PODCAST · leisure
The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy
by Jill McSheehy
Welcome to the Beginner's Garden Podcast! This is the podcast with easy-to-understand resources, tips, and information to help beginning gardeners get the most out of their gardening adventure -- big or small. When I began gardening in 2013, I scoured books and Internet resources to find all the information I could. Although good information was abundant, I had trouble understanding all the gardening lingo and sifting through the information to figure out what would work for me. In this podcast, my aim is to provide helpful information while explaining the gardening lingo as we go. I want to equip YOU to have the best start ever this gardening season!
Episodes
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489 - Using a Greenhouse to its Full Potential with Leslie Halleck
Thinking about getting a greenhouse but not sure what it can actually do for your garden? A greenhouse can extend your growing season, protect plants through winter, and give seedlings a head start, but only if you understand how temperature, light, and humidity work together. In this episode…
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488 - Two Easy Cover Crops That Changed My Raised Bed Garden
Not sure what to cover your raised bed soil with this winter? Cover crops can build soil, suppress weeds, and even provide living mulch. In this episode, I'll help you choose a cover crop and get started without overcomplicating it. Free Download: Raised Bed Soil Options Learn practical…
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487 - Fastest Fall Crops If You're Starting Late
Think you've missed your chance to plant a fall garden? You may still have time to grow a harvest, even if September is already here. The key is knowing your average first frost date and choosing fall crops that can mature in the time you have left. In this episode, I'll help you figure out what...
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486 - Making Space for Fall Crops (when summer crops are still growing)
Trying to plant a fall garden when your beds are still full of summer crops? You don't have to clear everything at once. A simple bed-by-bed assessment can help you decide what stays, what goes, and where your fall crops can fit. In this episode, I walk you through how I transition my garden from...
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485 - Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, & More: How to Cure & Store Root Crops
You worked hard to grow potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and sweet potatoes. How do you keep them from spoiling before you can use them? In this episode, I'll walk you through curing and storing root crops so you can extend their storage life and enjoy more of your garden harvest through…
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484 - Tomatoes, Cucumbers & More: Fridge or Counter? How to Store Today's Harvest
Fresh garden produce doesn't stay fresh by accident. Learn exactly where to store tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, melons, and more so they last longer and taste their best. If you've ever wondered whether tomatoes belong on the counter or in the refrigerator, or why cucumbers sometimes get soft no...
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483 - What I've Changed in Preserving My Harvest
Feeling overwhelmed by canning and preserving your garden harvest? Wondering if you have to preserve everything you grow to make gardening worthwhile? In this episode, I share how my approach to food preservation has changed over the last few years and how I've found a healthier balance between...
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482 - Meal Prep from Your Garden with Crystal Schmidt, author of Freeze Fresh Meal Prep
Have you ever wished your garden harvest could make dinner easier months after the growing season ends? In this episode, I'm welcoming Crystal from Whole-Fed Homestead back to the podcast to talk about her newest cookbook, Freeze Fresh Meal Prep. While many gardeners know they can freeze...
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481 - Wasps and Bees: The Invisible Work These Insects Do in Your Garden
Struggling to know which garden insects are friends or foes? Learn why wasps, hoverflies, and bees may be doing more to protect your garden than you realize. This episode will change how you see beneficial insects and natural pest control in your vegetable garden. Join me for the Fall Harvest…
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480 - Yellow Leaves, Bugs, and No Fruit: What to Do in the Mid-Summer Garden
Yellow leaves, chewed-up plants, and tomatoes that suddenly stop producing can make it feel like your garden is falling apart. But many common midsummer garden problems have simple explanations once you know what to look for. In this episode, you'll learn how to diagnose yellowing leaves, tell…
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479 - Fall Garden: 3 Simple Steps to Start Now
Summer gardening can leave you feeling worn out, but your best harvest may still be ahead. If you've been wondering whether a fall garden is worth the effort, this episode will help you start planning without feeling overwhelmed. Learn three simple decisions you can make now to prepare for a...
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478 - Summer Watering: What Your Garden Actually Needs
Struggling to know how much to water your vegetable garden during summer? You're not alone. Learn how to water raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens with confidence so your plants stay healthy and productive all season long. Free Download: Raised Bed Soil Options Stop guessing what to…
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477 - What to Plant in June and July
Struggling with empty garden beds after harvesting spring crops? Wondering what to plant in June and July without wasting valuable garden space? In this episode, you'll learn which vegetables, herbs, and flowers thrive in summer heat so you can keep harvesting, suppress weeds, and make the most…
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Questions My Garden Visitors Asked (and My Honest Answers)
A bus full of seasoned gardeners showed up to tour my garden, and the questions they asked were so good I wrote every one down. How close is too close when you plant? Why is the garlic browning early? What do you do about squash vine borers? This episode walks through the real questions from that...
