The Beanstalk : A Podcast for Gardeners

Episode 58 – Turnips – Humble, Hardy, and HelpfulTurnips might just be the most misunderstood vegetable in the garden, and in this episode of The Beanstalk, we're setting the record straight. 🌱 We'll explore sweet Japanese salad turnips, classic heirlooms, growing tips, common problems, and why this humble crop has been feeding people for thousands of years. Plus, we'll roast up some maple-glazed turnips and give those often-overlooked greens the attention they deserve. Whether you're already a turnip fan or a lifelong skeptic, this episode might just convince you to give them another chance. 🥕✨

Episode 57 – Fruit Trees – Patient, Productive, and RewardingIn this episode of The Beanstalk, we're heading into the orchard to explore the world of fruit trees. 🌳 From apples and pears to peaches, plums, and nectarines, we cover choosing varieties, planting, watering, pruning, and dealing with common challenges. I also share some thoughts from this unusually warm winter and how it had me paying closer attention to chill hours and the health of my own trees. Whether you're planting your first backyard fruit tree or already dreaming of a small orchard, this episode is packed with practical advice for the long haul. 🍎🍑🌱

Episode 56 – Bok Choi – Crisp, Quick, and VersatileIn this episode of The Beanstalk, we take a deep dive into bok choi, one of the fastest-growing and most underrated vegetables you can grow. 🌱 We cover planting, harvesting, common pests, companion planting, and why this cool-season brassica deserves a permanent spot in more gardens. We also cook up a simple garlic ginger stir-fried bok choi recipe and explore the fascinating history behind this ancient crop. Whether you're growing it for the first time or looking to improve your harvests, there's plenty to dig into in this episode. 🥬

Episode 55 – Tea Gardens – Calm, Useful, and UnderratedIn this episode of The Beanstalk, we slow things down and explore the world of tea gardens. 🌱 From mint and chamomile to lemon balm and lavender, we talk about growing herbs specifically for teas, relaxation, and everyday comfort. We cover harvesting, drying, common issues, and even put together a calming homemade tea blend straight from the garden. It’s a quieter kind of gardening episode — but one that connects the garden to daily life in a really meaningful way.

Episode 54 – Pumpkins – Massive, Mighty, and MisunderstoodIn this episode of The Beanstalk, we finally dive deep into pumpkins — from giant sprawling vines to pie pumpkins and everything in between. 🎃 We talk growing techniques, pest issues, pollination, harvesting, storage, and why pumpkins are far more useful than most people realize. There’s also a warm roasted pumpkin soup recipe and a look into the surprisingly fascinating history and biology behind these massive plants. Whether you grow pumpkins every year or have never tried them before, this episode is packed with practical advice and seasonal gardening energy.

Episode 53 – Cooking Herbs – Flavor, Freshness, and FunctionIn this episode of The Beanstalk, we dive into cooking herbs and how they transform both your garden and your kitchen. 🌱 Learn the difference between soft and woody herbs, how to grow them successfully, and how to harvest for the best flavor. We also talk common issues, companion planting, and simple ways to use fresh herbs in everyday meals. If you’ve ever wanted to take your cooking to the next level straight from your garden, this episode is for you.

Episode 52 – Green Onions – Simple, Sharp, and ReliableIn this episode of The Beanstalk, we dive into green onions — one of the simplest and most reliable crops you can grow. 🌱 From starting them from seed to regrowing them from scraps, we cover everything you need to keep a steady supply going. We also talk about common issues, harvesting methods, and how to make the most of this versatile plant in the kitchen. It’s a small crop with a big impact on your everyday meals.

Episode 51 – Salad Mixes – Fast, Fresh, and EndlessIn this episode of The Beanstalk, we dig into one of the fastest and most rewarding things you can grow — salad mixes. 🌱 From cut-and-come-again harvesting to building your own custom blend of greens, this episode is all about maximizing flavor and productivity in a small space. We talk about what to plant, how to grow it, and how to keep the harvest going all season long. Plus, we wrap it all up with a simple, fresh garden salad straight from the soil to your plate.

