436 - Cover Crops for Small Gardens: Learn When, What, and How to Plant for Healthier Soil
The Beginner's Garden
Have you ever wondered if cover crops are worth the effort in a small garden or raised bed? In this episode, we're bringing back one of the most practical and eye-opening conversations from the podcast archives—with Parker from True Leaf Market. Together, we explore: 🪴 The best cover crops for raised beds, in-ground gardens, and no-till systems 🌿 How cover crops boost soil health, garden productivity, and even nutritional value 🌱 The differences between cereal grains, legumes, and brassicas—and why a mix might be the most beneficial 🌡️ What to expect if you’re in a...
info_outline
435 - The Hidden Link Between Gardening and Parkinson’s Disease with Dr. Ray Dorsey, author of the Parkinson's Plan
The Beginner's Garden
Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world—and according to neurologist and author Dr. Ray Dorsey, our environment may be playing a much larger role than we think. In this conversation, Dr. Dorsey shares key insights from his book The Parkinson’s Plan, including how certain pesticides and chemicals—some of which are still used in U.S. agriculture today—are correlated with higher Parkinson’s risk. As home gardeners, we may be making choices to avoid chemicals, but this episode highlights what we still need to be aware of. In this episode, we cover:...
info_outline
434 - Too Much to Eat, Not Enough to Can? Small-Batch Ideas for Summer’s Harvest
The Beginner's Garden
You’ve got a few tomatoes, a handful of cucumbers, maybe a pepper or two—but not enough for a full-blown canning session. In this episode, I’m sharing practical and easy ways to preserve those small harvests so nothing goes to waste. From freezing and fermenting to quick pickles and creative herb uses, you’ll learn how to build your pantry one handful at a time. Here’s what we cover: 🍅 What to do with a few tomatoes: freezing, roasting, small-batch sauce, and even fermented salsa 🥒 Cucumber overload? Make quick fridge pickles, relish, or a refreshing chilled soup 🫑...
info_outline
433 - August Garden Tasks + What to Plant
The Beginner's Garden
Depending on where you live, August can be a month of harvest abundance or extreme garden fatigue—or both. In today’s episode, I’m meeting you where you are. Whether you’re coasting through harvests or struggling with heat, pests, and burnout, this is a chance to regroup, reset, and prep for fall without overwhelming yourself. Here’s what we cover: 🌱 Reset & Reassess August is the perfect time to take stock. Are your summer crops still producing, or is it time to pull them out? Clear space now to get ready for fall. (More on this in episode 199!) 🛒 Fall Garden Prep Don’t...
info_outline
432 - Why Fall Gardens Fail
The Beginner's Garden
You followed all the fall gardening advice… so why isn’t your garden thriving? In this episode, I’m breaking down 8 subtle but critical reasons fall gardens struggle—even when you’re doing “everything right.” From daylight changes to soil fatigue to surprising transplant pitfalls, these tips will help you troubleshoot and turn things around. 🌱 What You’ll Learn: – Why planting too late is one of the most common mistakes – How fall sun is different—and how it affects your crops – The surprising issue of soil fatigue after summer crops – Why cool-season crops can...
info_outline
431 - A Gardener's Guide to Snakes with Johnny Sain
The Beginner's Garden
Most of us have an instinctual fear of snakes—but are they really the enemy in our gardens? In this episode, I’m joined by nature enthusiast Johnny Sain to shed light on the misunderstood world of snakes. We talk about why snakes are more helpful than harmful, how to identify them safely, and what to do if you (or your chickens!) cross paths with one. Here’s what we cover: Johnny’s lifelong fascination with snakes Why gardeners shouldn’t fear them Tips for staying safe in snake territory Snakebite myths, facts, and first-aid advice How to educate kids about snake safety ...
info_outline
430 - Shade Solutions for Summer Crops: What to Try When Temps Spike
The Beginner's Garden
🌞 Does Your Garden Need Shade in Summer? | The Beginner’s Garden Podcast Have you ever walked into your garden on a 100-degree day and thought, “How are these plants still standing?” The truth is, some of them aren’t—and even heat-loving crops can struggle when temps soar. In today’s episode, we’re diving into: 🌿 Why summer shade might be the secret to a more productive garden ⏰ When to add shade (and when it’s not necessary) 🛠️ How to do it effectively with materials you already have Whether you're working with young seedlings or struggling tomatoes,...
info_outline
429 - Start these Fall Crops Inside in July
The Beginner's Garden
💬 Got questions? Join my Live Zoom Q&A on July 9 at 12PM Central! Dream to Garden students are already invited—or you can join for $15: 🎥 Seed Starting Workshop — Want more help with starting seeds indoors? Get my workshop for just $19 with code summer25 in July: 👉 🛒 Mentioned in this episode: Organic REV — Use code JILL10 at to save on this soil-boosting solution I use all season long. 👉 Subscribe, share with a gardening friend, and don’t miss part 2—coming soon—on what to direct sow for your fall garden! Show Notes: Thank you to our sponsors:...
info_outline
428 - What to Plant in July: Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers That Thrive in the Heat
The Beginner's Garden
What to Plant in July (Yes, You Still Can!) Think it’s too late to plant? Think again. In this episode of the Beginner’s Garden Podcast, Jill shares exactly what you can still plant in July—whether you're refreshing your summer garden or squeezing in one more round before fall. From quick-growing veggies to heat-tolerant flowers and herbs, you'll walk away with a solid mid-season planting plan and key tips to help your garden thrive in the heat. In this episode: Fast-growing warm-season vegetables to plant now Heat-loving herbs and how to grow them Flowers that thrive in summer and...
info_outline
427 - Grow Mushrooms in Your Garden with Matt McInnis
The Beginner's Garden
Have you ever wondered if you could grow mushrooms right alongside your tomatoes? I hadn’t either—until recently. In today’s episode, I chat with Matt McInnis from about how beginners can grow mushrooms in their garden beds, mulch, or even garden paths. This episode is part beginner’s guide, part real-time experiment. After my conversation with Matt, I share my honest experiences growing mushrooms in my own raised beds—what worked, what surprised me, and what I’ll do differently next time. Whether you’re mushroom-curious or looking for new ways to improve your garden’s soil...
info_outlineBy mid-June, your garden is thriving—but pests are waking up too. Some are just a nuisance, while others can wreak serious havoc. In today’s episode, we’re talking about 5 common summer pests, how to spot them early, and what you can do to manage them using organic methods.
You’ll learn:
🪰 How to deal with aphids without wrecking your beneficial insect population
🐞 The best time and way to stop squash bugs before they ruin your harvest
🐛 Why tomato hornworms show up when they do—and what to do about them
🛡️ How to deter stink bugs before they damage your tomatoes and peppers
🐞 And how to manage cucumber beetles & protect against bacterial wilt
Whether you're dealing with a few chewed leaves or a full-on infestation, this episode will give you clear, effective strategies to protect your garden—without reaching for harsh chemicals.
🌿 Want to go deeper?
Join me for the Summer Gardening Workshop on June 17 at 7 PM Central, where we’ll dive into pest prevention, plant health, and what to do when things go wrong. Your $19 ticket includes a replay + bonus preserving workshop! Use code SUMMER25 to save.
👉 journeywithjill.net/summerworkshop
Show Notes:
Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV
Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems.
Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order
Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll.
My Products:
2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!)
https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux
Products I recommend:
Recommended Brands & Products page:
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden
Connect with Jill:
Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos
The Beginner's Garden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/
Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/
(*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)