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475 - The Problem with Sevin Dust
Struggling with garden pests and wondering if Sevin Dust is the answer? Before you reach for this popular insecticide, it's important to understand what it does to pests, pollinators, and your garden ecosystem. In this episode, you'll learn the truth about Sevin Dust, carbaryl, organic pest...
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474 - How to use what you're growing for extra income with Luke Hammond
Struggling with rising grocery prices while your garden overproduces? In this episode, you'll learn practical ways to turn extra vegetables into extra income without becoming a full-time farmer. We cover backyard garden side hustles, CSA boxes, value-added products, and high-value crops for...
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473 - What the Spring Garden Taught Me This Year
Struggling with cabbage worms, bolting brassicas, or disappointing cauliflower heads? In this episode, you'll learn practical spring garden lessons from my own Zone 8a garden experience. I'm sharing what worked with cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, onions, and companion planting so you can grow...
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472 - Cooking Your Harvest: Simple Secrets from a Disney Chef at EPCOT
_*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> You grew it. Now how do you make it taste as good as it possibly can? A conversation with a working chef changes the way you think about what's already in your garden. This episode covers cooking techniques for tomatoes, corn, herbs, and more — with practical, doable advice…
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471 - Herbs All Season: How I Use My Garden Herbs Year Round — Fresh, Dried, and Blended
_*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> You spent the money on herbs. You watched them grow. Now what? _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> There's a whole season of flavor sitting in your garden, and most of it never makes it to your kitchen. This episode walks you through how to actually use what you grow — fresh, dried, frozen…
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470 - Planting Day: Peppers – when to plant, what to know, and exactly what to do step by step
You've been waiting all spring to get those peppers in the ground. But planting day isn't just about digging a hole and dropping them in — and this year, I learned some things I didn't expect. In this episode, I'm sharing my full pepper planting day guide, including what I had to research when my...
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469 - Cucumbers: How to Choose, Plant, and Harvest All Season Long
Struggling to grow healthy cucumbers that actually produce? You're not alone—cucumbers can be tricky if you don't get a few key things right. In this episode, you'll learn how to grow cucumbers successfully with simple, practical tips you can use right away. Whether you're growing in raised beds,...
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468 - Pollinators: Are They Telling You Something About Your Garden? — with Disney Conservation Scientist Morgan Belle
Struggling with pests or poor pollination in your garden? Wondering how to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects naturally? In this episode, you'll learn simple, practical ways to support pollinators and grow a healthier vegetable garden. I'm coming to you from Disney World's...
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467 - Planting Day: Tomatoes – when to plant and exactly what to do step by step
Struggling to know when to plant tomatoes without risking frost? Wondering how deep to plant or what actually matters on planting day? In this episode, you'll learn a step-by-step tomato planting process so you can start strong and grow a healthy harvest. Tomato planting day can feel exciting……
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466 - Soil: What to Do Before You Plant Anything
Struggling to figure out what your garden soil actually needs? Confused by compost, topsoil, and raised bed mixes? In this episode, you'll learn simple, practical soil basics to grow healthier plants and improve your garden naturally. Dream to Garden (Now Open!) My step-by-step garden planning...
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465 - Companion Planting While You're Actually Planting Your Garden
Feeling unsure about companion planting when you're actually standing in your garden? You're not alone. It's one thing to read charts, but another to decide what goes where in real time. In this episode, you'll learn how companion planting really works, including spacing, timing, and practical...
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464 - Planting Day: Potatoes – how to plant and what to expect as they grow underground
Struggling with poor potato harvests or slow growth? You're not alone. In this episode, you'll learn how to plant potatoes step-by-step for stronger plants and better yields. From choosing seed potatoes to soil prep and spacing, this potato planting guide will set you up for success. Potatoes are...
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463 - Planting Day: Carrots - how to plant and what to expect the first few weeks
Struggling to get carrot seeds to sprout or size up well? In this episode, you'll learn how to plant carrots with better timing, spacing, watering, and thinning so they grow straight, sweet, and strong. If carrot germination has felt unpredictable, this step-by-step planting guide will help you...
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462 - How Early Is Too Early? Planting Cool-Season Crops With Confidence
Spring weather can make planting decisions confusing. Should you plant your cool season crops now, or wait a little longer? In this episode, you'll learn how to decide the best time to plant lettuce, broccoli, carrots, peas, and other cool season crops with confidence. If you've ever worried…
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461 - Seedlings Not Growing? Why Mine Stalled (and the Fix)
Struggling with indoor seed starting because your seedlings stopped growing? Are they stuck with only seed leaves, turning yellow, or just frozen in time? In this episode, I share how a simple seed starting mix mistake stalled my broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce—and exactly how I fixed it. Free...
