The Compost Pile | Gardening & Homesteading

David Pool - Homestead & Organic Gardening Enthusiast
  • 5.0 (4)
  • 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. Spring to Summer Gardening Tips: Heat, Pests, Watering & Tomato Problems (Zone 9a)

    21H AGO

    Spring to Summer Gardening Tips: Heat, Pests, Watering & Tomato Problems (Zone 9a)

    As we transition from spring into the intense summer heat, your garden can go from thriving to struggling almost overnight. In this episode of The Compost Pile, David Pool and Aaron Barnhill are joined by Paul Lemoine to break down the biggest challenges gardeners face this time of year—and how to stay ahead of them. We cover essential tips for managing watering, preventing plant stress, dealing with rising pest pressure, and understanding why crops like tomatoes suddenly stop producing. Learn how heat, humidity, and soil conditions all work together—and what you can do to adapt your gardening practices for success in Zone 9a and similar climates. From stink bugs and blight to shade cloth and supplemental feeding, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice to help your garden thrive through the toughest part of the season. Topics include: • Adjusting watering for rising temperatures • Why tomatoes stop setting fruit in heat & humidity • Common pests (stink bugs, grasshoppers) and how to control them • Preventing disease like blight with airflow & pruning • Shade cloth strategies for summer gardening • Soil health, fertilizers, and supplemental feeding • Companion planting, trap crops, and succession planting Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, these tips will help you navigate the seasonal shift and keep your garden productive.

    26 min
  2. Growing Food That Gives Back: Donation Gardening, Shade Tips & Soil Health (Bonus Episode)

    5D AGO ·  BONUS

    Growing Food That Gives Back: Donation Gardening, Shade Tips & Soil Health (Bonus Episode)

    In this special bonus episode of The Compost Pile, host David Pool is joined live at The Giving Field by Destin Noak ( @texasgardenguy ) and staff member, Michael Meazell, for an on-location conversation about gardening with purpose. This episode dives into the impact of donation-based gardening—where fresh, organic produce is grown specifically to support food-insecure communities. The team shares how thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables are grown and donated annually, along with practical, real-world gardening tips you can apply at home. You’ll learn: The difference between a community garden vs. donation garden Why shade can outperform full sun in Southeast Texas heat How mulch, water access, and rainwater improve plant success The importance of local materials and soil biology Smart fertilizing practices to avoid runoff and waste How small spaces can produce BIG harvests Whether you're gardening in Zone 9a or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable insights and a powerful reminder of how gardening can serve your community. Grow smarter. Grow local. Grow to give back. 📍 Recorded on-site in Beaumont, TX during The Giving Field’s Earth Day event. Find the Texas Garden Guy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/texasgardenguy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texasgardenguy/ Find the Giving Field: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGivingField Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegivingfield/

    18 min
  3. Backyard Chickens 101: Raising Healthy Hens, Avoiding Costly Mistakes & Getting More Eggs

    APR 28

    Backyard Chickens 101: Raising Healthy Hens, Avoiding Costly Mistakes & Getting More Eggs

    Thinking about raising backyard chickens? In this episode of The Compost Pile, hosts David Pool and Aaron Barnhill break down everything beginners need to know before bringing home their first flock. From day-old chicks to egg-laying hens, we cover the non-negotiables of chicken care, common mistakes, and how to set your homestead up for success. You’ll learn how to properly brood chicks, choose the right feed, design a predator-proof coop, and understand why stress, environment, and nutrition directly impact egg production. We also dive into real-world lessons—from getting too many chickens to dealing with predators, heat stress, and flock behavior. Whether you’re in Zone 9 (Southeast Texas) or anywhere else, this episode will help you confidently start your backyard chicken journey and avoid the pitfalls most beginners face. Perfect for: Beginner homesteadersBackyard chicken keepersGardeners looking to integrate chickens into their systemAnyone interested in sustainable living and food production

    40 min
  4. Bonus Episode: Charitable Gardening & Feeding the Community at The Giving Field (Earth Day)

    APR 23 ·  BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Charitable Gardening & Feeding the Community at The Giving Field (Earth Day)

    In this special bonus episode of The Compost Pile, host David Pool records live from the annual Earth Day celebration at The Giving Field. This isn’t just a community garden—The Giving Field is a charitable garden dedicated to growing fresh, organic produce that is donated directly to local soup kitchens. For over a decade, this one-acre garden has helped provide healthier, nutrient-dense food to families who might not otherwise have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Joined by garden director Sharon and special guest Dustin Noak (The Texas Garden Guy), we dive into how this mission-driven garden is impacting Southeast Texas and inspiring others to grow with purpose. In this episode, we cover: What makes a charitable garden different from a typical community gardenHow fresh produce donations support local soup kitchensThe role of gardening in fighting food insecurityHands-on education for kids, families, and volunteersPlans for a future teaching kitchen and workforce development programHow you can volunteer and get involvedThis episode is a powerful reminder that gardening can go beyond your backyard—it can feed families, educate communities, and create real change. 📍 Recorded on-site in Beaumont, TX during The Giving Field’s Earth Day event. Find the Texas Garden Guy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/texasgardenguy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texasgardenguy/ Find the Giving Field: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGivingField Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegivingfield/

