Organic Gardening For Beginners: Practical, Beginner-Friendly Gardening Tips To Grow Your Own Food and Flowers

If you're a gardener in 2025, you know that resilience is key. Whether you're facing droughts, pests, or rising costs, a resilient garden can make all the difference in keeping your harvests healthy and plentiful. In this episode, I'll share 9 practical tips you can implement this year to make your garden more resilient. These tips are easy to apply and will help you build a garden that can withstand whatever comes its way." 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Ready to get your April garden on track? In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to focus on in your garden this month—whether you’re just thawing out or already planting spring crops. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to quickly build last-minute beds What to sow and what to transplant now (and what you should give more time) Early season pest control methods Mulching and fertilizer tips for overwintered crops and early transplants What I'm working on this month in zone 8 Oregon 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Buying seedlings can save you time in the garden—but only if you choose wisely! The biggest mistake beginners make? Grabbing the biggest plant on the shelf without checking for hidden red flags. In this episode, I’ll break down where to shop, how to spot a healthy seedling, and which ones not to buy so you get the best value for your money. In This Episode: 🌱 Best places to buy seedlings – Why local nurseries and farmer’s markets often beat big box stores 👀 What a healthy seedling looks like – Color, shape, roots, and why flowers aren’t a good sign 🚨 Red flags to avoid – Leggy plants, root-bound seedlings, pests, and more ⏳ What to do before planting – Hardening off, pest checks, and watering tips for stress-free transplants Before you grab the first tomato plant you see, tune in to make sure you’re bringing home the best seedlings for your garden! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Want to grow a productive food garden without spending a fortune on nursery plants? Starting your own seedlings in bulk is one of the best ways to save money, maximize space, and ensure a steady harvest all season long. In this episode, I’ll walk you through my streamlined seed-starting system, from supplies to scheduling, so you can grow strong, healthy plants—without the frustration. In This Episode, You'll Learn: 🌱 The Basics of Seed Starting – What you need (and don’t need) for a successful setup: lights, soil mix, and trays 💰 Why Growing from Seed Saves You Money – How to grow hundreds of plants for the cost of a few nursery seedlings 🛠️ My Favorite Seed-Starting Supplies – Why I use soil blocks or Bootstrap Farmer/Epic Gardening trays (and why I skip 6-packs) 🌿 A Simple Soil Mix Recipe – DIY your own for healthier, cheaper seedlings ☀️ The Hardening Off Plan – Getting your seedlings ready for the garden without shock Links Mentioned: Bootstrap Farmer 6-packs Soil Blocker Coco Loco Seed Starting Mix (but it's SO much cheaper to make your own mix, see below:) Seed Starting Mix: 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 moisture) .5 part perlite Sprinkle of azomite according to package application instructions 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Choosing between direct sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings can impact how well your plants grow and how quickly you get a harvest. Each method has its benefits, and knowing when to use them can make a big difference in your garden’s success. In this episode: The pros and cons of direct sowing vs. transplanting Best crops for each method Timing, soil conditions, and other key factors to consider How to combine both methods for a productive, resilient garden Don't forget to check out the Garden Planning Toolkit in the show notes for seed starting and transplanting calendars! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Starting your first garden? Every season brings new challenges and surprises! In this episode, I’ll walk you through the five phases of the gardening year—what to expect, common mistakes, and how to set yourself up for success. Whether you're in the dreamy planning stage, dealing with summer overwhelm, or wondering if it’s too late to plant, this episode will help you navigate the seasons with confidence. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The 5 phases of the gardening year and what to expect in each How to avoid beginner mistakes and keep your garden on track When to start seeds, transplant, and harvest for the best results How to handle setbacks like plant failures, pests, and unpredictable weather The best time to plan ahead so you're ready for next year 👉 Looking for month-by-month gardening guidance? The Garden Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for staying organized all year long. With seasonal checklists, planting schedules, and more, it’s everything you need to make your gardening easier and stress-free. Get yours today! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Let's look at six smart ways to decide what to grow in 2025 —whether you’re looking to save money, maximize calories, or stock your pantry. From the crops you use daily to the most expensive produce at the store, this guide will help you grow what truly matters. In this episode, I'll cover: How to choose crops based on what you actually eat The most calorie-dense foods to grow for self-sufficiency High-cost produce that’s worth growing at home Which fruits and vegetables are on the Dirty Dozen list Easy-to-grow crops for beginners or small spaces The best foods for canning, preserving, and storage Tune in and start planning your most productive garden yet! 🌱✨ 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Get ready for spring with the return of Organic Gardening For Beginners! After a break away from the show, I'm back with tons of ideas, results, and new experiments to share with you all. My hope has always been to inspire you to get in the garden. Maybe this episode will be the one to get you there! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

June is a key month for both planting and prepping your garden for the season ahead! In this episode, we cover: ✅ Last-Chance Summer Crops – Get those tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, and squash in the ground before it’s too late! ✅ Direct Seeding Tips – Fast-growing flowers, root crops, and herbs you can still plant now. ✅ Succession Planting for Greens – Keep the harvest going with broccoli rabe and Napa cabbage. ✅ Carrot Germination Hack – A simple trick to keep seeds moist and improve sprouting. ✅ Biennials & Perennials to Start Now – Why June is the perfect time to plant hollyhocks, lupins, and black-eyed Susans for next year’s blooms. ✅ Flower & Herb Must-Haves – Pollinator-friendly, edible, and medicinal varieties to grow this summer. 🌱 Whether you're catching up or planning ahead, this episode will help you maximize your June garden! Tune in now. 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

