Very Good Gardening

Christen McCoy
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Very Good Gardening is for all of the gardeners, whether beginner or experienced. Christen McCoy talks all things gardening and shares her experiences with successes and failures.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 12 - Prepping for the Spring Garden

    Episode 12 is all about prepping for the garden and setting yourself up for a smooth, productive growing season. In this episode, I’m walking through exactly what I’m doing right now to get ready for spring. We’re talking about planning layouts, checking seed inventory, starting seeds on schedule, refreshing soil, organizing supplies, and making sure your garden systems are ready before things get busy. Whether you’re growing in raised beds, in-ground rows, containers, or a greenhouse, this episode will help you feel prepared instead of overwhelmed. If you want to support the channel, shop my garden-inspired merch on Fourthwall. Every purchase helps me keep creating free gardening content for you. And if you love my harvest-to-table meals and want all of my recipes in one place, head over to BonusView. I have a free preview video there so you can see what it’s all about. Thanks for listening and as always go grow something Very Good.

    23 min

  2. FEB 15

    Episode 11 - Herbs

    In this episode, I’m talking all about herbs and how they can completely transform your garden and your kitchen. We’re diving into perennial versus annual herbs, which ones are worth planting once and enjoying for years, and which ones I replant every season. I’m sharing how I start my herbs from seed, which varieties I choose and why, and how herbs can support pollinators while also filling your harvest basket. We’ll also talk about preserving herbs so nothing goes to waste. From drying and freezing to making herb blends you will actually use, I’m walking through simple ways to make your garden work for you all year long. And of course, I’m sharing my favorite basil varieties and how I use them in everyday cooking. If you want to grab some fun garden themed merch, check out my Fourthwall shop linked in the show notes. And if you love my harvest to table meals and want all the recipes in one place, head to my Bonus View page where you can watch a free preview video and see what it’s all about. Thanks for listening to Very Good Gardening. As always, keep growing and keep it Very Good.

    27 min

  3. FEB 8

    Episode 10 - Garden Mistakes I Still Make

    This is the tenth episode of the podcast, and today I’m talking all about gardening mistakes. Not the dramatic, garden-ending kind, but the very real, very common mistakes that almost every gardener makes at some point, including me. From planting things too early, to overwatering, to growing crops you don’t actually like to eat, I’m walking through the lessons that only come from doing this year after year. These are the mistakes that taught me how to garden smarter, waste less time, and enjoy the process a whole lot more. If you’re a beginner gardener, this episode will help you avoid some common frustrations. And if you’ve been gardening for a while, chances are you’ll recognize a few of these and maybe feel a little less alone in them. If you enjoy garden-to-table cooking and want to see how I use what I grow in real meals, all of my full recipes and bonus content live on my BonusView page. https://bonusview.com/verygoodgardening And if you’re looking for gardening merch or want to support my work, you can find everything on my Fourthwall. https://verygoodgardening-shop.fourthwall.com Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode. Until then, go grow something very good.

    28 min

  4. FEB 1

    Episode 9 - Seed Starting

    Seed starting can feel overwhelming, especially when every chart and calendar seems to say something different. In this episode, I walk through exactly how I approach seed starting at home and what actually matters for beginner gardeners. I share what I have already started, including onions and brassicas, what I start later like peppers and tomatoes, and how I decide which herbs and flowers get an early start and which ones can wait. We talk about timing, space, light, and realistic expectations so you can grow strong seedlings without burning yourself out or buying unnecessary supplies. This episode is focused on practical, real world seed starting for home gardeners who just want healthy plants and a productive garden. If you want to support the podcast, check out my Fourthwall shop for gardening related items and merch. For full garden to table recipes, extended content, and behind the scenes access, you can find me on BonusView. https://verygoodgardening-shop.fourthwall.com https://bonusview.com/verygoodgardening

    27 min

  5. JAN 25

    Episode 8 - Preserves in Winter

    This episode describes all of the way I use my garden preserves during the winter. From canning to freezing to dehydrating, I use a variety of ways to make sure my garden harvests last throughout the year. If you'd like to support the podcast, visit my fourthwall shop for some fun garden merch: https://verygoodgardening-shop.fourthwall.com

    16 min

  6. JAN 19

    Episode 7 - How Much To Plant

    *I recorded this episode back in the beginning of December. You may hear references to Thanksgiving and the holidays and that would be why. New updated episodes will be coming out next weekend* This episode walks you through how to figure out how much to plant in order to get the yields you desire. At this point in my gardening journey I use trial and error but if you're a new gardener, you don't have the privilege of knowledge and experience. I explain my thought process and in the end of the episode I give you my estimates of what I think you should grow if you're looking to have your harvests last you throughout the year. My Fourthwall shop is here: https://verygoodgardening-shop.fourthwall.com

