431 - A Gardener's Guide to Snakes with Johnny Sain

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 Protecting your eggs from egg-loving reptiles And a glimpse into Johnny's broader passion for the natural world Whether you're snake-curious or snake-cautious, this episode will leave you with a new appreciation—and maybe even a little awe—for these secretive garden neighbors. Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV  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.)