Growing Gardeners

In this episode of Growing Gardeners, I am sharing all about seeds!!  Saving them, planting them, and starting them for the next season! This is such a packed episode that I know you are going to love!!  Stop everything and listen! I promise it will be worth it!!

In This Episode You'll Learn

What you can still plant right now

How to make the most of the time we have left

When you should save seeds, and my two must save seeds this time of year

What hap...

In this episode of Growing Gardeners, I am pulling back the curtain on a tomato tip that might feel a little scary—but can completely transform your harvest: topping your tomato plants. If you’ve ever felt like your tomatoes are growing everywhere but not producing the way you hoped, this episode is for you.

In This Episode You'll Learn

What topping is and why it matters

When to top for maximum fruit and minimal regret

How to confidently top your plants without harming them

What to expect...

What if we've got summer all wrong??  Summer feels intimidating overwhelming and HOT!  We envision ourselves sweating in the sun all day, fighting pests, and endless watering, and most of us say, "no thank you."

But what if we are missing the whole point of the summer garden?  What if the summer garden would grow itself? What if it was the smallest but most important season of the entire year? And what if you missed it??

Don't miss it this year!! I will show you exactly how to grow a summer garde...

If it feels like your garden is fighting you, this episode will help you shift from controlling to collaborating with your garden. We’ll explore how to align with nature’s rhythms so your garden starts to feel like a partner, not a problem.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

Common mistakes that create resistance

How to listen to your garden’s signals

Strategic neglect and letting nature lead

Resources From This Episode:

➡ Sign up for the Hands-Off Summer Gardening Masterclass on June 28 to lea...

In this episode, we will explore how to meet the version of yourself that thrives in the June garden rhythm—harvesting, observing, and slowing down. This episode invites you to connect deeply with the gardener you’ve become, and to step into the ease of seasonal alignment.

 In This Episode You'll Learn:

How to identify as your “June Garden Self”

How to celebrate what you’ve already grown and see the summer as a new beginning

The practice of distinguishing between what you want and what you want right now<...

Feeling discouraged with your spring garden?  Had enough of the heat already? This episode of Growing Gardeners is your summer survival guide for the garden! Kellye shares three practical ways to keep growing—even in the dog days of summer. Whether you're giving tomatoes a second shot, dreaming of a garden that can handle the heat, or maybe you want to create a shade-loving container setup for the porch, there’s still plenty of time to grow something beautiful.

Plus, she shares a special invitation to her brand new Hands-Off Summer Gardening Masterclass and answ...

In this episode, we’re talking about the one plant you didn’t know your garden was missing: roselle hibiscus. This bold, beautiful, and wildly useful plant is a game-changer for busy women who want to grow something simple, stunning, and seriously satisfying. From homemade herbal teas and spiced syrups to kid-friendly harvests and pollinator beauty, roselle hibiscus is the must-grow gem of the season. Whether you’re just getting started with gardening or you’re looking for something new and exciting to grow, roselle may become your new favorite plant.

What You’ll Learn:

• Wha...

May is the "make or break" month in the zone 9 garden.  What you plant or don't plant this month is setting the stage for your summer success.  In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly what I'm doing in my garden, and a decision that might surprise you.  

What You’ll Learn:

 The honest reason I am not planting more tomatoes this month

Reso...

Tomato suckers—should you pinch them, leave them, or root them? In this episode, we dive into the truth about these controversial little shoots and how to decide what’s best for your garden. You’ll learn when to prune, when to never prune, and how to multiply your tomato plants for free. Plus, we answer a great listener question about over-pruning!

What You’ll Learn:

Why some gardeners pinch and others don’t

When you should never remove a sucker

How to root suckers...

In this episode of Growing Gardeners, we’re digging into the quiet, powerful truth that growth—real growth—takes time. In the garden and in the gardener.

I’ll share why quick-fix gardening hacks aren’t enough, why legacy matters more than trends, and how finding a mentor (instead of just consuming content) can transform the way you learn to grow. This is your invitation to slow down, dig deep, and honor the process. Because gardening isn’t just something you do—it’s something you become.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔ ...

