The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

Jill McSheehy
  • 4.7 (813)
  • 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

    474 - How to use what you're growing for extra income with Luke Hammond

    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/JWJ Learn how to garden alongside your kids with step-by-step lessons and hands-on activities designed for families and homeschoolers. Use promo code JWJ for a discount. If you've ever looked at your overflowing tomato plants or too many cucumbers and wondered if your garden could actually help pay for itself, this episode is for you. Market farmer Luke Hammond joins me to share realistic ways home gardeners can earn extra income from the space they already have. We talk through practical examples for small raised-bed gardens, easy ways to find buyers without committing to a farmers market, and how to think strategically about succession planting and high-value crops. Whether you want a simple side hustle or just enough to offset grocery costs, this conversation will help you think differently about your garden. Key Takeaways Learn how one raised bed can produce surprising value Discover simple ways to sell produce without a farmers market Find out which crops offer the best return in small spaces Understand how succession planting supports steady harvests Explore value-added products like pickles, herbs, and jams Chapters 00:00 – Can a backyard garden make money? 03:33 – What one raised bed can earn 07:27 – Growing lettuce through summer heat 10:28 – Best high-value garden crops 13:07 – Easy ways to sell extra produce 18:02 – Roadside stands and local sales 22:59 – Turning harvests into value-added products 29:57 – Balancing gardening with family life 34:20 – Starting small with a CSA 35:59 – Succession planting for steady harvests 39:33 – Best fall crops to sell 41:36 – First steps for beginner sellers 43:02 – Gardening with kids and Dirt Academy Kids Resource Links Fall Salad Garden Planning Calendar: http://journeywithjill.net/fallsaladgarden Friday Emails Newsletter: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup 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: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Dirt Academy Kids: https://dirtacademykids.com/ Seedtime Garden Planner: https://seedtime.us/ 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.

    50 min

  2. May 26

    473 - What the Spring Garden Taught Me This Year

    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 protection, and harvest success. http://journeywithjill.net/broccoli-guide Key Takeaways Learn how different cauliflower varieties performed in spring heat Discover which cabbage varieties were most productive and flavorful Hear what helped reduce cabbage worm pressure naturally Learn how crimson clover worked as a companion planting mulch Understand how late freezes affected cool-season crops Chapters 00:00 – Spring garden reflections 02:15 – Why cauliflower intimidated me 06:45 – Choosing better cauliflower varieties 09:05 – How to blanch cauliflower heads 13:20 – Preventing cabbage worm damage 15:10 – Comparing cabbage varieties 20:10 – Testing crimson clover with broccoli 24:40 – Lessons from a late freeze 26:00 – Growing onions through winter Resources *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:e13474f9-4615-4b8a-baa3-df96528a99e2-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:e13474f9-4615-4b8a-baa3-df96528a99e2-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Herb Workshop (grab the replay here): http://journeywithjill.net/herb-workshop  Broccoli, Cauliflower & Cabbage Quick-Start Growing Guide (free): http://journeywithjill.net/broccoli-guide Companion Planting for Pest Control (free): http://journeywithjill.net/companion-planting-for-pest Good Bug Bad Bug ID Chart (free): https://journeywithjill.net/goodandbadbugs Friday Emails (newsletter): 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/ Link to cauliflower recipe: https://alexandracooks.com/2018/03/06/roasted-cauliflower-skhug-lemony-yogurt-sauce/ Sale Information: Garden in Minutes Sale: https://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes  Epic Gardening Memorial Day Sale: https://shop.epicgardening.com/JOURNEYWITHJILL  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.

