S19: E11: The Worst Garden of my Entire Life

I’ve had some epic garden failures over the years, but nothing quite like this one. And judging by what I’m hearing, I know I’m not the only person whose garden has struggled this year.In this episode, I’m sharing the three main problems that seem to have created the worst garden of my life and also what I’m learning as I try to unravel them. No polished success story here, just real-time troubleshooting in hopes it helps someone else who is currently wallowing in their own gardening woes.Podcast Episode Highlights:A quick glance at my gardening historyWhat I noticed about my new place before I started plantingWhat happened in my garden so far this yearProblem #1: Herbicide contaminationProblem #2: Soil Fertility issuesProblem #3: CrittersFinal thoughtsResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Toups and Co. here: https://toupsandco.com/pages/prairie25First time buyers can use the code Prairie25 to get you 25% off your first Toups order.Find Redmond's Soil Test Kit here: http://theprairiehomestead.com/soiltestPrevious Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Soil:The Worst Garden of My Entire Life (recent blog article with garden/house pictures about my current garden problems): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2026/08/the-worst-garden-of-my-entire-life.htmlI Think I Poisoned My Garden (blog article about my previous hay mulch problem): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2016/08/curled-tomato-leaves.htmlThe Mystery of the Poisonous Potting Soil (podcast episode about my previous potting soil problem): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-10-episode-12-the-mystery-of-the-poisonous-potting-soilHow Fall in Love with Your Soil (podcast episode about soil problems): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-12-episode-10-how-fall-in-love-with-your-soilHow to Feed Your Soil a Whole Food Diet (podcast episode for healing bad soil): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-12-episode-12-how-to-feed-your-soil-a-whole-food-dietWeeds, Pests, & Herbicides: Overcoming Your Worst Organic Gardening Woes (podcast episode with tips for bad garden years): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-13-episode-4-weeds-pests-herbicides-overcoming-your-worst-organic-gardening-woesOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!