The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

Did your garden struggle in ways you couldn't quite explain? Or maybe it did okay, but you know it could be better next year. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 garden lessons 2025 taught me through real-life growing, testing, and conversations with other gardeners. These aren't complicated techniques or overwhelming plans. They're small, practical insights about soil, transplants, shade, timing, and planning that can make a big difference. Whether you're already dreaming about next season or just tucking ideas away for later, this episode will help you grow with more confidence next year. Free Download: Garden Cheat Sheet A simple, step-by-step starter plan to help you know what to plant and when. https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/ Key Takeaways Why bark-heavy bagged soil can quietly limit plant growth. How warmth and growing degree days affect crop timing and harvests. Why strong transplants matter more than you might think. How shade can help or hurt crops depending on the season. Simple ways to plan successions without overwhelm. Chapters 00:00 – Why this episode matters now 02:45 – How bark-heavy soil hurts plants 08:40 – What growing degree days explain 13:35 – Why strong transplants matter 18:12 – How shade changes productivity 21:29 – Simple succession planting ideas 26:45 – Trusting your climate instincts 29:38 – Lettuce varieties worth growing 33:50 – Cold-hardy surprises in the garden 36:51 – Self-watering bed results 40:45 – Growing squash vertically 43:58 – Wrapping up the 2025 season Resource Links Garden Cheat Sheet (free): https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/ Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Sponsor for This Episode Garden in Minutes – Easy, efficient garden irrigation systems that save time and water. Use code JILL for 7% off your order. http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.

Struggling to figure out how to turn your love of gardening into something you can share—or even sell? In this episode, Sarah walks us through how she built a thriving cut flower business for her local farmers market. You'll hear the practical steps she took, what she wishes she knew sooner, and how she manages growing for both beauty and profit. If you've wondered whether you could do something similar, this conversation gives you hope and a clear starting point. free download: Garden Cheat Sheet A simple, step-by-step starter plan to help you begin your garden with confidence. https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/ Key Takeaways Why selling flowers can be more approachable than selling vegetables How Sarah planned her first year—and what she'd change The importance of bloom times, succession planting, and crop selection How working with a partner shaped the business What she's learned from customers and community at the farmers market Chapters 00:00 – Why Sarah chose cut flowers 04:30 – Planning the first flower season 06:20 – Bloom timing and succession basics 10:40 – Overwintering and cool-season flowers 13:40 – Direct sowing vs. plugs 17:30 – Working with a business partner 21:05 – What keeps her motivated 22:50 – The hardest parts of flower farming 25:00 – Planning mistakes in year one 27:45 – Profitable vs. low-profit crops 36:30 – Using plant starts to build early customers 39:10 – Adding microgreens for income 43:40 – What farmers markets taught her about people 47:00 – How to get started selling at a market Resource Links Free Garden Cheat Sheet: https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/ Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ Soft Paid Mention: Complete Garden Planner – A simple system to plan and track your season. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Feeling the pressure of the holidays and shorter days? December gardening doesn't have to add to your stress. Instead of a list of chores, this episode walks you through simple, optional ways to stay connected to your garden—whether it's a mild day outside or a cozy evening indoors. You'll get practical ideas for observing your winter garden, organizing tools, refreshing your raised beds, and preparing for seed starting season. free download: Seasonal Garden Task List Know what to do each month without guessing. https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list Complete Garden Planner – A simple system to plan and track your season. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Key Takeaways Simple outdoor tasks you get to do on mild December days How winter walks help you plan next season with clarity Easy indoor prep for seed starting and seed organization Why December is the perfect time for quiet planning routines Jill's personal after-Christmas tradition for choosing seeds Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Why December doesn't need a to-do list 02:40 – Winter garden walk ideas 06:10 – Spotting drainage issues early 08:00 – Dreaming and planning during quiet moments 09:40 – Organizing tools and supplies 12:50 – Refreshing raised beds 15:10 – Simple repairs and winter builds 17:00 – Indoor seed starting setup 19:40 – Sorting and evaluating seeds 23:00 – Seed longevity basics 26:20 – Gathering seed catalogs 30:10 – Jill's after-Christmas seed tradition 34:00 – Final encouragement Resource Links Seasonal Garden Task List (free): https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor(s) for This Episode Organic Rev — A plant growth stimulant I rely on for stronger seedlings and resilient fall and winter crops. Use code JILL10 for 10% off your order: http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.   Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Struggling to know which garden supplies are actually worth grabbing on Black Friday? In this episode, you'll learn which tools and supplies make the biggest difference next season. We'll walk through raised beds, seed starting, irrigation, fertilizers, and more so you can shop with confidence. free download: Seasonal Garden Task List A month-by-month guide so you always know what to do and when. https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list Key Takeaways Which raised beds and containers are worth the investment My go-to seed starting lights, trays, and soil mixes Fertilizers and soil amendments that have made the biggest difference Easy irrigation setups for raised beds, containers, and Greenstalk planters Favorite harvest gear, shoes, and tools that make gardening more enjoyable Brand Partners Mentioned Organic Rev (code JILL10): http://journeywithjill.net/organicrev Greenstalk (code JILL10 for $10 off $75): https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk Garden in Minutes (code Jill): http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes Epic Gardening (code JOURNEYWITHJILL): http://journeywithjill.net/epic Wood Prairie Farms (code JILL5): http://journeywithjill.net/woodprairie Connect Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ Recommended Products Hub: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Complete Garden Planner — plan and track your season with a simple system. https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Gardening advice in this podcast is based on my experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and feedback from gardeners in many regions. Your results may differ depending on your climate and growing conditions. Check your local extension service for region-specific guidance. Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ever wondered how much of your Thanksgiving dinner could come straight from your garden? From potatoes to sage, your plate is packed with crops you can grow—and nutrients that nourish your body all winter long. In this episode, Jill shares seven Thanksgiving favorites you can grow yourself (plus one bonus!), and why each one deserves a spot in your garden plan. 🌱 Free Download: Seasonal Garden Task List Stay on track in every season with clear, simple garden to-dos. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list Key Takeaways Why Thanksgiving foods are some of the most nutrient-dense crops you can grow How potatoes, sweet potatoes, and squash each boost immunity in winter The best potato varieties for different recipes (mashed, roasted, scalloped) Tips for growing, curing, and storing potatoes through Thanksgiving Easy ways to grow green beans, sage, and celery for your holiday table Why your favorite indulgent dishes may actually help nutrient absorption Jill's bonus crop you might not expect: cranberries Resource Links 🌿 Free Seasonal Task List → https://journeywithjill.net/seasonal-task-list 🗓️ Friday Emails (newsletter) → https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup 🛒 Recommended Brands & Products → https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products 🛍️ Amazon Storefront → https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 🪴 2026 Complete Garden Planner – "Plan and track your garden with ease." https://shop.journeywithjill.net Sponsors for this Episode Epic Gardening – Black Friday Sale: 25% off site-wide + extra 5% with code JOURNEYWITHJILL Birdies beds, grow bags, and seed-starting supplies you'll love. 👉 journeywithjill.net/epic As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. GreenStalk Garden – 12 Days of Doorbusters start Nov 20! Save $10 off $75+ with code JILL10 → journeywithjill.net/greenstalk Disclaimer Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.