    37 min

  3. May 19

    472 - Cooking Your Harvest: Simple Secrets from a Disney Chef at EPCOT

    _*]: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 Kitchen Herbs (Tuesday, May 19th) Join Jill live in her garden as she walks you through 12 kitchen herbs — growing, harvesting, and using each one. You can ask questions in the chat in real time. Register here → https://journeywithjill.net/herb-workshop  Key Takeaways: Brining corn overnight in a salt-and-sugar solution adds flavor before you ever light a grill — a simple trick that works even when corn isn't freshly picked Roasting concentrates flavor by cooking out water and caramelizing sugars; it's one of the most effective techniques for garden tomatoes A quick ten-minute marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and garlic elevates fresh tomatoes more than you'd expect Homegrown vegetables have a built-in advantage — freshness that no store can match; cooking technique is just the finishing touch Blanching and shocking (ice water immediately after hot water) preserves the green color in broccoli and other vegetables Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and chef introduction 01:45 Disney's iconic street corn — how it's made 03:10 Brining corn: why it works and how to do it at home 04:40 Grilling vs. boiling: the flavor difference explained 05:50 Garden vegetable flatbread: roasted vs. marinated tomatoes 07:10 Why roasting makes vegetables taste better 08:30 Herb pairings for roasted tomatoes 09:20 Tomato risotto and basil pesto breakdown 11:00 Making pesto at home: tips from the chef 12:15 Peach cobbler with cinnamon ice cream 12:50 Avocado toast with marinated tomatoes and edible flowers 14:30 The chef's best advice for home gardeners Resource Links: Beginner's Garden Resource Vault — Your go-to library of gardening guides and cheat sheets Stay connected: Friday email tips → https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Full podcast archive → https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. Sponsors for This Episode Garden in Minutes Garden in Minutes makes garden grids that take the guesswork out of spacing and planting in raised beds. Whether you're setting up a new bed or finally getting organized in an existing one, their grids make it simple and satisfying. Use code JILL at checkout for 7% off regular-priced items. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes Cross Country Nurseries Cross Country Nurseries specializes in pepper and tomato plants — an incredible selection of varieties you won't find at a typical garden center. Use code JILL at checkout for 15% off your order. 👉 http://www.chileplants.com/jill 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.

    21 min

  4. May 12

    471 - Herbs All Season: How I Use My Garden Herbs Year Round — Fresh, Dried, and Blended

    _*]: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 favorite kitchen herbs. http://journeywithjill.net/herbchart _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> 🌿 Live Workshop — Everyday Kitchen Herbs (Tuesday, May 19th) Join Jill live in her garden as she walks you through 12 kitchen herbs — growing, harvesting, and using each one. You can ask questions in the chat in real time. Register here → https://journeywithjill.net/herb-workshop Key Takeaways Harvest perennial herbs like oregano, mint, and thyme in spring when they're at their peak — before summer heat sets in Preserve flavor by storing dried herbs whole in jars, then grinding only when you're ready to use them Basil pesto freezes beautifully in silicone trays, giving you homegrown flavor all winter long Cilantro does best when you let it self-seed and volunteer — your fall and winter harvest will be stronger for it You don't have to do all of this at once — pick one herb, one method, and start there Resource Links Free Download: Herbs Quick Reference Chart → http://journeywithjill.net/herbchart Everyday Kitchen Herbs Workshop (May 19th, live) → https://journeywithjill.net/herb-workshop Connect with Jill: 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/ Oregano vs. Marjoram — What's the Difference? https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/338-oregano-vs-marjoram  Ready for a simple system to plan and track your whole garden? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy → https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Sponsors for This Episode Garden in Minutes — Easy-to-install garden bed irrigation that takes the guesswork out of watering. Use code Jill at checkout for 7% off regular-priced items → 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.

    41 min

  5. May 5

    470 - Planting Day: Peppers – when to plant, what to know, and exactly what to do step by step

    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 growing tomatoes too. This free guide covers variety selection, timing, pruning, and harvest — with a decade of podcast episodes, videos, and articles all in one place. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/tomato-guide Key Takeaways: Peppers are more cold-sensitive than tomatoes — soil temperature, air temperature, and overnight lows all matter before you plant Chilling injury is real: cold damage above freezing can cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth that lingers for weeks Lignification (the stem going woody early) is a sign your transplant has waited too long — pot up rather than wait if you're in this situation Plant at the same depth as the pot, add support immediately, and water in well to eliminate air pockets Skip the flower pinching unless your plant was stressed during hardening off — the science is murky and most healthy plants do fine without it Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and tomato resource mention 02:55 Why peppers need extra care at planting time 03:40 When to plant: soil temp, air temp, and overnight lows 06:10 Chilling injury explained — symptoms and what's happening inside the plant 13:05 Lignification: why waiting too long in the pot is a real problem 18:20 My lose-lose dilemma — and what I'd do differently 19:30 What to do with root-bound transplants 20:45 Sweet peppers vs. hot peppers: differences that matter on planting day 24:50 Plant spacing by pepper type 27:00 Greenstalk container growing tips + Mother's Day sale 28:10 Planting depth, what to add to the hole, and root care 30:20 Supporting your plants right after planting 33:45 Mulching: timing considerations 34:20 Should you pinch off early flowers? 38:40 What to expect the first few weeks after transplanting Resource Links: Free Download: Tomato Quick-Start Growing Guide Everything from variety selection to harvest, with a decade of resources in one place. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/tomato-guide Connect with Jill: 📧 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/ Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. → https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Sponsors for This Episode: Cross Country Nurseries — One of the most unique selections of pepper, tomato, and herb transplants you'll find anywhere. Organically grown and shipped nationwide in spring, timed for your zone. 🔗 http://www.chileplants.com/jill | Use code JILL for 15% off Garden in Minutes — Makes it easy to set up and water your raised beds with their garden grid watering systems. 🔗 http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes | Use code Jill for 7% off regular-priced items Greenstalk Garden — Growing peppers in containers? Greenstalk is a great option for compact and hot pepper varieties. Mother's Day sale runs through May 11th. 🔗 https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk | Link auto-applies $10 off purchases of $75+ 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.

