The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

Feeling overwhelmed by canning and preserving your garden harvest? Wondering if you have to preserve everything you grow to make gardening worthwhile?
In this episode, I share how my approach to food preservation has changed over the last few years and how I've found a healthier balance between growing, preserving, and enjoying life. You'll hear the lessons I learned after stepping back from doing it all, how I'm simplifying my preserving routine, and practical ideas you can use whether you have a large garden or just a few extra tomatoes.
Free Download: Harvest to Jar Estimator
Not sure what to do with 5, 10, or 25 pounds of tomatoes? The free Harvest to Jar Estimator shows you what you can realistically make from different harvest sizes so you can preserve with confidence.
https://journeywithjill.net/tomato-harvest-to-jar
Key Takeaways
Learn how to simplify food preservation without giving it up completely.
Discover how to prioritize the crops that matter most to your family.
See practical ways to reduce preserving stress while still stocking your pantry.
Find freezer, canning, and storage tips that save both time and energy.
Create a preserving plan that fits your current season of life.
Chapters
00:00 – Why my preserving approach changed 01:52 – My original preserving goals 04:14 – The setback that changed everything 06:33 – Taking a break from tomato canning 08:55 – Small-batch tomato preserving lessons 10:18 – My 2026 preserving plan 13:03 – Simplifying tomato preservation 17:44 – Scheduling preserving without burnout 20:05 – Deciding what not to preserve 24:20 – Prioritizing what matters most 28:02 – Freezer organization tips 31:22 – Steam canning advantages 33:07 – Garden planning that reduces preserving 35:20 – Finding a sustainable balance 36:15 – Free Harvest to Jar Estimator
Resource Links
Harvest to Jar Estimator (Free) https://journeywithjill.net/tomato-harvest-to-jar
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
Complete Garden Planner 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 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.

Have you ever wished your garden harvest could make dinner easier months after the growing season ends?
In this episode, I'm welcoming Crystal from Whole-Fed Homestead back to the podcast to talk about her newest cookbook, Freeze Fresh Meal Prep. While many gardeners know they can freeze vegetables, Crystal shares a different approach: turning your harvest into meal starters, soups, breakfasts, side dishes, and desserts that make cooking easier all winter long.
We discuss which vegetables freeze best, how to decide when freezer meal prep is worth the extra effort, and why preserving food in a way you'll actually use is often the best strategy.
Whether you have a large garden or harvest just a few vegetables at a time from raised beds or containers, you'll walk away with practical ideas for making the most of every harvest.
In This Episode
Why meal starters can be more practical than freezing vegetables individually
Which vegetables hold up best in the freezer
The difference between fully prepared freezer meals and meal starters
How to know when freezer meal prep is worth the extra work
Tips for preserving smaller harvests throughout the season
Crystal's favorite freezer recipes she never wants to be without
How freezer meal prep helps simplify busy weeknights
Get Crystal's book here: https://amzn.to/4wxz65O
Join Me for the Fall Garden Workshop
Want to extend your harvest into autumn?
Join me for my Fall Garden Workshop where I'll show you exactly what to plant, when to plant it, and how to create a productive fall garden.
📅 July 28 at 12 PM CDT
Register here:
https://journeywithjill.net/fallharvestplan
Use discount code FALL26 to register for $29 (regularly $39).
Resource Links
🌱 Free Beginner's Garden Resource Vault
https://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
📧 Join My Friday Garden Newsletter
https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
🎙 Browse All Podcast Episodes
https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos
📷 Follow on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/
🛒 Recommended Brands & Products
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
🛍 Amazon Storefront
https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden
📒 Complete Garden Planner
https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Connect with Crystal
Whole-Fed Homestead
https://wholefedhomestead.com
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@WholeFedHomestead
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/wholefedhomestead/
Subscribe & Review
If you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love for you to subscribe and leave a review. Your ratings and reviews help other gardeners discover the podcast and encourage me to continue creating content to help you grow a more productive garden.
Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my experience gardening in Zone 8a in Arkansas and from conversations with gardeners across many climates. Your results may vary depending on your location and growing conditions.
Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Struggling to know which garden insects are friends or foes? Learn why wasps, hoverflies, and bees may be doing more to protect your garden than you realize. This episode will change how you see beneficial insects and natural pest control in your vegetable garden.
Join me for the Fall Harvest Plan Live Workshop on Tuesday, July 28 at 12 PM CDT and learn exactly when to plant your fall garden and access my Fall Gardening CustomGPT.  Save your spot at https://journeywithjill.net/fallharvestplan and use coupon code FALL26 to save $10.
Free Download: Good Bug Bad Bug ID Chart
Learn how to identify beneficial insects and common garden pests so you can protect the helpers in your garden with confidence.
https://journeywithjill.net/goodandbadbugs
Many gardeners see insects and immediately wonder whether they're helping or hurting the garden. But what if some of the bugs you fear the most are actually some of your greatest allies? In this episode, I sit down with science writer and Insect Safari author Margie Patlak to explore the fascinating world of beneficial insects. We talk about wasps, hoverflies, bees, and the surprising ways they pollinate crops, control pests, and even demonstrate remarkable intelligence. If you've ever wanted to garden more naturally, this conversation will help you see your garden through a whole new lens.
Key Takeaways
Learn why most wasps are valuable garden allies, not enemies.
Discover how hoverflies provide both pollination and natural aphid control.
Understand the differences between solitary, parasitic, and social wasps.
Find out why bees are far more intelligent than most gardeners realize.
Learn how healthy gardens naturally encourage beneficial insect populations.
Chapters
00:00 – Why insects deserve another look 03:03 – Why gardeners misunderstand wasps 06:50 – Wasps as natural pest control 07:45 – Solitary vs. social wasps 13:30 – Why hoverflies matter 18:30 – The hidden intelligence of bees 26:20 – How bees communicate and learn 31:15 – Building a balanced garden ecosystem 35:30 – Final encouragement
Resource Links
Good Bug Bad Bug ID Chart (Free) https://journeywithjill.net/goodandbadbugs
The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault https://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
Friday Garden Emails https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@JourneyWithJill
Instagram https://instagram.com/journeywithjill
Podcast Archive https://journeywithjill.net/podcast
Guest Resource:
Insect Safari by Margie Patlak 
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.

