The Messed Up Gardener

🎧 Press Play to Listen to Today’s EpisodeFree Gardening Resources at the bottom of the show notesWhat if your garden isn’t failing all at once…it’s quietly losing momentum in the weeks you don’t notice?What if the problem isn’t the day you plant…or the day you harvest…but the hidden weeks in between?In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther Williams talks about one of the most overlooked parts of productive gardening:timing.Not just planting dates.Not just seed packets.Not just seasons.But the quiet timing inside the garden.In this episode you’ll discover:🌱 Why gardens often lose momentum quietly before anything looks wrong🌱 The hidden weeks most gardeners miss until it’s too late🌱 Why a crop can still be alive but no longer earning its space🌱 The difference between productive crops and lingering crops🌱 Why the week after harvest is a turning point🌱 How accidental downtime reduces your garden’s return🌱 Why seedlings need to be started before the bed is empty🌱 How the middle of the season can quietly drain your garden’s productivity🌱 Why seasonal change usually whispers before it shouts🌱 The simple 5-question weekly garden check-in that helps you stay aheadIf your garden often starts strong…then slows down…gets patchy…or seems to get away on you halfway through the season…this episode will help you see where the real timing gaps are happening.And once you can see those hidden weeks…👉 you can start using them.🎧 Press play above to listen.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a fellow gardener or leaving a review. It helps more people discover the show.Feel free to reach out.📩 [email protected] 🌐 www.themessedupgardener.comFacebook🌿 The Messed Up Gardener 🍄 Shesther’s GourmetHelpful Garden ResourcesIf you'd like to keep learning, you can explore some of my practical gardening resources.🌱 Create Your Own DIY Self-Watering Planters A step-by-step guide to building simple systems that help your garden thrive.https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters🌿 Free Gardening ResourcesYou can also grab a few of my free guides designed to help gardeners build confidence:🌿 12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden https://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Organic Gardening Cheat Sheet https://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowUntil next time, remember: Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

                                       🎧 Press Play to Listen to Today’s Episode                     Free Gardening Resources at the bottom of the show notesHi, welcome to The Messed-Up GardenerMost gardeners think they need more space to grow more food.A bigger section. More raised beds. More containers.But what if that’s not the real problem?What if your garden already has the capacity to produce more…👉 it’s just not being used properly?In this episode, Esther Williams breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in gardening🌱 In this episode you’ll discover:🌱 Why “more space” is rarely the real solution to low output🌱 The hidden inefficiencies that quietly reduce production🌱 What’s actually causing stop-start results in most gardens🌱 Where space is being wasted (even when your garden looks full)🌱 The concept of layering — and how it multiplies output🌱 Why flow matters more than size when it comes to productivity🌱 The one question that keeps your garden producing continuously🌱 How to get more from the same space without increasing your workloadIf your garden feels full… but not as productive as it should be…👉 this episode will change how you use your space🎧 Press play above to listenIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a fellow gardener or leaving a review.It genuinely helps more people discover the show.And if you’d like structured support to make your garden more productive…my practical guides are waiting for you below 👇🌿 Helpful Garden ResourcesIf you'd like to keep learning, you can explore some of my practical gardening resources:🌱 Create Your Own DIY Self-Watering Planters A step-by-step guide to building simple systems that help your garden thrivehttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters🌱 Free Gardening ResourcesYou can also grab a few of my free guides designed to help gardeners build confidence:🌿 12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden Practical guidance from planning through to harvesthttps://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Organic Gardening Cheat Sheet Simple natural methods for chemical-free growinghttps://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Garden Goals Planning Worksheet A simple worksheet to help you plan your garden with intentionhttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now🌿 Follow the JourneyFacebook🌿 The Messed Up Gardener 🍄 Shesther’s Gourmet🌐 www.themessedupgardener.com📩 [email protected] next time, remember:Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

🎧 Press Play to Listen to Today’s EpisodeFree Gardening Resources at the bottom of the show notesWhat if your garden isn’t failing… it’s just not built to return anything?Why do so many gardens look productive… yet still don’t reduce your grocery bill?And what if the problem isn’t how you’re growing… but what you’re choosing to grow?In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther Williams breaks down one of the biggest blind spots in gardening.In this episode you’ll discover:🌱 Why most gardens feel productive — but don’t actually deliver results 🌱 The “illusion of productivity” and how it keeps gardeners stuck 🌱 Why crop selection matters more than soil, watering, or technique 🌱 The difference between crops that carry your system… and crops that don’t 🌱 The 3 crop roles (Anchor, Accelerator, Passive) and how to use them 🌱 The hidden cost of growing the wrong crops (time, space, and effort) 🌱 Why most gardeners choose low-impact crops (and don’t realise it) 🌱 What actually saves money — and how to structure your garden properly 🌱 The simple 3-question filter to instantly improve your gardenIf you’ve ever felt like your garden should be doing more…but you can’t quite figure out why it isn’t…this episode will show you exactly where things are going wrong.And more importantly…👉 how to fix it.🎧 Press play above to listen.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a fellow gardener or leaving a review. It helps more people discover the show.Feel free to reach out.📩 [email protected] 🌐 www.themessedupgardener.comFacebook🌿 The Messed Up Gardener 🍄 Shesther’s GourmetEpisode links mentioned in the episode:Ep 168: If Supermarkets Closed Tomorrow, Could Your Garden Feed You? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2076652/episodes/18845048Ep 171: Why Your Garden Isn’t Saving You Money (And How to Fix It)https://www.buzzsprout.com/2076652/episodes/18960724Ep 172: What a $100 Garden REALLY Looks Like (And Why Most People Get It Wrong) https://www.buzzsprout.com/2076652/episodes/18987083Ep 173: Why Most Gardens Fail in the First 90 Days (And How to Avoid It) https://www.buzzsprout.com/2076652/episodes/18987118Helpful Garden ResourcesIf you'd like to keep learning, you can explore some of my practical gardening resources🌱 Create Your Own DIY Self-Watering Planters A step-by-step guide to building simple systems that help your garden thrivehttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters🌿 Free Gardening ResourcesYou can also grab a few of my free guides designed to help gardeners build confidence:🌿 12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden https://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Organic Gardening Cheat Sheet https://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowUntil next time, remember:Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

                                       🎧Press Play to Listen to Today’s Episode                        Free Gardening Resources at the bottom of the show notesWhat if nothing has actually gone wrong with your garden…But it just feels like it has?Why do so many gardens start strong… Only to slow down, stall, and become confusing within the first few weeks?And what if the problem isn’t what you’re doing… But when you’re expecting results?In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther Williams walks you through the stage most gardeners don’t fully understand — the first 90 days.Not in a complicated or technical way…But in a clear, practical way that helps you understand what’s actually happening beneath the surface.Because the truth is, most gardens don’t fail because people stop trying.They struggle because the early stages don’t behave the way people expect them to.And without understanding that… it’s easy to start second-guessing everything.In this episode you’ll discover:🌱 Why early growth can be misleading — and what it actually means🌱 What really happens between days 14–30 (and why things start to feel “off”)🌱 The “Mistake Window” — where most gardens get overcorrected🌱 Why gardens don’t respond instantly (and how this creates confusion)🌱 The stage where confidence drops — and why this is completely normal🌱 What successful gardeners do differently during this period🌱 The simple 90-day framework to help your garden stabilise and start workingIf your garden has ever started well…but then felt inconsistent, slow, or uncertain…this episode will help you understand exactly why.🎧 Press play above to listen.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a fellow gardener or leaving a review. It helps more people discover the show. And if you’d like to see what I’m working on behind the scenes — including our current greenhouse setup (yes… 5000 strawberry plants incoming 😅) — feel free to reach out.📩 [email protected] 🌐 www.themessedupgardener.com🌿 Follow the JourneyFacebook🌿 The Messed Up Gardener 🍄 Shesther’s Gourmet🌱 Helpful Garden ResourcesIf you’d like to keep learning, you can explore some of my practical gardening resources:🌱 Create Your Own DIY Self-Watering Planters A step-by-step guide to building simple systems that help your garden thrive.https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters🌿 Free Gardening ResourcesYou can also grab a few of my free guides designed to help gardeners build confidence:🌿 12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden Practical guidance from planning through to harvesthttps://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Organic Gardening Cheat Sheet Simple natural methods for chemical-free growinghttps://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Garden Goals Planning Worksheet A simple worksheet to help you plan your garden with intentionhttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowUntil next time, remember:Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

