Episodes
It's planting time! Finally, the month of the last spring frosts is here and we're able to plant out so many things.  Tomatoes, peppers, squash, zinnia, sunflower, and so many more summer crops can make their way tot the garden.  📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚 💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/
Published 04/30/24
You've got a flat of plants, a garden almost ready to plant out, and no time to get it done. Sound familiar? This episode will give you seven tips to help you get your garden in the ground with a minimum of fuss and no time wasted on tasks that don't move the needle the way you want it to go.  -Which seedlings you should buy at this point in the season for earlier harvest -Why getting a trellis in at planting will save you time later on -My favorite way to spread mulch quickly -and a few...
Published 04/23/24
If you're still wondering what to plant, this episode lays it all out for you. Short and snappy instructions tell you how to lay out a single 4x8 raised bed with the right combination and location of your plants so they all thrive and you get months of harvests of fresh veggies, flowers, and herbs. If you want a more detailed seasonal guide, snag a copy of my Garden Layout Templates that provide a visual guide to bring you from season to season without a bare spot in the garden or your...
Published 04/16/24
Here is an amazing list of resources during the peak learning time of the season. Plants are going in, seeds are getting started, and these channels will help you learn so much, from composting to self sufficiency to growing flowers in soil blocks. Huw Richards Charles Dowding Shifting Roots No-Till Growers: I misspoke here and said No Till Farmer, so make sure to search for himm as “No-Till Growers” Epic Gardening Growing In The Garden Regenerative Gardening with Blossom and Branch...
Published 04/09/24
📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚 💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/
Published 04/02/24
Soil, fertilizers, compost, and more can all be so confusing when getting your garden started. This episode breaks it down in a very simplified manner that will help you know the next step you need to take to get your garden ready for the season. I mention a ton of resources, including: My seed starting recipe: 4 parts coco coir (or peat moss) 1 part compost, worm castings, or a mix .5 part vermiculite (sometimes more depending on the weather. In warmer weather, I add more because it holds...
Published 03/26/24
Don't let your seedlings go into shock or die after you spent all that time growing them! In today's episode you'll learn about: What is hardening off? How do I harden off my seedlings? What's the best time of day to transplant Ways to protect seedlings: row covers, low tunnels Beginner mistakes Grab your seed starting checklist here with a full hardening off schedule: Seed Starting Checklist Then get your Garden Layout Templates to plan out what/where/how many of everything you'll grow...
Published 03/19/24
Seed starting is in full swing, and I've been getting a bunch of questions about the process. So this episode will share the answers I've been giving and help you in your own seed starting efforts. Questions include: Why aren't your seeds covered? Why don't you cover your seed trays? What's damping off? What are leggy seedlings? If the soil is too cold, will my seeds rot or sprout once it warms up? How many seeds per hole or cell? What if you plant too many seeds? Get all the answers, and...
Published 03/12/24
It's March! In the gardening world, that's a big signal to get started with sowing indoors and out. In this episode I'll have several lists for you, including veggies, flowers, and herbs to start indoors or direct sow, quick ways to get new garden beds up and running before prime planting time, and a few tips to help you have your garden plan ready for the season. I mention a few resources in this episode, which you can find here: Garden Layout Templates by yours truly. Check out a...
Published 03/05/24
Spring is such a busy time of year that even knowing where to start can seem overwhelming. This episode breaks down how to avoid that overwhelm and instead learn how to take full advantage of your space and season, starting this spring. Use methods like succession planting, relay planting, transitioning beds, and overwintering to always have something growing in the garden, whether it's cold-hardy spring veggies or heat-loving summer flowers. Companion planting will help you squeeze in...
Published 02/27/24
📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚 💻 Website and Blog: Homegrown Food and Flowers 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownfoodandflowers/
Published 02/20/24
Figuring out how to get your garden started is the next step once you know what you want to grow. But how exactly do you do that? Today, I’m breaking down the difference between direct sowing and indoor seed starting so you can choose the right method for you. Plus, I have a list of crops you should consider for each method to have the best chance of success. Don't forget to download your Garden Planning Toolkit and use the sowing calendar to find your dates as well as which method I...
Published 02/13/24
It's February in the garden, and that opens up the possibility for SO MANY things to do, from starting a whole slew of seeds to attending local workshops to visiting fruit tree nurseries. You won't be bored this month, and after this episode, you'll have a to-do list (and seed starting list!) a mile long. Grab your free Garden Planning Toolkit to lock in seed starting dates with a frost date calendar. Happy gardening! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please...