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460 - How to Grow Better Potatoes: What Matters Most (and What Doesn't) with Jim & Caleb Gerritsen of Wood Prairie Family Farm
Struggling to get a big potato harvest, especially in heat or grow bags? In this episode, Jim and Caleb from Wood Prairie Family Farm break down what actually matters for growing potatoes successfully. You'll learn practical potato growing tips for choosing seed, watering, fall planting, and...
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459 - Can You Trust AI With Your Garden? How to Avoid Bad Advice
Struggling to know whether you can trust AI for garden planning? Wondering if ChatGPT can actually help you grow better vegetables—or if it might quietly steer you wrong? In this episode, we talk through the real benefits and real risks of using AI in your vegetable garden. Dream to Garden – Plan...
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458 - One Garden Bed, Three Seasons: How the Planning Actually Works
Most gardens get planted once and then limp along until frost. But what if one garden bed could give you three strong harvests in a single season? In this episode, you'll learn how simple succession planting can help you grow more food without adding more space. Free Training: Productive Garden...
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457 -Companion Planting Starts in the...Kitchen?
Companion planting can feel confusing fast. Charts, rules, and exceptions make it hard to know what really works. But what if you already understand companion planting better than you think? The foods you naturally cook together often grow well together, too. In this episode, I share a simple way...
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456 - Endless Spring Salads: How to Plan Now
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...
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455 - The Truth About Seed Starting Mixes with JoeGardener (and Why So Many Fail)
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...
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454 - How Home Gardeners Can Save Money by Buying Seeds in Bulk (Without Overbuying)
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…
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453 - How to Plan a Garden That Fits Your Life in 2026
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...
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452 - 10 Biggest Garden Lessons in 2025
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…
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451- Growing Cut Flowers & More for a Farmer's Market with Sarah Shuman
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...
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450 - December Garden Checklist (without the pressure)
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...
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449 - My Favorite Garden Products (and How to Save on Them Now)
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....
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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.
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...
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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
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…
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446 - Overwintering herbs indoors and out
Worried about what happens to your herbs when frost arrives? In this episode you'll learn which herbs survive winter outside, which to bring indoors, and simple steps to protect them. We'll cover pruning timing, zone hardiness, and indoor care so you go into winter with confidence. Keywords:...
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445 - What I Learned... about my capacity in this season of life
Feeling guilty that your garden doesn't look like it used to? You're not alone. In this episode, I share how my own season of life changed my garden—and how you can adjust yours with less stress and more joy. You'll learn practical ways to right-size your garden for your time, energy, and goals…
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444 - What I Learned... from planning 10 fall gardens
If your fall garden isn't producing the way you hoped—or if you're wondering whether your plants will even mature before frost—this episode is for you. After helping 10 gardeners across the country plan their fall gardens, I noticed clear patterns that explain why some thrive while others…
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443 - What I learned... from the failures of this season
Feeling discouraged by garden failures? You're not alone. In this episode, I walk through four issues I faced this year and how I'm troubleshooting each one so you can apply the same practical steps in your garden. You'll learn simple ways to read plant stress, reduce disease and pest pressure…
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442 - What I learned... Visiting GreenStalk: The Story You Don't See Online
Struggling to tell which garden products are worth your money? You're not alone. Today I'm sharing what I learned on a behind-the-scenes visit to GreenStalk in Knoxville—how they design, test, and support a planter I've used for five years. You'll leave with practical ways to use a vertical…
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441 - Garlic Growing Timeline: Month-by-Month from Planting to Harvest
Worried your garlic sprouted too soon or won't survive winter? In this episode, I walk you through a clear garlic growing timeline so you know what's normal, what to expect by zone, and when to harvest. You'll learn planting windows, mulch depth by zone, vernalization for warm climates, spring...
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440 - Let go or push through? (an unplanned, personal conversation)
This past week has been heavy — my dad's heart surgery and walking with friends through hard times. Normally my garden is my refuge, but lately it's been more discouraging than refreshing. From cutworms in the carrots to nematodes on summer crops, the struggles have piled up. In this episode, I'm...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Beginner's Garden Podcast! This is the podcast with easy-to-understand resources, tips, and information to help beginning gardeners get the most out of their gardening adventure -- big or small. When I began gardening in 2013, I scoured books and Internet resources to find all the information I could. Although good information was abundant, I had trouble understanding all the gardening lingo and sifting through the information to figure out what would work for me. In this podcast, my aim is to provide helpful information while explaining the gardening lingo as we go. I want to equip YOU to have the best start ever this gardening season!
HOSTED BY
Jill McSheehy
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy have?
The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy currently has 579 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy about?
Welcome to the Beginner's Garden Podcast! This is the podcast with easy-to-understand resources, tips, and information to help beginning gardeners get the most out of their gardening adventure -- big or small. When I began gardening in 2013, I scoured books and Internet resources to find all the...
How often does The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy release new episodes?
The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 579 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy?
You can listen to The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy?
The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy is created and hosted by Jill McSheehy.
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