Episode 50 – Warm Winter – Strange, shifting and stubbornEpisode 50 of The Beanstalk dives into what it really means to garden through a winter that doesn’t feel like winter. 🌱 We talk about warm weather challenges, chill hours, pest pressure, and how to adapt when the seasons don’t follow the usual pattern. From garlic concerns to fruit trees and watering in dry conditions, this episode is all about staying flexible and learning as you go. If your winter has felt a little off lately, this one will help you make sense of it.

Episode 49 – Goldenrod – Bright, buzzing and misunderstoodThis week on The Beanstalk, we’re clearing the air about Goldenrod and giving this bright late-season powerhouse the credit it deserves. 🌼 We talk about how to grow it, manage common pests and fungal issues, and why it’s one of the most important pollinator plants in late summer. You’ll also hear about companion planting, seed saving, and even a simple Goldenrod citrus honey tea you can try at home. If you want bold color and buzzing life in your garden when everything else is fading, this episode is for you. 🌱

Episode 48 – Blanketflower – Bold, blazing and resilientThis week on The Beanstalk, we’re diving into Blanketflower, one of the boldest and toughest bloomers you can grow. 🌼🔥We talk about how to grow it, how to keep it thriving through heat and drought, and what to watch out for when pests or drainage issues show up. You’ll also get companion planting tips, seed saving advice, and a colorful summer skillet recipe inspired by those fiery blooms. If you’re looking for long-lasting color and pollinator power, this episode is for you. 🌱

Episode 47 – Rabbitbrush – Golden, Gritty, and GloriousEpisode 47 of The Beanstalk is all about rabbitbrush — a golden, drought-tough native that lights up the landscape in late summer and fall. 🌼 We explore how to grow it, manage common issues, save seeds, and design resilient gardens that support pollinators when they need it most. If you’re building a water-wise landscape or want bold color during the shoulder seasons, rabbitbrush deserves your attention. Tune in for practical tips, ecological insights, and a honey-lemon dessert inspired by its glow. 🌿

Episode 46 – Globemallow – Fiery, Fearless, and ResilientEpisode 46 of The Beanstalk is all about globemallow — a fiery, drought-tough native that thrives where other plants struggle. 🌞 We explore how to grow it, manage common issues, save seeds, and design water-wise landscapes that support pollinators. If you’re building a resilient garden in hot, dry conditions, this plant deserves a spot on your radar. Tune in for practical tips, ecological insights, and a bold Southwest-inspired recipe to match its energy. 🌿

Episode 45 – Milkweed – Wild, Vital, and TransformativeIn Episode 45 of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into milkweed and why this bold native plant is essential for monarch butterflies and pollinators alike. 🦋 We talk about choosing the right species, managing pests organically, saving seeds, and building real habitat in your backyard. You’ll learn how milkweed supports entire ecosystems and how to grow it successfully in your own space.If you’ve ever wanted your garden to truly make an impact, this episode is for you. 🌿

Episode 44 – Nasturtium – Peppery, Playful, and PowerfulIn this episode of The Beanstalk, we’re digging into nasturtiums — one of the most versatile and exciting plants you can grow. 🌿 From companion planting benefits to edible flowers and homemade pesto, we explore why this bold little annual deserves a spot in every garden. We talk pests, seed saving, varieties, and even the science behind that peppery kick. If you want a plant that feeds you and protects your veggies at the same time, this one’s for you. 🌼

Episode 43 – Yarrow – Tough, Timeless, and Useful This week on The Beanstalk, John takes a deep dive into yarrow, a tough, ancient plant that’s been helping gardens and people thrive for thousands of years 🌿. We talk about how to grow it, harvest it, handle common problems, and why it’s such a powerful ally for pollinators and soil health. You’ll hear about its long history, its modern uses, and an easy way to bring it into your kitchen. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant with serious depth and purpose, this episode is for you.