When the weather warms, garden planting gets more and more of a priority.  And no garden should be planted without a fresh layer of compost.  In this episode, we are breaking down compost— why it's considered garden gold, the options when buying compost, and how to make your own.  Whether you are working with a big backyard or a small patio, this episode is packed with the info you need to get started composting this season.

And if you are ready to grow a garden this season, don't forget to check out the Kitchen Garden Academy...

Thinking about starting a raised bed garden but not sure which type of bed to choose?  In this episode, we are breaking down everything you need to know about selecting the right raised bed— from material to sizing, we are going to talk about it all.  Whether you are working with a big backyard or a small patio, I will help you find the perfect raised bed setup for your space. PLUS, I'm answering some of your questions about soil, lining your beds, and so much more!

And if you are ready to grow a garde...

If you’re short on time, space, or confidence in your gardening skills, this episode is for you! Today, we’re talking about the one thing I’d grow this spring if I could only choose one—bush snap beans! These easy, fast-growing, and low-maintenance plants are perfect for busy women who want fresh, homegrown food and want an easy way to start!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔ Why bush snap beans are the perfect beginner-friendly crop

✔ How to plant and care for them (even in containers!)

✔ The best co...

Do you ever feel like something in your garden is just missing?  Yes you grow a garden, but you really don't feel much like a gardener?  This week I am sharing the audio from the second half of  a 2 day live event I just wrapped up called "The Busy Woman's Guide To Gardening." In this workshop I share how busy women, just like you, and growing overproducing gardens in the space they have with the time they've got. And they are loving it!! You can do it too!  

This workshop was so inspiring, I just had to s...

If you are ready to grow a garden that you love, this episode is for you!!  We are talking about how we decide what we are going to plant.  And, as you have probably already guessed, it is not at all how you think. 

Here's What We Are Talking About Today:

✨ A quick, and very powerful, exercise you can do right now, wherever you are, that will help you start your season the right way.

✨ The step by step method we use inside of the Wild Child gardening method that helps y...

Ever feel like life is too busy for a garden? Believe me, I get it. This week I am sharing the audio from a 2 day live event I just wrapped up called "The Busy Woman's Guide To Gardening." In this workshop I share how busy women, just like you, and growing overproducing gardens in the space they have with the time they've got. And they are loving it!! You can do it too!  

This workshop was so inspiring, I just had to share it with you!!  Here is what we chat about: 

 ✨ How...

Ever feel like life is too busy for a garden? Believe me, I get it. But here’s the thing: gardening doesn’t have to feel like one more thing on your to-do list. This year, I’m making space for things that truly bring me joy—starting with my garden.

In this week’s episode of Growing Gardeners, I’m sharing my personal garden goals for the year:

✨ Planting nostalgic fruit trees that remind me of childhood (and will hopefully remind my kids of theirs)

✨ Growing what my family actually eats

✨ Keep...

As we dive into a new year of gardening, I’ve been reflecting on everything my garden taught me in 2024—and let me tell you, the lessons were as abundant as the cucumbers!

In the latest episode of Growing Gardeners, I’m sharing five powerful takeaways from last year’s garden:

✨ The art of quitting while you’re ahead

✨ Why you should grow something that scares you

✨ How focusing on the growing over the harvest changes everything

✨ The beauty of celebrating every single harvest

✨ Why growing in community makes gard...

If you’re excited to start seeds indoors this year but worried about making rookie mistakes, you’re not alone. In this week’s episode of Growing Gardeners, we’re diving into the Top 5 Mistakes New Gardeners Make with Seed Starting—and, more importantly, how to avoid them!

You’ll learn:

🌟 The biggest mistakes I see gardeners make (and made myself) and how to fix them

🌱 Why timing, light, and the right soil matter more than you think

💡 Simple tips to set your seedlings up for success

And as always if...

Are you dreaming of a garden filled with abundance, beauty, and purpose this year? It all starts with one small step: a seed-starting mindset.