                                   🎧 Press Play to Listen to Today’s Episode                       Free Gardening Resources at the bottom of the show notesWhat does a real $100 garden actually look like?And more importantly…👉 would it actually save you money?Because a lot of people are starting gardens right now…spending hundreds… sometimes thousands… And still not seeing a real return.In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther Williams breaks down what happens when you strip it all back.No overbuilding. No unnecessary spend. No Pinterest-perfect setups.Just a simple question:👉 If you had $100… how would you build a garden that actually works?👉 Something that starts reducing your grocery bill.Because once you understand how to structure a garden properly… everything starts to shift.In this episode you’ll discover:🌱 How to break down a $100 garden budget so every dollar actually contributes to food🌱 The simple shift that changes what you grow (and why most people get this wrong)🌱 How to choose crops based on real return — not just what feels rewarding🌱 Why some crops quietly carry your entire garden (and others don’t)🌱 The most common mistakes that waste time, money, and momentum🌱 What actually happens in the first 30–90 days of a working garden🌱 How a small garden can realistically start replacing $10–$20 per week in groceries🌱 Why gardens don’t save money instantly — but build value over timeIf you’ve ever felt like your garden should be doing more…or wondered whether it’s actually worth the effort…this episode will help you step back and see things differently.🎧 Press play above to listen.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a fellow gardener or leaving a review. It genuinely helps more people discover the show.And if you're ready to start building a garden that actually works…my practical guides are waiting for you in the links below.📩 Reach out here:[email protected]🌿 Follow the JourneyFacebook🌿 The Messed Up Gardener 🍄 Shesther’s Gourmet🌐 www.themessedupgardener.com🛠 Helpful Garden ResourcesIf you'd like to keep learning, you can explore some of my practical gardening resources:🌱 Create Your Own DIY Self-Watering Planters A step-by-step guide to building simple systems that help your garden thrivehttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters 🌿 Free Gardening ResourcesYou can also grab a few of my free guides designed to help gardeners build confidence:🌿 12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden Practical guidance from planning through to harvesthttps://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Organic Gardening Cheat Sheet Simple natural methods for chemical-free growinghttps://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Garden Goals Planning Worksheet A simple worksheet to help you plan your garden with intentionhttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowUntil next time, remember:Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

                                     🎧 Press Play to Listen to Today’s Episode👉 Free Gardening Resources at the bottom of the show notesHi Welcome to The Messed Up Gardener  Most gardens look productive… But are they actually saving you money?Or just making you feel like they are?In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther Williams explores a question most gardeners never stop to ask.Because the truth is, many gardens are beautifully designed for enjoyment…👉 but not for financial impactThat doesn’t mean your garden isn’t valuable.In fact — the opposite is true.When you start looking at your garden through a slightly different lens…you begin to see where the real opportunity is.In this episode you’ll discover:🌱 Why most gardens replace the cheapest parts of your grocery bill — not the expensive ones🌱 The simple mindset shift that turns a garden from a hobby into a strategy🌱 What “high-impact crops” actually are — and why they matter🌱 The $1 vs $10 rule that changes how you choose what to grow🌱 Why some gardens never save money (even when they should)🌱 How small changes can quietly reduce your grocery bill over time🌱 The hidden ways gardening saves money beyond just what you harvestIf you’ve ever wondered why your garden isn’t making a bigger difference financially…👉 this episode will change how you see everything you grow🎧 Press play above to listenIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a fellow gardener or leaving a review. It genuinely helps more people discover the show.And if you'd like structured help turning your garden into something more productive…my guides are waiting for you below 👇🌿 Helpful Garden ResourcesIf you'd like to keep learning, you can explore some of my practical gardening resources:🌱 Create Your Own DIY Self-Watering Planters A step-by-step guide to building simple systems that help your garden thrivehttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters🌱 Free Gardening ResourcesYou can also grab a few of my free guides designed to help gardeners build confidence:🌿 12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden Practical guidance from planning through to harvesthttps://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Organic Gardening Cheat Sheet Simple natural methods for chemical-free growinghttps://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Garden Goals Planning Worksheet A simple worksheet to help you plan your garden with intentionhttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now🌿 Follow the JourneyFacebook🌿 The Messed Up Gardener 🍄 Shesther’s Gourmet🌐 www.themessedupgardener.com📩 [email protected] next time, remember:Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

🎧 Listen to Today’s EpisodeMost people don’t give up gardening because they didn’t enjoy it.They give up because the first year feels harder than they expected.Because what most people don’t realise is this:The first year isn’t about success. It’s about learning.And many gardeners stop just before everything starts to get easier.In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther Williams explores what’s really happening during that first season — and why it can feel frustrating, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming.Not because you’re doing it wrong… but because you’re right in the middle of the learning curve.🌱 In this episode you’ll discover:🌿 Why the first year of gardening is often the hardest 🌿 The gap between the “garden dream” and reality 🌿 What the “messy middle” actually means 🌿 Why soil matters more than plants 🌿 How gardening knowledge compounds over time 🌿 Why the second year feels so much easierIf you’ve ever felt like your garden wasn’t working…This episode will help you realise:You’re not failing. You’re learning.🌿 If This Episode HelpedShare it with someone who might be feeling discouraged in their garden 🌱 Or leave a review — it helps more gardeners find the show.🌿 Free Gardening Resources🌿 12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden https://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Organic Gardening Cheat Sheet https://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowUntil next time, remember: Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

🎧 Press Play to Listen to Today’s Episode Free Gardening Resources at the bottom of the show notesWhat if the way you see food… isn’t the full picture?Most people experience food as something finished. Packaged. Convenient. Ready to cook.But the moment you start growing your own food… that perspective begins to shift.Because once you understand how food is actually grown — you don’t just change what you eat… you change how you see the world.In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther Williams explores the quiet but powerful mindset shifts that happen when you start growing your own food.Not in a complicated way — but in a real, practical, lived-experience way.In this episode you’ll discover:🌱 Why food stops feeling like a product — and starts feeling like a process 🌱 The moment growing your own food changes how you think 🌱 Why gardeners start seeing systems and patterns everywhere 🌱 The shift that makes soil more important than plants 🌱 How growing food builds confidence, resilience, and perspective 🌱 Why even a small garden can change how you see food foreverIf you’ve ever felt like gardening is “just a hobby”… this episode might completely change how you see it.Because gardening isn’t just about growing food. It’s about understanding it.🎧 Press play above to listen.If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need a fresh perspective on food, gardening, or simply slowing down.And if you haven’t already, leaving a review genuinely helps this podcast grow and reach more gardeners.And just quietly… if you’ve been following along, something exciting is happening behind the scenes.The very first Messed-Up Gardener product is about to go live 🌿If you'd like early access before it launches publicly, send me a message and I’ll happily send you the waitlist link.📩 Reach out here: [email protected] the JourneyFacebook🌿 The Messed Up Gardener 🍄 Shesther’s Gourmet🌐 www.themessedupgardener.comHelpful Garden ResourcesIf you'd like to keep learning, you can explore some of my practical gardening resources:🌱 Create Your Own DIY Self-Watering Planters A step-by-step guide to building simple systems that help your garden thrive.https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersFree Gardening ResourcesYou can also grab a few of my free guides designed to help gardeners build confidence:🌿 12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden Practical guidance from planning through to harvesthttps://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Organic Gardening Cheat Sheet Simple natural methods for chemical-free growinghttps://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Garden Goals Planning Worksheet A simple worksheet to help you plan your garden with intentionhttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowUntil next time, remember:Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

