The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

Are you ready to take your herb gardening and foraging skills to the next level? In today’s episode, author Bevin Cohen joins me to share practical, beginner-friendly advice on growing, harvesting, and using herbs throughout the seasons. We explore common herbs like calendula, dill, chickweed, plantain, dandelion, and parsley—and even touch on wild foraging and preserving herbs for year-round use. Whether you’re growing in your backyard or exploring weeds in your garden, this episode will inspire you to see herbs in a whole new way!

In This Episode:

🌿 Why thinking seasonally matters when grow...

Have you ever dreamed of growing lemons but didn’t know where to start—or tried and failed like I have? In this episode, I’m diving into the world of Meyer lemons: the sweet, compact citrus tree that’s perfect for container gardening in Zones 8 and below.

In this episode:
🍋 [00:01:30] Why Meyer lemons are the go-to citrus for home gardeners
🍋 [00:06:10] Choosing the right container and soil mix (and what not to do)
🍋 [00:13:20] Tips for planting and where to place your tree for success
🍋 [00:17:40] Seasonal care: watering, humidity, fertilizing, and winter protection
🍋 [00:27:00] Is it actually worth it...

In this episode, we explore how backyard gardeners can apply market farming techniques to grow healthier, more productive gardens with Pam Dawling author of Sustainable Market Farming. From disease and pest control to crop rotation and weeding, our guest shares practical, sustainable strategies drawn from real-world farming experience. 

Topics we cover include: 🌱 Easy-to-apply disease management practices 🧹 Smart, chemical-free weed control (and a realistic weeding schedule) 🐛 Organic pest prevention strategies, including trap crops and netting 🔁 How to rotate crops in small spaces—and why it matters 🧠 Common myths and misconceptions about organic gardening

Plus, hear how Pam's book can hel...

Have you ever wondered how gardeners knew when to plant before weather apps, frost charts, or ChatGPT? Today we’re talking phenology—the art (and science) of reading nature’s cues to time your planting.

🌼 Forsythia blooms, dandelion sightings, and dogwood flowers...
🌱 Old-school wisdom meets modern science
📝 Practical examples and tips to start your own phenology journal

Whether it’s frogs croaking or oak leaves the size of a mouse’s ear, nature has a lot to say—if we know how to listen.

🌿 Don't forget: Dream to Garden is now open for the LAST time t...

Today’s my average last frost date—maybe it’s yours too. So, is it time to plant everything? Not so fast. In this episode, we’re diving into what your last frost date really means and why it’s more of a guidepost than a green light.

We’ll cover: 🌱 What the “average last frost date” actually means 🌱 Why warm-weather crops might still need to wait 🌱 How soil temps, night temps, and forecasts factor in 🌱 What to do if a cold snap hits after you’ve planted 🌱 Tips for protecting your plants and setting them up to thrive

Plus, I’ll shar...

April is here, and garden season is in full swing! But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks ahead, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking it all down so you can focus on what’s most important and skip the stress. We’ll cover:

🌱 Essential garden tasks to tackle this month 🌿 What to plant based on your last frost date 🚫 Common pitfalls to avoid so your garden thrives

Whether you're prepping beds, setting up irrigation, or keeping an eye on bolting crops, this episode will help you enter April prepared and excite...

In this episode, I sit down with Chad Cargill to dive deep into one of his favorite fruits to grow—blackberries! Whether you're a beginner or have been growing blackberries for years, this conversation is packed with insights. Chad shares his passion for blackberries, the best varieties to grow, tips for pruning and trellising, and how to get the sweetest harvest possible. We also discuss the importance of timing your picks, dealing with pests, and what to expect as your blackberry plants mature.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

Want to grow sweet, homegrown blueberries? In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about planting, caring for, and harvesting blueberries. Whether you’re growing them for the first time or looking to boost your current harvest, I’ll cover:

🌱 How to pick the perfect variety for your region 🌍 Why planting multiple varieties improves yield 🫐 The importance of soil acidity and how to adjust pH ☀️ Where to plant for the best results

Plus, I’ll share my favorite tips from over a decade of growing blueberries!

