The Compost Pile | Gardening & Homesteading

Many gardeners look at their beds in July and assume the season is winding down, but in Southeast Texas, some of the best gardening opportunities are still ahead. In this episode of The Compost Pile, David discusses common midsummer gardening mistakes, why July is more like halftime than the finish line, and how to start preparing now for a productive fall garden. Learn which plants are worth keep...

Most gardeners make the same mistake: planting everything at the same time and then becoming overwhelmed when it all matures at once. In this episode of The Compost Pile, David sits down with Brent from Donna's Farm to break down succession planting and why it's one of the best ways to create a more productive, manageable, and sustainable garden. We discuss how staggering your plantings can extend...

In this episode of The Compost Pile, we sit down with longtime friend Brent Hieronymus of Donna's Farm to discuss the incredible journey of building one of Southeast Texas' most recognizable small farms. From producing over 1,000 pounds of tomatoes for local farmers markets to managing greenhouse production, experimenting with unique crop varieties, and ultimately transitioning away from farming,...

Does a healthy garden have to look perfect? In this solo episode of The Compost Pile, David takes a walk through the garden to explore what plants are really telling us. From yellowing leaves and nutrient deficiencies to fungi, pest damage, caterpillar host plants, and sprawling tomato vines, we discuss why imperfection is often a sign of a thriving ecosystem—not a failing garden. Learn how to rea...

How do you turn a blank backyard into a beautiful, functional outdoor retreat? In this episode of The Compost Pile, David sits down with Justin Coshman to discuss the process of designing an outdoor space that is both inviting and practical. From drainage and soil preparation to tree placement, raised beds, pathways, pergolas, and plant selection, they explore the foundational decisions that can m...

Want more butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects in your garden? In this episode of The Compost Pile Podcast, David and Aaron break down how to intentionally design a pollinator garden that supports biodiversity, improves pollination, and creates a healthier ecosystem in your yard. We cover: Why plant clusters matter Best flower shapes for different pollinators Native plants vs. n...

How do you build a garden or homestead that you actually enjoy long-term? In this episode of The Compost Pile, David Pool and Aaron Barnhill discuss what “sustainability” really means in gardening, homesteading, and backyard farming. Instead of focusing only on eco-friendly practices, this conversation dives into creating systems that are realistic, manageable, and enjoyable so you don’t burn your...

In this solo episode of The Compost Pile, David walks through the garden discussing one of the most important gardening skills you can develop: observation. Plants are constantly giving us signs about what’s happening in the soil, root zone, and environment around them — from yellowing leaves and blossom end rot to pest damage, pollinator activity, fungal growth, and even weeds. Learn how to ident...

As we transition from spring into the intense summer heat, your garden can go from thriving to struggling almost overnight. In this episode of The Compost Pile, David Pool and Aaron Barnhill are joined by Paul Lemoine to break down the biggest challenges gardeners face this time of year—and how to stay ahead of them. We cover essential tips for managing watering, preventing plant stress, dealing w...

In this special bonus episode of The Compost Pile, host David Pool is joined live at The Giving Field by Destin Noak ( @texasgardenguy ) and staff member, Michael Meazell, for an on-location conversation about gardening with purpose. This episode dives into the impact of donation-based gardening—where fresh, organic produce is grown specifically to support food-insecure communities. The team share...

Thinking about raising backyard chickens? In this episode of The Compost Pile , hosts David Pool and Aaron Barnhill break down everything beginners need to know before bringing home their first flock. From day-old chicks to egg-laying hens, we cover the non-negotiables of chicken care , common mistakes, and how to set your homestead up for success. You’ll learn how to properly brood chicks, choose...

In this special bonus episode of The Compost Pile , host David Pool records live from the annual Earth Day celebration at The Giving Field. This isn’t just a community garden—The Giving Field is a charitable garden dedicated to growing fresh, organic produce that is donated directly to local soup kitchens . For over a decade, this one-acre garden has helped provide healthier, nutrient-dense food t...

