439 - Stop Blaming the Weather: Clues Your Plants Are Giving You
How many times have you said, “It’s just been too hot,” or “We haven’t had enough rain”? Weather is an easy scapegoat when our gardens struggle — but is it really the whole story? In this episode, I’m sharing a personal parallel from my years in the car business to show how blaming outside factors (like the weather) can actually hold us back. We’ll talk about: Why observation is your most powerful gardening tool How to recognize when the weather really is to blame — and when it isn’t Other factors that might be affecting your crops (soil, sun, irrigation, pests) Practical strategies to work with the weather instead of against it This is more of a mindset conversation — equal parts tough love and encouragement — to help you stop letting the weather win and start focusing on what you can control. 👉 Join my email community for extra tips and behind-the-scenes updates I don’t share anywhere else: journeywithjill.net/gardensignup My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux Products I recommend: Recommended Brands & Products page: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Connect with Jill: Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ (*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
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438 - Fast Fall Crops You Can Still Plant in September
September can leave gardeners feeling torn — the weather whispers fall, but the garden seems ready to shut down. Should you plant more, or just call it quits until spring? In today’s episode, I’ll show you why the answer is yes — you can still plant, and you’ll be glad you did. We’ll cover four categories of crops you can grow right now — greens, roots, brassicas, and herbs — plus the key differences between fall and spring planting that will make all the difference in your success. Here’s what you’ll learn: The fast-growing greens you can direct sow today for quick harvests. Root crops that thrive in cooling soil (and how to get them to germinate). Why fall brassicas do best from transplants. Cool-season herbs that love September planting. One piece of spring garden advice that doesn’t work in fall. You’ll also hear my tips for moisture management, full sun placement, and how to think in terms of “baby harvests” instead of waiting for everything to fully mature. 📌 Resources mentioned in this episode: Free Garlic Planting Cheat Sheet: journeywithjill.net/garlic Pre-order organic seed garlic from Wood Prairie Family Farm and use code JILL5 for 5% off: woodprairie.com Organic REV: Rebuild soil health for your fall crops and save with code JILL10: organicrev.com By the end, you’ll know exactly what to plant now to keep your garden producing fresh food well into fall. 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 soil carbon and bacterial biomass, and absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems. Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll. Wood Prairie Family FarmsA small family farm on the edge of Maine’s North Woods is located just six miles from the Canadian border. For over 45 years they have dedicated themselves to time-honored organic regenerative farming practices and building up the fertile soil of Wood Prairie Family Farm. Certified Organic by MOFGA (USDA-Accredited) since 1982. Their organic crops are sold to customers like you through their website and their FREE mail order catalog. Check them out and use my code JILL5 for 5% off. My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux Products I recommend: Recommended Brands & Products page: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Connect with Jill: Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ (*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
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437 - September Garden Task List
September can feel like a juggling act—summer crops still hanging on, fall crops needing attention, and the pressure to preserve your harvest before it goes to waste. In this episode, Jill shares a practical September checklist to help you stay focused and finish the season strong. 🌱 In this episode: What to plant now: spinach, lettuce, salad greens, and cover crops Tending tips: when to pull back shade cloth and how to adjust watering When and how to prune or pull summer crops like tomatoes and cucumbers Garlic prep: what to order, where to plant, and how to prepare the bed Fall garden must-haves: floating row covers, Organic REV, and preserving plans 🛒 Mentioned in this episode: Harvest to Kitchen Course – Final day to grab it for just $97! Learn to can, freeze, dehydrate, and store over 20 crops. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/harvesttokitchen Organic REV – Use code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com for healthier fall transplants and soil Free Fall Salad Garden Calendar – Download your guide to planting salad greens all season long How to Make the Most of Your Tomato Harvest Podcast - Click here to find out ways to make your tomato harvest the best one yet before your first fall frost. 🎧 Tune in for your step-by-step guide to a productive September garden! My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux Products I recommend: Recommended Brands & Products page: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Connect with Jill: Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ (*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
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436 - Cover Crops for Small Gardens: Learn When, What, and How to Plant for Healthier Soil
Have you ever wondered if cover crops are worth the effort in a small garden or raised bed? In this episode, we're bringing back one of the most practical and eye-opening conversations from the podcast archives—with Parker from True Leaf Market. Together, we explore: 🪴 The best cover crops for raised beds, in-ground gardens, and no-till systems 🌿 How cover crops boost soil health, garden productivity, and even nutritional value 🌱 The differences between cereal grains, legumes, and brassicas—and why a mix might be the most beneficial 🌡️ What to expect if you’re in a mild climate like Zone 8 🧑🌾 When and how to plant—and terminate—your cover crops for best results Whether you’re completely new to cover cropping or looking to improve your approach this season, this episode will give you clarity and confidence to get started. 👉 Tune in and get ready to give your garden a long-term boost! 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 absorbs nutrients to make them more readily available to plants via their root systems. Promo Code: Use promo code JILL10 for 10% off your order Want to learn more about Organic REV? Enroll in my FREE course that teaches you how to use REV in seed starting, transplanting and so much more! Click here to enroll. My Products: 2025 Complete Garden Planner (plus several new editions!) https://shop.journeywithjill.net/ Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Book: https://amzn.to/3TZeJux Products I recommend: Recommended Brands & Products page: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/ https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden Connect with Jill: Sign up for Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos The Beginner's Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ Link to Beginner's Garden Podcast past episodes: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/ (*links above contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
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435 - The Hidden Link Between Gardening and Parkinson’s Disease with Dr. Ray Dorsey, author of the Parkinson's Plan
Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world—and according to neurologist and author Dr. Ray Dorsey, our environment may be playing a much larger role than we think. In this conversation, Dr. Dorsey shares key insights from his book The Parkinson’s Plan, including how certain pesticides and chemicals—some of which are still used in U.S. agriculture today—are correlated with higher Parkinson’s risk. As home gardeners, we may be making choices to avoid chemicals, but this episode highlights what we still need to be aware of. In this episode, we cover: What Parkinson’s does to the body and why it’s growing so fast The link between common agricultural chemicals and neurological risk What pyrethrins, rotenone, paraquat, and chlorpyrifos are—and where they may show up Why weed killers and even wooden fences may pose a concern How to navigate produce choices when organic isn’t always accessible Why well water and contaminated soil may be hidden risks What to know about dry cleaning solvents like TCE and PCE Dr. Dorsey’s top tips for reducing your risk (including what to prioritize) Why coffee lovers can celebrate their morning habit Whether you grow your own food or buy it at the grocery store, this conversation offers an eye-opening look at how to reduce your exposure and make more informed choices. 📘 Learn more about Dr. Dorsey and his book The Parkinson’s Plan: https://parkinsonsplan.org Thank you to our sponsor, Organic REV Give your fall garden the strong start it needs with Organic REV! I use it on all my fall transplants—from broccoli to lettuce—by dipping the root ball in a REV and water mix before planting. It reduces transplant shock, builds resilient roots, and boosts tired summer soil. 🌱 Save with code JILL10 at OrganicREV.com
À propos de The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy
Welcome to the Beginner's Garden Podcast! This is the podcast with easy-to-understand resources, tips, and information to help beginning gardeners get the most out of their gardening adventure -- big or small. When I began gardening in 2013, I scoured books and Internet resources to find all the information I could. Although good information was abundant, I had trouble understanding all the gardening lingo and sifting through the information to figure out what would work for me. In this podcast, my aim is to provide helpful information while explaining the gardening lingo as we go. I want to equip YOU to have the best start ever this gardening season!
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