🔗 Blueberry Planting Workbook: journeywithjill.net/blue...

When you think of carrots, you probably picture the classic orange root vegetable—but did you know there are many different types, each with its own flavor, texture, and ideal growing conditions? In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of carrot varieties, from crisp Imperators to sweet Nantes and stubby Chantenays. Whether you're growing in deep, loose soil or tackling heavy clay, there's a perfect carrot for you. Plus, I’ll share tips on choosing the best variety for fresh eating, storage, juicing, or cooking. Tune in and get ready to add some colorful, delicious carrots to you...

In this episode of The Beginner’s Garden Podcast, we’re diving into the world of homegrown fruit! 🍎🍑🍋 You told us you wanted to learn more, so today marks the beginning of many future episodes on growing different kinds of fruit. To kick things off, I’m joined by Chad Cargill, an experienced fruit grower, to help us navigate the basics. 🌱

We discuss how to determine whether certain fruits—like lemons 🍋, blueberries 🫐, or peaches 🍑—can thrive in your garden, how to choose the best varieties 🌳, and what to know about tree sizes 📏, rootstocks, and pollination needs 🐝. Chad also shares organic strategies 🌿 for man...

March is one of the busiest planting months! In this episode, I’ll share exactly what I’m planting in the weeks leading up to my last frost date. Whether your climate matches mine or not, you can adjust the timing based on your own frost date.

What You’ll Learn:

Key crops to plant in early, mid, and late March

How to adjust for your last frost date

Tips for direct sowing, transplanting, and greenhouse starts

Resources: 🌱 Want a step-by-step garden plan? My course Dream to Garden is open for...

Feeling overwhelmed by all the tomato varieties out there? Whether you're flipping through a seed catalog, browsing online, or staring at the racks at your local garden center, choosing the right tomato can be daunting. But the right tomato for you depends on your garden, your kitchen, and your taste! In this episode, I break down the different types of tomatoes—by size, growth habit, breeding, and even color—so you can make the best choice for your garden this year.

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Garden in Minutes

What You’ll Learn: 🍅 Tomato Ty...

Remember all that extra time you had for gardening in 2020? Fast forward five years, and life feels busier than ever. But you’re still gardening—which means you’re finding ways to make it work. The biggest challenge? Time.

In this special episode of The Beginner’s Garden Podcast, we’re exploring how AI, specifically ChatGPT, can help streamline your garden planning so you can spend more time growing and less time on tedious research. I’ll share practical ways I’ve used AI to speed up my own planning and simple prompts you can start using today.

When you hear "companion planting," do you feel excited, skeptical, or just plain confused? In this episode, we're cutting through the myths and giving you a practical, science-backed approach to pairing plants in your garden.

What You'll Learn:
🌿 Myth 1: Do certain plants really boost each other’s growth?
🐞 Myth 2: Can companion planting truly prevent all pests?
🌱 Myth 3: Will plants always thrive together if paired correctly?
☀️ Myth 4: Does plant height matter in companion planting?
🌸 Myth 5: Is companion planting only for pest control?

Along the way, I’ll share my personal experiences—both successes and sur...

Welcome to our first Friday bonus episode of the season! As you gear up for gardening this year, we're diving into a topic that has been the biggest game-changer for my garden’s productivity: understanding the differences between cool-season and warm-season crops.

We’ll explore:
🌱 Why some crops thrive in cool weather while others prefer heat
🌡️ The science behind plant temperature preferences and how enzymes react to different conditions
🌾 How temperature affects seed germination, growth, and fruit production
❄️ Heat- and cold-adaptive strategies plants use to survive extreme temperatures

Plus, I’ll share real-life examp...