    13 min
  5. Summer Gardening in Zone 9a: Okra, Southern Peas & Heat-Loving Crops Explained

    APR 21

    Summer Gardening in Zone 9a: Okra, Southern Peas & Heat-Loving Crops Explained

    In this episode of The Compost Pile, hosts David Pool and Aaron Barnhill break down everything you need to know about summer gardening in Zone 9a, with a focus on heat-tolerant crops like okra and southern peas. We discuss why many gardeners struggle during the summer months and how shifting your planting strategy can keep your garden productive year-round. Learn the best timing for planting, why direct seeding is critical for crops like okra, and how to maximize your garden space as spring crops fade out. You’ll also hear practical tips on: Growing okra successfully in hot climatesChoosing the right varieties (including heirloom vs. hybrid options)How to harvest for better yields and avoid woody podsWhy southern peas (cowpeas, purple hulls, black-eyed peas) are a must-grow cropUsing nitrogen-fixing plants to naturally improve your soilPest management tips for summer gardensHow soil health and microbiology impact plant successWhether you're growing for food, soil health, or just keeping your garden active through the heat, this episode will help you make smarter planting decisions for summer. Perfect for gardeners in Southeast Texas, Zone 9a, and other hot, humid climates.

    33 min
  6. Top 5 Common Garden Problems & How to Fix Them (Beginner to Pro Tips)

    APR 15

    Top 5 Common Garden Problems & How to Fix Them (Beginner to Pro Tips)

    Every gardener runs into problems—it’s just part of the process. In this episode of The Compost Pile, we talk through some of the most common issues gardeners face and how to start solving them. From things like blossom end rot and pollination struggles to a few other major problems that can impact plant health and production, we share practical insights based on real-world gardening experience—especially for those growing in Zone 9a and Southeast Texas. This episode is all about helping you troubleshoot smarter, understand what your plants are telling you, and make simple adjustments that lead to better results in your garden. Whether you're new to gardening or have been growing for years, these are the kinds of problems almost everyone encounters—and knowing how to respond can make all the difference. If your garden isn’t thriving like you expected, this is a great place to start. #gardening #organicgardening #vegetablegarden #gardenproblems #planthealth #zone9a #texasgardening #homesteading #growyourownfood #thecompostpile

    34 min
  7. How to Grow Peppers Successfully | Beginner Pepper Growing Guide, Varieties, Pests & Uses (Zone 9 Gardening)

    APR 7

    How to Grow Peppers Successfully | Beginner Pepper Growing Guide, Varieties, Pests & Uses (Zone 9 Gardening)

    Peppers are one of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow, whether you're a beginner gardener or an experienced grower. In this episode of The Compost Pile, David and Aaron break down everything you need to know about growing peppers successfully—from choosing the right varieties to managing pests and harvesting peppers all season long. We discuss why peppers are one of the most beginner-friendly garden crops, how they can produce for multiple seasons, and why they’re perfect for containers, raised beds, or in-ground gardens. You'll also learn about common issues like aphids, watering stress, and soil drainage, plus natural ways to keep pepper plants healthy. We also dive into some of our favorite pepper varieties like cayenne, jalapeños, habaneros, and Scotch bonnets, along with creative ways to use peppers in the kitchen—from salsa and sauces to pickling, drying, and making homemade spice blends. If you want a crop that’s productive, versatile, and easy to grow, peppers might be the perfect addition to your garden. Topics Covered: Why peppers are great for beginner gardenersBest pepper varieties to growContainer vs. in-ground pepper growingOverwintering pepper plantsCommon pepper pests and natural control methodsWatering, soil, and fertilizing tipsCreative ways to cook and preserve peppersStart planting peppers now and enjoy fresh harvests all season long! #gardening #pepperplants #vegetablegarden #growfood #gardeningtips #zone9gardening #homesteading #peppergrowing #thecompostpile

    29 min
  8. Growing Squash, Cucumbers & Melons in Zone 9a: Tips for Bigger Harvests

    MAR 24

    Growing Squash, Cucumbers & Melons in Zone 9a: Tips for Bigger Harvests

    In this episode of The Compost Pile, hosts David Pool, Aaron Barnhill, & Paul Lemoine break down how to successfully grow squash, cucumbers, cantaloupe, and watermelon in the garden—especially in Zone 9a and Southeast Texas. They discuss why these crops can be both highly productive and frustrating for gardeners, covering key topics like pollination, common pests like squash vine borers, spacing for airflow, powdery mildew prevention, and succession planting strategies. You’ll also learn: How hand pollination can dramatically increase squash productionWhy pollinators like bees are critical for cucurbitsTips for growing cucumbers on trellises and maximizing harvestsHow to know when watermelons and cantaloupes are ripeThe importance of soil type, watering strategy, and spacingFavorite heirloom and productive varieties for the gardenWhether you're planting your first squash or trying to grow sweeter melons, this episode shares practical tips to help you grow more food and avoid common mistakes in the garden. Subscribe to The Compost Pile as we continue breaking down how to grow in Zone 9a. #gardening #zone9a #vegetablegarden #growyourownfood #homesteading #squash #watermelon #cantaloupe #cucumbers #organicgardening #gardeningtips #thecompostpile

    37 min
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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!

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