🎧Press Play to Listen to Today’s EpisodeFree Gardening Resources at the bottom of the show notes   What would actually happen if the supermarkets shut tomorrow?Would your garden feed you?Or would it simply provide a few fresh ingredients for dinner?In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther Williams explores a question most gardeners never stop to ask.Not in a dramatic or doomsday way — but in a practical, thoughtful way.Because the truth is, many home gardens are beautifully designed for flavour and variety, but not necessarily for energy or food security.That doesn’t mean gardens aren’t valuable.In fact, the opposite is true.When you start looking at your garden through a slightly different lens, you begin to understand something powerful about food, resilience, and the quiet skills that gardeners develop over time.In this episode you’ll discover:🌱 Why most home gardens are designed to supplement meals rather than feed households🌱 The surprising difference between “support crops” and “fuel crops”🌱 Why staple crops like potatoes, corn and beans have historically fed entire civilizations🌱 The often overlooked role of storage crops in real food resilience🌱 Why garden design and crop choice quietly determine how productive a garden can become🌱 The hidden advantage every gardener gains simply by learning how to grow foodIf you’ve ever wondered whether your garden could provide more than just seasonal vegetables, this episode will help you step back and see your garden from a completely new perspective.🎧 Press play above to listen.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a fellow gardener or leaving a review. It helps more people discover the show.And if you'd like to see what I'm working on behind the scenes, our very first Messed-Up Gardener product is about to go live.If you'd like a sneak peek before the launch, send me a message and I’ll happily send you the waitlist link.📩 Reach out here: [email protected] the JourneyFacebook🌿 The Messed Up Gardener 🍄 Shesther’s Gourmet🌐 www.themessedupgardener.comHelpful Garden ResourcesIf you'd like to keep learning, you can explore some of my practical gardening resources:🌱 Create Your Own DIY Self-Watering Planters A step-by-step guide to building simple systems that help your garden thrive.https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersFree Gardening ResourcesYou can also grab a few of my free guides designed to help gardeners build confidence:🌿 12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden Practical guidance from planning through to harvesthttps://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Organic Gardening Cheat Sheet Simple natural methods for chemical-free growinghttps://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Garden Goals Planning Worksheet A simple worksheet to help you plan your garden with intentionhttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowUntil next time, remember:Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

🎧 Listen to Today’s EpisodeSome gardens quietly become easier every year.Others slowly become harder — and before you realise it, you feel like you’re constantly catching up… watering more, fixing more, rescuing more.But the difference usually isn’t effort.It’s strategy.In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther Williams resets the idea of “sustainable gardening” and explains why the gardens that thrive long-term are almost always built on a few simple systems working together.Not perfection.Not expensive products.And not complicated ideology.Just thoughtful design.In this episode you’ll discover:🌱 Why some gardens become easier every season while others slowly become more work🌱 The five quiet “flows” that make sustainable gardens function smoothly🌱 How to reduce what Esther calls rescue gardening — constantly fixing problems instead of preventing them 🌱 Why small-space gardeners can absolutely build sustainable systems 🌱 The hidden financial truth behind gardens that compound their value over timeIf your garden has ever felt like it’s getting harder instead of easier, this episode will help you step back and see what might be missing.🎧 Press play above to listen.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a fellow gardener or leaving a review. It helps more people discover the show.And if you’d like support building confidence in your own garden — or even exploring a garden-based business idea — I still have a few one-on-one mentoring spaces available.📩 Reach out here: [email protected] the journeyFacebook 🌿 The Messed Up Gardener 🍄 Shesther’s GourmetHelpful Garden ResourcesIf you'd like to keep learning, you can also explore a few of my practical gardening resources:🌱 Create Your Own DIY Self-Watering Planters A step-by-step guide to building simple systems that help your garden thrive. https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersFree Gardening ResourcesYou can also grab a few of my free guides designed to help gardeners build confidence:🌿 12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden Practical guidance from planning through to harvest https://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Organic Gardening Cheat Sheet Simple natural methods for chemical-free growing https://stan.store/EstherA🌿 Garden Goals Planning Worksheet A simple worksheet to help you plan your garden with intention https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowUntil next time, remember:Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Why Strategic Gardening Always Beats Reactive GardeningSometimes the most damaging thing you can do in a garden… is intervene too quickly.In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther unpacks the hidden mistake most gardeners don’t even realize they’re making — reacting to symptoms instead of strengthening systems.We explore:• The difference between reactive and strategic gardening • Why plants respond better to stability than overcorrection • The biology of “stress stacking” (and how to avoid it) • How strategic decisions build long-term resilience • Five practical shifts to move from panic-fixing to calm preparation • Why autumn is the perfect season to think strategicallyIf your garden has ever felt exhausting, unpredictable, or harder than it should be — this episode will change the way you think about every droop, yellow leaf, and seasonal shift.Because strategic gardening isn’t about doing more.It’s about reacting less — and preparing better.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions.And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open.📩 Reach out here: [email protected] next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿🐝Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Gourmet Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Autumn isn’t the end of the season — it’s leverage season.In this episode, Esther breaks down how smart gardeners prepare before the cold really hits. You’ll learn the key mindset shift for autumn, the five strategic moves that set your garden up for winter success, and the common mistakes that quietly create stress later.No hype. No overwhelm. Just steady, practical preparation.Because winter doesn’t defeat gardeners — winter reveals preparation. 🌿If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions.And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open.📩 Reach out here: [email protected] next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿🐝Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Have you ever planted out a seedling, stood back proud… then come out the next morning to find it flopped over like it’s regretting all its life choices? 😅In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, we’re breaking down “transplant shock” in a way that actually makes it feel manageable — because most of the time, it’s not about you doing something wrong… it’s about your plant adjusting to a sudden environmental reset.You’ll learn how to tell the difference between normal transplant stress and real damage, plus a calm, layered plan that stabilises seedlings without turning you into an exhausted full-time plant nurse.This episode is designed to lower the panic, reduce seedling losses, and help you respond calmly instead of escalating into “water it again and hope” mode.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions.And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open.📩 Reach out here: [email protected] next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿🐝 Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherAGarden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Ep 163: Slugs & Snails Are Back — Here’s the Calm Plan That Actually WorksA targeted, low-tox slug strategy for seedlings and soft growthSlugs are back — and if you’ve walked outside to find seedlings chewed overnight, this episode is for you.In this calm, practical mini-masterclass, Esther breaks down a low-stress, realistic approach to managing slugs and snails without turning your garden into a chemical zone or exhausting yourself trying to “fix everything.”This episode isn’t about eradicating slugs. It’s about protecting what matters most, using a layered plan that works with plant biology — not against it.If slug damage has been making your garden feel like a nightly loss, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and move forward with confidence. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions.And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open.📩 Reach out here: [email protected] next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿🐝Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Growing food is changing — and this episode explains why tabletop veg is having a real moment, not just a social media one.In Episode 162 of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther Williams breaks down how growing edible plants at waist height — on tables, benches, decks, balconies, and patios — is becoming one of the most practical, accessible ways to grow food in 2026 and beyond.This episode is calm, practical, and designed for real life. No hype. No pressure. Just clear guidance for anyone who wants to grow food in a small space, with limited time or energy.Whether you’re gardening on a balcony, a patio, a deck, or just outside your kitchen door, this episode will help you grow food in a way that feels doable — and sustainable.✨ Because a tabletop garden counts.🎧 Listen now and start small, keep it close, and let it be enough.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions.And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open.📩 Reach out here: [email protected] next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿🐝Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

5 myths, 5 truths, and the things that make a real differenceGardening advice is everywhere — and a lot of it sounds helpful. But for many gardeners, it quietly creates more pressure than progress.In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther slows things right down.After a week shaped by extreme weather, disrupted travel, and a reminder of how quickly conditions can change, this episode becomes a steady, grounding pause — not a push to do more.This is a calm, supportive reality check for tired gardeners who care deeply but don’t always have the energy for perfect systems or constant momentum.You don’t need to take notes. You don’t need to apply this perfectly. Just listen, notice what feels relieving, and let the rest go.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions.And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open.📩 Reach out here: [email protected] next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿🐝Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