We're diving into the world of companion planting and how you can boost your garden’s health and productivity by pairing plants that thrive together. Whether you have a small garden or are working with containers, these tips will help you make the most of your space! ✅ 10 Companion Planting Combinations – Pairings like tomatoes and basil, peppers and zinnias, that will enhance your garden. ✅ Boosting Plant Health – How certain plants can naturally repel pests and support each other’s growth. ✅ Companion Planting in Containers – Tips for creating thriving mini ecosystems in small spaces. ✅ Maximizing Space & Resources – How strategic pairings can save you time and effort while improving yield. 🌱 If you're looking to get the most out of your garden with minimal space, this episode is packed with easy-to-implement companion planting strategies! Tune in now! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Let's dive into the unique challenges of gardening in shade, from determining the type of shade you have, to selecting the best plants for these conditions. Whether you have wet or dry shade, you can use plenty of strategies to make the most out of your garden space. Tune in for practical tips on adjusting your gardening methods and finding shade-loving plants that will thrive. In this episode, you'll learn: How to identify wet vs. dry shade and why it matters Why certain plants struggle in shady areas and how to work with it Tips for watering and weed management in shady gardens How to maximize sunlight in shady spaces using plant layering and trellises Best plants for shady spots including leafy veggies, herbs, and flowers How to support tall plants growing in shaded areas If you’ve got a shady garden, this episode will help you turn it into a productive space! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

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 💚

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 other tips learned along the way. Happy gardening! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

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 kitchen. Purchases help support the show and your garden. Win-win! Happy gardening! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

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 Farm Self Sufficient Me Check them out because I guarantee you'll find at least one new channel to add to your rotation! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

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 moisture) .5 part perlite Sprinkle of azomite according to package application instructions Mix everything well and moisten before sowing seeds in the mix JADAM with Huw Richards YouTube video In-Bed Worm Composting with Angela from Growing In The Garden Soil Amending Simplified by Jesse Frost of No-Till Growers, an awesome soil scientist and farmer 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

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 this year! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

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 hear which seed companies I regularly shop from. Each one has a specialty that makes them my go-to, from medicinal herbs to a wide choice of flower varieties. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Pinetree Garden Seeds True Leaf Market Swallowtail Seeds Uprising Seeds 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

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 bird's eye view of planning out your whole year, plus get sample layouts for five different gardens. The Self-Sufficiency Garden by Huw Richards Cattle Panel Greenhouse Build by Mount Liberty Designs 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

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 even more crops by sharing space, such as growing tomatoes up the pea trellis as summer rolls in, or planting lettuce in the spot you just pulled a carrot out of. To help you out with your planning and layouts, I created a set of Garden Layout Templates that can help you get a birds-eye view of your space and growing season. With templates for single beds, multiple beds, and container or border gardens, you'll find a cheat sheet that works for your space. Combine your Layout Templates with the free Garden Planning Toolkit and you have what you need for a full garden year. Grab your Garden Layout Templates and follow along with this episode to get a clear plan for your season! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

Starting your seeds indoors is one of the most exciting parts of gardening, but it can also feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’ll walk you through five essential tips for starting your seeds indoors with confidence. From choosing the right supplies to ensuring a smooth transition to the garden, these tips will help set your seedlings up for success. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or just looking to fine-tune your process, this episode will help you grow healthier, stronger plants. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The best supplies you’ll need to start seeds indoors How to choose the right lighting for optimal seedling growth The importance of thinning your seedlings and how to do it Proper watering techniques to avoid common mistakes The hardening off process and why it’s crucial for your seedlings Plus: How to gradually introduce your seedlings to the outdoors Why hardening off is key to a successful plant transition Tips for protecting your seedlings from extreme weather 🌿 Don't forget to grab your Seed Starting Planner to help you plan, track, and manage your crops from seed to harvest. 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

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 recommend for all your crops: Garden Planning Toolkit Happy gardening! 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

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 leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚

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 that aligns with your local climate. Remember, 'planted is better than perfect,' so don't stress about hitting every date precisely. And if you've missed our previous chats, episodes 39 to 41 are there for a quick catch-up, plus a handy downloadable calendar to keep things smooth. Next, we'll dive into how frost dates inform when to plant your seeds. You'll get practical advice on starting warm-season veggies like tomatoes indoors and why cold-hardy plants like snap peas can go straight into the garden earlier. The goal is to craft a planting schedule that leads to a full garden all season. Then, we ease into simple gardening strategies. I encourage starting with a few plants after the frost date using local seedlings. This way, you avoid overwhelming yourself with too many details. I also touch on adapting garden plans, like when I moved mid-season, and share some tips on extending your growing season with methods like low tunnels and row covers. Happy gardening! find your frost dates: Dave's Garden frost dates Farmer's Almanac frost dates Here's a great article I wrote that gives you a solid example of planting within your frost dates with cosmos flowers. 📩 Questions? Email me at [email protected] Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps new gardeners find the show 💚