The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

February is a complex month for gardeners in the U.S. Some of us are weeks away from planting, while others are already in the garden. In this episode, Jill shares 7 essential garden tasks to tackle in February, ensuring you're prepared for a productive gardening season, no matter where you are in your journey. With practical tips and resources, you'll feel confident and ready to hit the ground ru...

This week I am speaking with Dr. Alicia Wasula, a forensic meteoroloist to discuss what she does in relation to the weather and how that can affect your garden.  Links Mentioned: Before You Sow Mini Course (free for 1 week):  https://journeywithjill.net/beforeyousow   Connect with Dr. Wasula here: https://www.stmweather.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/@stmweather_gardens Show Notes: Thank yo...

If you're like me, you're itching to get started on this year's garden season. But here's the deal—starting seeds indoors too early is one of the biggest mistakes gardeners make this time of year. In today's episode, I'll share the seeds I'm starting indoors in January and February and how you can adjust your timing depending on your climate. Stick around until the end, because I'll explain what c...

Is it possible to grow protein-packed vegetables in your garden? In this episode, we break it down for you! Building on last week's conversation with Dr. Vickie Petz Kasper about the importance of plant-based proteins, I'm sharing which crops are worth your time, space, and effort. We'll cover: Dry beans like pinto, kidney, and black beans Shelling beans such as black-eyed peas and lima beans Chic...

Happy New Year! This week is our 400th episode and we wanted to share a different topic with you. We have Dr. Vickie Petz Kasper, a lifestyle medicine doctor, that walks us through all about how to grow your own protein and how to live a healthy life with the right kinds of protein.  Vickie will be hosting a series on unlocking the secret to sleep. Sign up here: https://healthylooksgreatonyou.com/...

This week Jill reflects on how 2024 went for her from what worked and what didn't. She discusses varieties that she tried this year that worked out well for her so you can keep an eye out for these varieties when seed shopping. Also, she discusses lifestyle changes she made in her gardening world to adapt to her current life.  Carrot Storage YouTube: https://youtu.be/l9T7_FZbuYA?si=jLOI0SMXIBpt8uK...

This week we are talking all about weather trends and forecasts for 2025 with Carol Connare of the Old Farmer's Almanac. Carol is the 14th editor in the history of the publication, and the second woman to hold the title. In her role as editor-in-chief, Carol oversees the development of the annual publication, working closely with writers and other editors to develop "new, useful, and entertaining...

This week Jill talks about composting in the winter. Is it even possible or worth your time when it's not warm outside? Are there different ways to go about it? FInd out all this and more in this week's episode. Links Mentioned:  162 Simplifying Compost https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/162-simplifying-compost 137: Compost piles vs tumblers https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/137-compost-piles-vs-...

Happy Thanksgiving week for those in the US! I figured this week would be a good one to talk about a topic that might make your thanksgiving table, sweet potatoes! Sweet Potato YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL27_dEHfy9_Z3n08CHjaDjaDhUfDC4PiB&si=xYV-9JJHNH7CLEcx   Show Notes: Thank you to our sponsors: Garden in Minutes | Homestead Movie Garden in Minutes Water your raised bed...

In anticipation of Black Friday sales and the biggest shopping season of the year, Jill spends time this week talking about 12 garden tools that she loves and found herself using a lot in 2024 plus 3 that she doesn't use as much anymore and why. Free Download with links to all the tools mentioned: journeywithjill.net/tools Garden Splurges YouTube: https://youtu.be/8B1BzMSNCkA?si=7FYkcs96c3wC9Rcm  ...

In this episode, Jill shares her experiences with both failures and successes in her fall garden. She opens up about her struggles, including the challenges growing carrots, potatoes, and spinach, and offers insights into what went wrong and what can be learned from her mistakes. Jill also discusses her successful crops like broccoli and cabbage, providing tips for overcoming common gardening issu...

This week Jill is talking about 10 different projects you can do in the fall and winter seasons. Fall and winter are a great time to knock out some bigger projects because the slower season allows you more time to work on the big things that might take awhile and also plan them out to work best for you.  Links Mentioned:  Next Workshop: https://journeywithjill.net/falljumpstart Filling raised beds...

