The Beanstalk : A Podcast for Gardeners

🎧 Episode 11 : Peppers : From Sweet Bells to Fiery Faves 🌶️ In this flavorful episode of The Beanstalk , we’re diving into the wide world of peppers — from the sweet crunch of bell peppers to the fiery kick of your favorite hot varieties. Learn why peppers are a must-grow crop, how to get them started strong, keep them healthy, and harvest them at peak flavor. We’ll cover common pests and problem...

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

Episode 9 : Cucumbers : Crunchy, Cool, and Completely Worth It Whether you’re growing them for fresh snacking or crispy pickles, cucumbers are a summer garden favorite for good reason. In this episode of The Beanstalk , we dive into growing both pickling and slicing varieties, from planting and trellising to managing pests like cucumber beetles and powdery mildew. You’ll also learn how to keep you...

Episode 8 : Growing Kale : A Cold-Hardy Classic In this episode of The Beanstalk , we’re diving into one of the most reliable and nutrient-packed crops you can grow—kale! From curly to flat-leafed varieties, we’ll talk about why kale deserves a place in your garden, how to grow it successfully in cooler temps, and how to handle common pests like cabbage loopers. We’ll also highlight the delicious...

Episode 7 : Growing Garlic : The Garden MVP Garlic isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s a garden powerhouse. In this episode of The Beanstalk , I’m digging deep into how to grow garlic, from planting both hardneck and softneck varieties to harvesting delicious garlic scapes along the way. We’ll talk about timing, spacing, soil needs, and common issues to watch out for. Plus, I’ll share a simple garlic...

Episode 6 : Tomatoes : The Crown Jewel of the Garden 🍅 In this flavorful episode of The Beanstalk , we’re diving into tomatoes—the beloved staple of every summer garden. Learn how to choose the right varieties, tackle pests like hornworms, and prevent common issues like blossom end rot. We’ll also cover pruning tips and common issues. To top it off, we’re sharing a simple and delicious Garden Fre...

Episode 5 : Growing Potatoes : Garden Gold from the Soil Dig into the basics of growing your own potatoes! In this episode, we cover planting, hilling, harvesting, and storage tips—plus a simple and tasty recipe using your homegrown spuds. Potatoes are one of the easiest and most satisfying crops to grow. Let’s get tuber excited! 🥔

Episode 4 : Growing Squash : Summer Slicers and Winter Keepers In this episode of The Beanstalk , we dig into one of the most rewarding garden crops: squash! From fast-growing zucchini to hearty winter varieties like butternut and acorn, we cover everything you need to know to grow squash successfully. Learn about common pests, tips for healthy plants, and a tasty squash recipe to enjoy the fruits...

Episode 3 : Growing Beans: One of the Easiest and Most Rewarding Crops In this episode of The Beanstalk , we’re talking all things beans — bush, pole, snap, and dry. Beans are one of the easiest, most rewarding crops you can grow, and perfect for beginners. We’ll dig into planting tips, pest control, and even wrap things up with a simple garden-fresh bean recipe.

Episode 2 : Getting Started with Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide In this episode of The Beanstalk , we’re going back to the roots — literally. Whether you’ve got a backyard, a few containers, or just a sunny windowsill, I’ll walk you through the basics of starting your gardening journey. We’ll cover what you need, how to pick your first plants, and the simple tools that make a big difference. Let’s...

Episode 1 : Welcome to the Beanstalk Get to know your host, John, and the mission behind The Beanstalk . In this short kickoff episode, we dig into why growing your own food matters, what to expect from future episodes, and how this podcast can help you start (or grow) your gardening journey — no matter your experience level.