    22 min

  7. JAN 4

    Episode 6 - Onions

    This episode is a true deep dive into the humble onion. I talk about what kind of onion to plant, when to plant, how to plant, and how to harvest once you've been successful. I also get into myths and history surrounding the onion. This episode was recorded before the holidays so you may hear some mention of "the upcoming holidays" but you can always purchase garden merch here: https://verygoodgardening-shop.fourthwall.com And visit my substack here: https://substack.com/@verygoodgardening?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

    22 min
  8. Episode 5 - Cold Weather Gardening

    11/30/2025

    Episode 5 - Cold Weather Gardening

    Cold Weather Gardening: What You CAN Grow When It’s Freezing In this week’s episode, we’re diving into one of my favorite topics, cold-weather gardening. Whether you’re working with a greenhouse, cold frames, or just a few containers up against the house, winter doesn’t have to mean the end of fresh produce. I’ll walk you through my own winter garden setup here in Maryland (zone 7b), the crops that thrive in the cold, how I protect my beds from sudden temperature drops, and the small, strategic changes that make a huge difference in winter harvests. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow lettuce in January or harvest carrots in February this episode is for you. Stay connected: Substack newsletter (weekly tips + behind-the-scenes): https://verygoodgardening.substack.com VeryGoodGardening Fourthwall shop: https://verygoodgardening.fourthwall.com Thanks for listening, and happy winter gardening!

    15 min
  9. Episode 4 - Garlic!

    11/23/2025

    Episode 4 - Garlic!

    In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most rewarding crops you can grow: garlic. Whether you're planting your very first clove or you’ve been growing for years, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about Garlic, from choosing the right varieties for your climate to prepping the soil, spacing your cloves, preventing common problems, and harvesting at the perfect time. I also share how I’m growing garlic in my own Maryland Zone 7b garden and the simple steps you can follow to get a “very good” garlic harvest of your own. Stick around for beginner tips, real-life lessons from my fall garden, and easy ways to boost your success no matter the size of your growing space. CONNECT WITH ME Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A6nfZhirs/?mibextid=wwXlfr Fourthwall Shop: https://verygoodgardening.fourthwall.com Substack Newsletter: https://verygoodgardening.substack.com

    12 min

  10. 11/16/2025

    All About Pollinators! Very Good Gardening Podcast Ep. 3

    Discover why pollinators are one of the most important parts of a successful garden. In this episode of the Very Good Gardening Podcast, I talk about bees, butterflies, hoverflies, hummingbirds, and all the tiny workers that keep your garden alive. I also share how I went from being scared of bees as a kid to respecting them as essential partners in my garden. You will learn the best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to plant for pollinators, how to design your garden to attract them, and what you can do in the fall and winter to prepare for a pollinator friendly spring. If you want healthier plants and bigger harvests, this episode will help you build a garden that buzzes with life. Topics covered:• Why pollinators are important for your garden• Types of pollinators and how they help• Flowers that bees and butterflies love• Herbs and veggie flowers that bring in pollinators• How to arrange your garden for maximum pollinator activity• Fall and winter prep for next spring• My story about overcoming a fear of bees Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast. For weekly garden tips, behind the scenes notes, and seasonal guides, subscribe to my Substack newsletter:https://verygoodgardening.substack.com Check out my gardening shirts, totes, and merch on Fourthwall:https://verygoodgardening.fourthwall.com If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. It helps more gardeners find the show.

    14 min
  11. Episode 2 - All About Tomatoes

    11/09/2025

    Episode 2 - All About Tomatoes

    Today's episode of the Very Good Gardening Podcast is All About Tomatoes! Explore the queen on the summer garden from seed selection to harvest and beyond. In this episode I talk about my use of club soda. If you'd like to know a little more about how I use it in my garden, watch this video: https://www.tiktok.com/@verygoodgardening/video/7355235986403593515 If you'd like to purchase some gardening merch head to my Fourth Wall: https://verygoodgardening-shop.fourthwall.com And subscribe to my SubStack here for more detailed gardening content: https://verygoodgardening.substack.com

    22 min

  12. 11/02/2025

    Start A Garden Now - The Five Things You Need To Know Before Starting A Garden

    Christen McCoy from VeryGoodGardening explores the five things a beginner gardener should know before starting a garden. This is the first podcast episode ever produced by Christen and she has learned a lot! The next episode should be much more polished!

    18 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Very Good Gardening is for all of the gardeners, whether beginner or experienced. Christen McCoy talks all things gardening and shares her experiences with successes and failures.

Information

  • Creator
    Christen McCoy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Christen McCoy
  • Show Website
    Very Good Gardening