Episode 42 – Bee Balm – Bold, Buzzing, and Brilliant In this episode, John digs into bee balm, a bold native plant that supports pollinators, smells incredible, and quietly ties together beauty, function, and resilience 🌼🐝. We talk about how to grow it, harvest it, deal with common problems, and why it plays such an important role in a healthy garden ecosystem. There’s a cozy herbal tea recipe, plenty of fun facts, and a deeper dive into the science and history behind this amazing plant. Along the way, we reflect a bit on balance, simplicity, and how nature often already has things figured out. If you’ve ever wanted a plant that feels meaningful as well as practical, this one’s for you.

Episode 41 – Utah Daisy - Resilient, Wild and Friendly We’re kicking off a special run of flower-focused episodes on The Beanstalk, and this week we’re starting strong with Utah Daisy. 🌼 John dives into how this tough native flower thrives in hot, dry conditions while blooming steadily all season long for pollinators and wildlife. You’ll learn how to grow it, manage common problems, save seeds, and design a garden that works with nature instead of against it. Along the way, we nerd out over plant science, talk companion planting, and even set the vibe with a perfect summer garden recipe. If you’re looking to build a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly garden, this episode is for you, fellow Beans.

Episode 40 — Irrigation — Drips, Drops, and SanityToday we’re diving into the surprisingly deep world of irrigation — from watering cans and hoses all the way to drip systems, clay ollas, and passive hydrology. John shares the saga of how a water main failure transformed his yard into an irrigation experiment, and why consistency matters more than sheer volume when it comes to watering. We cover practical tools, day-to-day realities, challenges, long-term payoff, and even some ancient techniques that modern gardeners are rediscovering. A cozy and thoughtful long-form episode for anyone looking to water smarter, stress less, and grow stronger. 💧🌱

Episode 39 — Cauliflower — Creamy, Crinkly and Clever Today on The Beanstalk we’re talking cauliflower — the creamy, fractal, surprisingly finicky brassica that rewards good timing and consistent care. We’ll cover how to grow it, why it’s worth the effort, how to avoid common cauliflower heartbreaks like buttoning, and why Romanesco looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. We’ll roast up some cauliflower steaks in the recipe section and geek out about plant evolution in the Garden Nerd Corner. If you’ve ever been curious about how this veggie works, or just want to get better at growing it, this episode is for you. 🌱

Episode 38 – Swiss Chard – Colorful, Tough, and Tasty Swiss chard is one of the most reliable and colorful greens you can grow, and in this episode of The Beanstalk, John breaks down why it deserves a spot in every garden 🌱. From planting and harvesting to dealing with pests and cooking it up in simple, tasty ways, this episode covers everything you need to know. You’ll learn why chard keeps producing when other greens give up and how to make the most of every leaf. There’s plenty of practical advice mixed with fun plant facts along the way. If you want a low-stress, high-reward crop, this episode is for you.

Episode 37 – Brussels Sprouts – Cold-Hardy, Sweet and Productive Brussel sprouts are one of the most misunderstood crops in the garden, and today on The Beanstalk, John sets the record straight. 🌱 From planting and pest control to harvesting after frost and cooking them into something truly crave-worthy, this episode covers everything you need to know to grow great sprouts. You’ll learn why timing matters, what can go wrong, and how to fix it organically. Along the way, there are plenty of practical tips and a few fun surprises about this cool-weather classic. If you’ve ever sworn off brussel sprouts, this episode might just change your mind.

Episode 36 – New Year, New GrowthA new year always feels like a fresh planting season, and this episode of The Beanstalk is all about new growth in more ways than one 🌱 John reflects on how the podcast began, why community matters more than ever, and what the launch of Patreon means for the future of The Beanstalk. From self-reliance and food security to shared knowledge and slow, steady progress, this episode sets the tone for the year ahead. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just found the show, this one’s about growing forward together. 🌾✨

Episode 35 — Lettuce - Fast, Fresh and Forgiving Lettuce might seem simple, but growing it at home changes everything 🌿 In this episode of The Beanstalk, John breaks down how to grow, harvest, and enjoy lettuce for maximum freshness and flavor. From pest problems and bolting to companion planting and seed saving, this episode covers everything you need to keep the salads coming. If you want fast wins and big rewards in the garden, lettuce is where it’s at 🥬

