The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

I had no idea what I was doing when I planted my first four blueberry bushes in the ground. Thankfully, the research I did served me well, and now I have more blueberries than I know what to do with! If you long for sweet blueberries from your own back yard, today's episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast will give you what you need to get started! Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/02/growing-blueberries-tips-beginners/

One of the main reasons many home gardeners grow tomatoes is to make their own salsa! So, how does one grow his or her own salsa? By planting a salsa garden! In today's episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, get the basics of how to grow a salsa garden yourself. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/02/how-to-grow-a-salsa-garden-from-planning-to-canning-free-download/ Direct link to free download: http://journeywithjill.net/salsagarden

If I had to choose one topic about which I get more questions asked, it would be composting. Yes, it can get complicated, but it doesn't have to. If you're a beginner and you want to put those kitchen scraps to good use, this episode will have everything you need to know. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/02/composting-for-the-beginner/

In this week's episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, I talk about a subject that is so much fun for me! I just love growing vegetables "up." In the podcast, I discuss your best bets for beans, peas, cucumbers, and tomatoes. And because I list lots of ideas in the podcast, this week's show notes are chock-full of ideas to get you started. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/02/07/plants-that-climb-sprawl-choose-the-best-trellis-option-for-your-garden-big-or-small/

In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, I attempt to demystify the mysterious world of the soil. I talk about important topics like: why you should test your soil and how to do it for free what your soil structure means to your garden, how to identify it, and how to change it the Big 3 nutrients plants need 2 ways I make sure nutrients are available for my crops Bonus tip: how I prepare my raised beds for the best tomato harvest Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/01/31/creating-fertile-soil-the-basis-of-your-best-garden/

My very first year I planted a garden, I went to Lowe's and bought baby tomato, squash, okra, and watermelon plants. I was so new at gardening, it didn't even cross my mind to plant anything from seed. In this week's episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, I break down the plants that I prefer to plant as transplants, which one I plant as seeds directly in the garden, and which ones I start indoors. I explain why each plant responds better in my garden that way. Show Notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/01/24/seeds-or-transplants-which-to-grow-when-to-plant/

If there is one piece of advice I give all beginning gardeners, it is to make plans to mulch your garden. Mulch controls weeds, regulates soil temperature, and maintains moisture levels. In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, I discuss 4 common types of mulch: Wood Chips Hay Straw Pine Needles I have used all 4 types. One is my favorite, but I also talk about why some experts say you shouldn't use it at all. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/01/18/weed-control-starts-early-4-types-of-mulch-you-can-use-other-weed-control-methods/

In my second episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, I'm talking about planning your garden space. The idea of planning a garden seems simple. Just plant in dirt, right? But before you can ever get to that point, you have to make several decisions like the type of garden and location. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/01/12/plan-garden-space/

In my first episode of The Beginner's Garden Podcast, I give you 5 tips to help you decide what to plant in your garden. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/01/02/5-tips-to-help-you-decide-what-to-plant-in-your-garden/