The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

As gardeners, sometimes the best thing we can do is reflect on what worked and what didn't. In 2017, I enjoyed my best garlic harvest ever, but I did struggle with onions. Here's a recap of what I learned. My hope is you'll take a few tips to help your own garlic and onion harvest. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/06/what-i-learned-garlic-onions-2017-recap-the-beginners-garden-podcast/

It's always helpful to talk to veteran gardeners -- those who have had years of hands-on experience. But I also find rich advice in talking to brand new gardeners whose successes and failures speak new and fresh. If you're a beginning gardener, you'll enjoy hearing from Whitney Cromley. She shares her experience as a brand new gardener and what, as a true beginner, she has learned her first few seasons. Show Notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/06/advice-from-a-true-beginning-gardener-interview-with-whitney-cromley-beginners-garden-podcast/

For much of the US, rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage, and chives are perennial herbs -- they return year after year. In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, I talk about my experience with each one and how you can include them in your garden and kitchen.

Who doesn't love fresh basil, dill, cilantro, and parsley? Even if you're only growing a small kitchen or container garden, most likely you'll want to make room for a few of these. In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, I talk about my experience in growing these popular annual herbs. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/05/herb-basics-part-1-basil-dill-cilantro-and-parsley-beginners-garden-podcast/

If there are two vegetables I can depend on in my blistering southern summers, it's peppers and okra. In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, I talk about these staple vegetables in my garden and how you can grow them in yours. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/05/some-like-it-hot-growing-peppers-and-okra-the-beginners-garden-podcast/

Most gardeners I know make room for squash or zucchini. And while it can be the ideal summer treat, it isn't without its challenges. Learn how you can successfully grow squash and zucchini in your garden this season. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/05/joys-challenges-growing-squash-zucchini-beginners-garde-podcast/

I can vividly remember my very first year as a gardener desperately searching for gardening resources and podcasts. Sadly I didn't find many that helped me at the most basic level I needed. But there was one I listened to faithfully, and that was the Pioneering Today Podcast by Melissa K. Norris. Listen to her tips for beginning gardeners, large or small. View full show notes and visit Melissa's web site and podcast here: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/05/gardening-advice-real-life-homesteader-melissa-k-norris-beginners-garden-podcast/

It took me three seasons to finally attempt growing corn. I wish I could tell you it was easy and all went great. Unfortunately, it didn't. But once I got past the challenges, it's now one of our most enjoyable crops. In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, I want to help you avoid the mistakes I made and harvest a bumper crop your first season. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/04/overcoming-challenges-growing-corn-beginners-garden-podcast/

If there's one plant I'd say I've had the most success with since I began gardening, it would be green beans. From the first season, I've grown enough to supply our family with green beans all year. Here are my top tips to never have to buy green beans from the grocery store again! Show Notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/04/green-beans-the-beginners-garden-podcast/

The past few years I have found myself begging my friends to take my excess cucumbers. I've even been known to sneak a bag full on a table at church, hoping someone would take a few home. But growing cucumbers hasn't always been this successful. My first year I met several challenges. From both my success and failures, my hope is that I can give you the basics you need to grow a successful harvest of cucumbers. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/04/growing-cucumbers-beginners-garden-podcast/

The most popular vegetable to grow, tomatoes find a spot in most home gardens. Whether we grow them for canning (like I do) or for fresh eating, a bumper crop of tomatoes can make any gardener feel like a pro. So how do we get that bumper crop? Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/04/planting-tomatoes-beginners-garden-podcast/

Whether you want to grow snap peas, shelling peas, or snow peas, this episode will walk you through the basics -- from choosing which kind to grow to planting to harvest. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/03/growing-peas-beginner/

When I began gardening, I had no idea what tools I would need. Because my purpose for gardening in the first place was to save money, I had no interest in blowing cash on unneeded equipment. But as I soon realized, some tools make a huge difference. In this episode of The Beginner's Garden Podcast, I share my five favorite garden tools with you. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/gardentools

Along with the joys of a long growing season, southern gardeners also face a unique challenge -- cool weather crops don't thrive in the summer. So how do we plant lettuce, broccoli, and spinach? In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, I give tips that any gardener in a long, warm-season climate can use. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/03/cool-weather-crops-in-the-southern-garden/

Potatoes are one of my most enjoyable crops to grow! They require little maintenance, and they harvest before the hot weather in my area begins to set in. Harvesting, though labor-intensive, is so much fun — and my kids enjoy it, too! If you're looking to grow potatoes in your garden, these tips will help you grow a successful crop. Show notes: http://journeywithjill.net/2017/03/yes-even-a-beginner-can-grow-potatoes/

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/