Episode 34 – A Gardener’s Christmas - Holiday Plants & TraditionsCelebrate the season with The Beanstalk in this Christmas special episode! 🎄 John walks through the plants at the heart of holiday tradition, from holly and mistletoe to poinsettias, Christmas cactus, ivy, and evergreen trees. You’ll hear some of the fascinating botanical and cultural stories behind each one, learn why they became symbols of the season, and even enjoy a cozy holiday recipe. Whether you’re curling up by the fire or trimming your tree, this episode brings festive plant lore and cheer to your garden year-round. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, fellow Beans!!

Episode 33 — Broccoli - Demanding, Nutritious and Surprisingly ProductiveBroccoli might look calm, but it’s a demanding, nutrient-packed powerhouse that keeps gardeners on their toes 🥦 In this episode of The Beanstalk, John digs into how to grow, harvest, and protect broccoli from pests while getting the most flavor and nutrition possible. From cool-season timing to soil health, pest battles, and kitchen wins, this episode covers it all. Whether broccoli has betrayed you before or you’re growing it for the first time, this episode will help you get the most bang for your buck. 🌱

Episode 32 — Spinach - Fast, Fearless, and FoolproofSpinach might be humble, but it’s one of the hardest-working plants in the garden 🌿 In this episode of The Beanstalk, John breaks down why spinach is such a powerhouse crop, how to grow it successfully in cool weather, and how to keep it producing before heat sets in. You’ll learn about harvesting, pests, seed saving, and even how spinach earned its legendary reputation. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this episode proves spinach deserves a permanent spot in your beds. 🌱

Episode 31 – Radishes – Fast, Fiery and Underrated Radishes might be small, but they pack a serious punch, and today on The Beanstalk we’re giving them the respect they deserve. 🌱 In this episode, I dig into why radishes are one of the fastest, most useful crops you can grow, how to grow them well, and what they can teach you about your soil. We’ll talk varieties, pests, harvesting at the right moment, and even how radishes quietly improve your garden behind the scenes. There’s also a simple, fresh recipe that shows off radishes at their best. If you’ve ever grown radishes — or struggled with them — this episode will change how you look at these fiery little roots.

Episode 30 — Chickens - The Real Garden MVPsToday on The Beanstalk, we’re stepping beyond the raised beds and diving straight into the coop for a deep, feathery, long-form episode all about backyard chickens. 🐔 I talk about why chickens are some of the best companions a gardener can have, how to raise them in a way that complements your garden, and all the joys and challenges they bring to a homestead. You’ll also hear the full saga of Rogue, the Golden Wyandotte who survived a predator attack and found safety with my flock. We’ll cover care, pests, eggs, garden integration, and even a cozy homestead recipe made with your own fresh eggs. If you’ve ever wanted chickens or just love hearing about the chaos and charm they bring, this episode is for you. Come hang out, laugh, learn, and maybe consider adding a feathered friend or two to your garden ecosystem.

Episode 29 - Beets - Nature’s Sweet Root With a Sassy AttitudeIn Episode 29 of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into the colorful, earthy, surprisingly sweet world of beets! From choosing the right varieties to growing, thinning, harvesting, and dealing with leaf miners, this episode is packed with practical tips and fun stories. We’ll talk root development issues, companion planting, and how to save your own beet seed like a pro. We’ll also whip up a bright roasted beet and orange salad. Whether you’re a beet lover or a beet skeptic, this episode will give you everything you need to grow them with confidence. Tune in and get ready to see beets in a whole new light! 🌱✨