In this week’s episode of the Growing Gardeners podcast, we’re diving into:

🌟 How to plan your dream garden with intention

🌱 Why seed starting is the foundation of abundance

📅 Simple tips to map out your garden year—starting now

Whether you’re new to gardening or ready to take it to the next level, this episode will inspire you to dream big and grow...

The last few days of the year are here, and I have to say—they are my favorite.

This is the time when I get to dream of spring, plan my garden, and set my intentions for the new year. I pour over seed catalogs, sketch out my garden beds, and get everything ready for seed starting.

And it’s not just about gardening. I savor my Christmas gifts, simmer a pot of vegetable soup on the stove, and take time to reflect on the year behind me and the one ahead.

In this...

Have you ever wondered what a wild child holiday looks like? In this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing all the ways we bring joy, creativity, and a little gardening magic into the season.

From outdoor traditions to my signature “fresh, fake, and fun” table-decorating strategy, this episode is packed with ideas to make your holidays extra special.

Here’s what we'll talk about:

Winter gardening in the south is such a gift—we can grow so much while gardens in other areas of the country are hibernating. But even experienced gardeners (myself included!) can make a few mistakes that hold our winter gardens back from thriving.

In this week’s podcast episode, “Mistakes You’re Making in Your Winter Garden,” I’m sharing the most common mistakes we all make during the cooler months—and how to avoid them.

Here’s a sneak peek of what's in this episode:

In this week’s podcast episode, “Maximize Your Garden’s Potential,” we’re diving into the secrets that will help you grow a healthier, more productive vegetable garden. Whether you’re just starting out or have been gardening for years, these tips will help you grow more food, waste less space, and enjoy your garden even more.

In this episode you will learn:

In this episode of the Wild Child Kitchen Gardens podcast, we are making room for fruit. Most fruit is planted in fall, so let's make room for fruit in our backyards. In this episode, we will dig into planting fruits in pots, taking advantage of unsuspecting places of our yards, and choosing the right varieties for whatever fruits we want to grow! This episode is jam packed!

And as always if this episode was helpful to you, please consider leaving a review! :) It helps us to share the garden goodn...

In this episode of the Wild Child Kitchen Gardens podcast, we are digging into the stars of the cool season show….the cold hardy annuals. These are must plants, and today we will walk through what a cold hardy actually is, when we should plant them, why we should plant them, and my favorites to grow!!

And as always if this episode was helpful to you, please consider leaving a review! :) It helps us to share the garden goodness with more wild child gardeners.

Links Mentioned In This Episode

Be p...

Welcome back! In this episode we are talking about something I am completely obsessed with!!  Decorating the garden. I am always on the hunt for ways to make my garden more inviting, more exciting, and more beautiful.  Turns out it is easier than you think!  I am going to walk with you through the steps of a garden makeover, and I hope you are just as excited as I am about dressing this little lady up for the season.   

And as always if this episode was helpful to you, please consider leaving a review...

In this episode we are chatting about why you can spot a wild child garden a mile away.  Let's talk about what makes a wild child garden different because there is certainly something special about growing one.  When I first started gardening I didn't know this, and I overworked and over fed and over sprayed my garden.  And the more I did that, the more I had to do it.  And surprisingly, the less I harvested.  Now, I see the garden as a symphony.  And I show busy women how to see their gardens as a symphony too.  You want to...

Have you ever wondered how some gardens just seem to have the special sauce?  They make you feel all kinds of ways and give you all the cozies!  How do gardeners do that?  It has been said that you can spot a wild child garden a mile away, and in this episode I asked a few of the wild child "heirlooms" to join me to share all their secrets.  Turns out it isn't as hard as you would think to elevate your garden. And it can be a whole lot of fun!! I think you will love this episode! It i...

In this episode we are learning how to grow root vegetables. This instruction may not be what you are expecting though. Think less of step by step directions and more about a few simple principles that you need to remember to get the most out of your season.  Root vegetables are so fun when you know how to grow them. Don't miss out on them this season.  

As always if this episode was helpful to you, please consider leaving a review!  :) It helps us to share the garden goodness with more wild child gardeners.

Link...