January gardening can feel deceptively simple… and strangely exhausting.Whether you’re dealing with peak summer heat in the Southern Hemisphere or deep winter planning in the Northern Hemisphere, this episode is a calm, practical reset for tired gardeners who want clarity without pressure.In this episode, Esther walks you through seven reliable plants you can plant in January, no matter where you live — plus how to choose what actually fits your energy, space, and season right now.This isn’t about doing everything. It’s about choosing one or two things that work with January, not against it.If your energy is low, the weather feels extreme, or your motivation is a bit wobbly — this episode is your permission slip to simplify, stabilise, and keep going.🎧 Perfect for gardeners who want progress without pressure.And until next time, remember: Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌱 Have an abundant week — I’ll buzz you later. 🐝Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Gardening doesn’t always need motivation — sometimes it needs permission.In this quieter episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther shares a gentle reset for overwhelmed, tired gardeners: three things you’re allowed to quit, three things you’re allowed to ignore, and three things you’re allowed to do badly — without guilt.Recorded during a heatwave and a low-energy day, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need to earn your place in the garden. Showing up imperfectly still counts.If your garden has started to feel like one more thing, this one’s for you.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions.And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open.📩 Reach out here: [email protected] next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿🐝 Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

The forecast has been acting like that dramatic friend who’s “being such a diva” every second day… and if you’ve ever rearranged your whole garden plan for “rain at 3pm” that never arrived, this episode is for you.In this mini masterclass, Esther breaks down a simple, realistic system for gardening when the weather is unreliable — without becoming a full-time meteorologist, and without your garden turning into chaos.We cover the real reason weather chaos feels exhausting (decision fatigue), how to build a garden that’s less reactive to extremes, and the “Weather Trust Test” you can use to stop getting emotionally played by the forecast.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me your questions for future Q&A sessions.And if you are looking for one-on-one support to grow your garden confidence (or even shape a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open.📩 Reach out here: [email protected] next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌿🐝 Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

It’s Twixmas… that weird in-between week where time doesn’t exist, your diet is 80% snacks, and your garden has decided to grow 9cm overnight just to humble you.In today’s episode, I’m sharing what we’ve been up to on our little modern-homesteading adventure — harvesting elephant garlic, drying it in our very glamorous garage drying room, and turning not-quite-perfect dahlias into something surprisingly magical: air-dried petal confetti.But the real reason you need this episode?Because if you went into the holidays with big garden plans and came out the other side thinking, “I’ll do it tomorrow…” (and now it’s basically New Year)… SAME.So I’m giving you my realistic, no-guilt, real-life goal setting method:The 3-Goal Garden Rule for 2026 🌿 Plus, I share my 10-minute Garden Reset you can do anytime you’re feeling behind:✨ Don’t forget — you’ll find my free gardening guides linked below in the show notes. Whether you’re after a step-by-step plan, a cheat sheet for growing chemical-free, or even my mini lawn care masterclass, they’re waiting to make gardening easier, lighter, and a whole lot more fun.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden! If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat.And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message — I’d love to hear from you.🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week — and I’ll buzz you later. 🐝Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherAGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

If your garden currently survives on “thoughts and prayers” because you’re flat out with work, life, Christmas chaos, kiwifruit, H&S… and maybe even relocating a 8m plastic house because it’s basically a solar oven… this one’s for you. 😅In this episode, we’re talking about how to design a garden for real life — not a gardening show. A garden that still looks good and produces food… even when you miss a weekend (or three).In this mini masterclass, you’ll learn:✅ What “self-maintaining” actually means (not zero work… just less work) ✅ The 3 types of “nature helpers” that reduce effort without reducing results:Groundcovers (weed blockers + moisture savers)Self-seeders (salad + herbs that return like unpaid staff)Perennials (plant once, harvest and admire for years) ✅ The big game-changing swap: bare soil → living mulch (mulch + plants = less weeds, less watering, less guilt) ✅ A simple starter plan so you can do this without turning it into a giant weekend project✨ Don’t forget — you’ll find my free gardening guides linked below in the show notes. Whether you’re after a step-by-step plan, a cheat sheet for growing chemical-free, or even my mini lawn care masterclass, they’re waiting to make gardening easier, lighter, and a whole lot more fun.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden! If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat.And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message — I’d love to hear from you.🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week — and I’ll buzz you later. 🐝Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s GourmetOr Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherAGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Batch Gardening — Do the Work Once, Coast All Week - How to garden like meal prep — one big push, lots of lazy wins. If you only have one decent chunk of time each week (or fortnight) to garden, this episode is your permission slip to stop feeling guilty and start gardening smarter. Esther breaks down “batch gardening” — a meal-prep style approach where you do the heavy lifting in one focused session, then let your garden quietly coast until you’re back.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:·         Use the 3 batch categories — soil, plants, and water — to make the biggest impact with limited time·         Deep-water and mulch in one go so your garden stays alive between visits (no more panic sprinkling)·         Set up pre-filled pots, trays and soil “staging areas” so impulse seedlings are plug-and-play, not a faff·         Plant one “staples bed” of reliable crops instead of 47 tiny, overwhelming experiments·         Leave “Future You little gifts” like labelled trays, pre-mixed liquid feed, and ready-to-go stakes and ties·         Let go of the guilt and still confidently call yourself a gardener — even if you only show up once a weekYour garden doesn’t need you every day. It just needs you to show up on purpose when you can.✨ Don’t forget — you’ll find my free gardening guides linked below in the show notes. Whether you’re after a step-by-step plan, a cheat sheet for growing chemical-free, or even my mini lawn care masterclass, they’re waiting to make gardening easier, lighter, and a whole lot more fun.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden! If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat.And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message — I’d love to hear from you.🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week — and I’ll buzz you later. 🐝Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherA Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

