450 - December Garden Checklist (without the pressure)
Release Date: 12/02/2025
456 - Endless Spring Salads: How to Plan Now
The Beginner's Garden
Struggling with lettuce that bolts, turns bitter, or barely grows? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I walk you through how to grow salad greens for months using the right varieties, timing, and planting rhythm. If growing your own salad greens has felt confusing or inconsistent, this episode will help you simplify the process. I break down the difference between lettuces and brassica greens, explain when to direct sow vs. start seeds indoors, and show you how I plan my plantings so I can harvest salads for weeks at a time. Free Download: Spring Salad...
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455 - The Truth About Seed Starting Mixes with JoeGardener (and Why So Many Fail)
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Struggling with seed starting failures even when you follow the rules? It might not be your lights, watering, or timing. In this episode, we break down seed starting mix and why the wrong soil can sabotage seedlings before they ever get going. I’m joined by Joe Lamp’l, and we’re digging into peat-based mixes, coconut coir problems, wetting agents, and the simple moisture mistakes most gardeners make indoors. Free Download: Seed Starting Guide Confident seed starting without the guesswork—what to start, when to start, and how to do it successfully. Key Takeaways Most seed starting...
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454 - How Home Gardeners Can Save Money by Buying Seeds in Bulk (Without Overbuying)
The Beginner's Garden
Buying seeds is one of the most exciting parts of gardening—but it’s also where many gardeners overspend without realizing it. If you’ve ever wondered whether seed packets are really the best deal, this episode will help you rethink how you buy seeds. You’ll learn when buying a larger seed quantity actually saves money, when it doesn’t, and how to choose the right size for your garden. If seed catalogs feel overwhelming, this conversation will help you slow down, compare smarter, and spend less. Free Download: Garden Cheat Sheet A simple, step-by-step plan to help you know what to...
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453 - How to Plan a Garden That Fits Your Life in 2026
The Beginner's Garden
Feeling excited about garden planning but worried about burnout before summer even hits? If last season felt overwhelming, disappointing, or heavier than you expected, this episode will help you reset. You’ll learn how to plan a garden that fits your time, energy, space, and season of life so gardening feels peaceful, productive, and enjoyable in 2026. Free Training: Before You Sow Learn the four seed-growing principles every gardener needs to know before planting anything. This mini course walks you through when to start seeds indoors, when to buy transplants, and when to direct sow. Free...
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452 - 10 Biggest Garden Lessons in 2025
The Beginner's Garden
Did your garden struggle in ways you couldn’t quite explain? Or maybe it did okay, but you know it could be better next year. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 garden lessons 2025 taught me through real-life growing, testing, and conversations with other gardeners. These aren’t complicated techniques or overwhelming plans. They’re small, practical insights about soil, transplants, shade, timing, and planning that can make a big difference. Whether you’re already dreaming about next season or just tucking ideas away for later, this episode will help you grow with more confidence next...
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451- Growing Cut Flowers & More for a Farmer's Market with Sarah Shuman
The Beginner's Garden
Struggling to figure out how to turn your love of gardening into something you can share—or even sell? In this episode, Sarah walks us through how she built a thriving cut flower business for her local farmers market. You’ll hear the practical steps she took, what she wishes she knew sooner, and how she manages growing for both beauty and profit. If you’ve wondered whether you could do something similar, this conversation gives you hope and a clear starting point. free download: Garden Cheat Sheet A simple, step-by-step starter plan to help you begin your garden with confidence. Key...
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450 - December Garden Checklist (without the pressure)
The Beginner's Garden
Feeling the pressure of the holidays and shorter days? December gardening doesn’t have to add to your stress. Instead of a list of chores, this episode walks you through simple, optional ways to stay connected to your garden—whether it’s a mild day outside or a cozy evening indoors. You’ll get practical ideas for observing your winter garden, organizing tools, refreshing your raised beds, and preparing for seed starting season. free download: Seasonal Garden Task List Know what to do each month without guessing. Complete Garden Planner – A simple system to plan and track your...
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449 - My Favorite Garden Products (and How to Save on Them Now)
The Beginner's Garden
Struggling to know which garden supplies are actually worth grabbing on Black Friday? In this episode, you’ll learn which tools and supplies make the biggest difference next season. We’ll walk through raised beds, seed starting, irrigation, fertilizers, and more so you can shop with confidence. free download: Seasonal Garden Task List A month-by-month guide so you always know what to do and when. Key Takeaways Which raised beds and containers are worth the investment My go-to seed starting lights, trays, and soil mixes Fertilizers and soil amendments that have made the biggest...
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448- 7 Thanksgiving Foods You Can Grow in Your Own Garden: the history, health, and homegrown roots behind your favorite holiday dishes.
The Beginner's Garden
Ever wondered how much of your Thanksgiving dinner could come straight from your garden? From potatoes to sage, your plate is packed with crops you can grow—and nutrients that nourish your body all winter long. In this episode, Jill shares seven Thanksgiving favorites you can grow yourself (plus one bonus!), and why each one deserves a spot in your garden plan. 🌱 Free Download: Seasonal Garden Task List Stay on track in every season with clear, simple garden to-dos. 👉 Key Takeaways Why Thanksgiving foods are some of the most nutrient-dense crops you can grow How potatoes, sweet...
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447 - November Garden Checklist: Protecting Cold-Sensitive Crops, Planting Onions for Spring, and Making the Most of the Final Garden Days
The Beginner's Garden
When November arrives, it can feel like the garden season is winding down—but there’s still so much happening if you know where to look. In this episode, Jill takes you on a walk through her own November garden to show what she’s harvesting, planting, and protecting right now. You’ll learn how she uses this in-between season to prepare for a strong start next spring while still enjoying small harvests and fresh herbs from the fall garden. Free Download: 5-Day Garden Audit Take time to reflect before you plan next year’s garden! The free 5-Day Garden Audit helps you assess what...
info_outlineFeeling the pressure of the holidays and shorter days? December gardening doesn’t have to add to your stress. Instead of a list of chores, this episode walks you through simple, optional ways to stay connected to your garden—whether it’s a mild day outside or a cozy evening indoors. You’ll get practical ideas for observing your winter garden, organizing tools, refreshing your raised beds, and preparing for seed starting season.
free download: Seasonal Garden Task List
Know what to do each month without guessing.
https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list
Complete Garden Planner – A simple system to plan and track your season.
https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Key Takeaways
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Simple outdoor tasks you get to do on mild December days
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How winter walks help you plan next season with clarity
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Easy indoor prep for seed starting and seed organization
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Why December is the perfect time for quiet planning routines
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Jill’s personal after-Christmas tradition for choosing seeds
Chapters
00:00 – Intro
01:00 – Why December doesn’t need a to-do list
02:40 – Winter garden walk ideas
06:10 – Spotting drainage issues early
08:00 – Dreaming and planning during quiet moments
09:40 – Organizing tools and supplies
12:50 – Refreshing raised beds
15:10 – Simple repairs and winter builds
17:00 – Indoor seed starting setup
19:40 – Sorting and evaluating seeds
23:00 – Seed longevity basics
26:20 – Gathering seed catalogs
30:10 – Jill’s after-Christmas seed tradition
34:00 – Final encouragement
Resource Links
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Seasonal Garden Task List (free): https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list
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Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos
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Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/
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Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
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Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sponsor(s) for This Episode
Organic Rev — A plant growth stimulant I rely on for stronger seedlings and resilient fall and winter crops. Use code JILL10 for 10% off your order: http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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 may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.