Gardening success often comes down to avoiding a few common mistakes. In today's episode, Jill dives into 5 overlooked mistakes to think about. If you think about them now, it will help you down the road in the season. 

Don't forget to sign up for the Masterclass here: https://journeywithjill.net/masterclass 

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 the...

February is a complex month for gardeners in the U.S. Some of us are weeks away from planting, while others are already in the garden. In this episode, Jill shares 7 essential garden tasks to tackle in February, ensuring you're prepared for a productive gardening season, no matter where you are in your journey. With practical tips and resources, you'll feel confident and ready to hit the ground running!

Links Mentioned:

Filling a New Raised Bed - Podcast

Refreshing the Soil in a Raised Bed - Podcast

When to Plant Cheat...

This week I am speaking with Dr. Alicia Wasula, a forensic meteoroloist to discuss what she does in relation to the weather and how that can affect your garden. 

Links Mentioned:

Before You Sow Mini Course (free for 1 week): https://journeywithjill.net/beforeyousow 

Connect with Dr. Wasula here: https://www.stmweather.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/@stmweather_gardens

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 2...

If you're like me, you're itching to get started on this year’s garden season. But here’s the deal—starting seeds indoors too early is one of the biggest mistakes gardeners make this time of year. In today’s episode, I’ll share the seeds I’m starting indoors in January and February and how you can adjust your timing depending on your climate. Stick around until the end, because I’ll explain what can go wrong if you start too early and how to avoid those pitfalls.

Links Mentioned: 

Is it possible to grow protein-packed vegetables in your garden? In this episode, we break it down for you! Building on last week’s conversation with Dr. Vickie Petz Kasper about the importance of plant-based proteins, I’m sharing which crops are worth your time, space, and effort.

We’ll cover:

Discover the growing requirements, space needs, and harvest realities of these crops to decide if they’re the right fit for your garden...

Happy New Year! This week is our 400th episode and we wanted to share a different topic with you. We have Dr. Vickie Petz Kasper, a lifestyle medicine doctor, that walks us through all about how to grow your own protein and how to live a healthy life with the right kinds of protein. 

Vickie will be hosting a series on unlocking the secret to sleep. Sign up here: https://healthylooksgreatonyou.com/turn-off-your-mind-and-get-some-sleep/ 

Show Notes:

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV 

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic gro...

This week Jill reflects on how 2024 went for her from what worked and what didn't. She discusses varieties that she tried this year that worked out well for her so you can keep an eye out for these varieties when seed shopping. Also, she discusses lifestyle changes she made in her gardening world to adapt to her current life. 

Carrot Storage YouTube: https://youtu.be/l9T7_FZbuYA?si=jLOI0SMXIBpt8uK2 

Show Notes:

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Homestead Movie

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organ...

This week we are talking all about weather trends and forecasts for 2025 with Carol Connare of the Old Farmer's Almanac. Carol is the 14th editor in the history of the publication, and the second woman to hold the title. In her role as editor-in-chief, Carol oversees the development of the annual publication, working closely with writers and other editors to develop “new, useful, and entertaining matter.” 

To learn more about Carol and the Old Farmer's Almanac, click here: https://almanac.com/Author/Carol-Connare

To purchase your copy of the Old Farmer's Alamanac: https://amzn.to/3Z3XvQK...

This week Jill talks about composting in the winter. Is it even possible or worth your time when it's not warm outside? Are there different ways to go about it? FInd out all this and more in this week's episode.

Links Mentioned: 

162 Simplifying Compost https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/162-simplifying-compost

137: Compost piles vs tumblers https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/137-compost-piles-vs-tumblers

7: Composting Basics for Beginners: https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/composting-basics-for-the-beginner

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Homestead Movie

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic growt...

Happy Thanksgiving week for those in the US! I figured this week would be a good one to talk about a topic that might make your thanksgiving table, sweet potatoes!