    41 min

  6. Apr 28

    469 - Cucumbers: How to Choose, Plant, and Harvest All Season Long

    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 take over your space. In this episode, I walk you through what's worked in my garden when it comes to growing cucumbers—from choosing where to plant them to keeping them productive all season long. I also share how vertical growing methods, including systems like GreenStalk, can help you manage space more efficiently. Key Takeaways Choose the right setup for healthy cucumber growth Use vertical support to improve airflow and yield Grow cucumbers successfully in small or large spaces Keep plants productive with simple maintenance Avoid common issues that limit harvest Resource Links The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault (free): http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads 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/ Complete Garden Planner – Plan and track your season with a simple system: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Sponsor(s) for this Episode GreenStalk Vertical Planter – A simple way to grow vertically and maximize your space, perfect for cucumbers and other vining crops in small areas. Get $50 off all planters during their sale through May 11th, plus use code JILL10 for $10 off a $75 purchase. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk Garden in Minutes – An easy-to-install watering system that helps you keep your cucumber plants consistently watered without the hassle. Use code Jill for 7% off your order. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes 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.

    44 min

  7. Apr 21

    468 - Pollinators: Are They Telling You Something About Your Garden? — with Disney Conservation Scientist Morgan Belle

    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 your garden ecosystem—and how the small choices you make can have a big impact. We talk about how to attract pollinators, why caterpillars aren't always a bad thing, and what you can do right now to create a garden that supports both productivity and biodiversity. If you've ever wondered how to balance growing food with supporting nature, this episode will give you a clear place to start. Key Takeaways Why pollinators are essential for fruit and vegetable production The difference between host plants and nectar plants How to attract more bees and butterflies naturally Simple ways to support pollinators without extra work Why "messy" gardening can actually improve your harvest Resource Links Free Resources: The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault: http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads Connect with Me: Newsletter (Friday emails): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebeginnersgarden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast Sponsors for This Episode Garden in Minutes An easy-to-use watering system that delivers consistent moisture right at the soil level—perfect for simplifying your garden routine. Use code Jill for 7% off your order: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes (Discount subject to change.) Cross Country Nurseries An organic, sustainable nursery specializing in unique pepper varieties, along with tomatoes, herbs, and more—shipped nationwide at the perfect time for your growing zone. 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.

    32 min

  8. Apr 14

    467 - Planting Day: Tomatoes – when to plant and exactly what to do step by step

    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 possible. Free Download: Tomato Diseases Guide Quickly identify common tomato problems and learn what to do next so you can protect your harvest. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/lazy-gardeners-guide Key Takeaways How to decide the right time to plant tomatoes What nighttime temperatures really matter How deep to plant tomatoes for stronger roots How spacing impacts airflow and disease What (if anything) to add to the planting hole Resource Links Tomato Diseases Guide (free): http://journeywithjill.net/lazy-gardeners-guide Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Complete Garden Planner: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Sponsor for This Episode Cozy Earth Premium bedding and loungewear designed for comfort and better sleep. Use code JILL for a special discount. 👉 http://cozyearth.com Garden in Minutes An easy-to-install garden irrigation system that saves time and ensures consistent watering. Use code Jill for 7% off. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes 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.

    43 min
See All (562)

Trailer

Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
813 Ratings

About

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!

Information

You Might Also Like