The Bare-Minimum Watering Plan — Keeping Plants Alive When You’re Running on Fumes” A realistic survival guide for tired, overcommitted gardeners.You meant to water… and then work, kids, pets, emails, and life happened. By the time you remembered, it was dark and the guilt had already kicked in.If that sounds painfully familiar, this episode is for you.In this mini masterclass, I walk you through a realistic, no-perfection-required watering plan for tired, overcommitted gardeners who still want their plants to have a fighting chance.We’ll cover:·         The Watering Priority Ladder – what to water first when you’ve only got 10–15 minutes.·         The 10-minute “Lifeline Watering Round” for scorchy, panic-inducing days.·         Lazy watering hacks like ollas, mulch, grouped pots, and simple timers that quietly do some of the work for you.·         A gentle mindset reset so you can finally believe: 👉 “If I watered something today, I did enough.”Your garden doesn’t need a perfect version of you — just the real, tired you, showing up in small, doable ways.💚 If this episode helps, take a pic of your lifeline watering round and tag @TheMessedUpGardener so I can cheer you on.✨ Don’t forget — you’ll find my free gardening guides linked below in the show notes. Whether you’re after a step-by-step plan, a cheat sheet for growing chemical-free, or even my mini lawn care masterclass, they’re waiting to make gardening easier, lighter, and a whole lot more fun.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden! If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat.And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message — I’d love to hear from you.🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week — and I’ll buzz you later. 🐝Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherAGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Stop waiting for perfect conditions and grow something now.“We’ll really garden when we move.” “Once we build the raised beds.” “When I’ve got more time… next season.”If that sounds like you, this episode is your loving smack on the hand with a trowel. 💚 We’re talking about the gap between the perfect garden in your head and the scruffy reality out the back — and how to start now with just one messy square metre.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:·         Spot the “Someday Garden” trap that keeps you stuck in planning.·         Find and claim your 1m² “Now Patch” in the space you already have.·         Fill it with forgiving plants that don’t need perfect conditions (herbs, leafy greens, “chuck it in and see” crops).·         Set up simple micro-systems (mulch, mini compost habit, quick watering routine) so it actually survives.·         Shift your identity from “someday I’ll garden” to “I garden now”, even in the middle of chaos.If this episode nudges you into action, hit follow/subscribe, leave a quick rating or review, and tag me on socials with #TheMessedUpGardener and a pic of your Now Patch. Mud, kids, dogs, and gumboots all welcome. 🌱🐝✨ Don’t forget — you’ll find my free gardening guides linked below in the show notes. Whether you’re after a step-by-step plan, a cheat sheet for growing chemical-free, or even my mini lawn care masterclass, they’re waiting to make gardening easier, lighter, and a whole lot more fun.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden! If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat.And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message — I’d love to hear from you.🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week — and I’ll buzz you later. 🐝Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherAGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Feeling like your garden is either drowning or turning into crunchy toast — sometimes in the same week? 😅In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m talking lazy mulching: the simple, real-world way to protect your soil, keep plants alive, and save your future sanity… even when you’re absolutely shattered.Between overflowing water tanks, heat waves, a shed-that’s-pretending-to-be-an-office, 2kg strawberry harvests and butter beans for days, our place is busy, messy, and very real. That’s exactly why mulching has become my 24/7 garden helper — it keeps things going when I can’t.In this mini masterclass, we dive into:·         🌱 Why mulch is a busy gardener’s secret weapon ·         🪵 The Lazy Mulch Trio·         ⏱ The 10-Minute Lazy Mulch Routine·         🚫 Common mulch mistakes If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have time to do this properly, so I’ll do nothing,” this episode is your permission slip to do it good enough and still make a massive difference to your soil.👉 Grab a cuppa, keep weeding, or stare at that one feral bed while you listen — and let lazy mulching have your back.Tag me @TheMessedUpGardener with a pic of your freshly mulched “one little bed” so I can cheer you on. 💚✨ Don’t forget — you’ll find my free gardening guides linked below in the show notes. Whether you’re after a step-by-step plan, a cheat sheet for growing chemical-free, or even my mini lawn care masterclass, they’re waiting to make gardening easier, lighter, and a whole lot more fun.If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat.And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message — I’d love to hear from you.🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week — and I’ll buzz you later. 🐝Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherAGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Ever stared at a pile of weeds or kitchen scraps and thought, “Now what?” In this episode, Esther shares the simple 3-Bucket System — a no-stress, no-science-degree method for turning everyday garden mess into free, nutrient-rich compost and fertiliser.From overflowing water tanks to feijoa flowers and hubby’s booming flower beds, Esther kicks off with a real-life update from her own messy, abundant garden before diving into how three humble buckets can transform the way you handle waste:Why You’ll Love This Episode It’s realistic, funny, and designed for gardeners who want results without overthinking ratios or building perfect compost bays. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do with every bit of garden chaos — and maybe feel a little proud of that old bucket by the back door.✨ Don’t forget — you’ll find my free gardening guides linked below in the show notes. Whether you’re after a step-by-step plan, a cheat sheet for growing chemical-free, or even my mini lawn care masterclass, they’re waiting to make gardening easier, lighter, and a whole lot more fun.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden! If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat.And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message — I’d love to hear from you.🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week — and I’ll buzz you later. 🐝Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherAGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Ever notice how some gardens just feel right? In this short and sunny episode, Esther unpacks one of gardening’s simplest design secrets — the rule of odd numbers. Discover why planting in threes, fives, or sevens creates flow and balance, how our brains naturally prefer a little imperfection, and when it actually pays to break the rule entirely.From hydrangeas to veggie beds, Esther shares real examples from her own garden that prove small tweaks can make a big difference. You’ll walk away knowing how to group your plants for a more natural look — plus a quick “third-plant test” to try at home this week.Because in nature (and in gardening), perfect is overrated — and sometimes the odd ones really are the most beautiful. 🌿✨ Don’t forget — you’ll find my free gardening guides linked below in the show notes. Whether you’re after a step-by-step plan, a cheat sheet for growing chemical-free, or even my mini lawn care masterclass, they’re waiting to make gardening easier, lighter, and a whole lot more fun.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden! If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat.And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message — I’d love to hear from you.🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week — and I’ll buzz you later. 🐝Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherA Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hello and welcome to another episode of The Messed-Up Gardener!Today, we’re pulling back the netting (literally) to talk about the sneaky pollination problems that happen in greenhouses, tunnel houses, and bird-netted spaces — and the easy fixes that bring the buzz (and the fruit set) back.We’ll celebrate a little milestone too: this week marks three years since the show launched in November 2022. If you’ve been here since the messy early days — thank you! 💚🌸 What You’ll Learn• Why flowers don’t always equal fruit under cover (humidity, temperature, and blocked pollinators). • Which crops self-pollinate vs. which are the “divas” that need bees or wind — and how to help both. • 7 practical fixes: hand pollination, the electric-toothbrush trick, airflow, timing your netting, companion flowers, and more. • How to balance protection with pollination so your covers work with nature, not against it. • Esther’s real-world lesson from netting citrus (Fort Knox trees = zero mandarins!).✨ Don’t forget — you’ll find my free gardening guides linked below in the show notes. Whether you’re after a step-by-step plan, a cheat sheet for growing chemical-free, or even my mini lawn care masterclass, they’re waiting to make gardening easier, lighter, and a whole lot more fun.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden! If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat.And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message — I’d love to hear from you.🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week — and I’ll buzz you later. 🐝Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherASEO keywords: chaos gardening, cottage garden, biodiversity, pollinators, soil health, low-maintenance garden, New Zealand gardening podcast, beginner gardening, sustainable gardening, wildlife-friendly garden, seed mix, urban homestead, mindful gardeningGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hi & Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up GardenerSpring is in full swing here at The Messed-Up Gardener HQ—sunflowers about to pop, kiwifruit vines gearing up to flower, bees on overtime, and the greenhouse going bonkers. All that colourful, buzzy beautiful mess got me thinking about the trend taking root across NZ: Chaos Gardening. In this episode, I share what it is, why the wild works, and how to try it (without losing your mind).In this episode you’ll learnWhat chaos gardening is and why it’s more “smart ecosystem” than “lazy gardening.”5 science-backed benefits: biodiversity balance, pollinator magnets, healthier soil, resilience, and a calmer gardener.The Messed-Up Truth: why chaos still needs observation, light editing, and imperfect patience.How to start your own chaos patch with a simple seed-mix recipe, step-by-step setup, and easy harvesting rhythm.Mindset magic: how letting go in the garden can grow more than you think.✨ Don’t forget — you’ll find my free gardening guides linked below in the show notes. Whether you’re after a step-by-step plan, a cheat sheet for growing chemical-free, or even my mini lawn care masterclass, they’re waiting to make gardening easier, lighter, and a whole lot more fun.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden! If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat! And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week—and I’ll buzz you later.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherASEO keywords: chaos gardening, cottage garden, biodiversity, pollinators, soil health, low-maintenance garden, New Zealand gardening podcast, beginner gardening, sustainable gardening, wildlife-friendly garden, seed mix, urban homestead, mindful gardeningGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Ever wandered through a nursery, spotted the perfect tree, and thought, “One day… when I have my own land”? In this heartfelt episode, I share how hubby and I are building our future orchard right now — one barrel at a time. With over 100 tubs of citrus, raspberries, blueberries, feijoas, lilies, and dahlias thriving in pots, we’ve turned our rental into a “Barrel Army” and learned a ton along the way.You’ll discover the real pros and cons of on-growing trees in large barrels — from saving money and shaping your plants early to the heavy lifting, watering marathons, and chaos that come with it. Most of all, you’ll hear how growing in barrels can keep your gardening dreams alive while you’re saving for your forever home.Because you don’t need perfect soil to start — just the courage to begin.✨ Don’t forget — you’ll find my free gardening guides linked below in the show notes. Whether you’re after a step-by-step plan, a cheat sheet for growing chemical-free, or even my mini lawn care masterclass, they’re waiting to make gardening easier, lighter, and a whole lot more fun.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden! If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat! And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week—and I’ll buzz you later.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherAGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