Sweet Potato YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL27_dEHfy9_Z3n08CHjaDjaDhUfDC4PiB&si=xYV-9JJHNH7CLEcx 

Show Notes:

Thank you to our sponsors: Garden in Minutes | Homestead Movie

Garden in Minutes

Water your raised beds more efficiently and effectively with the Garden in Minutes Garden Grids. These garden grids take about 1 minute to set up, water a...

In anticipation of Black Friday sales and the biggest shopping season of the year, Jill spends time this week talking about 12 garden tools that she loves and found herself using a lot in 2024 plus 3 that she doesn't use as much anymore and why.

Free Download with links to all the tools mentioned: journeywithjill.net/tools

Garden Splurges YouTube: https://youtu.be/8B1BzMSNCkA?si=7FYkcs96c3wC9Rcm 

Show Notes:

Thank you to our sponsors: Organic REV | Homestead Movie

Organic REV

Organic REV is an organic growth s...

In this episode, Jill shares her experiences with both failures and successes in her fall garden. She opens up about her struggles, including the challenges growing carrots, potatoes, and spinach, and offers insights into what went wrong and what can be learned from her mistakes. Jill also discusses her successful crops like broccoli and cabbage, providing tips for overcoming common gardening issues and improving your harvests.    00:53 Sharing Personal Struggles and Lessons 03:55 Fall Garden Failure: Carrots 13:14 Fall Garden Failure: Potatoes 20:30 Greenhouse Challenges and Lessons Learned 22:36 Spinach Planting Experiment 32:49 Broccoli and Cabbage Success 37:38 Lettuce and Greens Mastery   Show Notes:

My Products:
20...

This week Jill is talking about 10 different projects you can do in the fall and winter seasons. Fall and winter are a great time to knock out some bigger projects because the slower season allows you more time to work on the big things that might take awhile and also plan them out to work best for you. 

Links Mentioned: 

Next Workshop: https://journeywithjill.net/falljumpstart

Filling raised beds - https://youtu.be/wrV3IzaUtkI?si=nadU-9YgGyHMLSjG

Free download: Trellis Ideas - https://journeywithjill.net/6-trellis

My lazy co...

This week, Jill delves into the many facets of greenhouse gardening, sharing her wealth of experience from over four years of active use. Designed for both prospective and seasoned greenhouse owners, the episode covers essential topics such as the distinctions between greenhouses and high tunnels, optimal greenhouse placement, and the critical importance of heat management and ventilation. Whether you’re looking to start fresh or optimize an existing setup, these tips will help you revolutionize your gardening approach.   00:00 Introduction to Greenhouse Season 00:56 Is a Greenhouse Worth the Investment? 02:37 Defining Greenhouses and High Tunnels 04:58 Understanding My Greenhouse Setup 06:58 Lesson 1: Maximizing Greenhouse Use 20...

In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, Jill discusses the benefits and uses of greenhouses, sharing insights from her own journey after purchasing a greenhouse in October 2020. She shares seven key lessons learned, including the importance of location, the role of ventilation, and the necessity of supplemental heat.    00:00 Introduction to Greenhouse Season 00:56 Is a Greenhouse Worth the Investment? 02:37 Defining Greenhouses and High Tunnels 04:58 Understanding My Greenhouse Setup 06:58 Maximizing Greenhouse Use 20:51 Faster and Healthier Plant Growth 25:15 The Importance of Supplemental Heat 28:45 Understanding Greenhouse Heating 29:42 The Importance of Ventilation 33:07 Choosing the Right Greenhouse Location 39:23 Watering Challenges in Greenhouses 42:49 The Personal Benefits of a Gre...