In this episode of The Compost Pile , hosts David Pool and Aaron Barnhill break down everything you need to know about summer gardening in Zone 9a , with a focus on heat-tolerant crops like okra and southern peas . We discuss why many gardeners struggle during the summer months and how shifting your planting strategy can keep your garden productive year-round. Learn the best timing for planting, w...

Every gardener runs into problems—it’s just part of the process. In this episode of The Compost Pile, we talk through some of the most common issues gardeners face and how to start solving them. From things like blossom end rot and pollination struggles to a few other major problems that can impact plant health and production, we share practical insights based on real-world gardening experience—es...

Peppers are one of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow , whether you're a beginner gardener or an experienced grower. In this episode of The Compost Pile , David and Aaron break down everything you need to know about growing peppers successfully—from choosing the right varieties to managing pests and harvesting peppers all season long. We discuss why peppers are one of the most begin...

In this episode of The Compost Pile , hosts David Pool, Aaron Barnhill, & Paul Lemoine break down how to successfully grow squash, cucumbers, cantaloupe, and watermelon in the garden—especially in Zone 9a and Southeast Texas . They discuss why these crops can be both highly productive and frustrating for gardeners , covering key topics like pollination, common pests like squash vine borers, sp...

Herbs might be the most underrated plants in the garden. In this episode of The Compost Pile, David and Aaron talk about why herbs like basil, rosemary, oregano, dill, parsley, and mint are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants for gardeners—especially beginners. Learn how herbs attract pollinators, improve garden biodiversity, repel pests with natural aromatics, and provide quick harvests...

Thinking about raising goats on your homestead? In this episode of The Compost Pile , hosts David Pool and Aaron Barnhill sit down with Stephanie Harren of Chosen Weeds Farm to break down the realities of goat ownership—everything from choosing the right breed and managing parasites to fencing, feeding, and producing fresh goat milk. Stephanie shares practical experience from her own farm, explain...

What would you do if you had to start your garden completely from scratch in Zone 9a? In this solo episode of The Compost Pile, David breaks down exactly how to build a successful garden in Southeast Texas — from improving heavy clay soil and preventing compaction to choosing heat-tolerant crops that thrive in our humidity. If you're gardening in Southeast Texas, this episode will help you avoid c...

When is the best time to plant eggplant and cucumbers in Zone 9a (Southeast Texas)? In this episode of The Compost Pile, David Pool sits down with special guest Paul Lemoine to break down everything you need to know before planting these warm-season favorites. We cover: ✔️ The ideal soil and air temperatures for planting ✔️ Why timing matters more than you think ✔️ Common cucumber problems like ye...

Is fertilizer already in your potting soil enough to feed your plants all season? In this episode of The Compost Pile, we break down one of the most common gardening myths: relying solely on pre-fertilized soil to sustain your plants long term. We discuss the difference between compost-based soils and synthetic time-release fertilizers like Osmocote 14-14-14, how temperature and sunlight affect fe...

Spring is coming fast — is your garden ready? In this episode of The Compost Pile , hosts David Pool (Mid County Farm & Feed) and Aaron Barnhill break down exactly how to prepare your garden for spring in Zone 9 and other warm climates. From raised bed maintenance and soil preparation to compost, fertilizer timing, and crop planning, this episode walks you step-by-step through building a stron...

Welcome to the very first episode of our new short series, Method or Myth? In this bite-sized episode of The Compost Pile , we dig into one of the most debated traditions in gardening history — the Farmer’s Almanac . Does planting by the moon actually work? Is there science behind moon phase gardening? And how accurate are long-range weather predictions for gardeners? We break down: The history of...

Seeds are the foundation of every successful garden—but not all seeds are created equal. In this episode of The Compost Pile , hosts David Pool and Aaron Barnhill break down everything you need to know about seeds, from germination basics to the differences between heirloom, hybrid, and GMO seeds. We cover why some plants don’t grow true from seed, how temperature and moisture affect germination s...

In this episode of The Compost Pile, David sits down with Paul Lemoine to break down everything you need to know about planning and growing tomatoes in Southeast Texas (Zone 9a). From when to start tomato seeds and how early planting improves yields, to choosing between determinate vs indeterminate tomatoes, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice. Paul shares decades of experienc...