This week, Jill delves into the many facets of greenhouse gardening, sharing her wealth of experience from over four years of active use. Designed for both prospective and seasoned greenhouse owners, the episode covers essential topics such as the distinctions between greenhouses and high tunnels, optimal greenhouse placement, and the critical importance of heat management and ventilation. Whether...

In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, Jill discusses the benefits and uses of greenhouses, sharing insights from her own journey after purchasing a greenhouse in October 2020. She shares seven key lessons learned, including the importance of location, the role of ventilation, and the necessity of supplemental heat.    00:00 Introduction to Greenhouse Season 00:56 Is a Greenhouse Worth...

This week Jill shares insight on how to care for crops like lettuce, carrots, and broccoli, emphasizing the differences between spring and fall planting. Key topics discussed include managing heat, water, pests, and sunlight for successful fall gardening. Jill also provides three actionable steps to optimize fall crops, discusses watering needs, and the importance of choosing appropriate seed vari...

In this episode, Jill shares insights on why garlic is the easiest and most rewarding crop to grow. She will delve into five critical adjustments for growing larger garlic bulbs: selecting the right type for your climate, properly preparing the soil, ensuring adequate spacing, minimizing competition with weeds, and appropriate irrigation techniques. Additionally, we want to invite you to a live wo...

Have you ever wanted to know what you can do with your green tomatoes on the vine when frost is approaching? This week I give you all the options you have to extend your tomato season past frost. Don't forget about your last fall planting that results in your first spring harvest, garlic! Sign up today for my live workshop teaching you all about planting and growing garlic. Click here to learn mor...

Have you ever wanted to know more about growing herbs for medicinal use? While I have worked with a few before, I am no expert. This week we're talking with Heidi Villegas to learn more about medicinal herbs and where to start with them. Follow along with Heidi:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeidiVillegas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealingHarvestHomestead Instagram: https://www.instag...

Have you ever wanted to grow your own strawberries but wanted to get a jump start on your harvest next year? Fall planting may be the answer for you! But how do we go about doing it and where do we source the plants from? Listen to this week's episode for more details.. Links mentioned: podcast 042: https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/strawberry-planting-basics YT: How to Plant Strawberries in a Gr...

Planting perennials in the fall is the best time to get them in the ground. Whether its ornamental shrubs or fruit bearing trees. Let's talk about how to do it. Show Notes: Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Garden in Minutes   Organic REV Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and ab...

This year has been different for me in the garden. If you've been following along then you know that I scaled back my garden a lot this year and changed a lot of things. I wanted to show you what made me change my mind and thinking ahead to what next year's garden might look like also. Show Notes: Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Garden in Minutes   Organic REV Organic REV is an organic gr...

This week I am talking to you all about my spring and summer garden. As you may know, I scaled back in a lot of ways this year on the quantities I grew. Did it work out like I thought it might? Listen to find out. Show Notes: Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Garden in Minutes   Organic REV Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replac...

In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, host Jill continues her discussion with Peter from the Garden Family in Southwest Ohio (Zone 6b) and Rebecca from Happy Heart Gardens in Southern Alabama (Zone 9a). The episode explores how varying daylight affects fall gardening across different regions, focusing on plant growth and the use of covers to protect against frost and pests. Peter and R...

In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, host Jill introduces gardening experts Peter from 'The Garden Family' and Rebecca from 'Happy Heart Gardens.' The trio dives into the nuances of fall gardening across various climates, with Peter sharing insights from gardening in Southwest Ohio and California, and Rebecca discussing her experiences in South Alabama and Northern Pennsylvania. They...

In this week's episode, we're chatting with Crystal Schmidt about the best ways to freeze your harvest. Whether it's because you don't have enough to can or simply would rather not, her tips are great for all types of food! Show Notes: Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV Organic REV Organic REV is an organic growth stimulant that can increase nitrogen efficiency by up to 25%, replaces depleted...