In this episode I hope to give you the confidence to break out of your garden comfort zone and get out of the same ole same ole so that you can step into a new season with excitement. Whether you just try something new, put away the tiller, or implement more organic gardening practices, I promise you that if you just try some new things you may just have your best garden ever!!

As always if this episode was helpful to you, please consider leaving a review!  :) It helps us to share the garden goodness wi...

In this episode we are taking a stroll down memory lane. I am sharing my biggest garden regrets with you. There are so many, but they all fall under these three categories, so today, we are digging in. I hope that this episode helps keep you from making the same ones I have made, and I hope it inspires you to grow a garden you love.

Remember to leave a review if you have enjoyed this podcast! I appreciate it so much! It helps us share the garden goodness! :)

Links Mentioned In...

In this episode we are digging into seed sowing with the moon!! This is a must listen!! Even if you have been sowing seeds directly into your garden for years, this episode may just teach you a thing or two.  Learning how to plan your seed sowing around the moon phases to get better germination rates, bigger veggies, and better harvests is what this episode is all about!!   But we don't stop there! I have tips and tricks for you when direct sowing veggies, and we will dig in to the mistakes we make that keep us from getting the...

On this episode, we are storm prepping for Hurricane Francine!!  I hope you are encouraged from this episode and are inspired to get the garden squared away and then to just hunker down with your family and cook a good pot of gumbo.  We want to be prepared for whatever may come, but we want to also remember the bigger picture here.  I hope this episode shifts your perspective on that a bit!!

Remember to leave a review if you have enjoyed this podcast! :)

Links Mentioned In This Episode:

Grab my Wild...

On this episode, we are looking at how a cool season garden is different from the typical warm season gardens we are all accustomed to growing. We plant it differently, we grow it differently, and while the cool season garden is my very favorite for so many reasons, the number one has to be that it grows itself. This is by far, hands down, the best garden to grow when you are unsteady, don't trust your green thumb, and haven't gained confidence in your gardening abilities yet.  The cool season garden will lead the way, and you will love ev...

This is a good one!! On this episode, I want you to give yourself some grace and be ok with the normal feeling of being so over your summer garden.   This is NORMAL.  It is hot, and we are just over the tomatoes.  But there is so much more to grow!!  In zone 9, we will grow year round and our gardens just need a little bit from us to get back going again.  In this episode I am hoping to kick off the fall inspo for you!! Cue the fall vibes. We need them!!

Remember to leav...

Hey friend! On this episode, we are digging into three ways to get the most out of your garden this season. Now I know what you’re thinking, it’s 100° outside, it hasn’t rained in weeks, and everything is dying. I get it...same here! But that doesn’t mean that we should just throw in the towel for the year. There is so much left to grow, and in this episode, I’m gonna show you three ways to make this season your best ever! 

Remember to leave a review if you have enjoyed this...

In this episode of the Wild Child Kitchen Gardening podcast I am inviting you to join me for a chat I did on Facebook where I shared five ways to beat the heat this summer in our gardens.  If you are tired of sweating, tired of fighting the bugs, tired of watering, you may need to make some adjustments.  That doesn't sound like much fun at all!! I have some ideas of ways of beating the heat that I think you will love!!  Let's dig in!

Don't forget to leave a review here on the podcast...

In this episode of the Wild Child Kitchen Gardening podcast I am sharing my decision to skip out on fall tomatoes, and why!  Fall tomatoes are not part of my garden goals for fall, and here in July, my mind has already moved on from tomatoes.  While fall tomatoes have a place in some fall gardens, there is only one tomato that has a place in mine!! All of my other tomatoes are gone and my okra is in.  In this episode I am going to tell you which one is still here and why the others are not!!  I hope...

In this episode of the Wild Child Kitchen Gardening podcast we are digging in to your garden why.  Whether you have been gardening 50 years or 15 minutes, a garden why is so important, and so overlooked.  We don't talk about this, but without a "garden why" you are just going to do what everyone else is doing, and that will satisfy you.  So determine your garden why with me today, so that you can have your garden why for summer. Your fall garden's success is dependent on this question!!  Ask it!! You will be amazed at what you discover!