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435 - The Hidden Link Between Gardening and Parkinson’s Disease with Dr. Ray Dorsey, author of the Parkinson's Plan

The Beginner's Garden

Release Date: 08/19/2025

436 - Cover Crops for Small Gardens: Learn When, What, and How to Plant for Healthier Soil show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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...

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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 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) 🛠️ 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: 🎥 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...

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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:

  • What Parkinson’s does to the body and why it’s growing so fast

  • The link between common agricultural chemicals and neurological risk

  • What pyrethrins, rotenone, paraquat, and chlorpyrifos are—and where they may show up

  • Why weed killers and even wooden fences may pose a concern

  • How to navigate produce choices when organic isn’t always accessible

  • Why well water and contaminated soil may be hidden risks

  • What to know about dry cleaning solvents like TCE and PCE

  • Dr. Dorsey’s top tips for reducing your risk (including what to prioritize)

  • Why coffee lovers can celebrate their morning habit

Whether you grow your own food or buy it at the grocery store, this conversation offers an eye-opening look at how to reduce your exposure and make more informed choices.

📘 Learn more about Dr. Dorsey and his book The Parkinson’s Plan: https://parkinsonsplan.org 

Thank you to our sponsor, Organic REV
Give your fall garden the strong start it needs with Organic REV! I use it on all my fall transplants—from broccoli to lettuce—by dipping the root ball in a REV and water mix before planting. It reduces transplant shock, builds resilient roots, and boosts tired summer soil.

🌱 Save with code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com