: Why One Gardener Left Rows for Raised Beds w/ Paul Lemoine

    JAN 27

    Rethinking the Garden: Why One Gardener Left Rows for Raised Beds w/ Paul Lemoine

    In this episode of The Compost Pile, we sit down with fellow gardener Paul Lemoine to talk about his transition from traditional row gardening to raised beds. We break down the real-world pros and cons of both methods, drawing from hands-on experience rather than theory. We discuss how raised beds can improve drainage, maximize space, increase crop diversity, and make garden management more efficient—while also acknowledging where traditional row gardening still shines. If you’ve ever wondered whether raised beds are worth the investment, or if you’re deciding which method fits your space, soil, and goals best, this conversation will help you think through it with clarity and confidence.

    23 min
  6. Garden Struggles We All Face: A Q&A with Courtney Hale Revia 7 Oaks Event Garden

    JAN 20

    Garden Struggles We All Face: A Q&A with Courtney Hale Revia 7 Oaks Event Garden

    In this Q&A episode of The Compost Pile, David and guest Courtney Hale Revia dive into some of the most common topics in the garden and landscape world, especially as they relate to managing a homestead and event venue. They break down cut-flower growing strategies, including whether flowers are better supported with string systems or planted directly in the ground. The conversation also tackles the big question many gardeners ask: Can you truly garden organically in our area?—and what that realistically looks like when environmental factors are out of your control. You’ll also hear practical guidance on weed management, weighing weed barriers versus pre-emergent, along with honest pros and cons of each approach. David and Courtney discuss what “full sun” really means for plant placement, how heat impacts exposure, and why strategic shade can sometimes be a benefit. They wrap up with the lowdown on pine straw—how it functions as mulch, where it shines, and when it may (or may not) be the right choice. This episode is packed with real-world experience, thoughtful discussion, and practical takeaways for gardeners navigating similar challenges in the landscape and garden space

    25 min
  7. From Seed to Sprout: David Breaks Down Tomato & Pepper Seed Starting

    JAN 13

    From Seed to Sprout: David Breaks Down Tomato & Pepper Seed Starting

    n this solo episode, David breaks down the key fundamentals of starting tomato and pepper seeds successfully, whether you’re growing for a backyard garden, raised beds, or containers. We cover the most important building blocks for strong, healthy seedlings, including: Choosing the right containersSelecting a proper growing medium for seed startingHow and when to water without causing common issuesUnderstanding light requirements and why windowsills often fall shortThe role of heat in germination and early growthThis episode is designed to help gardeners avoid common seed-starting mistakes and build confidence heading into the growing season. Whether you’re brand new to seed starting or looking to refine your process, this walkthrough will set you up for success from day one. Perfect for gardeners in warm climates, beginners, and anyone wanting stronger transplants before planting outdoors.

    12 min
  8. Holding It Together: Plant Support Materials Explained (Trellises, Stakes, Cages & More)

    JAN 6

    Holding It Together: Plant Support Materials Explained (Trellises, Stakes, Cages & More)

    Plants want to grow—but they don’t always grow upright. In this episode of The Compost Pile, we break down everything you need to know about plant support materials and how choosing the right one can improve plant health, yields, and overall garden success. We cover the different types of plant supports—including stakes, cages, trellises, and DIY options—along with the materials they’re made from, how quality impacts longevity, and which supports work best for common garden crops. You’ll also learn when to install supports, how to avoid common mistakes, and how proper support improves airflow, disease resistance, and harvest efficiency—especially in Zone 9a gardens. Whether you’re growing tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, flowers, or vining crops, this episode will help you support your plants the right way from the ground up. Topics covered: Types of plant supports and what they’re best used for Comparing materials: metal, wood, bamboo, plastic, and more Quality vs. cost: what’s worth investing in. Practical advice, fewer broken plants, and better harvests—let’s talk plant support.

    23 min
See All (18)

Trailer

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Compost Pile | Gardening & Homesteading explores all things gardening, homesteading, and organic gardening. Your Hosts, David Pool & Aaron Barnhill, will dive into pollinators, practical fundamentals, tips for success, and more. David Pool has over 20 years in the green industry and helps people daily solving all types of gardening, landscape, lawn, and homestead issues. Aaron Barnhill is a seasoned cook and resident "newer" gardener, bringing up all the questions that David is used to and challenging him to learn even more with things he doesn't know. Join us on this adventure of all things gardening and more on The Compost Pile!

Information

You Might Also Like