It’s been one of those weeks  washing almost dry… and then it rains. Hubby’s flat-out with the bees, and I’ve been fighting off a chest/sinus bug (would not recommend). The silver lining? My happy place under plastic. Even on the rough days, a quiet potter in the greenhouse resets everything — which is exactly why today’s episode is all about unlocking the secrets of growing under cover.Step inside with me: warm, earthy air, tomato-leaf scent, fat drops of condensation, and two kinds of growers — the pot people and the plot people. Why does one side look like a produce commercial and the other like it needs a pep talk? Let’s crack it open together.In this episode, I’m sharing:·         🌡️ The greenhouse microclimate, decoded ·         🪴 Pots as little planets ·         🌱 Soil beds as powerhouses ·         💧 Watering without the swamp ·         🌼 Pairing & rotation that actually works ·         🌞 Seasonal secrets I also cover a number of Quick wins you can try todaySo grab a cuppa and come stand with me under the warm glow — we’ll turn your greenhouse into a calm, productive rhythm that keeps giving all year.Got a Hot House Secret of your own? Tag me @themessedupgardener — I’d love to celebrate your wins and share your greenhouse pride and joy.And if you’ve got a harvest story of your own — tag me at The Messed-Up Gardener! I’d love to celebrate your wins right alongside you.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden!🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week—and I’ll buzz you later.PS: If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat! And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherA Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Spring is in full swing here at Shesther’s, and while the frosts are just behind us (fingers crossed past Labour Day!), the gardens and orchard are pumping out produce faster than we can keep up. Hubby’s been on frost duty with the incinerators, the kiwifruit are looking promising, and thanks to all that late-night effort, the veggie and flower beds are thriving too.But here’s the catch — harvest timing is everything. One day you’ve got tender lettuce, the next it’s bolted. A zucchini hides under a leaf and suddenly it’s the size of a cricket bat. Or your basil decides it’s done and shoots straight to flower. Miss the moment, and the guilt of wasted veggies is real.In this episode, I’m sharing:🌿 Why harvest timing matters more than you think 🥬 Six crops you need to pick right now before they go to waste 🌟 The “hidden harvests” most gardeners forget about 🛠️ Quick storage tricks (freeze, dry, gift, and get creative!) 🧺 My favorite harvest hacks to make picking easier and more enjoyableWhether it’s herbs, lettuce, beans, courgettes, tomatoes, flowers, or those sneaky spring onions and radishes, harvesting at the right time keeps your garden producing and your kitchen full. And the best part? A few simple habits will save your crops, your sanity, and maybe even win you a smile when you gift a bag of produce to a neighbor.So grab your basket, join me in the garden, and let’s hustle our way through the harvest before anything goes to waste!✨ Don’t forget — you’ll find my free gardening guides linked below in the show notes. Whether you’re after a step-by-step plan, a cheat sheet for growing chemical-free, or even my mini lawn care masterclass, they’re waiting to make gardening easier, lighter, and a whole lot more fun.And if you’ve got a harvest story of your own — tag me at The Messed-Up Gardener! I’d love to celebrate your wins right alongside you.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden!🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week—and I’ll buzz you later.PS: If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat! Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherAGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

This week in the garden has been full of surprises — tomato flowers already popping, zucchinis producing their first harvest despite frosty mornings, and hubby’s sunflowers growing like they’re on steroids. We’ve even adopted a scruffy little black kitten who’s decided my husband is “his person” (much to his delight and my eye-rolling amusement).Between all that chaos and progress, I’ve been reminded of something important: our surroundings deeply affect how we feel. A thriving zucchini, a cheerful splash of colour, even a kitten curled up in the corner — they all shape the atmosphere we live in. And gardens, more than anything else, are powerful mood shifters.In this episode, I’ll share: 🌸 Why atmosphere matters just as much as productivity in the garden. 🌱 How even a peace lily in the corner can change your mood. ✨ The Gardener’s Motivation Loop — how good vibes in your space keep you coming back. 🌈 Four quick mood-boosting changes you can make this week:Plus, I’ll give you easy, affordable hacks for bringing these ideas to life — using what you’ve already got on hand.📸 And don’t forget to celebrate your glow-up! Take a before-and-after photo of your garden tweaks and share them with me. Your little wins might just inspire the whole Messed-Up Gardener community.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden!🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week—and I’ll buzz you later.PS: If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat! And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherAGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

What a week it’s been! Between wild spring winds rattling our roof, chasing runaway bins down the orchard driveway, and watching trees topple across town, it’s been chaos out there. But amidst the gusts and garden madness, there’s also been joy—sunflowers planted, dahlias popping, capsicums cranking in the greenhouse, and the chickens back in full laying mode.This week’s episode is all about weekend wins—the little jobs that make your garden look like you’ve spent days working, when really it only took a couple of hours. Because let’s be honest, most of us don’t have endless time, money, or energy for massive projects. But that doesn’t mean we can’t get that satisfying “wow, I did something!” feeling.Inside this episode, I’ll walk you through my Weekend Wonderlist—6 quick projects that pack a big punch.You’ll also hear why visible progress matters so much in gardening psychology, how to choose the right project for your weekend rhythm, and how stacking these little wins can transform your space in just a month.So grab your spade, your cuppa, and maybe a friend or two—it’s time to make your garden look huge without burning yourself out.🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden!🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week—and I’ll buzz you later.PS: If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat! And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now-         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherAhttps://www.kingsseeds.co.nz/products/mesclun-original-blend Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

What if your garden was hiding treasures you’ve been walking past every day? 🌱In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m digging into seven overlooked “goldmines” that can save you money, grow healthier plants, and make your garden feel abundant without another trip to the garden centre. From tired old potting mix that still has life left, to self-seeding volunteers, fallen leaves, kitchen scraps, rainwater, and even weeds — you’ll learn how to spot hidden value and put it to work. I’ll also share a few personal stories (like the scraggly compost-heap tomato that outperformed the seedlings I bought!) to remind you that sometimes the garden knows better than we do. ✨ What you’ll discover in this episode: ·         Why we often overlook the resources right under our noses ·         7 everyday garden “treasures” you can turn into soil, plants, or savings ·         Simple ways to safely harvest, store, and use them ·         How to track and celebrate your garden wins so they don’t go unnoticed By the end, you’ll be seeing your backyard through “treasure hunter” eyes — and trust me, once you spot the gold, you can’t unsee it. 🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden! 🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week—and I’ll buzz you later. PS: If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat! And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message—I’d love to hear from you. Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA -         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now -         Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherA Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Spring has officially arrived — but if you’re feeling a little behind in the garden (like I am this year after our big move!), don’t worry. In this week’s episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m sharing how five tiny, under-20-minute tweaks can transform your garden in just five days. We’ll talk about the power of micro-actions — the little shifts that deliver big rewards — and I’ll walk you through five quick wins you can try this week: These are simple, low-cost actions with a high “effort-to-impact” ratio. By the end of the week, your garden will feel fresh, lively, and inspiring — without you needing to tackle a major project or spend heaps of money. I’ll also share tips on how to make these glow-ups stick, why celebrating small wins builds long-term momentum, and how to shift your mindset from waiting for “someday” projects to enjoying progress right now. ✨ Challenge for this week: Try the 5×5 Garden Glow-Up and share your results with me! Snap a before-and-after photo, tag me @themessedupgardener, and use the hashtag #GardenGlowUp so we can celebrate together. And don’t forget — if you haven’t grabbed my free gardening guides yet, they’re still available! You’ll find practical tips for planning to harvest, chemical-free growing shortcuts, and even a garden goal-setting worksheet. All links are in the show notes. Because at the end of the day, gardening doesn’t have to be overwhelming — it can be joyful, simple, and rewarding when you focus on the little things. Hit play and let’s give your garden the glow-up it deserves! 🌸 🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week—and I’ll buzz you later. PS: If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat! And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message—I’d love to hear from you. Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA -         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now  Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hello and welcome back to another episode of The Messed-Up Gardener! I’m Esther Williams, your host, and as always — I’m absolutely buzzed to be here with you today. Over the past two episodes, we’ve been digging deep into the Doomsday Garden Kit: what you’d pack if you had to grow food from scratch in a survival situation. And wow… the response has been incredible. You sent me so many questions that I had to dedicate this final part of the series to answering them directly. But first, a little side story. My best friend turned 60 this week, and we celebrated in a way that’s definitely not my usual style — at a nail salon. Yep, me, the chainsaw-and-chipper-loving gardener, getting pampered. It was an experience, to say the least! What struck me wasn’t just the polish (that apparently I now have to pay to get removed?!) but the conveyor-belt business model. And it got me thinking… what if gardening worked like that? Systems that keep producing value over and over again — whether in business, or in the garden. Now, back to the good stuff. In this Q&A episode we’re tackling: 🌱 Which seeds last the longest in storage (and how to keep them viable). 🥬 The fastest crops to grow when you need food yesterday. 🥔 Whether you can really survive on just a garden. 🧂 How to preserve food without a fridge using old-school methods like fermenting, smoking, and the holy trinity of salt, vinegar, and sugar. 🪴 How to grow food indoors if you have no land at all. 💧 Overlooked barter items (hint: soap and clean water are survival gold). 🐛 Natural pest control strategies without sprays. 💡 And finally, the mindset piece — why adaptability, humour, and grit matter more than a perfect pantry. This one wraps up the series, and it’s been one of my favourites to record. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s dive into your doomsday garden questions together. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend or leave a review — it helps more people discover The Messed Up Gardener. And if you’re keen on one-on-one mentoring to grow your garden confidence (or even explore a garden-based business idea), I’ve still got a few spots open — so get in touch. Until next time, remember: gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. Have an abundant week — and as always… I’ll buzz you later! 🐝 🐝 Listen now and get your garden prepped for anything! Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA -         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Last week’s episode on the Doomsday Garden Kit got a huge response — and my inbox lit up with questions! One of you cheeky listeners asked, “Ok Esther, you’ve told us how to grow the food… but how do we actually cook it, store it, and not lose our minds while doing it?”Fair point — so today, we’re diving into Part 2.In this episode, I’ll walk you through: 🌱 Fuel & cooking (because you can’t eat raw kumara forever) 🌱 The garden first-aid kit: aloe, kawakawa, calendula & garlic 🌱 Advanced preservation hacks (fermenting, smoking, solar dehydrating) 🌱 Storage containers that actually keep pests out 🌱 Comfort food for the soul (jam, coffee, chocolate & honey) 🌱 Why barter and community are your true survival currency 🌱 And the mindset shift that makes all the differenceThis series isn’t about living in fear. It’s about building confidence, resilience, and joy in knowing you can feed yourself and your family no matter what life throws at you.✨ Whether you’re prepping for the end of days, or just looking to cut down the grocery bill, these tips will help you thrive — not just survive.So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s get into Part 2 of the Doomsday Garden Kit.Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

