The Messed Up Gardener

This week, frosty mornings have been turning our routines upside down—defrosting the cars has been chaos! But you know what? Those frosts have been amazing for our kiwifruit vines, naturally clearing out bugs and even knocking back those pesky wasp nests that have plagued our bees all season. Nature doing its thing—gotta love it! Welcome back to The Messed-Up Gardener ! I’m Esther Williams, and I’...

In this delightfully dirt-under-the-nails episode, Esther dives into a surprisingly sudsy topic— soap plants! That's right—your garden can grow more than veggies and flowers. It can grow your cleaning products too! From traditional soapwort and yucca roots to soothing calendula, moisturizing aloe vera, and even homegrown loofah sponges, this episode covers everything you need to grow your own...

Get ready to reclaim your garden from bugs the natural way! In this episode, I’m sharing how to grow a living “bug-off” shield with plants like lavender, lemongrass, mint, basil, and more—plus super simple herbal remedies to soothe bites and protect your family (especially the little ones). I’ll also be talking about how to create a kid-friendly “No-Bite Zone” that’s as magical as it is practical....

Hello, green thumbs and fellow dirt enthusiasts! In this jam-packed episode of The Messed-Up Gardener , I’m taking you behind the glossy aisles and shiny displays of your local garden centre to reveal the 5 things they don’t want you to know —so you’ll keep coming back! I share some juicy truths and personal stories from my years working in garden centres, from the early days at 15 to some cheeky...

In this episode, I share a not-so-glamorous but super important topic: those garden allergies that can sneak up on you like a nosy neighbour in your compost pile. From itchy eyes and runny noses to surprise skin rashes—gardening doesn’t always play nice! We’ll uncover the most common allergy triggers lurking in your backyard—like pollen, moldy compost, and even the fuzz on tomato stems. Plus, I’ll...

Join me, Esther Williams, as I peel back the layers of my own journey—stepping away from the 9-to-5, facing down fear and self-doubt, and turning to the garden as my path to nourishment, strength, and true growth. In this powerful episode, I share how growing antioxidant-rich fruits, veggies, and herbs isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about rewriting the rules for your health and your li...

Hello and welcome to another episode of The Messed-Up Gardener ! I’m your host, Esther Williams, and today we’re diving into something that’s part garden magic, part self-care ritual: growing your own anti-aging plants at home . We’ll break down: ✨ What makes a plant “anti-aging”? Explore the triple power of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and nutrient density—nature’s ultimate skincar...

Ever wondered if your garden could do more than just look pretty? What if your garden was a living ritual—a space that grows healing, love, or abundance alongside your veggies? In this soulful, cheeky, and dirt-under-the-fingernails episode, Esther dives headfirst into the world of intention gardens —purpose-driven garden spaces where every plant holds meaning. From prosperity patches with basil a...

What happens when gardening meets good vibes and glittery geology? You get this episode. Join Esther Williams—your cheeky host and dirt-loving rebel—for a slightly woo, slightly wild, and totally entertaining deep dive into the world of crystal gardening . From chakra-charged compost to protective tourmaline tucked near the tomatoes, we’re exploring how crystals have made their way from yoga studi...

Welcome back to The Messed-Up Gardener —your go-to podcast for all things gardening, worm wee, plant therapy, and occasional woo-woo wisdom. I’m Esther Williams, and today’s episode might just be my favorite kind of chaos: practical meets mystical, leafy meets loopy. In this episode, we’re diving into the delightfully strange world of beneficial plant placement —a.k.a. why putting a jade plant in...

Feeling overwhelmed by noise, chaos, or a never-ending to-do list? In this soulful episode of The Messed Up Gardener , Esther explores how to carve out a sanctuary—right in your backyard, balcony, or even a pot on your windowsill. Learn what peace gardens really are (hint: it’s not about being Pinterest-perfect), why they’re essential for your mental health, and how to start your own with simplici...

 In this cozy and practical episode, Esther Williams dives into the essential autumn gardening tasks that will set your garden up for a thriving spring. As April winds down and cooler weather creeps in, it’s the perfect time to give your garden some love before winter hits.  Esther walks you through three key winter prep priorities every gardener should be focusing on: 🌿 Mulching – Learn how to a...