🌻 Episode 28 — Sunchokes - Abundant, Resilient, and Infamously GassySunchokes are hardy, productive, and… let’s be honest, a little infamous for what they do to your digestive system. In this episode, we dig into how to grow them, why they spread like they’re trying to take over the world, and how to harvest and cook them without fear. I also share a fun story about my friend Laura giving me some tubers this year—and how I’ve been agonizing over where to plant them so they don’t colonize my yard. We’ll talk pests, planting tips, saving tubers, and we wrap it all up with a delicious roasted sunchoke recipe. If you’ve ever been curious about Jerusalem artichokes, this is your crash course. Tune in and let’s grow together! 🌱

Episode 27 — Winter Gardening - The Best Time to Plan, Repair, and Grow🌱 In this episode, John tackles Winter Gardening—the season of planning and repair! Learn why the freeze-thaw cycle is actually good for your soil and how to monitor hardy crops like kale and garlic. We cover essential indoor gardening ideas (like microgreens) and the crucial steps for winterizing your water lines and tools. This episode is your guide to staying productive, busy, and excited, even when the garden sleeps!

The Beanstalk, Episode 26 - Sweet Potatoes (Thanksgiving Special!)Celebrate Thanksgiving with a deep dive into one of the holiday’s favorite crops—sweet potatoes! In this festive episode, John covers everything you need to know about growing sweet potatoes, including choosing slips, preparing warm soil, managing vines, and curing your harvest for the best flavor and longest storage life.We’ll also look at common pests, how to maximize yields even in cooler climates, and why sweet potatoes are such a rewarding addition to your garden. Whether you're planning next year’s patch or just love learning about homegrown staples, this episode is packed with practical and seasonal insight.To wrap things up, John shares a cozy Thanksgiving recipe: Honey Glazed Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows—a nostalgic twist that blends classic mashed potato seasonings with sweet potato sweetness for the perfect holiday side dish. Happy Thanksgiving from The Beanstalk!

🌱 Episode 25 — Carrots - Crunchy, Colorful, and Completely Worth GrowingIn this episode, we dig into everything you need to know about growing carrots—soil prep, planting, thinning, watering, harvesting, and dealing with pests like carrot rust fly. We also cover companion planting, how to save carrot seeds, and the differences between colorful carrot varieties. Plus, stick around for a simple honey-glazed rainbow carrot recipe. Perfect for gardeners of all levels!

🌽 Episode 24 — Corn - Tall, Sweet, and TraditionalWelcome back to The Beanstalk! Today we dive into corn — choosing varieties, planting, block-style pollination, feeding, pest fixes, harvest timing, companion planting, and seed-saving basics. Stick around for fun facts, a Garden Nerd Corner, and a tasty grilled Mexican street corn (elote) recipe to celebrate the harvest.

🌿 Episode 23 – Turmeric - the Golden Spice of LifeDig into the vibrant world of turmeric — a golden root with incredible flavor, health benefits, and beauty for your garden. In this episode, we’ll cover how to grow, harvest, and use turmeric both indoors and out, plus explore its tropical companions, fun cultural history, and a cozy golden milk latte recipe. Tune in and bring a little sunshine to your soil! 🌞

🌿 Episode 22 – Peas - The Sweethearts of SpringWelcome back to The Beanstalk! This week we’re diving into the world of peas — those crisp, sweet gems of early spring. From snow and snap to shelling varieties, we’ll cover how to grow, trellis, and harvest them, save your own seeds, and choose perfect companion plants. Plus, a creamy parmesan and pea risotto recipe to wrap up the season’s first harvest! 🌱

Episode 21 – Growing Together - A Thank You from The BeanstalkJohn shares heartfelt thanks to listeners around the world and reflects on how gardening connects us all, even in a divided world. Enjoy a cozy Potato & Leek Soup recipe, explore how gardening improves mental health in the Garden Nerd Corner, and discover fun facts about gardens worldwide. From our patch to yours… keep on climbing. 🌿