 What would you grab if you had to start your garden all over again — from scratch — in the middle of chaos? In this episode of The Messed Up Gardener, I get real about resilience, self-sufficiency, and the not-so-crazy idea of a gardener’s doomsday kit. From heirloom seeds (your real survival currency) to low-tech tools, soil starters, water hacks, and even what’s worth bartering when the shelves run bare — this is the honest chat most gardeners haven’t had yet. It’s not about fear, it’s about being prepared, grounded, and able to feed yourself no matter what the world throws at you. 🌱 Because at the end of the day, carrots might just be worth more than crypto. Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers! Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA-         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA -         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hello and welcome to another episode of The Messed-Up Gardener—your go-to podcast and mini masterclasses for all things gardening! I’m your host, Esther Williams, and I’m absolutely buzzed to be here with you today.In this episode, I’m inviting you to pause, reflect, and give your garden (and yourself) a seasonal mindset reset. Whether you're knee-deep in weeds or quietly sipping tea while watching seedlings grow, this one’s for you.It’s what I call the 3×3 Garden Reset: 🌿 Three things to STOP doing 🌱 Three things to START fresh 🌸 Three things to CELEBRATEThis episode is full of honest reminders, practical ideas, and a whole lot of permission to slow down and acknowledge how far you've come—even if you haven’t noticed it yet.Plus, I share some juicy behind-the-scenes life updates (spoiler alert: we got actual shipping containers, not garden planters!) and how two new grow rooms have changed everything for our mushroom and microgreen setups.If today’s episode made you breathe a little easier or helped you reset your gardening mindset, I’d love to hear about it. Tag me @themessedupgardener on socials or shoot me a message with your own 3×3 Reset. Let’s celebrate your progress—dirt, weeds, and all.PS: If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat! And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

This week’s episode is bursting with everything you need to know to get a jumpstart on your spring garden — even if your backyard currently looks like a soggy mess!Join me, Esther Williams, as I walk you through exactly what to plant, prep, plan, and prioritise in the first week of August so you don’t end up scrambling when spring finally hits. From garlic planting before the “oops window” closes, to giving your tools and seed stash the love they deserve, this episode is a practical, relaxed, muddy-boot kind of guide to making the most of right now — even if you’re still in your dressing gown.We also chat about seed swaps, sneaky drainage observations, and yes… why cleaning your seed trays actually matters (even if they are currently stuffed in a spider-infested corner). I also spill the tea on why this episode was late, what my hubby and I got up to on our flower bulb road trip, and which power tool just became the star of our garden shed.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌱 Segment 1 – The Truth About Timing: Why early August is the secret weapon of organised gardeners — and how to start seeds without any fancy gear.🧄 Segment 2 – Garlic, Shallots & the “Oops Window”: If you’ve been putting it off, here’s your last call for garlic and shallots — plus the dos and don’ts that’ll keep them from rotting in your winter mud.💧 Segment 3 – Soggy Garden Observations: How to use flooding and puddles to your advantage — and why August is perfect for lazy weed wins and drainage detective work.🧰 Segment 4 – The Unsexy But Crucial Stuff: Tool TLC, seed tray scrubbing, garden sketching, and starting that “Never Again” garden list. It’s boring but it’s brilliant.📦 Segment 5 – Seed Inventory & Seed Swap Prep: Get your seed stash sorted, test what’s still viable, and start planning for swaps before the rush begins.If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat! And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

This week, frosty mornings have been turning our routines upside down—defrosting the cars has been chaos! But you know what? Those frosts have been amazing for our kiwifruit vines, naturally clearing out bugs and even knocking back those pesky wasp nests that have plagued our bees all season. Nature doing its thing—gotta love it!Welcome back to The Messed-Up Gardener! I’m Esther Williams, and I’m buzzing to be here with you for another episode full of garden inspiration and real-life updates from our orchard, roadside fruit stall, and the ever-growing Shesther’s brand. With our website finally coming together and new bird-netted growing spaces being added, it’s the perfect time to talk about something that’s been inspiring us lately—minimalist gardening.In this episode, I’ll take you through:·         What minimalist gardening really is (hint: it’s not about being bare or boring).·         The benefits—less maintenance, healthier plants, and a garden that feels like a peaceful retreat.·         Key principles for creating a clean, intentional, and clutter-free space.·         Practical steps to start your own minimalist garden, whether you’ve got a sprawling backyard or just a balcony.·         The mindset shift that comes with this style—how gardening with less can help you slow down, connect with nature, and find more joy.We also chat about some exciting behind-the-scenes updates, including our fruit stall adventures, our journey toward more organic growing methods, and why adding two new growing areas has inspired this minimalist approach.If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat! And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In this delightfully dirt-under-the-nails episode, Esther dives into a surprisingly sudsy topic—soap plants! That's right—your garden can grow more than veggies and flowers. It can grow your cleaning products too!From traditional soapwort and yucca roots to soothing calendula, moisturizing aloe vera, and even homegrown loofah sponges, this episode covers everything you need to grow your own garden-to-bathroom soap bar. Esther even shares a DIY gardener’s hand scrub soap recipe—perfect for post-weeding cleanups or heartfelt handmade gifts.Whether you're looking to ditch synthetic ingredients, reduce waste, or just geek out over botanical goodness, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!What You'll Learn in This Episode:🌿 The Dirt on Soap Plants → The three main categories of soap plants and why they matter today🪴 Top Plants to Grow for Soapy Goodness → Soapwort, yucca, aloe, calendula, lavender, rosemary, mint, and more🧽 How to Grow and Process Your Own Loofah Sponge → Spoiler: It’s a gourd, not a sea sponge!🧼 DIY Gardener’s Soap Recipe (Scrub Bar + Liquid Alternative) → Featuring dried herbs, essential oils, and exfoliants from your garden🧺 How to Harvest, Dry & Store Your Soap Ingredients → Tips for infusing oils and preserving your plant-based pantry🧪 The Messed-Up Gardener’s Soapy Challenge → Esther dares you to grow it, make it, or dry it—then share it!👉 Connect with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener and share your autumn garden wins, fails, and cozy compost moments!🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Get ready to reclaim your garden from bugs the natural way! In this episode, I’m sharing how to grow a living “bug-off” shield with plants like lavender, lemongrass, mint, basil, and more—plus super simple herbal remedies to soothe bites and protect your family (especially the little ones).I’ll also be talking about how to create a kid-friendly “No-Bite Zone” that’s as magical as it is practical. And of course, I’ll share some fun personal updates on launching my own business, battling midges in the cold, and how I’m weaving my health and safety work in with this new chapter of my gardening journey.Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, and these natural remedies are for educational purposes only. Always do a patch test and consult a professional if you’re unsure—especially with young kids.🎧 Listen in for: ✅ My top bug-repelling garden heroes 🌱 ✅ DIY herbal bug sprays and bite-soothing wipes 🍃 ✅ Tips for building a child-friendly repellent garden 🌸 ✅ A challenge to grow just one new plant this week and share it with the world!Tune in and join the #BugOffNaturally movement! 🌿✨👉 Connect with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener and share your autumn garden wins, fails, and cozy compost moments!🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hello, green thumbs and fellow dirt enthusiasts! In this jam-packed episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m taking you behind the glossy aisles and shiny displays of your local garden centre to reveal the 5 things they don’t want you to know—so you’ll keep coming back!I share some juicy truths and personal stories from my years working in garden centres, from the early days at 15 to some cheeky insider tricks I picked up along the way. Learn why those cute little starter packs often set you up to fail, how seasonal FOMO is strategically used to boost sales, and why overpriced fertilizers and chemical upsells might not be what your garden actually needs.We’ll also dive into how panic buying can drain your wallet and fill your shed with plants you’ll never plant, plus my favourite tip—the real gold is hidden in the back! Don’t miss out on those clearance deals and secret stashes that are just waiting for a savvy gardener like you.I also share some exciting personal news—officially working for my own business as of June 20th—and what that means for future plans and supporting this wonderful community. 🌿In this episode you’ll discover: 🌱 Why most seedling punnets are designed to fail 🌱 How to outsmart seasonal hype and stick to your planting calendar 🌱 DIY soil health boosters that beat expensive store-bought stuff 🌱 How to avoid the panic-buying trap 🌱 Tips to uncover the best clearance deals and build relationships with staffIf you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or community gardener— DM me for more information on our mushroom growing homeschooling kits and lesson plans. I’m so excited to bring these into your classrooms and learning spaces. 👉 Listen now and take control of your garden—and your wallet—by growing smarter, not spendier!👉 Connect with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener and share your autumn garden wins, fails, and cozy compost moments!🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