This week Jill shares insight on how to care for crops like lettuce, carrots, and broccoli, emphasizing the differences between spring and fall planting. Key topics discussed include managing heat, water, pests, and sunlight for successful fall gardening. Jill also provides three actionable steps to optimize fall crops, discusses watering needs, and the importance of choosing appropriate seed varieties.    00:04 Understanding Cool Season Crops 00:37 Unique Needs of Fall Crops 01:10 Planning Next Year's Content 02:07 Challenges of Growing in Fall 02:28 Managing Heat for Fall Crops 06:24 Transplanting Tips for Fall 12:17 Importance of Watering 19:24 Dealing with Pests 22:57 Sunlight and Fall Crops 26:57 Preparing for Cold Weather 34:35 Action Steps...

In this episode, Jill shares insights on why garlic is the easiest and most rewarding crop to grow. She will delve into five critical adjustments for growing larger garlic bulbs: selecting the right type for your climate, properly preparing the soil, ensuring adequate spacing, minimizing competition with weeds, and appropriate irrigation techniques. Additionally, we want to invite you to a live workshop focused on a beginner’s guide to growing garlic, covering everything from variety selection to harvesting and storage. The importance of correct garlic type based on climate and soil conditions is emphasized, along with practical tips for soil te...

Have you ever wanted to know what you can do with your green tomatoes on the vine when frost is approaching? This week I give you all the options you have to extend your tomato season past frost.

Don't forget about your last fall planting that results in your first spring harvest, garlic! Sign up today for my live workshop teaching you all about planting and growing garlic. Click here to learn more!

Links Mentioned: 

What to do with green tomatoes — https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/2022/10/24/what-to-do-with-green-tomatoes/

Topping tomatoes and other tasks bef...

Have you ever wanted to know more about growing herbs for medicinal use? While I have worked with a few before, I am no expert. This week we're talking with Heidi Villegas to learn more about medicinal herbs and where to start with them.

Follow along with Heidi: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeidiVillegas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealingHarvestHomestead

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HealingHarvestHomestead

Webinar Sign-Up: https://learn.healingharvesthomestead.com/a/2147841257/b4iCwYDs

Links Mentioned:

157 - 6 Simple Herbs for Health and How to U...

Have you ever wanted to grow your own strawberries but wanted to get a jump start on your harvest next year? Fall planting may be the answer for you! But how do we go about doing it and where do we source the plants from? Listen to this week's episode for more details..

Links mentioned:

podcast 042: https://journeywithjill.libsyn.com/strawberry-planting-basics

YT: How to Plant Strawberries in a GreenStalk Vertical Planter https://youtu.be/UDVB3lVgEVI

YT: Update on my Strawberries: https://youtu.be/xW3C6gG4wkI

YT...

Planting perennials in the fall is the best time to get them in the ground. Whether its ornamental shrubs or fruit bearing trees. Let's talk about how to do it.

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 yo...

This year has been different for me in the garden. If you've been following along then you know that I scaled back my garden a lot this year and changed a lot of things. I wanted to show you what made me change my mind and thinking ahead to what next year's garden might look like also.

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 b...

This week I am talking to you all about my spring and summer garden. As you may know, I scaled back in a lot of ways this year on the quantities I grew. Did it work out like I thought it might? Listen to find out.

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...

In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, host Jill continues her discussion with Peter from the Garden Family in Southwest Ohio (Zone 6b) and Rebecca from Happy Heart Gardens in Southern Alabama (Zone 9a). The episode explores how varying daylight affects fall gardening across different regions, focusing on plant growth and the use of covers to protect against frost and pests. Peter and Rebecca share their insights on optimizing garden timing, using different types of row covers, and the benefits of cover crops. They also offer advice for new gardeners on how to start small and plan effectively for...

In this episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast, host Jill introduces gardening experts Peter from 'The Garden Family' and Rebecca from 'Happy Heart Gardens.' The trio dives into the nuances of fall gardening across various climates, with Peter sharing insights from gardening in Southwest Ohio and California, and Rebecca discussing her experiences in South Alabama and Northern Pennsylvania. They cover essential tips and timing for planting fall gardens, the impact of different weather conditions, and compare the crops suitable for each region. They also touch on the challenges of short daylight hours and the benefits of using row covers...