🌿 Episode 20 – Compost: Turning Scraps into Garden GoldWelcome back to The Beanstalk, fellow Beans! 🌱 In today’s episode, we’re digging deep—literally—into the magic of composting. Whether you’re managing a small backyard bin or a full-sized pile, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to turn kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich, living soil.We’ll explore hot vs. cold composting, different bin designs and DIY options, and even compare on-ground versus contained systems. You’ll learn what materials make the best compost, what to avoid tossing in, and how to keep your pile balanced with just the right amount of moisture and airflow.We’ll also talk about the science behind decomposition, why biodiversity in your compost matters, and how to troubleshoot common issues like soggy piles, slow breakdown, or unwanted smells. Then we’ll wrap it all up with a hearty, homey recipe and plenty of fascinating compost fun facts to round out the episode.If you’ve ever wanted to make the most of your garden waste while saving money and feeding your soil, this is the one to tune in for!Join the conversation over at The Beanstalk Garden Club on Facebook to share your compost wins (and disasters), swap ideas, and grow alongside a community of garden-loving folks.From our patch to yours… keep on climbing. 🌿

 In this fiery episode of The Beanstalk, John digs deep into one of the boldest and most underrated plants you can grow — horseradish! 🌱🔥 Learn how to plant, harvest, and contain this hardy root, and discover why it’s been prized for flavor and medicine since ancient times. We’ll talk about how to keep it from taking over your garden, what makes it so spicy, and how to make your very own homemade horseradish sauce. Plus, stick around for six fun (and nose-tingling!) facts about this powerful plant that might just surprise you.Whether you’re a spice lover or just curious about adding something wild to your garden, this episode’s got a kick you won’t forget!

🌿 Episode 18 – When the Garden Floods - Lessons from the StormSometimes nature reminds us who’s really in charge. In this special episode, John shares his personal experience waking up to find his garden, business office, garage, and even his chicken coop under several inches of floodwater — and what it took to recover.We’ll dig into how to handle flooding while it’s happening, what to do afterward to protect your soil and plants, and how to prepare for future storms before they strike. You’ll also learn how floods affect local ecosystems, why lawns and root systems can actually help manage water, and some practical long-term prevention ideas for your own garden.Then we’ll end on a heartwarming note with the classic folktale of Stone Soup — a reminder that, even after the storm, community, sharing, and a bit of creativity can turn tough times into something meaningful.So grab a cup of tea, pull up your boots, and join John for a thoughtful, down-to-earth look at gardening through life’s muddy moments. 🌧️🌱

Parsley may have a reputation as just a plate garnish, but in this episode of The Beanstalk we dig into why it’s so much more.🌱 Learn how to grow both curly and flat-leaf parsley.✂️ Find out the best ways to harvest and store it.🐛 Discover how to deal with pests like the parsley worm.We’ll also explore parsley’s surprising history, its powerhouse nutrition, and why it’s such a helpful companion plant in the garden.And of course, I’ll share one of my favorite recipes—homemade chimichurri sauce—that proves parsley deserves a place at the center of your table.

🌱 Episode 16 – Mint: Invincible and Aromatic 🌿Welcome back to The Beanstalk, fellow Beans! This week we’re tackling one of the most unstoppable herbs in the garden—mint. Known for its bold fragrance, refreshing flavor, and vigorous growth, mint is both a blessing and a bit of a challenge for gardeners.In this episode, we’ll cover:The best ways to plant mint without letting it take over your garden.How to grow it successfully in containers and indoors.The history, folklore, and surprising medicinal uses of mint.Common pests and diseases (and why mint often shrugs most of them off).How to harvest and preserve fresh mint for cooking and teas.A crisp, refreshing recipe for homemade mint lemonade. 🍋🌿If you’ve ever planted mint once and ended up with it everywhere, you know how tough and invincible this herb can be—but with a little guidance, mint can become one of your most rewarding garden allies.From our patch to yours… keep on climbing. 🌿

🌿 Episode 15 – Onions - Layered and Long-GrowingOnions may be humble, but they’re one of the most rewarding crops you can grow. In this episode of The Beanstalk, John peels back the layers on this kitchen essential—covering how to grow them from seed, sets, or transplants, why day length matters, and the secrets to harvesting and curing for long storage.You’ll learn fun onion history, why they make you cry, and how they can even deter pests in your garden. And of course, we’ll wrap up with a delicious recipe: a golden, cheesy caramelized onion tart that makes the perfect side or appetizer.Whether you’re planting your first onion patch or refining your curing techniques, this episode will give you the know-how to enjoy onions from garden to table all year long. 🌱🧅