Published 02/06/24
Welcome back to this episode where I dive into the world of gardening with a seasonal twist. I'm Jessica, and in this episode, we cap off our January garden planning series with some golden nuggets of wisdom to take you from planning to planting. If you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode is your trusty guide to syncing your garden with the seasons. We kick things off by deciphering frost dates and growing seasons. I'll show you how to use these dates to create a planting calendar...
Published 01/30/24
It's all about learning from past gardening mistakes this week! I've committed many common rookie mistakes over my years of gardening, and I want to share some of the easy-to-avoid ones with you this week to help you have an easier season! Here are couple of past episodes I'm mention this week: 012: Best (Free!) Organic Mulches For The Home Garden 011: How to Create A Garden Maintenance Schedule You Can Stick To And the YouTube channel Regenerative Gardening I mention when talking about the...
Published 01/23/24
Unlock the secrets to a thriving organic garden with my deep dive into planning and preparation strategies that go beyond the norm.  1. Establish Your Garden Priorities:    - Discover the art of maximizing your gardening season, making the most of limited space, and creating a tranquil haven where productivity takes a back seat to the simple joys of gardening. 2. Companion Planting and Mulch:    - I'm back to talking about the magic of companion planting! Mulching is another essential...
Published 01/16/24
What better way to start the garden season than a reminder of three gardening truths that can help you avoid overwhelm, analysis paralysis, and disappointment if things don't go to plan? Embracing these truths has not only simplified my gardening routine but has also amplified the joy I derive from nurturing my garden. As a long time gardener, a mom, and a busy small business owner, these gardening truths have helped me keep perspective. Listen in and see if they help you start this season...
Published 01/09/24
Happy New Year in the garden! Get ready for garden planning, seed sowing, and making (or shrinking) garden beds this year. Epsiode 038 will cover: - Tailored guidance for both warm and cold climate gardeners on transitioning their gardens from winter to spring. - Introduction of winter sowing, a low-cost, low-effort seed-starting method suitable for many plant varieties. - Insightful garden planning tips, including the assessment of last season's outcomes and considerations for expanding...
Published 01/02/24
Listen in as I take a moment during the festive season to share heartfelt reflections on a year of transformation, both in my personal life and in my garden.  Having uprooted from the familiar climate of Southern California to the distinct growing conditions of Western Oregon, I'm learning to grow in a new climate, new soil, and maximize our new property.  I also give thanks for an amazing start to this podcast as I look back at the growth of the show since its launch in May, the inspiring...
Published 12/26/23
Whether you live in a city apartment with only a small balcony or have a tiny backyard, there's no reason why you can't start an organic garden. In the latest episode of Organic Gardening for Beginners, I share some new strategies, experiences, and practical tips for maximizing you garden in small spaces. Small Space Organic Gardening Small spaces can easily limit our garden dreams, but it doesn't have to be this way.  One of my main tips in this episode is going vertical when you're short...
Published 12/19/23
Title: Raised Beds vs In-Ground Gardening: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Method for You Welcome to another episode of Organic Gardening for Beginners! Today, we are going to delve into the garden-starting world of raised beds and in-ground gardening. I'll share insights on the advantages and disadvantages of these two popular gardening methods so you can choose the right method for your space. Raised Beds vs In-Ground Gardening: Pros and Cons Raised bed gardening offers...
Published 12/12/23
What is there to do in your garden in December? Well, it depends on where you live! Zone 9 and above can work on overwintering flowers and perennial veggies, harvesting crops that are still producing.  Zone 8 and below is mostly just maintaining what you've got. Your fall and winter garden doesn't need a whole lot of input right now as most plants have gone dormant with the lower daylight hours.  But no matter your zone, this is a great time to think ahead to next year and start planning....
Published 12/05/23
Gardening can easily turn into an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to! In this episode, I'll share practical tips and essential strategies to help you cultivate a healthy and productive garden while keeping your budget intact. Thrifty Gardening Basics: Explore cost-effective methods like reusing containers and opting for basic watering techniques. Essential Budget-Friendly Tools: Discover must-have tools that make gardening easier without burning a hole in your pocket. Smart Seed...
Published 11/28/23
Does it feel like gardening is an impossible activity to juggle with the chaos of parenthood? I hear you! As the mom of two kids age 2 and 4, I've got some practice with walking the line between involving my kids in the garden and taking my own quiet time among the plants and pollinators.     In this episode of Organic Gardening for Beginners, I share my personal journey and hard-learned tips on incorporating the magic of parenthood into your garden. I'll chat about embracing childhood...
Published 11/21/23