In this episode, I share a not-so-glamorous but super important topic: those garden allergies that can sneak up on you like a nosy neighbour in your compost pile. From itchy eyes and runny noses to surprise skin rashes—gardening doesn’t always play nice!We’ll uncover the most common allergy triggers lurking in your backyard—like pollen, moldy compost, and even the fuzz on tomato stems. Plus, I’ll spill the dirt on natural ways to soothe the itchies and sniffles without losing your love for your green space. And, of course, I’ll highlight when it’s time to stop DIY-ing and go straight to the doctor!💚 Expect a raw, real, and totally binge-worthy chat about prevention, natural remedies, and garden-first-aid. 🌿 Share your allergy horror stories with me—I’m here for all of them! #TheMessedUpAllergyGarden 🎧 Tune in now and let’s keep those allergies at bay!👉 Connect with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener and share your autumn garden wins, fails, and cozy compost moments!🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Join me, Esther Williams, as I peel back the layers of my own journey—stepping away from the 9-to-5, facing down fear and self-doubt, and turning to the garden as my path to nourishment, strength, and true growth.In this powerful episode, I share how growing antioxidant-rich fruits, veggies, and herbs isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about rewriting the rules for your health and your life. From juicy blueberries to the mighty kale, from herbal teas to backyard spa rituals, discover how your garden can be your personal wellness apothecary—fighting stress, aging, and those “blah” days with every leaf and root.If you’ve ever wondered if your garden can do more than just look pretty, this is the episode for you. It’s time to grow your glow, one plant at a time.🌱 Listen now and start growing a garden—and a life—that feeds your soul and your cells. 🌿👉 Connect with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener and share your autumn garden wins, fails, and cozy compost moments!🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Hello and welcome to another episode of The Messed-Up Gardener! I’m your host, Esther Williams, and today we’re diving into something that’s part garden magic, part self-care ritual: growing your own anti-aging plants at home.We’ll break down:✨ What makes a plant “anti-aging”? Explore the triple power of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and nutrient density—nature’s ultimate skincare routine.🌱 Top 5 Anti-Aging Plants to Grow: Indian Pennywort, rosemary, calendula, turmeric, and aloe vera—plus how to grow them, why they’re powerful, and how to start small.🧖‍♀️ Garden-to-Skin DIY Remedies:·         A soothing calendula & aloe face gel·         A simple rosemary-turmeric tea to sip your way to radiant skin🪴 How to Build Your Own Anti-Aging Garden Bed: Tips for any space—from garden beds to pots and windowsills—plus mindful rituals to help you grow more than just plants.🌿 Bonus Section – Mind-Body Garden Connection: Discover how your garden can be a place of grounding, movement, and healing—because anti-aging isn’t just about creams; it’s about how you feel.💪 Listener Challenge: Pick one plant, get it growing, and tag me in your garden journey with #GrowYoungWithEsther or #TheMessedUpGlowGarden.Remember: you don’t need to be an expert or have a giant backyard—just one pot and a bit of intention can start your journey to growing younger, healthier, and more connected.🎧 Tune in to learn:·         The easy, fun ways to bring more healing power to your garden·         Why homegrown is better than store-bought (yep, even for anti-aging!)·         How to weave self-care and garden care togetherLet’s turn your garden into your personal anti-aging apothecary—because aging well is about feeling alive, vibrant, and rooted in your own little patch of earth.Listen now and join me as we garden, sip tea, and celebrate every wrinkle and every new leaf. 🌱💚👉 Connect with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener and share your autumn garden wins, fails, and cozy compost moments!🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

Ever wondered if your garden could do more than just look pretty? What if your garden was a living ritual—a space that grows healing, love, or abundance alongside your veggies?In this soulful, cheeky, and dirt-under-the-fingernails episode, Esther dives headfirst into the world of intention gardens—purpose-driven garden spaces where every plant holds meaning. From prosperity patches with basil and mint, to calming healing beds of rosemary and chamomile, and even a flirtatious little love garden with roses and strawberries... this episode is packed with plant magic (and a few garden confessions).🌿 You’ll learn:·         What an intention garden really is (no fluffy jargon here)·         The difference between a garden that’s pretty vs. powerful·         Three themed beds to get started: Prosperity, Healing, and Love·         How adding simple rituals to your gardening routine can boost mindfulness, motivation, and even joy·         Easy, no-pressure tips for starting your own intention garden—even if it’s just one pot and one whispered wish✨ Plus: Esther’s honest take on the white butterfly massacre, why kale is currently stealing the show, and how strawberries are taking over the family fruit stall (hydroponics and all!).🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses / episodes packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 

What happens when gardening meets good vibes and glittery geology? You get this episode.Join Esther Williams—your cheeky host and dirt-loving rebel—for a slightly woo, slightly wild, and totally entertaining deep dive into the world of crystal gardening. From chakra-charged compost to protective tourmaline tucked near the tomatoes, we’re exploring how crystals have made their way from yoga studios to veggie beds—and why you might just want to bury a bit of sparkle under your zucchinis.In this episode: 🔮 What the woo is all about (with just enough sarcasm to keep it grounded) 🌿 Which crystals to use for abundance, protection, or plant pep talks 🪴 How to place them without looking like you’ve started a cult in your backyard 🌕 Bonus tips for moon planting, naming your crystals, and laughing your way through the weirdnessWhether you’re crystal-curious or just here for the compost jokes, this episode is for anyone who believes gardening should be joyful, magical, and maybe just a little bit sparkly.🎧 Hit play and discover why your kale might just vibe better with a rock named Kevin.🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses / episodes packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.