🌿 Episode 14 – Basil - The King of Summer HerbsBasil isn’t just any herb — it’s the King of Summer. In this episode of The Beanstalk, John shares why basil deserves a spot in every garden, how to grow it successfully, and the secrets to harvesting it for maximum flavor. We’ll cover common pests and problems, the pros and cons of working with this fragrant favorite, and wrap things up with a recipe for fresh, homemade basil pesto.Whether you’re growing sweet basil for salads, Thai basil for curries, or purple basil just for the looks, this episode will help you get the most out of your plants. Plus, stick around for some fun basil facts you can drop at the dinner table.From our patch to yours… keep on climbing. 🌱

Episode 13 - Strawberries - The Sweet Reward of Patience🍓 In this episode of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into one of the most beloved garden crops of all time — strawberries! Whether you’re after juicy June-bearing harvests, steady everbearing plants, or the flexibility of day-neutral types, strawberries can be a sweet reward for any gardener with a little patience.We’ll cover how to plant and care for them, the importance of runners, and how to keep your strawberry patch thriving year after year. You’ll also learn about the most common pests and problems, along with tried-and-true solutions to keep your berries safe.And of course, we’ll finish things off in the kitchen with a simple, delicious strawberry basil shortcake recipe you’ll want to make again and again.So grab your garden gloves and let’s grow something sweet together!

🌿 Episode 12 : Rhubarb : The Tart Titan of the GardenWelcome back to The Beanstalk! My name is John, and today we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated garden crops—rhubarb. This tart perennial veggie masquerading as a fruit has deep roots in garden history and deserves a spot in your patch, especially if you're looking for a low-maintenance, high-reward plant.In this episode, we’ll explore why rhubarb thrives in cooler climates, how to grow it successfully, when and how to harvest it (without getting into trouble with those toxic leaves), and how to divide it when it gets too cozy. We’ll also whip up a Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble, walk through a few common growing issues, and share some rhubarb facts in our trivia segment, The Gardener's Brain Food Corner.Whether you're rhubarb-curious or already a fan of this tangy titan, you’ll leave this episode with tips, stories, and inspiration to get your patch producing.🌱 Pull up a chair, pour yourself something iced, and let’s talk tart stems and tasty dreams.

🎧 Episode 11 : Peppers : From Sweet Bells to Fiery Faves 🌶️In this flavorful episode of The Beanstalk, we’re diving into the wide world of peppers — from the sweet crunch of bell peppers to the fiery kick of your favorite hot varieties. Learn why peppers are a must-grow crop, how to get them started strong, keep them healthy, and harvest them at peak flavor. We’ll cover common pests and problems, pros and cons, and wrap things up with a simple stuffed bell pepper recipe that’s as garden-fresh as it gets!

Episode 10 : Soils : The Real Foundation of GardeningIn this special 10th episode, we’re digging deep—literally and figuratively—into the world of soil. From native dirt to raised bed mixes, compost, mulches, microbial life, and more, this one’s packed with everything you need to build a strong foundation for your garden. We’ll also touch on fixing tough soil types, handling flooding, and wrap it all up with a cozy recipe for spaghetti, garlic bread, and a fresh garden salad.

Episode 9 : Cucumbers : Crunchy, Cool, and Completely Worth ItWhether you’re growing them for fresh snacking or crispy pickles, cucumbers are a summer garden favorite for good reason. In this episode of The Beanstalk, we dive into growing both pickling and slicing varieties, from planting and trellising to managing pests like cucumber beetles and powdery mildew. You’ll also learn how to keep your cucumbers from turning bitter, when to harvest, and we’ll wrap up with a quick cucumber salad recipe featuring feta and dill. Cool, crunchy, and totally worth it!