In this energizing Easter episode of The Messed Up Gardener , host Esther Williams dives into one of the tastiest and most rewarding gardening projects you can start—your very own smoothie garden! Whether you're a complete beginner, a smoothie fanatic, or a backyard grower looking to bring more purpose to your edible garden, this episode is your guide to growing delicious, nutritious ingredie...

Welcome back to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener  In this episode, Esther dives into one of the most fun and delicious gardening ideas yet—creating your very own garden snack bar ! Imagine stepping outside and picking juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mint, crunchy snap peas, or a leafy kale wrap—all ready to eat with zero prep. Whether you’ve got a backyard, balcony, or just a few containers,...

In this jam-packed episode of The Messed Up Gardener , your host Esther Williams dives into one of the most powerful (but often overlooked) keys to garden success: smart layout planning . Whether you're growing in raised beds, digging straight into the soil, or using pots and containers, how you arrange your veggie garden can make all the difference between a thriving harvest and a frustratin...

Welcome back to The Messed-Up Gardener – your go-to podcast and mini masterclasses for all things gardening! I'm your host, Esther Williams, and in today’s episode, we’re diving into the essential things every beginner gardener should know before putting a single seed in the soil. Starting a veggie garden can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you're short on space, time, or confiden...

Hi and Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener In this episode, I chat about drought struggles, a septic tank surprise, mushroom growing wins, and prepping for the markets! Plus, I dive into the magic of keyhole gardens —a low-maintenance, high-yield setup that recycles kitchen scraps, conserves water, and works in almost any space. You'll learn: 🌿 What a keyhole garden is & how it works...

Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener Podcast ! I’m your host, Esther Williams, and today we’re diving into a game-changer for your garden— fertilizers . Whether you’re growing lush indoor plants or a thriving outdoor veggie patch, understanding fertilizers can make all the difference between droopy leaves and vibrant, healthy growth. In this episode, I’m keeping it simple, practical, and, of cou...

Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener Podcast , your go-to mini masterclass for all things gardening! I’m your host, Esther Williams , and I’m absolutely buzzing to be here today. This week, we’ve been dealing with some wild weather—rain, wind, and all the joys (and headaches) that come with it! While the rain is great for the orchard and helping the kiwifruit plump up, the wind has...

In this jam-packed episode of The Messed Up Gardener , host Esther Williams takes you through the art and business of dried floral arrangements ! 🌸✨ After battling the flu and making exciting progress on her mushroom grow rooms, Esther is back and buzzing with updates—including her first batch of red and white clover honey heading for bottling! 🍯 Inspired by past episodes on Cultivating Cash fr...

Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener —your go-to podcast for all things gardening, where we embrace the mess, the learning curves, and the joy of growing! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into organic gardening , breaking down the fundamentals, debunking common myths, and exploring trending natural practices that are reshaping how we grow our food. If you’ve ever wondered what organic garde...

In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener , I’m diving into all things lawn care—because let’s be real, a good lawn can be both a source of pride and a source of pain! Inspired by my husband’s obsession with the perfect mowing height (while I prefer a more relaxed approach), we’ll cover everything from choosing the right grass type to keeping your lawn lush and healthy. We’ll explore the essential...

In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener , we’re diving into one of the most essential, yet often overlooked, aspects of gardening success: Irrigation. Whether you’re nurturing a lush vegetable patch, a few potted plants, or a sprawling flower garden, getting your watering right is key to thriving plants and stress-free gardening. Join your host, Esther Williams, as we break down the basics of ir...

Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.    In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener , we’re diving into the ever-challenging world of garden pest and rodent control. From sneaky aphids and leaf-munching caterpillars to the chaos caused by rodents like rats and rabbits, we explore how these uninvited guests can wreak havoc on your garden. Esther shares insights into why pests...

In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener , host Esther Williams dives into the rewarding world of gardening with kids. Inspired by a conversation with a coworker who was unsure how to get their children involved in gardening, Esther shares practical tips, creative activities, and solutions for common challenges to make gardening a fun, engaging, and educational adventure for the whole family. Fro...