loader from loading.io

430 - Shade Solutions for Summer Crops: What to Try When Temps Spike

The Beginner's Garden

Release Date: 07/15/2025

432 - Why Fall Gardens Fail show art 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. đŸŒ± 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 show art 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 show art 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) đŸ› ïž 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 show art 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: đŸŽ„ 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 show art 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 show art 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_outline 426 - Mid-Season Fertilizing: What Your Garden Needs Now show art 426 - Mid-Season Fertilizing: What Your Garden Needs Now

The Beginner's Garden

"I rarely use fertilizer." If you've listened to this podcast or joined a coaching call, you've probably heard me say that. And for years, it’s been true. I’ve focused more on building healthy soil than feeding plants. But recently, I’ve started rethinking that approach — and today I’m sharing why. In this episode, we’ll explore how my mindset has shifted, plus: The difference between organic and synthetic fertilizers How to fertilize based on the type of crop Why your method matters more if you're growing in containers, raised beds, or in-ground How to apply fertilizer...

info_outline 425 - 5 Summer Pests and Organic Ways to Stop Them show art 425 - 5 Summer Pests and Organic Ways to Stop Them

The Beginner's Garden

By 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: đŸȘ° 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 đŸ›Ąïž How to deter stink bugs before they damage your tomatoes and...

info_outline 424 - June Garden Checklist: What to Do Now to Keep Things Thriving show art 424 - June Garden Checklist: What to Do Now to Keep Things Thriving

The Beginner's Garden

June might feel like the honeymoon phase in the garden — everything’s green, lush, and thriving. But don’t let the beauty fool you — this is a critical time to stay proactive if you want a healthy, productive summer garden. đŸ’Ș In this episode, I’m sharing what to plant, prune, harvest, and watch for in June — plus a sneak peek at an upcoming live workshop that you won’t want to miss! 👀 📝 Here’s what we’ll cover: đŸ„Ź What to do with bolting lettuce, spinach & other cool-season crops đŸŒ± Heat-loving crops to plant now (yes, it’s not too late!) ✂ How and...

info_outline 423 - Grow Organic Apple Trees: what to do in years 1-3 with Susan Poizner show art 423 - Grow Organic Apple Trees: what to do in years 1-3 with Susan Poizner

The Beginner's Garden

Ever wondered if you can actually grow apple trees organically—and get fruit? Or maybe you’ve got a tree that’s not thriving and you’re not sure why. In this episode, certified arborist and fruit tree expert Susan Poizner joins me to answer the most common questions about growing apple trees at home. We’ll talk about: 🍎 Choosing the right variety & planting tips 🍎 What your young tree needs in years 1–3 for long-term success 🍎 How to revive a neglected or underperforming tree 🍎 Organic pest control that actually works 🍎 When and how to prune for health and...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

🌞 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)

  • đŸ› ïž How to do it effectively with materials you already have

Whether you're working with young seedlings or struggling tomatoes, you’ll walk away with simple, actionable tips to keep your garden thriving through the heat.

👉 Links & Mentions:

  • 🛒 Use code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com to save 10% on Organic REV — my go-to for supporting root health and stress resilience all season long!

  • Wanting a fall garden but don't want to plan it? I am offering a beta version of a garden planning service for you! Go to https://journeywithjill.net/planmygarden to learn more

 

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.)