Yellow leaves, chewed-up plants, and tomatoes that suddenly stop producing can make it feel like your garden is falling apart. But many common midsummer garden problems have simple explanations once you know what to look for. In this episode, you'll learn how to diagnose yellowing leaves, tell the difference between nutrient deficiencies and diseases, identify what's eating your plants, and understand why heat can interfere with tomato and pepper production. These practical gardening tips will help you troubleshoot problems with more confidence and avoid treating the wrong issue.
🌱 Fall Custom Garden Plans are now open! Want a personalized fall garden plan designed specifically for your garden? I'll help you create a planting schedule, bed layout, and step-by-step growing plan based on your space and goals. These spots are limited and sold out quickly last year. Learn more and reserve your spot here: https://journeywithjill.net/planmygarden/
Free Download: Harvest to Jar Estimator Plan your tomato harvest with confidence by estimating how many plants you need for the jars you want to preserve. https://journeywithjill.net/harvesttojar
Key Takeaways
Learn how to diagnose yellow leaves by where symptoms appear on the plant.
Understand the difference between nutrient deficiencies and plant diseases.
Identify common insect pests by the damage they leave behind.
Discover why tomatoes, peppers, and other crops stop setting fruit during extreme heat.
Learn practical troubleshooting steps before reaching for fertilizer or pesticides.
Chapters
00:00 – Why midsummer gardens suddenly struggle
02:13 – Fall garden planning opportunity
03:00 – What yellow leaves are really telling you
05:45 – Mobile vs. immobile nutrients explained
08:45 – Common nutrient deficiencies to recognize
13:35 – When a soil test is worth it
14:10 – Using AI to diagnose garden problems
15:35 – Nutrient deficiency or disease?
18:15 – Identifying diseases by leaf patterns
19:00 – What's eating your plants?
21:20 – Finding nighttime garden pests
Resource Links
Free Download: Tomato Diseases Guide Identify common tomato diseases and learn how to respond before they spread. http://journeywithjill.net/lazy-gardeners-guide
Friday Emails (Newsletter) https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@JourneyWithJill 
Instagram https://instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden 
Podcast Archive https://journeywithjill.net/podcast 
Complete Garden Planner  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 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.

Summer gardening can leave you feeling worn out, but your best harvest may still be ahead. If you've been wondering whether a fall garden is worth the effort, this episode will help you start planning without feeling overwhelmed.
Learn three simple decisions you can make now to prepare for a productive fall vegetable garden, including which crops to grow, when to start seeds, and how to get your garden space ready before planting season begins.
Free Download: Celery Growing Guide
Want to grow fresh celery for soups, Thanksgiving dressing, and winter meals? My free Celery Growing Guide walks you through how to successfully grow celery from seed through harvest. You'll also get access to additional growing guides for broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, carrots, and more.
👉 https://journeywithjill.net/celery-guide
Key Takeaways
Decide which cool-season crops you'll actually enjoy eating this fall.
Learn which vegetables should be direct sown and which need transplants.
Know when to start fall transplants before it's too late.
Plan ahead for garden space as summer crops finish producing.
Prepare your soil and protect young plants for a healthier fall harvest.
Chapters
00:00 – Free celery growing guide
01:00 – Why now is the perfect time to dream about fall
03:20 – Decide what to grow
06:10 – Direct sow or transplant?
08:30 – Should you buy or grow transplants?
10:20 – When to start seeds indoors
11:40 – Planning your garden space
15:05 – Making room for fall crops
16:35 – Refreshing your soil
17:25 – Using shade cloth for success
18:50 – Custom plans and fall workshop
21:10 – Final encouragement and resources
Resource Links
Free Celery Growing Guide Grow celery successfully from seed through harvest, plus receive additional crop-growing guides. https://journeywithjill.net/celery-guide
Custom Fall Garden Plans Get a personalized planting plan designed specifically for your garden space and climate. https://journeywithjill.net/planmygarden
Live Fall Garden Workshop Learn how to confidently plan, plant, and grow a productive fall garden. https://journeywithjill.net/fallworkshop
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/
Complete Garden Planner Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. 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 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.